Berlin Holidays

Berlin: where the beer flows like art and the walls talk back – come for the history, stay for the party!

Destination highlights

You're never more than five minutes away from a good currywurst
Home to the longest open-air gallery in the world - take that, Louvre
More museums than you'll know what to do with (but we recommend having a mooch)
Doggo central - literally Germany's most dog-friendly city, so expect to spot a few furry friends

What are the best sights to see in Berlin?

Berlin's packed with more cool spots than Oktoberfest's packed with pretzels, and we've bratwurst-ed our way through 'em all to bring you the absolute wurst - we mean...best. Prost to that! (That's cheers in German, FYI.)

Brandenburg Gate - if Berlin had a middle name, it'd be Brandenburg. This old-school gate is where all the heavy history went down, and now it’s selfie central. Plus, it looks pretty epic when it's all lit up at night.
East Side Gallery - that whopper of an open-air gallery we mentioned? This is her. It's like an outdoor art exhibit, but with a little bit of extra pizzazz. The remains of the Berlin Wall are turned into an artist's paradise. It's free, it's outdoors, and it’s got more colours than your auntie's tie-dye phase.
Reichstag Building - it’s got a glass dome on top that’s practically screaming for you to take a peek. The view’s a stunner, too – you can literally look out over the city and plan your next move. Politics was never this Instagrammable.
Tiergarten - Berlin's answer to Central Park, but with a German twist. It's huge, green and if you're lucky - you might just spot a wild boar. No, really. Plus, it's a prime spot for a beer garden break.
Museum Island - it’s an island...full of museums. Five of them, to be exact. Packed with ancient treasures that’ll make you feel like Indiana Jones, minus the boulder chase thank goodness.

What are the top hotels in Berlin?

We might love a classic beach holibobs, but we know our way around a swanky city break too. Check out these Berlin beds:

Hotel AMO by AMANO - located in the trendy district, with an atmosphere as buzzing as the city streets. And hey, the bar's so good you might forget to check out the clubs!

Hotel Riu Plaza Berlin - a slice of modern comfort with a side of city views that'll make your Instagram pop.

InterContinental Berlin - where elegance meets prime location, and the spa is as soothing as the plush pillows after a day exploring.

Leonardo Hotel Berlin Mitte - a stylish base smack dab in the middle of the action, with artsy vibes that fit perfectly with the creative atmosphere of the Mitte district.

Weather in Berlin

Berlin's weather is like a moody DJ: sunny hits in the summer (obvs), with the occasional storm dropping the bass, a chilly techno winter vibe (layer up), with spring and autumn bringing the remix vibes – a bit of everything! Long story short...bring layers, and you're golden.

FAQs

The official currency in Berlin is the euro.

German is the official language spoken in Berlin - specifically Berlin German, which is the regional dialect. There's still time to smash your Duolingo streak!

It takes around an hour and 50 minutes to fly to Berlin from the UK, which is quicker than your average cross-country roadtrip. You won't even make it through Avatar in that window! (We'll let you decide if that's a good or a bad thing.)

The local time in Berlin is one hour ahead of the UK, so you don't have to worry about any pesky jetlag.

On yer (Beer) Bike

It's like bar cart meets bicycle. Grab your mates (or make some new ones, beer's always a good way to do that), and hop on one of these weird little carts for a sightseeing tour where you take the lead. You'll sit on a comfy seat with pedals at your feet to keep you moving, and an ice-cold draft beer in your hand for the ultimate tipsy Tour de France.

Catch up on TV

We're kidding. Well, sort of. We're not talking about actual TV - we're talking about TV Tower, known locally as Berliner Fernsehturm. It's a whopper of a structure with an observation deck at 200 metres high, perfect for seeing the city from above (and maybe snapping a few pics for Insta).

Fill your boots at Hackescher Markt

With eight courtyards stacked to the brim with traditional markets, this is your place to shop, snack and snap some pics. From street art and performers to foodie markets, there's never a dull around here (and never a rumbling tum).

Dungeons and dragons (minus the dragons)

Berlin Dungeon is a must-visit spot for all you history buffs. Tag along on a guided tour through the last 800 years of Berlin's dark past, with immersive performances, sets and costumes that'll guarantee a history lesson that won't bore you to tears.

Stroll your way around Europe's biggest botanical gardens

Not to brag, but these bad boys stretch over a whopping 106 acres (that's a lot), with lakes, ponds and a ton of exotic plants to Google. Over 22,000 species to be exact, so pack your walking shoes because a trip to Berlin really is walk in the park.

What events can I go to in Berlin?
Berlin's always buzzing with events as cool as its street art and with more of a punch than its spicy bratwursts. We've done you a solid by scoping out the exact spots where you should be scribbling a little star on your calendar:
- Berlin Fashion Week (January) - strut your stuff, or just gawk at others doing it way better. Designers turn the city into a runway for this event, and everyone's dressed to impress.
- Berlinale - International Film Festival (February) - Hollywood's got nothing on this bad boy. Grab some popcorn and schmooze with the cinephiles at one of the biggest film fests in the world.
- Carnival of Cultures (May) - Berlin throws its own Mardi Gras, where the whole world's invited. Expect a riot of colour, music and dance that turns the streets into a global block party.
- Fête de la Musique (June) - make music, listen to music, get down to music. On the longest day of the year, Berlin becomes a free concert where anyone can jump in.
- Berlin Marathon (September) - lace up for a sightseeing tour with a runner's high. It's less about the personal best, and more about the party vibe and the cheering squads.
- Oktoberfest Berlin (September - October) - who needs Munich when you've got massive steins, lederhosen as far as the eye can see, and bratwurst that deserve their own fan club right here in Berlin?
- Festival of Lights (October) - Berlin becomes a canvas for light artists who may or may not have drank a smidge too much espresso. Check it out while historical buildings and landmarks get a glow-up that would make any influencer jealous.
- Berlin Science Week (November) - put on your nerdy glasses and dive into talks, workshops, and exhibitions. It’s like a school science fair, if your school had world-renowned scientists and mind-blowing experiments going on. We're guessing they didn't.
- Christmas Markets (December) - slurp on mulled wine and shop for things you don't need but suddenly have to have. Berlin’s Christmas markets are like fairytales with better snacks.
- New Year’s Eve Party at Brandenburg Gate (December) - Berlin sends off the year with a bang, a beat, and about a million friends you didn’t know you had. The fireworks are just the icing on the pretzel.
Where's the best nightlife in Berlin?
Berlin’s nightlife is the stuff of legends – gritty, edgy, and no two nights are ever the same. Ready for a night out that might just turn into a morning? Course you do, you party animal. Get a load of these hotspots:
- Berghain & Panorama Bar - you haven’t done Berlin until you’ve either been rejected by or danced your socks off in this techno temple. It’s the holy grail of clubbing, and no, we don’t have tips to get in. Good luck!
- Watergate - party with a view of the Spree, where the beats are as good as the sunrise you'll end up watching later on. It’s a two-level haven for house and techno aficionados.
- KitKatClub - have a break (we had to) and leave your inhibitions at the door. This club is Berlin’s wild child, where the dress code ranges from latex to… well, imagination.
- Prater Garten - Berlin’s oldest beer garden is more chill vibes than wild nights, but hey - who says a night out can’t be under the stars with a pretzel in hand?
- Tresor - a techno bunker that’s as 'Berlin' as it gets. Expect to lose all sense of time in the maze-like corridors thumping with bass.
- Monkey Bar - want to sip a classy drink while eyeing monkeys? Yep, the zoo's right below. It’s quirky, it’s got one heck of a view, and it's perfect for a tipsy toast over Berlin.
- SO36 - a punk rock joint that’s kept its edge since the 70s. It’s like stepping into a time machine, if time machines were covered in stickers and beer puddles.
- Chalet - housed in a 150-year-old building, this club offers a charmingly dishevelled space to dance the night away surrounded by vintage décor and a fairytale garden.
- Clärchens Ballhaus - waltz into history with a side of schnitzel at this century-old dance hall that's survived wars, walls and the digital age - still serving up top-notch spins and steps.
What's the food like in Berlin?
Berlin’s grub scene is a whirlwind of hearty, comforting flavours that are as unpretentious as they are filling. Here’s the lowdown on what to munch on:
- Currywurst - Berlin’s answer to fast food. It's a steamed, then fried pork sausage, doused in ketchup and crowned with curry powder. Look for the longest queue at any food stall – that's your spot.
- Döner Kebab - not just for a post-drunken snack! It's a bit of a Turkish import, but still massively celebrated in the city. Piled high with meat, veggies and sauce, wrapped in a flatbread - it’s the king of kebabs.
- Berliner Pfannkuchen - don’t say ‘jam doughnut’ around these parts, just sayin'. These are sugary, jam-filled delights dusted with powdered sugar. Perfect for that sweet tooth craving after a long day (or night) out.
- Brezel - not just a Bavarian treat, the Berliner Brezel is twisted, baked and salted with love. And it’s big enough to double as a steering wheel.
- Kartoffelsalat - the German potato salad is a tangy sidekick (no mayo here). We’re talking about a zesty vinegar punch that’ll get your taste buds in a twist.
- Schnitzel - sure, it’s not unique to Berlin, but when in Germany… It's a breaded, fried slice of heaven - usually pork or veal - best enjoyed with a squeeze of lemon and the local Pilsner.
- Bockwurst - a plump, juicy sausage (steady, now) that’s begging to be bitten into - usually accompanied by mustard and a roll. It’s the wurst, which in Berlin, means it’s pretty darn good.
- Käsespätzle - Germany's answer to mac 'n' cheese. These soft egg noodles smothered in cheese and fried onions will have you unbuttoning your jeans in satisfaction.
- Apfelstrudel - a flaky, apple-packed pastry - often served warm with a dollop of cream. It's like a cosy blanket, in dessert form.

Places to visit

Reichstag Building
If the Reichstag (AKA, the German Parliament Building) isn't already at the top of your Berlin bucketlist, then bump it up - especially the dome part. This is the only place where you can look down on politicians and get away with it! The huge, glass dome is the spot for 360-degree views that'll make your head spin, and the mirrored cone in the middle of it all is your gateway to the perfect travel selfie. And the best part? Tours are completely FREE, but they sell out fast - so if you've got your eye on tickets, book 'em.
East Side Gallery
We figured the Berlin Wall would already be on your list (duh), so we did you one better by telling you which part of the Berlin Wall to visit - because ain't nobody got time to see all 96 miles of the thing. The East Side Gallery is essentially a huge stretch of the wall lined with 100 paintings by artists from around the world, making it one of the biggest outdoor art galleries. Each painting has its own style and message, although the most famous piece by far is 'the Fraternal Kiss' painted by Dmitri Vrubel - an illustration of Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev and East Germany leader Erich Honecker caught in a steamy lip-lock.
River Spree
Whether you're in the mood for a fancy dinner cruise where you can clink glasses at sunset (check you out), or a cheeky catamaran ride to see the sights (gotta love 'em), River Spree is a gorg little spot where you can soak up the more chilled vibes in Berlin. Whichever you go for, you'll have a friendly guide to dish all the did you know tidbits along the way, and you'll get to get an eyeful of some seriously impressive architecture too. Y'know, if you're into that. Oh, and don't forget to salute the swans – they think they own the place.