Travel to Berlin

Travel to Berlin

Despite its troubled past, Berlin has emerged from the dark legacy of Hitler and the Cold War to firmly establish itself as one of the premier capital cities in Europe. Its devotion to culture and the arts, and a willingness to come to terms with its past, has made Berlin one the most vibrant and interesting destinations in the world.

Transportation to Berlin

Berlin is serviced by three airports, which each have a different role for air travel into the city. Most of the worlds major airlines fly into Berlin from all corners of the globe. The city is also well-connected by train and bus, and driving here is a snap from all directions.

Berlins public transport system is an efficient network of subways, trains, buses and trams which connect both sides of the city. A single ticketing system using zones makes travelling convenient and affordable.

What to see

Although most of the city was bombed into oblivion during WWII, Berlin spent the ensuing years rebuilding itself into two distinct personas: the Soviet east and the Allied west. Reunification has brought these two contrasting sides together, making for a fascinating urban environment. As Germanys capital continues to prosper, steel and glass replace the grey, worn out buildings and rundown neighbourhoods.

Berlin has some of Europes most impressive museums as well as a deeply entrenched sense of history. Much of the pleasure of a trip to Berlin is simply wandering around the city imagining the many world-shaking events which transpired here. To show outsiders that Berliners arent all doom and gloom, the city has created one of the continents most vibrant and diverse nightlife scenes. The sheer number of bars, clubs and theatres is staggering, and its annual street festivals like the massive, raucous Love Parade show that this city embraces its partying mood.

Daytrips

This part of Germany is full of sights that are worth visiting. The surrounding region of Brandenburg is covered with lovely forests, lakes and old-style villages. During the warmer seasons, the green countryside is a wonderful place to explore by car.

Activities and leisure

Unless you consider club-hopping a sport, most of the activities in Berlin are cultural, not athletic. Luckily, the city planners created an amazing park system, which brings a strong sense of nature to the urban cityscape. The Tiergarten is Berlins largest park and is a beehive of activity year-round, especially in the summer.

In the suburbs, just a few minutes drive from the city centre, you can find some excellent forest and lake parks where you can bike, hike or ride horses. If youre a football fan, try to catch a Hertha Berlin match. This Bundesliga club plays their home games in the 1936 Olympic Stadium.

Safety issues

Berlin isnt exactly the safest city in the world, but if you use your common sense, you shouldnt run into any major problems. Daytime is safe in nearly all parts of the city, but be extra careful after dark if you venture out into certain neighbourhoods where the citys squatters, punks and thugs like to hang out. Hate crimes against ethnic groups also remain a potential problem, though incidents are infrequent. It is strongly suggested that you buy some travel insurance before your trip to ensure that any mishaps dont ruin your holiday.