Quick facts
Daily budget
For a full category-by-category breakdown of accommodation, food, transport, and activity costs in Berlin, see the dedicated budget guide.
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- Schengen Zone: most nationalities get 90 days visa-free within any 180-day period
- Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER): FEX express to Hauptbahnhof (30 min, €3.80) or S-Bahn S9/S45 (45 min, €3.80)
- Passport valid for 3+ months beyond departure. EU/EEA citizens need only a national ID card
Health & Safety
- No vaccinations required. Tap water is excellent and safe, and Berlin water is some of the cleanest in Europe
- Berlin is very safe. Standard awareness at Alexanderplatz, Kottbusser Tor, and late-night U-Bahn. Bike theft is common, so double-lock
- Emergency 112. Pharmacies (Apotheke) marked by red A signs are on most blocks. Charité hospital for emergencies
Getting Around
- BVG runs U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, and buses. Day ticket AB: €8.80. Single: €3.20. Weekly: €36.50. Buy at machines or the BVG app
- Berlin is huge, so public transport is essential. U-Bahn runs until ~12:30am weekdays, 24hr Fri/Sat (night buses fill gaps)
- Cycling is excellent: a flat city with bike lanes. Nextbike/Lime: €1 to unlock + €0.15/min. Bolt/Uber taxis also available
Connectivity
- Free WiFi in most cafes, many restaurants, and some U-Bahn stations. BVG WiFi on some buses and trams
- EU roaming works at home rates. Otherwise, Aldi Talk, Lebara, or Lycamobile SIMs from €8 for 3–5GB at electronics shops
- Download BVG app (public transport), Google Maps offline, and Too Good To Go for discounted restaurant meals
Money
- CASH IS KING in Berlin. Many restaurants, bars, clubs, and markets are cash-only. Always carry €30–50. This is not a joke.
- ATMs (Geldautomat) everywhere. Use bank ATMs (Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, Sparkasse). Avoid Euronet-style tourist machines
- Tipping: round up to the nearest euro or add 5–10% for good service. Tell the waiter the total you want to pay when paying
Packing Tips
- Layers year-round, as Berlin weather changes quickly. A waterproof jacket for surprise rain. Warm coat essential Nov–Mar
- Comfortable shoes for Berlin's vast distances. Dark clothing for nightlife, as Berlin club dress code is black on black
- A reusable water bottle (tap water is excellent) and a tote bag for market shopping
Cultural tips
Cash Is King
Berlin is surprisingly cash-dependent. Many restaurants, clubs, Spätis, and market stalls do not accept cards. Always carry at least €30–50 in cash. This catches most visitors off-guard.
Beer Culture
Pilsner is the Berlin standard: Berliner Kindl, Berliner Pilsner, Augustiner from Bavaria. A half litre at a Kneipe costs €3–4. Drinking in public is legal and normal, and the Späti and park combo is the Berlin way.
Club Culture
Berlin's techno scene is world-famous. Clubs open Saturday night and close Monday morning. No phones or photos inside (stickers on cameras). Dress dark and minimal. Door policies can be strict, so do not take rejection personally.
Pfand System
Germany has a bottle deposit system (Pfand) of 8 or 25 cents per bottle. Return bottles to machines in supermarkets for a receipt. Or leave them next to a bin and someone will collect them. It is a social system.
Ampelmann Respect
Wait for the green pedestrian signal even if no cars are coming. Jaywalking is socially frowned upon and can get you dirty looks (or a €5 fine). The East German Ampelmann figure is a beloved cultural icon.
Respect the History
Berlin's history is raw and recent. The memorials, Stolpersteine (brass pavement stones marking deportation sites), and preserved Wall sections deserve quiet respect. This is not a theme park.
