Berlin
Berlin is the capital city of Germany and the country's largest city, with a population of over 3.7 million people. Located in north-eastern Germany, Berlin is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and dynamic arts and music scenes. The city is home to several iconic landmarks, such as the Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Wall, and the Reichstag building. Berlin is also a centre of innovation and entrepreneurship, with a thriving start-up scene and a strong focus on sustainability and green energy. The city has a lively nightlife and is home to several world-renowned museums, galleries, and theatres.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Berlin is one of the few cities that is home to three of these – Museum Island, the Prussian palaces and gardens, and the modernist housing estates.
The Rubble Heap
The 120m-high Teufelsberg is composed of rubble moved from Berlin. On top of the hill, during the Cold War, was a US listening station.
Rainy Days
Berlin has more museums than rainy days! On average Berlin has 106 rainy days per year, but has 180 museums.
Population
As of 2022, the population of Berlin is 3,570,750. Of course, this number is constantly changing.
Local Attractions
Berliner Fernsehturm - 1 Panoramastraße 1A, 10178 Berlin | 2.4km from city centre
The TV tower is an easily recognisable landmark; the observation deck is, at 203 metres, the highest point in the city. There is a bar on this level, but it is also possible to dine at 207m, in the revolving restaurant.
The Berlin Wall Memorial - Bernauer Straße 111, 13355 Berlin | 2.6km from city centre
The memorial runs along both sides of Bernauer Strasse. An outdoor exhibition in the former border strip (which was on the East Berlin side of the border) explains the purpose of the wall, and places the events that took place here in historical context. On the opposite side of the road, which once belonged to West Berlin, is an indoor exhibition documenting the history of Berlin’s division.
Reichstag - Platz der Republik 1, 11011 Berlin | within city centre
Visits must be booked in advance, but are well worth the effort. The audioguides provided give you lots of information about the building and the German Bundestag, and the building itself is very impressive.
Brandenburg Gate - Pariser Platz 1, 10117 Berlin | within city centre
Commissioned by King Frederick William II, and built between 1788 and 1791, this is Berlin’s most famous landmark. When Berlin was divided the gate lay within the restricted area so neither East nor West Germans could visit it. The gate was reopened in December 1989, a month after the fall of the Wall.
Air and Rail Connections
Berlin Brandenburg Airport
Well-connected with the city via public transport, currently 130 destinations are served directly, including London, New York and Singapore.
Berlin Central Station – Europaplatz 1, 10557 Berlin
Berlin Hauptbahnhof is the main railway station in Berlin. Long-distance services for other German cities depart from here, as well as local and international services. International destinations include Budapest, Warsaw and Vienna.
Housing and living costs
Monthly average rental costs are calculated based on apartments both inside and out of the city centre.
- 1 bedroom – 1,504 euros
- 2 bedroom – 2315 euros
- 3 bedroom – 2950 euros
For further information, click here.
To calculate German tax click here.
For information about the German tax system click here.
International Education
Berlin Brandenburg International School
This international school provides education in English for students between 3-18 years old, and teaches all three IB programmes.
Berlin Bilingual School
This has both primary and secondary schools. In the primary school the objective is for students to become both bilingual and bi-literate. Students then complete a bilingual qualification in the secondary school.
Activities
Neues Museum - Bodestraße 1-3, 10178 Berlin | 2.5km from city centre
This museum offers a glimpse into ancient Egyptian and Nubian cultures, particularly Nefertiti. The wide selection of artefacts (tracing back to the stone age) gives a walk through history.
Bode Museum - Am Kupfergraben, 10117 Berlin | 2km from city centre
Byzantine art and incredible sculptures make this museum a must visit. You can explore pieces from the Italian renaissance or delve into the extensive collection of coins.
Pfaueninsel - Nikolskoer Weg, 14109 Berlin | 10.9km from city centre
Pfaueninsel or Peacock Island, is in the River Havel. Originally known as ‘Rabbit Island’, this island has old oak trees, a rose garden, a small but beautiful palace, and, of course, peacocks!
Events, Festivals and Holidays
Berlin Art Week
This five-day contemporary art festival involves over 100 venues across the city. It involves solo shows, group exhibitions, film screenings, art fairs and organised tours.
Berlinale - Berlin International Film Festival
Held every February, this is one of the ‘Big Five’ film festivals worldwide. Around 200 films are screened. Usually around 20 films compete for the top awards – the Golden Bear being awarded to the best film.
Karneval der Kulturen
The ‘Carnival of Cultures’ is celebrated in late May, with a four-day street festival and parade. The festival offers music, food and crafts from around the world.
Food & Drink Options
Risa - Hardenbergpl. 2, 10623 Berlin | 3.8km from city centre
Berlin offers a wide range of Grillhähnchen (rotisserie chicken) joints throughout the city, but ‘Risa’ is the best. The restaurant is hip with bright fluorescent lighting, and a vast menu.
Cafe Einstein Stammhaus - Kurfürstenstraße 58, 10785 Berlin | 3.5km from city centre
If you fancy some old-fashioned decadence, this is the spot for you. This café is situated within an 1870s renaissance villa. The parquet flooring, cracked chairs and red leather benches all contribute to the historic feel.
Prater Biergarten - Kastanienallee 7-9, 10435 Berlin | 3.5km from city centre
This is the oldest beer garden in Berlin, offering seating for 600 people. The huge expanse also contains an open stage, a cocktail bar and a club. It’s famous for its locally sourced drinks and resident food.
Hotels
Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin | 5-star hotel within city centre
Address: Unter den Linden 77, 10117 Berlin
Phone: +49 030 22 610
This hotel is located next to the Brandenburg Gate.
Park Inn by Radisson Berlin Alexanderplatz | 4-star hotel 2.5km from city centre
Address: Alexander Square 7, 10178 Berlin
Phone: +49 030 238 90
Holiday Inn Express Berlin City Centre | 3-star hotel 2.9km from city centre
Address: Stresemannstraße 49, 10963 Berlin
Phone: +49 030 200 520
Getting Around The City
Public Transport
Berlin has an extensive public transport system, comprised of buses, ferries, trams, a subway (U-Bahn) and suburban rail service (S-Bahn).
Click this link for maps, timetables and journey planners.
Taxi Companies
TaxiFunk Berlin | +49 30 44 33 22
Taxi Berlin | +49 30 20 20 20
Shopping Malls
KaDeWe - Tauentzienstraße 21–24, 10789 Berlin | 4.6km from city centre
Founded in 1907, Kaufhaus Des Westens is one of the largest department stores in the world. The sixth floor (‘Die Sechste’) has an amazing food department, with a wide range of bars and restaurants.
ALEXA Berlin - Grunerstraße 20, 10179 Berlin | 2.8km from city centre
Near Alexanderplatz, this shopping centre has a range of stores and restaurants.
Local Football Teams
FC Union Berlin
Nicknamed ‘Die Eisernen’ (‘The Iron Ones’) this team currently plays in the Bundesliga.
Herta BSC
This team is currently part of the 2. Bundesliga and plays in the Olympiastadion.
Pharmacies
Apotheke Berlin Hauptbahnhof
Address: Europaplatz 1, 10557 Berlin
Phone: +49 030 20 61 41 90
Brandenburger Tor Apotheke
Address: Unter den Linden 69D, 10117 Berlin
Phone: +49 030 39 88 74 48
Aschenbachs Apotheke am Bahnhof Friedrichstrasse
Address: Georgenstraße 25, 10117 Berlin
Phone: +49 030 20 45 51 00