Germany
Berlin
Our notebook to help you plan your trip to Berlin: the right season, where to stay and our ideas to make the most of it.
A creative, green capital, really well served by the metro and S-Bahn. Choose your neighbourhood based on the vibe you're after.
Best weatherIn late spring and summer: long days and busy terraces.
A question?
Wéa answers about this destination: neighbourhoods, seasons, ideas.
When to go
Every season has its charm. Here's how to choose yours, depending on what you want to experience.
Cherry blossoms and terraces
Cherry trees bloom along the former path of the Wall and everyone heads back out into the parks.
Berlin summer
Lake swimming, beach bars on the Spree, open-air cinemas and Fête de la Musique on 21 June.
Festival of Lights
In October, landmarks light up for the Festival of Lights, and autumn colours the Tiergarten.
Christmas markets and the Berlinale
In late November and December, you've got dozens of Christmas markets. And in February, the Berlinale, one of the world's biggest film festivals.
Where to stay
The right neighbourhood depends on what you're after. Here are our favourite places to stay.
Mitte
Right in the centre, with Museum Island and the Brandenburg Gate. Super handy.
Prenzlauer Berg
Residential and green, with cafés and markets. Calm and pleasant.
Kreuzberg
Alternative and creative, full of restaurants and nightlife. There's always something going on!
Charlottenburg
A classic, elegant district in the west, well linked by the S-Bahn.
Our favourites
What we love there: its history, its landscapes, its flavours and its festivals. Take your time, it's all there to enjoy.
Following the Wall
At the East Side Gallery, over a kilometre of the Wall is covered in murals by artists from around the world. At the Bernauer Strasse memorial, you understand how people lived in a city cut in two.
Ideal for understanding history
Museum Island
On an island in the Spree, five major museums form a UNESCO World Heritage ensemble. Antiquities, painting, sculpture: enough to fill a whole day.
Ideal for art lovers
The Reichstag dome
Climb into the glass dome of the Parliament for a 360° view of the city. Entry is free, but you need to book online in advance.
Ideal for great views
Tempelhof and currywurst
The former Tempelhof airport has become a huge park: cycling and picnics on the runways! For a break, try currywurst, the sausage with curry ketchup, the star of Berlin street food.
Ideal for living like a Berliner