Welcome to Berlin, Europe’s hottest city.
Berlin is an amazing city, offering everything from world-class museums, fascinating historical sites and lush green spaces to legendary nightlife, beautiful beer gardens and lively street cafés. What to do, where to eat, where to sleep and where to party, you’ll find it all here. Plus practical info on how to get around… and get along with the locals.
Enjoy!

1. Berlin is a late night city, so don’t bother going out for dinner until about 8pm if you want to appreciate the full vibe. Bars are best from 10pm, clubs from midnight and are often open-ended.

2. Alcohol is available 24/7. There will always be a cafe, bar or club somewhere to serve you. Forget the idea of opening/closing times.

3. Don’t wait at the bar to be served unless you’re in a traditional Irish pub or beer garden. Waiters come to you but feel free to attract their attention if you’re desperate.

4. Always carry your passport with you and leave a photocopy in your room. Carry ID and you will have to show it in any contact with officialdom.

5. Never jump the U-Bahn (underground) without a ticket. Cold-hearted inspectors pounce unexpectedly in plain clothes and being caught is embarrassing but highly likely. Ticket machines are also in English so the language barrier argument won’t work. Remember to stamp your bus, tram S-Bahn or U-Bahn tickets in the validating machines in stations or on buses, otherwise you may as well not have bought one.

6. Bear in mind that many restaurants and shops don’t take credit cards. It’s best to pay in cash.

7. Use the green cross code when you cross a Berlin road. You can get an on-the-spot fine if a police officer sees you crossing on red.

8. Performing Hitler’s high-handed salute or displaying a swastika – even in jest – are considered use of illegal symbols and could land you in prison.

9. Many Germans speak English but learning “ein bisschen Deutsch” (a little German) will be greatly appreciated in the host nation. For starters try “guten Tag” (hello), “Tschüss!” (bye!), “vielen dank” (thank you), “entschuldigen Sie bitte, wie komme ich nach…?” (excuse me, how do I get to… ?), “Stimmt so, danke” (keep the change).

10. Cycling is popular and bikes approach at speed on bike paths that are often on the pavements. Pedestrians don’t always have priority so observe the bicycle bells.