Berlin, Germany- An Immigrant Travel Guide For First Timers
Are you moving to Germany? And you're thinking of sightseeing but don't know where to start. This Berlin travel guide will help you easily navigate Berlin without thinking much and make your journey easy.
Things To Do In Berlin
1. Brandenburg Gate: Iconic Historical Landmark
The Brandenburg Gate is an absolute must-visit when in Berlin. This neoclassical monument, symbolizing the reunification of Germany, stands proudly in the heart of Berlin. From Alexanderplatz, you can easily walk to Brandenburg Gate, passing by iconic spots like the Berlin Cathedral. The walk is short, but the sights along the way are worth every step.
2. Reichstag Building: Seat of the German Parliament
Just a short walk from Brandenburg Gate is the Reichstag Building, home to Germany’s parliament. The glass dome atop the Reichstag offers stunning views of Berlin, and visiting the dome is free (though you need to register in advance). Walk through the beautiful gardens and enjoy a glimpse of Berlin’s modern and historical mix.
3. Berlin Wall Memorial: History of Division
For history buffs, the Berlin Wall Memorial is essential. This poignant spot preserves the history of Berlin’s division during the Cold War. You’ll find an original section of the Berlin Wall, along with a museum and exhibition documenting the city’s turbulent past. From Alexanderplatz, head toward Sch?nhauser Allee to reach this moving memorial.
4. East Side Gallery: Outdoor Art Gallery on the Berlin Wall
After exploring the Berlin Wall Memorial, hop on the S-Bahn to Warschauer Strasse and walk to the East Side Gallery. This 1.3 km stretch of the Berlin Wall is now an open-air art gallery, where artists from all over the world have painted murals.
5. Checkpoint Charlie: Famous Border Crossing
No trip to Berlin is complete without visiting Checkpoint Charlie, the famous border crossing point between East and West Berlin during the Cold War. While the original checkpoint is no longer there, a replica of the guardhouse stands on the site, along with a museum documenting the tense history of the divided city. Take the U-Bahn to Kochstra?e station for easy access.
6. Museum Island: A UNESCO World Heritage Gem
For lovers of art and culture, Museum Island is a must-see. Located on the Spree River, this UNESCO World Heritage site is home to some of Berlin’s best museums, including the Pergamon Museum, Altes Museum, and Bode Museum. You can easily get there from Checkpoint Charlie by taking the U-Bahn to Friedrichstra?e and walking along the river.
7. Tiergarten: Central Park of Berlin
If you need a break from the city hustle, head to Tiergarten, Berlin’s largest and most famous park. Located close to Brandenburg Gate, it’s the perfect place for a peaceful stroll, a picnic, or even a boat ride on the Landwehr Canal. The park’s serene atmosphere is a great contrast to the city’s fast-paced life.
8. Kreuzberg: Trendy District with Unique Vibes
Kreuzberg is one of Berlin’s coolest neighborhoods, known for its alternative culture, street art, and eclectic cafés. To reach it from Tiergarten, hop on the U-Bahn at Kurfürstenstra?e station and get off at Kottbusser Tor. Wander the streets of Kreuzberg and discover the vibrant arts scene and delicious food markets that make this area a backpacker’s dream.
9. Potsdamer Platz: Modern Berlin at Its Best
Once you’ve soaked in the artsy vibe of Kreuzberg, head to Potsdamer Platz for a completely different experience. This bustling square represents Berlin’s modern face, with shiny skyscrapers, shopping centers, and lively cafes. From Kreuzberg, the U-Bahn will take you directly to Potsdamer Platz, where you can experience the cutting-edge side of the city.
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10. Charlottenburg Palace: Royal Elegance in Berlin
For a taste of royal history, head to Charlottenburg Palace, Berlin’s largest palace and a symbol of Prussian grandeur. The palace is located in the western part of the city, and you can easily reach it by taking the U-Bahn from Potsdamer Platz to Wittenbergplatz. The palace’s gardens, Baroque architecture, and museum are a perfect way to end your backpacking journey in Berlin.
Tips for Backpackers in Berlin:
Why Visit Germany?
Germany mixes old and new, creativity and efficiency, history and modernity perfectly. It offers something for everyone, from museums for history buffs to cafes for hipsters. Party-goers can enjoy lively events, while adventurers can explore beautiful mountains. No matter who you are, Germany has a place for you.
When to Visit Germany?
The best time to visit Germany is during July and August. These months have perfect summer temperatures and many outdoor activities. However, it’s the high season, so everything is more expensive and crowded. If you want fewer crowds, try April-June or September-October. The weather can be unpredictable but more affordable and quieter.
How to Get to Germany?
If you're coming from outside Europe, book cheap flights to Frankfurt online. Use websites like Skyscanner or Expedia for affordable flight options. If you're already in Europe, Flixbus offers a budget-friendly way to get to Germany. You can travel to many cities for just a few EUR.
How to Get Around Germany?
Flixbus is a great way to travel between cities in Germany on a budget. It's cheap, reliable, and well-connected throughout Europe, with many promotions available. In big cities like Berlin and Munich, metros are the best option for getting around quickly. Download metro maps for easier travel: Berlin | Munich.
Daily Budget
Traveling in Germany can be expensive, but there are ways to save money. Expect to spend around $50-$70 USD per day, including food, accommodation, and transportation. This budget assumes you're staying in dorms, eating out occasionally, and using public transport. Walking is a great way to save on transportation costs.
What to Pack for Germany?
So, you're planning a trip to Germany? That’s exciting. Let me share some packing tips to make it easier. As you know, I’m all about traveling light. Trust me, it’s a game changer. Here’s what I recommend packing for your Germany trip:
Walking/Hiking Shoes: You’ll do a lot of walking and possibly hiking. Comfortable shoes are a must. Personally, I swear by Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes. These are perfect for long strolls and hikes.
Breathable Shirts: The weather can get pretty hot, especially in the summer. You’ll want something light and breathable for outdoor adventures. So, toss in a few breathable shirts.
Shorts/Jeans: There will be lots of walking, so comfort is key. Pack a pair of breathable shorts for warm weather, and don’t forget some Levi's jeans for when it cools down in the evenings. Leggings are also great for both hot and cold climates.
Fleece Jacket: A Fleece Jacket is perfect for colder weather. It’s warm and lightweight. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece for women. It’s cozy, functional, and stylish.
Outer Shell Jacket: For those windy or rainy days, an Outer Shell Jacket is a great addition. The Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women) is my pick. It’s lightweight, breathable, and comes in a cool orange color.
Down Jacket: If you’re expecting freezing temperatures, don’t forget a Down Jacket. You’ll need something super warm. The Columbia Men's Lone Fir Hooded Jacket is my go-to. It’s warm, lightweight, and comes in various colors.
Wool Beanie: And to keep your head warm, bring a Wool Beanie. It’s perfect for chilly weather and won’t take up much space. Also, pack Wool Gloves to keep your hands toasty.
Wool Socks: Don’t forget Wool Socks. They’re essential for keeping your feet warm, especially on colder days. Trust me, you’ll be glad you packed them.
Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber Towel is a backpacker’s best friend. It’s lightweight, quick-drying, and compresses easily. I never leave home without mine.
Camera: Now, you’ll want to capture all those amazing memories, so pack a Sony a7R V with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens. It’s an excellent combination for high-performance photos.
Power Bank: Keep your devices charged with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank. It will keep your electronics running all day. You don’t want to run out of power while exploring.
Water Bottle: Hydration is key, so bring a Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle. It’s insulated, lightweight, and keeps your water cold or warm for over 12 hours. A total game changer.
Universal Adapter: Next, you’ll need a Universal Adapter. This one is crucial. It lets you plug your electronics into any outlet while traveling.
Packing Cubes: For packing, don’t forget Packing Cubes. These will save you so much space in your bag. Plus, they help keep everything organized, which makes finding things easier.
Daypack: A Daypack is also a must-have. The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my favorite. It’s stylish, big enough for travel gear, and has plenty of compartments.
Large Backpack: For your bigger items, a Large Backpack is essential. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L. It has amazing weight distribution and comes with a lifetime guarantee.
Now, if you're curious about what I pack specifically, check out my Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
Alright, now that you know what to pack, let's talk about planning your trip. Here are some resources to help:
For Flights, I always start with Skyscanner and Expedia. They’re great for finding cheap flights and deals.
For Accommodation, try Hostelworld, Booking.com, and Agoda.com. These sites offer a range of affordable hostels and hotels.
If you want Travel Insurance, I recommend Heymondo. It covers theft, medical emergencies, and cancellations. Bonus: You get a 5% discount when you sign up.
When it comes to Transportation, Busbud is my go-to for buses in Germany. For trains, Omio is great for booking in advance.
If you’re planning to rent a car, DiscoverCars.com is the best platform for finding reliable rental options.
For the Internet, use Airalo. It’s the best way to get a local SIM card with reliable data. Just make sure your phone is eSIM-compatible, and you're good to go.
A VPN is also crucial for staying connected. I use ProtonVPN. It’s free and helps me access content that may be restricted in certain countries.
For Day Trips & Tours, check out Viator, GetYourGuide, and TripAdvisor. They offer tons of options for guided tours and day trips.
If you need Tickets & Deals for attractions, Tiqets is where I always go. It’s great for finding discounted tickets.