Berlin Travel Guide
Known for its flourishing arts and cultures scene, Berlin boasts over 170 museums, more waterways than Venice, and the world's longest beer garden, making it a hotspot for historians and hipsters alike.
When is the best time to visit Berlin?
Berlin is typical of a continental European climate with moderate temperatures and distinct seasons. Summers (June to August) see temperatures averaging around 18 degrees, but the humidity can make it feel warmer. Make sure to bring layers that are easy to add or remove when needed as air conditioning is rare on public transport and in local exhibition spaces. Don’t forget to pack an umbrella if visiting during winter (December to February) as you can expect higher-than-average rainfall during this period. Temperatures often fall below zero at this time, but you may also want to pack a pair of sunglasses for the crisp, bright December mornings.
The city’s events calendar ensures that there’s always something happening; in winter, the Christmas Markets are well worth a visit.
Travelling to Berlin
Berlin’s main airport, Berlin Brandenburg, is well-connected to the city centre. The FEX runs several times an hour and goes directly from the Berlin Brandenburg airport to the centre of Berlin in just over half an hour. You can also take the S9 S-Bahn from terminal 1,2 or 5 and reach the centre in 40 minutes.
Public Transport in Berlin
Berlin’s transport system consists of trams, buses, S-Bahn and U-Bahn lines, and is efficient and easy to use. There are ticket machines in the station, where you can purchase tickets depending on the fare zone within which you are looking to travel. These tickets can be used for all public transport and can be purchased to last varying lengths of time, from single trips to four-days’ worth of travel.
Cycle hire in Berlin
There are a multitude of services available when it comes to cycling in Berlin. Options like LimeBike, Bolt, and Tier allow you to leave your ride in any safe location across the city (and offer alternatives to bicycles, like scooters), while NextBike offer cycles to be picked up from the readily available stations across the city.
Cabs in Berlin
Berlin’s distinctive beige taxis are easy enough to flag down on the road if its roof-light is lit up. If you’re looking to prebook, local companies are available as are other options such as Uber.
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The Hotel Collection (THC): The Hotel Collection (THC) benefits are available for new bookings of two consecutive nights or more, with participating properties, made through Platinum Travel Service, Centurion Travel Service or American Express Travel Online (americanexpress.com.au/travel or americanexpress.com.au/thc; Online bookings currently only available to Primary Card Members. Bookings are valid only for eligible Card Members of the following American Express Cards: American Express® Rewards Advantage Card, American Express® Explorer Credit Card, American Express® Platinum Reserve Credit Card, American Express® Gold Card, American Express® Gold Business Card, American Express® Business Gold Plus Card, American Express® Platinum Card, American Express® Platinum Business Card and American Express® Centurion Card. Excludes Gold Credit Card Members who are not also Australian Rewards Advantage, Gold or Platinum Charge Card Members. Bookings must be made using an eligible Card and must be paid using that Card, or another American Express® Card, in the eligible Card Member's name, and that Card Member must be travelling on the itinerary booked to be eligible for benefits described. Noon check-in, late check-out and the room upgrade are subject to availability; certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade. The type of US$100 credit and additional amenity (if applicable) varies by property; the US$100 credit will be applied to eligible charges up to US$100. To receive the US$100 credit, the eligible spend must be charged to your hotel room. The US$100 credit will be applied at check-out. Advance reservations are recommended for certain credits. Benefit restrictions vary by property. Benefits are applied per room, per stay (with a three-room limit per stay). Back-to-back stays booked by a single Card Member, Card Members staying in the same room or Card Members traveling in the same party within a 24-hour period at the same property are considered one stay and are ineligible for additional THC benefits (“Prohibited Action”). American Express and the Property reserve the right to modify or revoke the THC benefits at any time without notice if we or they determine, in our or their sole discretion, that you have engaged in a Prohibited Action, or have engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with your THC benefits. Benefits cannot be redeemed for cash and are not combinable with other offers unless indicated. Benefits must be used during the stay booked. Any credits applicable are applied at check-out in US Dollars or the local currency equivalent. Benefits, participating properties, and availability and amenities at those properties are subject to change. To be eligible for THC program benefits, your eligible Card Account must not be cancelled. For additional information, call the number on the back of your Card.
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