Before you go

Small facts can save a big part of a day.

Use this page as orientation, then click through to the current official source for anything time-sensitive.

Orientation, not stale certainty

Six things worth knowing before Berlin.

01

BER is in zone C

Airport trips need the right fare-zone coverage. For most city-only travel, AB is the usual visitor frame; airport travel requires appropriate ABC coverage.

Transport guide →
02

Check live disruptions

Construction can change airport and rail patterns. Use BVG/VBB/BER on the day rather than a cached itinerary.

03

Sunday is different

Many ordinary shops are closed on Sundays, while restaurants, attractions and selected station/airport retail follow different rules. Plan shopping days deliberately.

04

Not every museum costs money

Berlin.de maintains a list of museums and memorial institutions with generally free admission. The former monthly Museum Sunday program ended after December 2024 and currently has no further dates planned.

05

Reservations matter selectively

Reichstag dome, high-demand restaurants, some attractions and special exhibitions can reward advance planning. Parks and public landmarks do not need the same treatment.

06

Save geography before money

A cheap hotel far from the Berlin you want can cost more in time than it saves in euros. Choose the neighbourhood first.