Berlin is a city of great conquests and wars, history and culture, destruction and resurrections. The city is the capital of Germany. Tourism here in Berlin has been all about its tragic history, beautiful buildings that stand tall even after bombings and wars, and a culture that is like no other in the world. If you have made up your mind and are planning a vacation in Berlin, then here’s a short travel guide for you.

The best way to reach Berlin is by flying into the city from anywhere in Europe or the world. Indians have one-stop flight options from major cities.

By Air: 

Berlin Tegel Airport of this German capital is one of the most important international airports around. Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and Bangalore have frequent flights to Berlin, with carriers like Lufthansa, Air India, British Airways, Air France etc.

By Road:

Berlin has an outer ring road that is poured into by the four major roads coming in from all directions. This makes driving into the city a breeze from cities like Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Vienna, Budapest, Paris, London, Belgium etc. Buses like Berlin Linien Bus, Mein Fernbus, Postbus and Eurolines operate domestically as well as internationally.

By Rail:

Berlin’s Hauptbahnhof Railway Station is the junction where trains from various European cities culminate. Domestic trains from Frankfurt, Cologne, Hamburg etc also end here. Two major rail operators are Inter Regio and Euro City.

Getting Around:

Berlin boasts of two main railways - the U-Bahn (underground) and S-Bahn. There are bus networks, trams in the Eastern districts, taxis and Ubers to get around as well.

With its Continental climate, Berlin is best visited between spring and autumn. Winter should be avoided.

Spring (March to May):

By the month of March, winter begins to thaw, and by April, Berlin is happily engulfed by spring. With beautiful pink cherry blossoms, sunny days and average temperature of around 15°C, this season is a good time to visit Berlin.

Summer (June to August):

With a warm, balmy temperature range of 17-22°C and highs touching 30, summers in Berlin are brilliant for sightseeing. Visit during this period for a real touristy experience and many long sunny days outdoors.

Autumn (September to November):

Autumn is the time for Oktoberfest, the world’s largest beer festival. In Berlin, September is full of parades, beer tastings, festivities and cheer. The temperature is nice and cool, with rainfall decreasing to random outbursts. A good time to visit.

Winter (December to February):

Frigid winters lash out through Berlin with the temperatures dropping to negatives. December is cold and rainy while snow may be seen in January and February. This isn’t a good time to visit.

Photography on the East Side Gallery:

The East Side Gallery is that part of the Berlin Wall which was not broken down, but rather painted on by artists back in the 90s, to attest for its monumental status. Like a beacon of strength and stubborn will, the gallery portrays works of art - from murals to graffiti, paintings to abstracts. Make it a point to go here for a photo tour.

Climb the TV Tower:

The TV Tower makes for Berlin’s own Eiffel Tower, with its sky-touching height and a strong historical aura. Built by the Soviets to claim their power over the Eastern Block, today it houses a cocktail bar, restaurants and a viewing balcony.

Relax in Tiergarten:

This garden is Berlin’s answer to too much historical scouting. You can relax on the quaint benches under thick foliage, go for a walk on lost paths and just enjoy the quiet with a wrapped lunch. 

See Berlin in a Trabi:

A Trabi is an old car, imported right from the Soviet era, when everything to be in public use had to be state-manufactured. This car is a manual machine, old now (obviously) and sometimes difficult to drive. But a tour of Berlin in a Trabi is unforgettable!

Berlin boasts of a lot of ideal dishes, from traditional German to Turkish kebabs to Mediterranean and even Indian. Some of the most famous dishes to try when in Berlin include their patent currywurst (sausages doused in curry, ketchup and served with bread), Gemuese Maultaschen or veg dumplings, Blutwurst (blood sausage), hamburgers, Döner or kebabs, salads and breads, and falafels off the street vendors.

Berlin is home to all luxury brands and high street fashion, but not the cheapest place to shop these. You can, however, pick up souvenirs from this city, like the scrumptious Currywurst jars, gourmet box of candy and goodies, pints of Berlin beer and Chocolates. Also do pick up Frau Toni's Perfumes, Prussian schnapps, Askania Watches, local Berlin Belts and East Berlin Soviet-inspired jewellery.