Best time to visit: Spring and fall for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
How many days: 3–4 days for the highlights; 5 days for a more relaxed trip.
Getting around: Excellent public transport — a car isn’t necessary.
Budget: Moderately priced for a European capital; accommodation is the priciest part.
Safety: Generally safe — just watch for pickpockets in busy areas.
Language: English is widely spoken.
Cash or card: Carry some cash — some small places are cash only.
Shop hours: Most stores close around 20:00 and are closed on Sundays.
Getting around
Public transport: Fast and reliable (U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, buses).
Tickets: A single ticket covers all transport within the chosen zones (usually AB).
Validation: Don’t forget to validate paper tickets before boarding.
Airport to city: Easy connections by S-Bahn, regional trains, or airport express.
Biking: Very bike-friendly city with many dedicated lanes.
Walking: Many central areas and neighborhoods are easy to explore on foot.
Useful Tips
Carry cash: Some cafés, bars, and small shops are cash only.
Sunday closures: Most stores are closed on Sundays.
Punctuality matters: Germans value being on time.
Validate tickets: Always validate paper transport tickets.
Tipping: Round up or tip about 5–10% in restaurants.
Quiet hours: Keep noise low late at night in residential areas.
Public toilets: Often paid (€0.50–€1), so keep coins handy.
Recycling culture: Use the correct bins — recycling rules are taken seriously.
Crosswalk rules: Wait for the green light — jaywalking is frowned upon (and sometimes fined).
Tap vs. sparkling: If you ask for water in restaurants, you’ll usually get sparkling by default.
Sunday supermarkets: Regular supermarkets close — only train station shops stay open.
Activities
Worth seeing
Dining
Shopping
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