Berlin tours

Berlin uses the euro. To stock up on the local currency, order some from your bank before you go, or use your debit card at an ATM once you arrive. For tips on using the euro while on a tour of Berlin, check out our blog on currency exchange →

The official language is German. However, Berlin’s a cosmopolitan city with a large international community: You may encounter people speaking English, French, Spanish, Turkish, Polish, and other languages, especially in tourist areas and among younger generations. However, knowing some basic German phrases will help you navigate daily life and interact with locals while on our Berlin tours.

We recommend spending at least two days in the city on our tours to Berlin.

With its rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse attractions, Berlin offers something for everyone. Some of the most popular activities include:

• Visiting historical sites. Explore Berlin’s fascinating past by visiting iconic landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Wall Memorial, Checkpoint Charlie, the Reichstag Building, and the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe.

• Museum hopping. Berlin is home to world-class museums and art galleries. Don’t miss the Pergamon, Neues, and Altes museums; the East Side Gallery; and the Hamburger Bahnhof – Nationalgalerie der Gegenwart (Contemporary Art Museum).

• Shopping and dining. Experience Berlin’s diverse shopping districts and markets, from luxury boutiques along the Kurfürstendamm to alternative shops in neighborhoods like Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg. Sample a wide variety of international cuisines at street food markets, trendy restaurants, and traditional beer gardens.

• Relaxing in parks. Berlin has plenty of green spaces where you can relax and unwind. Tiergarten, Treptower Park, and Görlitzer Park are just a few examples of where you can enjoy nature within the city.

 A city brimming with history, culture, and artistic energy, the German capital boasts an abundance of attractions. Here are some top sights to take in while on one of our Berlin tours:

• The Brandenburg Gate. This iconic symbol of German reunification is a testament to Berlin’s spirit. The gate stood as a stark symbol of the divided city during the Cold War, with the infamous Berlin Wall cutting through its base.

• The Reichstag Building. The seat of the German Parliament’s famous for its eponymous glass dome. Ascend its spiraling ramp for panoramic views of the city, then explore a museum documenting the building’s fascinating history.

• The Berlin Wall Memorial and East Side Gallery. Along the remnants of the Berlin Wall, these two attractions offer powerful and contrasting perspectives on its history. While the Memorial honors the past and remembers the wall’s victims, the East Side Gallery paints a hopeful vision of the future.

Berlin offers a tapestry of unique experiences beyond the usual tourist fare. Here are some ideas to inspire your adventures while on one of our tours of Berlin:

• Explore Tempelhofer Feld. Once the site of one of Berlin’s primary airports, this vast area is now a park where you can rent bicycles and rollerblades, or even take a guided Segway tour of its runways.

• Dive into Berlin’s vibrant street food. Berlin’s street food scene is a memorable mix of flavors, textures, and cultural influences. Don’t miss Thai Park in Preußenpark, where locals prepare and sell authentic Thai dishes.

• Uncover forgotten history. Take a guided tour of abandoned sites like the Spreepark amusement park or the Tränenpalast—the Palace of Tears, a former border crossing used during the Cold War.

When visiting Berlin, it’s essential to be mindful of the city’s cultural customs and etiquette to show respect to the local culture and its people. Here are some important tips to keep in mind:

• Greetings. In Berlin, a simple handshake is a common greeting among strangers or in formal settings. However, a casual hug or a kiss on the cheek might be more common among friends and younger people.

• Personal space. Berliners value their personal space. Maintaining a respectful distance when engaging in conversation or standing in public spaces is best.

• Punctuality. Germans are known for punctuality, so being on time for appointments, meetings, and events is essential.

• Greeting shopkeepers. When entering a shop or a small establishment, it’s customary to greet the shopkeeper with a polite “hallo” (“hello”) or “guten tag” (“good day”).

Germany’s capital city experiences a temperate seasonal climate with distinct variations throughout the year. Here’s an overview of what you might encounter on one of our Berlin tours:

• Spring (March to May). Spring in Berlin brings mild temperatures, with daytime highs ranging from 50–59 F in March and warming up to 59–68 F in May. Nights can still be chilly, with temperatures between 36–46 F. Spring sees the city come to life with blooming flowers and outdoor events.

• Summer (June to August). Berlin’s summers are generally warm, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 68–77 F, though heat waves can bump those up. July and August are the hottest months, with the thermostat occasionally pushing 86 F. Nights are pleasantly mild, averaging 54–59 F.

• Autumn (September to November). Autumn in Berlin is mild and pleasant, with temperatures gradually cooling down. September is still relatively warm, with daytime highs around 66–73 F, while November brings cooler weather ranging from 39–46 F. Fall foliage adds vibrant colors to the city’s parks.

• Winter (December to February). With temperatures typically ranging from 30–39 F, winters in Berlin are cold. Snow is common, especially in January and February, making the city’s landmarks and parks picturesque. Nights can be quite cold, with temperatures dropping below freezing.

It depends on your preferences for weather, crowd levels, and the activities you want to enjoy. Each season in Berlin offers unique experiences, so consider the following factors when deciding when to book a Berlin trip package:

• Spring. This is a beautiful time to visit Berlin; the city comes alive with blooming flowers and outdoor events in spring. The mild, pleasant weather makes it ideal for sightseeing and exploring the city’s parks and gardens. However, it’s worth noting that the climate can be somewhat unpredictable, with occasional rain showers.

• Summer. The peak tourist season is popular thanks to warm and sunny weather. The city hosts numerous outdoor festivals, concerts, and events during this period—however, be prepared for larger crowds at popular attractions and higher hotel rates. If you enjoy lively atmospheres and want to experience the city’s energetic outdoor scene, summer might be the best time for you to plan a trip.

• Autumn. Milder temperatures and colorful foliage make autumn a delightful time to explore the city on foot or by bike. Crowds tend to thin out compared to the summer months, and you can enjoy attractions and museums more easily. September also brings Berlin Art Week, attracting art enthusiasts from around the world.

• Winter. Winter in Berlin can be cold, but the city takes on a magical charm with Christmas markets, festive decorations, and ice skating rinks. If you enjoy a winter wonderland atmosphere and are interested in experiencing Berlin’s Christmas traditions, visiting during December is ideal. However, keep in mind that some outdoor attractions and gardens might be closed or have limited hours during the winter.

The food scene in Berlin is as diverse and dynamic as the city itself, offering a delicious mix of classic comfort food, international treats, and trendy street eats. You’ll find a variety of dishes and cuisines to suit different tastes. Some popular foods and dishes to try while on our Berlin tours include:

• Currywurst. A quintessential Berlin street food, currywurst is a sliced pork sausage with spicy ketchup sauce sprinkled with curry powder. It’s typically enjoyed with a side of fries.

• Döner kebab. Berlin is famous for its delicious Turkish-style Döner kebabs, made with seasoned meat (usually lamb or chicken that’s been roasted on a vertical spit) served in pita bread with salad and various sauces.

• Bouletten. Also known as frikadellen or “Berlin meatballs,” bouletten are pan-fried meatballs made from ground beef, pork, or both. They’re often served with potato salad or in a bread roll as a sandwich.

• Eisbein. This German dish of pickled and boiled pork knuckle is typically served with sauerkraut, peas, and potatoes. It’s a hearty meal popular in Berlin’s traditional restaurants.

• Kartoffelsalat. Berlin’s potato salad is a classic side dish, often served warm and made with sliced potatoes, onions, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing.

• Schnitzel. While not originally from Berlin, schnitzel—a thinly sliced pork or veal cutlet that’s breaded and fried—is widely popular throughout Germany.

When packing for a trip to Berlin, consider the time of year you’ll be visiting and the activities you plan to do. Here’s a general list to help you prepare:

• Weather-appropriate clothing. Check the weather forecast for your travel dates and pack accordingly. Bring lightweight and breathable clothing for summer and layers for spring and autumn. Winter requires warm, insulated clothing, including a coat, gloves, and a hat.

• Comfortable walking shoes. Berlin is a walkable city, so bring comfortable shoes for exploring.

• Rain gear. Pack a waterproof jacket or umbrella, especially if you’re traveling in spring or autumn when rain is more likely.

• Swimwear. Visiting in the summer? Berlin has several lakes and outdoor swimming pools where you can cool off on hot days.

Once you’ve reserved one of our guided tours of Berlin, we’ll send you detailed information about what to bring. Download the free Go Ahead Tours app before you take off, so you’ll have all the info you need about your trip right in your pocket.