Public Transport in Berlin

As you can see above, Berlin has an amazing public transport system. You should take advantage of the metro, bus lines, and tram lines that frequently run through Berlin. Tickets will cost 2.00 euro one way for short trips. If you plan on using the train often in one day, there are day passes available as well. More information about Berlin transportation found here.

Approximate Prices for Public Transport in Berlin

• Short Distance (3 stops metro, switching trains allowed & 6 stops buses/trams) : 2.00 Euros ($2.38 USD)
• Travel within AB (2 hour journey): 3.00 Euros ($3.56 USD)
• Zone BC (2 hour journey): 3.50 Euros ($4.16 USD)
• Zone ABC (2 hour journey: 3.80 Euros ($4.51 USD)
• 24 hour pass (AB): 8.80 Euros ($10.45 USD)
• 24 hour pass (ABC): 10.00 Euros ($11.88 USD)
• 7 day pass (AB): 36.00 Euros ($42.76 USD)
• 7 day pass (ABC): 43.00 Euros ($51.07 USD)
• Berlin WelcomeCard 48 hours – 23.00 Euros ($27.32 USD)
• Berlin WelcomeCard 72 hours – 33.00 Euros ($39.19 USD)
• Group 24 hour pass (5 people): 25.50 Euros ($30.29 USD) for AB, 26.50 Euros ($31.47 USD) for ABC

Other Useful Tips

• Children from 6 – 14 can use reduced fares for rides, under 6 rides for free, discounts are also available for students.
• If using lots of public transport in a short time, take a look at the 24 hour passes or maybe the Berlin WelcomeCard for discounts.
• Validate tickets at train stations or inside trams/buses. Make sure you validate or else you will be subject to 60 Euros fine.
• Tickets can be purchased in all metro stations from machines as well as ticket counters inside major train stations.
• Use Google Maps for basic travel and Google Flights for plane fares
• Check out the official site for Berlin public transportation here

Remember if you would like to learn more about any of the places included in my best public transportation tips for Berlin, Germany, then you can visit my all-inclusive guide for free here!

The post The Best Public Transportation Tips for Berlin, Germany appeared first on Nick's Travel Tips.

Currency used in Berlin, Germany
Euro

Before you learn about the best budget tips for Berlin you must know that they use the Euro for their currency. It will be about average for tourist activities and dinner. A typical dinner for two will most likely cost around 40 euros or $48 USD.

My Budget for Berlin, Germany

• $250 USD round-trip flight from Pisa to Brussels
• $236 USD for a 3-night stay at a hotel (Beginning of March)
• $150 USD for food & drink
• $25 USD for visits/tours of several palaces, museums, etc.
• $53 USD for 2 Berlin Welcome Cards, this included all of our public transport and some activities (48 hours)
• $714 USD TOTAL for a 3-night trip to Brussels, Belgium for two

The Best Budget Tips & How to Spend Money in Berlin, Germany

• Brussels is one of the only cities that I bought one of the “Welcome Cards” for. I found the public transportation and discounts worth it for about $26. Take a closer look here before you purchase.
• This was one of my more expensive trips throughout my travels. The flights were more expensive than they should’ve been which was terrible for the budget but Berlin didn’t fit into any other weekends for me.
• Go to a local grocery store for snacks and breakfast to cook if you have an Airbnb
• Berlin is a huge city so expect lots of public transportation. Consider one of the 24 or 48 hour passes or one of the welcome cards to try and mitigate this cost.

Remember if you would like to learn more about any of the places included in my best budget & spending tips for Berlin, Germany, then you can visit my all-inclusive guide for free here!

The post The Best Budget & Spending Tips for Berlin, Germany appeared first on Nick's Travel Tips.

Day 1 Itinerary for Berlin:

Victory Column, Bellevue Palace, Reichstag Building, & Brandenburg Gate

I like to take the first day of my itinerary for Berlin to explore the city and admire some of the most famous sites. This route will take you through the beauty and rich history of Berlin. Make sure you eat a larger breakfast at your hotel/Airbnb before today. I also recommend bringing lunch to eat, if possible. First, take the bus over to admire the beautiful Victory Column. You can take a trip up to the observatory if it’s not too busy. Afterward, walk north towards the Spree River. Right before the bridge, you will find the Bellevue Palace. For us Americans, this is basically the white house for the German President, which makes it cool to see. Afterward, walk through the beautiful large park named Grober Tiergarten. On the other side of this park are multiple German Parliament buildings including the Reichstag Building. You can eat your lunch in front of the Reichstag before the entry time for your tickets. Once finished, you can visit the infamous Brandenburg Gate. Make sure to explore the surrounding areas, grab a drink, and find a restaurant for dinner.

Day 2 in Berlin:

Memorial to Murdered Jews, Topography of Terror, (Checkpoint Charlie), & Berlin TV Tower

When I was in Berlin, I liked doing everything that related to the Holocaust in the same day. I chose to pair the Memorial to Murdered Jews and Topography of Terror together. The first stop will be the Memorial to Murdered Jews and the exhibition they offer in the morning. From here, you can walk to the Topography of Terror. Depending on how much time you spent at the Memorial to Murdered Jews, you may want to grab lunch in between these spots. Once finished with the Topography of Terror, you can walk to Checkpoint Charlie if you would like to check it out. Before wrapping up your day, go to the Berlin TV Tower to catch a sunset or dinner there if you would like. If you’re not getting dinner there, there’s plenty of good options in the area surrounding Alexanderplatz.

Day 3 Itinerary for Berlin:

Berlin Wall Memorial, Museum Island, Berlin Cathedral, East Side Gallery

Both the Berlin Wall Memorial and East Side Gallery aren’t very close to other sights, so you will be taking the train a lot this day. The first stop in the morning is to visit the Berlin Wall Memorial. You could most likely walk here depending on where you are staying, but it is easier to take the U8 towards Wittenau and get off at Bernauer Strabe (Berlin Wall Memorial Stop). Walk around and read all of the outside exhibitions, then visit the museum across the street if you would like. Take the train back to central Berlin to museum island. Visit the Pergamon Museum and New Museum if you want, then go to the Berlin Cathedral next door. Explore the cathedral then traverse up the steps to the 360-degree view. Get lunch after visiting the Berlin Cathedral. Before sunset, make sure to take the trip out to the East Side Gallery. To visit, you will have to take the 300 bus South along the river to Tamara-Danz then walk a couple of minutes to the East Side Gallery. You can get dinner in this area or return the area around your rental for dinner.

Remember if you would like to learn more about any of the places included in my 3-day itinerary for Berlin, Germany, then you can visit my all-inclusive guide for free here!

The post The Best 3-day Itinerary for Berlin, Germany appeared first on Nick's Travel Tips.

Where to Stay in Berlin

Here is a detailed map of the districts of Berlin. The central area you should stay in is Mitte. There are many different types of lodging in Berlin. I found hotels, rather than AirBnbs, to be the best for my budget. Public transportation is easy to access with many tram and metro lines scattered throughout the city. Therefore, don’t be scared to book outside of Mitte if you’d like to have a more suburban experience.

Hotel/Airbnb Recommendations

The Hotel I Recommend: Classik Hotel Hackescher Markt

The hotel I booked was Hotel Hackescher Markt, near a central train station, the Berlin TV Tower and Museum Island. The rooms are cozy but with updated features. There’s a small bar where I redeemed my free drink for my booking. The staff were extremely nice during my stay. Moreover, the price was perfect for a small budget. There’s nothing to complain about here except for small rooms, but I don’t need a large room when traveling anyway.

Remember if you would like to learn more about any of the places included in my best sights & attractions of Berlin, Germany, then you can visit my all-inclusive guide for free here!

The post Where to Stay & The Best Location for Berlin, Germany appeared first on Nick's Travel Tips.

Brandenburg Gate

One of the most notable attractions, Berlin built the Brandenburg Gate as a gateway to the city. Today, this gate stands as a symbol of freedom. Because of its’ symbolism, many protests and political events occur at the Brandenburg Gate. Make sure you keep this in mind when you decide to visit.

Reichstag Building

The Reichstag is the most historically significant building in Berlin. Leaders of the German Empire used to meet here. Now, after restoration, which occurred soon after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Reichstag serves as the German Parliament Building. On top, there’s a beautiful glass dome which you can visit for a 360-degree view of Berlin. However, make sure you book in advance because tickets often sell out. These don’t cost anything but I recommend that you register online here. You can also find more information about the Reichstag Building here.

Berlin Wall & East Side Gallery Memorial

The Berlin Wall is one of the most well-known attractions in Germany. The first wall was erected by East Berlin in 1961 to separate themselves from the liberal, West Berlin. There was a huge no man’s land between the walls where guards watched over on towers to shoot anyone who tries to cross. In Berlin, there are two parts of the Berlin Wall that still stand and I highly recommend visiting. The first is the Berlin Wall Memorial, where there is an outdoor exhibition for the history behind the wall and also a museum you could visit. Second, there is another section called the East Side Gallery. This part is more famous and there are many more tourists because of the beautiful murals. Painted in 1990, this over 4,000-foot section of wall was completed by over 100 artists. Unlike the Lennon Wall in Prague, there have been no new pieces added since first painted in 1990.

Museum Island

On the island where the city of Berlin was born, Spree Island is now home to 5 museums and the Berlin Cathedral. There is the Pergamon Museum, Bode Museum, New Museum, Old National Gallery, and Old Museum. All of the museums can be visited for one ticket for one day for 18 euros. The New Museum and the Pergamon can be visited with a single ticket for one day for 12 euros while the other three may be visited for 10 euros. If you have other plans for later in the day and aren’t super interested in the museums, I recommend the Pergamon and New Museum ticket. The Pergamon has one of the most unique collections I’ve ever seen including beautiful Egyptian, Islamic, and Middle Eastern art. One of the coolest pieces is one of the eight gates into the ancient city of Babylon, the Ishtar Gate. The New Museum also has many Egyptian pieces. Since I had never been to museums that displayed so much Egyptian and Middle Eastern art, I chose to visit these museums. The Bode Museum has a large collection of sculptures and old Byzantine artifacts. The Altes Museum contains pieces from ancient Greece and the Roman Empire. Finally, the National Gallery has many sculptures and paintings by renowned German artists.

Berlin Cathedral

The Berlin Cathedral is also on Museum Island and is an amazing place to visit. The cathedral was restored in 1993, so it still has the beauty of when it was constructed in 1905. Tickets cost 7 euros which include a visit to the walkway around the dome, giving you a panoramic view of Berlin. The ticket also includes a visit to the crypt, where many members of the German royal family are buried.

Alexanderplatz & Berlin Television Tower

I believe that the Berlin Television Tower has the best view of Berlin. It is in the middle of Alexanderplatz, a wonderful area to hang out in if it is nice out. Tickets to visit the Berlin Television Tower are 16.50 euros and 9.50 euros for children (4 – 14 years old). Make sure to buy tickets online before your visit so you can book your time slot. One of the best ways to visit the Berlin TV Tower is to eat up there. They have a large breakfast buffet from 9 – 11:30 am every first Sunday of the month. I had dinner up here one night, the reservations cost 22.50 euros just by themselves, but the food is reasonably priced because of that reservation fee. It was one of the best and obviously most unique meals I had in Berlin.

Memorial to Murdered Jews of Europe

Also known as the Holocaust Memorial, the Memorial to Murdered Jews of Europe is a must see site in Berlin. Construction on the memorial finished in the Winter of 2004. There is also an exhibition on the East of the Memorial. I highly recommend the free exhibition but be prepared for around a 30-minute line outside. There are many different interpretations of the memorial. I believe the most interesting one highlights the contrast between the tall gray stones and the blue sky. You walk through and can still see over the stones, over to the other side. Then as you continue, you lose sight of the end and begin to see less and less of the hopeful blue sky. It’s supposed to put some perspective on those victims of the Holocaust.

Topography of Terror

If you’re interested in anything related to World War II and the Holocaust, then the Topography of Terror will be the best museum you’ve ever visited. I believe that being educated on the Holocaust is essential, so I highly recommend the museum. The Topography of Terror is housed on the foundation of the former Gestapo Headquarters and construction for the museum was finished in 2010. Admission to the Topography of Terror is free, take advantage of this opportunity. There are also many free exhibitions outside of the museum highlighting some of the architectural elements that were found when they excavated the former Gestapo Headquarters. The museum itself tells many different stories of the Holocaust, with permanent exhibitions about the timeline of the Holocaust, the actions of the Gestapo, and history of the site of the Topography of Terror.

Checkpoint Charlie

Checkpoint Charlie is a large tourist site, especially for Americans. There are many touristy shops around and you can even take pictures with Cold War-era “American Soldiers”. Checkpoint Charlie used to be the crossing point from Soviet-controlled East Germany to the Allied

Remember if you would like to learn more about any of the places included in my best sights & attractions of Berlin, Germany, then you can visit my all-inclusive guide for free here!

The post The Best Sights & Attractions of Berlin, Germany appeared first on Nick's Travel Tips.

For Quick Food: Curry 61

While it may not be one of the best “restaurants” in Berlin, you must try the currywurst from Curry 61. When you go to Berlin, you will find out that one of the greatest things ever invented is currywurst. Pork sausage, first steamed, then fried, covered with curry ketchup and this amazing curry seasoning. It is usually served with fries which are also topped with the curry seasoning. After getting off my train from the airport, this was my first meal and best decision of my trip.

Best Restaurants Berlin:
Madami 2 – Mom’s Vietnamese Kitchen

Berlin has a large amount of Asian restaurants which are all extremely good. I went to Madami 2 in Mitte and was very impressed with their food/service. Although, it was very busy on a weekend night in the offseason, so make sure you make reservations in advance.

For a Special Experience: Berlin TV Tower

When I wanted to get tickets to the Berlin TV Tower, it was unfortunately sold out, but I was able to make reservations at the restaurant. The food is fairly priced because of the reservation fee but it will feel very high end. I recommend doing brunch/breakfast here if possible instead of dinner if you’re on a budget.

Remember if you would like to learn more about any of the places included in my best restaurants for Berlin, Germany, then you can visit my all-inclusive guide for free here!

The post Where to Eat – The Best Restaurants in Berlin, Germany appeared first on Nick's Travel Tips.

Public Transport in Brussels

Here is a map of the public transportation routes around Brussels. There are obviously lots of routes that include buses, trams, and subway trains. You can get downtown using a train from Brussels Charleroi or Brussels Main Airport. You can buy tickets for public transportation at any of the major train stations.

Approximate Prices for Public Transport in Brussels

• Single ticket (1-hour) : 2.10 Euro ($2.85 USD)
• 24 hour pass: 7.50 Euro ($8.91 USD)
• MOBIB Card (Reloadable): 5 Euro ($5.94 USD)
• Airport Transfer (Weekdays): 8.60 Euro ($10.21 USD)
• Airport Transfer (Weekends): 14.80 Euro ($17.58 USD)

Other Useful Tips for Public Transport in Brussels

• In newly updated public transport you can pay for your trip easily with a contactless payment of Google Pay, Apple Pay or tapping your credit card
• If traveling with children, kids under 6 travel for FREE while children under 15 travel for discounted rates as well as for free on Sundays and public holidays
• You may purchase Brussels public transportation tickets from all of these locations: ticket machines at metro stations/large bus stops, ticket machines inside of trams/buses (slightly more expensive), and corner stores (tabacchi shops)
• Please do not try to hop on and hope off without buying a ticket, if you’re caught it will be subject to over 100 Euro fine and other complications
• Remember to validate your tickets once you enter if you purchased them in advance!
• Check the discounts offered on the Brussels City Card before purchasing. If you do not think you will use them then buy one of the other Vienna public transportation tickets.
• Use Google Maps for basic travel, this page for a guide to the various services, and Google Flights for plane fares
• Check out the Brussels official public transportation page here

Remember if you would like to learn more about any of the places included in my best public transportation tips for Brussels, Belgium, then you can visit my all-inclusive guide for free here!

The post The Best Public Transportation Tips for Brussels, Belgium appeared first on Nick's Travel Tips.

Day 1 Itinerary for Brussels: Cathedral of St. Michael & St. Gudula, Grand Place, Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert, Manneken Pis & Jeanneke Pis

Your first day of your itinerary for Brussels will be a perfect day to walk around and explore the wonderful sights in the center of the city. In the morning, visit the Cathedral of St. Michael & St. Gudula, but if you’d like to do the towers or Romanesque crypt then make sure you book in advance. Then take a short walk to the beautiful Grand Place, you can visit the museums here if you’d like. Afterward, go over to admire the unique statues of Manneken Pis and Jeanneke Pis while stopping at some chocolate shops on the way. Stop in one of the local bars near Jeanneke Pis for a drink before dinner. Grab dinner nearby before you take your nighttime stroll through the Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert on the walk back to your hotel or Airbnb.

Day 2 in Brussels: National Basilica of Sacred Heart in Koekelberg & Atomium

If attractions are further away, then I like to do them in the same day. In Brussels, both the National Basilica of Sacred Heart (Koekelberg) and the Atomium are in the same general direction. You will spend a decent amount of time at each one of these places and transportation will also take a decent amount of time. I recommend doing the Koekelberg before going to the Atomium. Make sure to walk through the picturesque park that leads up to the Koekelberg. I also recommend getting food in between the Koekelberg and the Atomium, because there is not too much for food in the area around the Atomium. At the end of the day, you can return to the Grand Place for dessert and sit in the square.

Day 3 in Brussels: Parc du Cinquantenaire, & Royal Palace of Brussels

This final day in Brussels is a pretty loose schedule in case there is anything I didn’t list here that you’d be interested in seeing. You will have to take the train to the Parc du Cinquantenaire. Stroll through the park before reaching the arch and you can visit one of the two museums located here. Once finished, you can take the train back towards the center of town to the Royal Palace of Brussels. Here, there is another beautiful park you can walk through before reaching the palace. If it is the Summer, you may want to try to visit the palace in the morning since it would be open to the public. After you visit the Royal Palace, make sure you walk up the street to the Law Courts of Brussels. If you look to your right, you will find a great view of the city.

Remember if you would like to learn more about any of the places included in my 3-day itinerary for Brussels, Belgium, then you can visit my all-inclusive guide for free here!

The post The Best 3-day Itinerary for Brussels, Belgium appeared first on Nick's Travel Tips.

Currency used in Brussels, Belgium
Euro

Before you learn about the best budget tips for Brussels you must know that they use the Euro for their currency. It will be about average for tourist activities and dinner. A typical dinner for two will most likely cost around 40 euros or $48 USD.

My Budget for Brussels, Belgium

• $180 USD round-trip flight from Pisa to Brussels
• $18 USD round-trip from airport to Brussels City Center
• $176 USD for a 3-night stay at a hotel (End of February)
• $120 USD for food & drink
• $50 USD for visits/tours of several palaces, museums, etc.
• $20 USD for public transport
• $564 USD TOTAL for a 3-night trip to Brussels, Belgium for two

The Best Budget Tips & How to Spend Money in Brussels, Belgium

• While I was in Brussels, there was inclement weather so I had to do a lot of indoor activities when I’d prefer to walk around to explore more. Keep this in mind when you’re comparing your budget to mine.
• Go to a local grocery store for snacks and breakfast to cook in your Airbnb (not necessary in Prague because it’s so cheap, but will still help)
• There are plenty of large parks to explore in Brussels, grab a waffle from one of the many food trucks and take a break!
• If you want to get to some attractions like the Atomium then you will have to take public transportation but try to make these trips in the same day to save money on a metro pass.

Remember if you would like to learn more about any of the places included in my best budget tips for Brussels, Belgium, then you can visit my all-inclusive guide for free here!

The post The Best Budget & Spending Tips for Brussels, Belgium appeared first on Nick's Travel Tips.

Where to Stay

Here I attached a map with a highlighted area of the best places to stay in Brussels. For the location/price, a hotel was the best option for my 2-night stay. The best places will likely be near the train stations like Bruxelles Central so it is easy to get to and from the city. Also, this ensures that you can walk to most attractions and restaurants. I didn’t find much of a price difference between staying closer to the city center or further outside.

Hotel/Airbnb Recommendations

The Hotel I Recommend: Pillows City Hotel Brussels Centre, Brussels

The Pillows City Hotel is in a great location at an affordable price. It’s near Brussels Central Station and leads you directly to the beautiful Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula. The rooms are cozy and they offer a nice bar/restaurant area for you to unwind or plan your day. Tip: if it’s your first visit, subscribe to their newsletter quickly to save 10% on your booking!

Remember if you would like to learn more about any of the places included in my guide for where to stay & the best location for Brussels, Belgium, then you can visit my all-inclusive guide for free here!

The post Where to Stay & The Best Location for Brussels, Belgium appeared first on Nick's Travel Tips.