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The Regent Berlin, in the heart of the city, is beyond luxurious and the ultimate place to stay in Berlin when you want to feel pampered. Elegant guest rooms and suites—many with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the inner courtyard or the historic Gendarmenmarkt—are thoughtfully designed with marble bathrooms, classic furniture, and deluxe fabrics. And personalized service is exactly as you’d expect, top notch. With a spa, fitness center, and sauna, in addition to a world-class restaurant, bar, and a tea & lobby lounge, your stay here is sure to be unforgettable.

Situated next to Tiergarten Park and within walking distance of Potsdamer Platz, the InterContinental Berlin is a stylish and modern hotel built by renowned architects in the 1950s. Here, you’ll find an indoor pool and sauna, multiple spa treatment rooms, a fitness center, and a Michelin-starred restaurant. Rooms and suites are newly renovated, feel light and airy, and what’s really unique about it is that some rooms face the adjacent zoo for incredible and unexpected views.

There are also two Hotel Indigos in town. Hotel Indigo® Berlin - East Side Gallery, in the Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg district, epitomizes Berlin's creative spirit. Explore the nearby East Side Gallery, dine at trendy eateries, and experience the city's eclectic nightlife during your stay here. Then there’s Hotel Indigo® Berlin Ku’damm, in the charming Ku'damm district. Located near upscale boutiques, art galleries, and cultural attractions, this is the perfect place to unwind in chic rooms inspired by local design.

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Dance the Night Away

Party like it’s 1999 at Berghain, a world famous techno nightclub near the Kreuzberg neighborhood, which was founded in 2004.

Prost! Cheers!
Visit a biergarten and enjoy a cold beer on a warm day. Café am Neuen See, Brauhaus Spandau, and BRLO Brwhouse are a few favorites.

Cool Off During the Warmer Months

Spend the day floating around in one of 3,000 lakes in the area—most can be reached via public transport. Some of the top lakes for swimming include Weissensee, Flughafensee, and Schlachtensee.

Go Museum Hopping

You can’t miss the museums in Berlin. There are hundreds to explore, after all. Museum Island (Museumsinsel) houses several world-renowned museums including the Pergamon Museum, Altes Museum, Neues Museum, Bode Museum, and Alte Nationalgalerie. Then, of course, there’s the Berlin Wall Memorial, which offers a window into the history of the Berlin Wall through exhibits, preserved sections of the wall, and a visitor center. The Jewish Museum Berlin explores the history and culture of Jewish life in Germany and the KW Institute for Contemporary Art showcases contemporary art exhibitions and events.

Shop at Local Markets

Turks in Berlin form the largest ethnic minority group in the city so it only makes sense that one of the most expansive Turkish markets in the world is here. Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the community at the weekly Turkish Market at Maybachufer, where you’ll find fresh produce, spices, textiles, and street food. Or browse through stalls at Mauerpark Flea Market selling vintage clothing, handmade crafts, antiques, and more. Enjoy live music and street performances in the adjacent park.

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Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are available at Charlotte & Fritz, inside the Regent Berlin. Make a reservation and choose a drink from the extensive cocktail menu, which includes low ABV and alcohol-free options. Burgers are served daily until 11 pm, as well as truffle fries, salads, Berliner Currywurst, and more.

At the Intercontinental Berlin, choose from a buffet breakfast at L.A. Cafe, dinner and drinks at Marlene Bar & Restaurant, or a memorable Michelin-starred dining experience at Hugos on the 14th floor.

Known for its innovative Asian-inspired cuisine, Tim Raue consistently receives high praise for its exquisite dishes and elegant ambiance.

Another Michelin-starred restaurant, Nobelhart & Schmutzig serves modern German cuisine and only uses locally-sourced ingredients. This means the menu is sure to change with the seasons.

Have a sweet tooth? Coda’s menu is filled with only experimental dessert and drinks. If you skip dinner, you’ll appreciate the six-course tasting menu here or just make your way to the bar for a proper nightcap at the end of the evening.

A stylish cocktail bar recognized on the World's 50 Best Bars list, Velvet offers expertly crafted cocktails in a sophisticated atmosphere.

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Public Transportation

Berlin has an extensive public transportation network, including buses, trams, S-Bahn (suburban trains), and U-Bahn (subway). Purchase a Berlin WelcomeCard (a money-saving traveler card) for unlimited travel within the city.

Taxi or Rideshare

Taxis are readily available throughout Berlin and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance. Always ensure that the taxi meter is running or agree on a fare before starting your journey. Rideshare is also an option here.

Walking and Biking

Many of Berlin's attractions are within walking distance of each other, making walking a convenient and enjoyable way to explore the city. Wear comfortable shoes and take in the sights at your own pace. Or join the locals and pedal your way around Berlin on a bike. With dedicated bike lanes and rental stations scattered throughout the city, cycling is a fun and eco-friendly mode of transportation.

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Berlin is a major transportation hub in Europe, offering convenient access to a wide range of international destinations by train. Rail Europe is a reliable source for booking train tickets and exploring various routes from Berlin to neighboring countries. If you don’t have a ton of time to travel, Potsdam is a 30-minute train ride from Berlin and is known for its stunning palaces, gardens, and UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Sanssouci Palace and Park.

With a little more flexibility, you can take the high-speed train to Paris, which takes around eight hours; you can also get to Amsterdam on the high-speed train in just six—enjoying scenic views of the German and Dutch countryside along the way.

The train from Berlin to Prague takes under five hours and it’s worth it for the medieval architecture alone, though the beer, natural surroundings, and walkability make this one of the easiest and most digestible cities to visit and get to know in a short period of time.

A few other cities accessible via train from Berlin include Warsaw, Zurich, Vienna, and Budapest. Amenities onboard make for a safe and comfortable travel experience so that you’re well rested and relaxed by the time you get to your next destination.

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Cultural Etiquette

While German is the official language of the city, English is widely spoken in Berlin, especially in tourist areas. Learning a few basic phrases in German can be helpful and appreciated by locals. Germans also value punctuality, so be sure to arrive on time for appointments and reservations. Tipping is common but not obligatory; rounding up the bill or leaving a 5-10% tip is customary.

Cash vs. Card

While most establishments accept credit and debit cards, it's always a good idea to carry some cash, especially at smaller shops, markets, and street vendors.

Upcoming Events in Berlin

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MaerzMusik

This festival is dedicated to contemporary music and sonic art. The festival creates a space where life, art, and theory can coexist side by side by showcasing concerts, performances, installations, musical theater, film screenings, and discourse formats.

Start date: March 21, 2026
End date: March 30, 2026

Event website

Vyctoria Silva

Berliner Frühlingsfest

Berliner Frühlingsfest is an annual spring festival that offers a wide array of entertainment, attractions, and culinary delights for visitors to enjoy. The festival also showcases a diverse culinary scene, with numerous food stalls and vendors serving up delicious treats.

Start date: April 20, 2025
End date: May 4, 2025

Event website

MyName (Panic)

Carnival of Cultures

Berlin's colorful and vivacious street festival, the Carnival of Cultures, was inaugurated in 1996 and has taken place every Whitsun weekend since. The main aim of the carnival is to bring together Berlin's numerous different cultures in a joyous celebration of the city's ethnic diversity.

Start date: May 17, 2025
End date: May 20, 2025

Event website

Vishnu R Nair

Desertfest Berlin

Desertfest Berlin is a renowned annual music festival dedicated to rock, doom, and psychedelic music. The event features well-known and emerging artists of heavy and psychedelic music. Please note that it takes place in the neighboring venues Columbiahalle & Columbia Theater in Berlin Kreuzberg.

Start date: May 23, 2025
End date: May 25, 2025

Event website

izillR

Lollapalooza Berlin

From featuring artists like Pearl Jam and Soundgarden to inviting new-age mega-stars like Kanye West and Arcade Fire, the festival has come into its own. It features a dance stage for local artists to showcase their talent. Moreover, visitors can have their pick of refreshments at various stalls.

Start date: July 12, 2025
End date: July 13, 2025

Event website

3569616

Folk Festival (Berliner Volksfestsommer)

The International Berlin Folk Festival is an annual celebration of folk music from all over the world. The festival does not only showcase music, but visitors can also explore different cultural crafts, take part in workshops, and indulge in traditional food and drinks from all over the world.

Start date: July 25, 2025
End date: August 8, 2025

Berlin Atonal

Berlin Atonal is a pioneering festival that converges music and art in an avant-garde exploration of sound and visual aesthetics. Held in the dynamic city of Berlin, this event is a combination of experimental music performances, audiovisual installations, and multimedia experiences.

Start date: August 23, 2025
End date: August 25, 2025

Event website

tottr

Berlin Lacht - Internationales Straßentheater Festival

Berlin Lacht (trans. Berlin laughs) is a different type of performing arts festival. Selected squares provide the stage for the performances and therefore take the theater to the streets and the people. Don't miss the exciting International Street Theater Festival.

Start date: August 26, 2025
End date: September 15, 2025

Event website

Manuel Nägeli

Musikfest Berlin

Berlin's concert season officially begins with the Musikfest. The festival draws thousands of classical music enthusiasts from around the globe in addition to hundreds of musicians. There are concert halls all across the city that host some of the top orchestras in the world.

Start date: August 30, 2025
End date: September 23, 2025

Event website

Ulla C. Binder

Jazzfest Berlin

Jazzfest Berlin is an annual celebration of jazz, showcasing a diverse lineup of international and avant-garde artists across the city’s iconic venues. Featuring concerts, workshops, and discussions, it offers a unique platform for innovative jazz and creative musical expression.

Start date: October 31, 2025
End date: November 3, 2025

Event website

Jorge Franganillo

Christmas Market at Gendarmenmarkt

Marking the beginning of the festive season, the Christmas Market at Gendarmenmarkt in Berlin is a must-visit destination for holiday makers. From traditional wooden stalls selling handmade gifts, to a variety of delicious German cuisines, the market offers something for everyone.

Start date: November 24, 2025
End date: December 31, 2025

Event website

Thore Siebrands

Berlinale - Internationale Filmfestspiele Berlin

Initiated by the American military, this festival first took place in West Berlin in 1951. Today, the festival treads the middle ground between East and West and has become an international forum for international films. Premieres and documentaries are screened alongside short films.