This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Berlin.
Berlin is the capital of Germany and its motto is “poor but sexy”. Even though “poor” is not what it looks like at all, the second part is definitely true for nightlife and clubbing. Berlin is divided into twelve suburbs. If you are looking for a hostel in Berlin, you should try to stay in a central location since the city is very widespread and travelling times are significant. Some of the best suburbs to find a Berlin hostel in are Mitte (this is where most of the historic sights are), Charlottenburg, or Pankow.
Berlin is served by two airports, Tegel and Schönefeld. Both can easily be accessed by train and bus services. Getting around or to and from your Berlin hostel is no problem since there is a comprehensive public transport system in place. It can be a bit puzzling so take your time to familiarize yourself with it. Be aware that it might take a significant amount of time to get around.
While you are there, you can experience the fusion of past and present German history with lots of historic sights and the Reichstag to visit. Discover countless museums (do not miss the Museumsinsel). You can also gaze at the iconic Brandenburger Tor, watch an opera at the German state opera, or try to find a remaining part of the Berlin Wall (the East Side Gallery is the best bit still remaining). According to the motto of Berlin, have some fun and discover the vibrant nightlife or buy some cutting-edge clothes by an up-and-coming German designer.
Book your Berlin hostel bed well in advance, especially if you are visiting in summer. There are many hostels in the city, but Berlin is a popular destination so they can fill up fast.
A Republic since 1990, Berlin is one of 16 states in Germany. Berlin is also Germany’s capital and largest city. Over a third of the area is made up of lakes, parks and forests. Berlin is a perfect blend of the old and the new, historic and the modern architecture, old values and new technology, an interesting study of contrasts. Home to the biggest ballet company in Germany, 3 opera houses, and 170 museums, this is a place where you could spend a lot of time and not see half of what there is to see in this amazing location.
There are castles, cruises, concerts and shows, shopping supreme, and museums of every kind in Berlin.
History buffs may want to see the Church of St. Nicholas, the Ephraim Palais, the Sachsenhausen concentration camp, the Soviet War Memorial, Checkpoint Charlie, The Palace of Tears, The Holocaust Memorial and the Berlin Wall. The Berliner Dom and the Deutscher Dom are known worldwide.
The 170 museums cover just about every subject and include themes such as Jewish, art, musical instrument, ethnological, story, photo, Anne Frank, childhood and youth collection and Islamic Art. Visitors should allow at least 1 full day to visit the Pergamon Museum. A trip to the Museum Park will provide 5 museums on-site for your viewing pleasure. It is recommended that visitors purchase a Berlin Pass that will provide free entry to 60 museums.
Kids will want to visit Legoland, the Berlin Dungeons, Mme. Tussauds, the Berlin Zoo and the Aqua Dom.
There are botanical gardens, an Olympic stadium, biking and walking tours, boat rides, concerts and shows to add to your list of things to do.
If you are looking for something different, you can take a swim at the Bathing Ship on the Spree River. Another option would be to visit one of the weinerei’s in Berlin where patrons pay to borrow a glass, keep track of their drinks and then decide how much to pay for their evening of fun. There are Escape Rooms where you have to use logic to figure out how to open the door. Another option might be to visit a totally dark restaurant where neither you nor the wait staff can see your food.
When you decide to book your room, you will find there are ever so many ways to stay in Berlin. Visitors can choose luxury hotels, inns, guesthouses, hostels or urban camping. There are dozens of hostels in every part of Berlin. Hostels may also be listed under guesthouse, inn, or backpacker titles.
Written by local enthusiast for Berlin hostels
Mona
