BerlinCapital
Germany · Country profile
Berlin is Germany’s sprawling, perpetually reinventing capital — a city defined by its turbulent past, now a global hub of art, nightlife and start-ups. The Berlin Wall’s remnants, the Brandenburg Gate and the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe tell powerful stories, while neighbourhoods like Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain and Prenzlauer Berg bristle with cafés, galleries and street art. Its museums are on Third Reich, Cold War and classical art, its parks are enormous, and its club culture is legendary. Berlin rewards travellers who want history, counterculture and a whole lot of kebab and currywurst.
About Berlin
Berlin is the capital of Germany. The city's documented population is around 3,700,577 people. For visitors from abroad, the local currency is the Euro (EUR) and German is spoken; the dialling code is +49. It is served by 1 airport in our guide: Berlin Brandenburg Airport.
A Low-Rise Capital That Rewards a Settled Pace
Berlin is a vast, low-rise city with a famously unpolished edge — far less touristic and more spread out than most European capitals. The historic sights cluster in the centre, but the character lives in the big district neighbourhoods like Kreuzberg and Prenzlauer Berg, each with its own cafés, parks and nightlife. The transport network is excellent and covers the sprawl. The city carries its 20th-century history heavily, with memorials and museums that reward a reflective pace. It is not a city to rush — it is a city to settle into, on foot, by bike and across a long evening.
Reichstag Slots, Cash Pockets and Sunday Flea Markets
Book the Reichstag dome visit weeks ahead — it is free but strictly timed and popular. The main memorials are free but some take time to process, so don’t over-stack a day with heavy sites. Berlin runs on cash more than many German cities, so carry some euros for small venues and street stands. Sundays bring museum traffic but also the famous flea markets and brunch culture. Summer is lively and festival-heavy; winter is cold but the Christmas markets are a draw. The nightclub scene has its own strict door policies — worth researching before you make plans.
District Hopping by U-Bahn, Bike and Currywurst
The U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams and buses are all excellent and share a single ticket system — day passes cover everything, and a bike is a fine way to explore the wide boulevards. Many attractions are closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly. Kebab and currywurst are institutions, not just cheap meals. Berlin is spread out, so don’t expect to see it all on foot — use the network to hop between districts. The city is famously tolerant and informal, and you will find little of the formality of other capitals. Street art is part of the fabric, and the parks are huge and beloved.
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- Country
- Germany
- Population
- 3,700,577
- Coordinates
- 52.3667, 13.5033
- Capital
- Berlin
- Region
- Europe
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Languages
- German
- Calling code
- +49
- Country code
- DE
Entry requirements for Germany
Visa status for travellers from common origins visiting Germany for tourism.
Getting to Berlin
Airports we list for Berlin:
Other airports in the area:
Cities in Germany
Other cities we cover in Germany:
Frequently asked questions
Is Berlin the capital of Germany?
Yes — Berlin is the capital of Germany.
What currency do I need in Berlin?
The local currency is the Euro (EUR). Languages spoken in Germany include German.
What is the dialling code for Germany?
The international dialling code for Germany is +49.
Which airport should I fly into for Berlin?
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is the airport we list for Berlin.
How far is Berlin from the nearest airport?
Berlin is about 431 km from Frankfurt Airport.
Do I need a visa to visit Germany?
It depends on your passport. Among the origins we track, travellers from Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda and Argentina currently enter Germany visa-free for tourism. Use the entry requirements tool to check your own nationality and purpose of travel.
Flying out of Berlin? Check the entry requirements for your destination in our entry requirements tool before you fly.