Berlin City Guide

Diverse food options with strong Turkish influence and excellent vegetarian/vegan choices. Late-night spots are common in Kreuzberg and Neukölln.

World-famous nightlife with clubs, bars, and live music across several vibrant districts.

Strong specialty coffee scene with many independent shops and skilled baristas.

Tipping is common but not required; 5-10% is customary in restaurants and taxis.

SIM cards available at provider shops, electronics stores, some supermarkets, and Spätis. ID registration required.

Cleanliness varies; central areas are generally tidy while some districts are less so.

Late-night convenience stores (Spätis), emergency pharmacies, and hospital ERs operate 24/7.

Large supermarkets offer local and international products. Shops close on Sundays except some at stations and airports.

Card payments are common in most places, but small businesses often prefer cash. Carry some cash for small purchases.

ATMs are widespread at banks, shopping centers, and train stations. Withdrawals from non-home bank ATMs may incur fees.

Several international schools offering English instruction are available; apply early due to demand.

Large, active nomad and expat community with frequent meetups, co-living, and nomad-friendly cafés.

Large, accessible green areas like Tiergarten and Tempelhofer Feld offer good outdoor space.

Safe and scenic routes in parks and along the river; active running community.

Wide range of gyms with flexible memberships and various sports facilities.

Many tennis clubs and public courts with some equipment rentals.

Padel is growing with courts at sports centers.

Abundant studios offering varied styles; many have English-speaking instructors.

Wide availability of classes in BJJ, Muay Thai, Boxing, Judo, Karate, Taekwondo with many English-speaking instructors.

No local ski resorts; nearest hills are several hours away.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and windsurfing are popular on local lakes and rivers.

No ocean surfing; some artificial wave parks and river surfing spots available.

Limited freshwater diving spots in lakes with basic biodiversity.

High-quality public and private care with many English-speaking staff, especially in bigger hospitals like Charité.

Tap water is safe, regularly tested, and of high quality.

Many parks with playgrounds, kid-friendly cafés, and family attractions like Berlin Zoo and interactive museums.

One of the most LGBTQ+ friendly cities with vibrant scenes and strong legal protections.

Very pet-friendly with many dog-friendly parks and quality veterinary services.