Berlin Holidays

Q: Can you swim in Berlin?

Yes, there are plenty of indoor and outdoor pools to choose from. The Badeschiff has a very cool vibe and it’s situated right inside the city’s Spree, so you can even catch views of its most famous sights while you swim. If you fancy a more conventional pool, Schwimmhalle Fischerinsel is exactly what you’re looking for. It’s also right in the city centre, which is really convenient. Many people don’t realise that Berlin is also surrounded by lakes, so there are also loads of opportunities to enjoy a bit of wild swimming while you’re here.

Q: How long does it take to fly to Berlin from the UK?

The average direct flight time from London to Berlin is an hour and 53 minutes. Brandenburg Airport is in Schonefeld, just south of the German capital, only a short drive or train journey from the city itself. The transfer between the airport and your accommodation is really straightforward, and there’s no need to worry about unnecessary stress either side of your actual holiday. A trip to Berlin is a very practical option whatever time of year you want to travel.

Q: What can I see in Berlin in three days?

Depending on what time of year it is, there are lots of things you could see and do in a long weekend. Perhaps you should get your trip off to a relaxing start at one of the many cafes along the Landwehr Canal. Then stroll along the Berlin Wall’s remains, or hire a bike if you feel energetic. You could also visit the Brandenburg Gate or Tiergarten Park, explore one of the city’s many museums or take the kids to Berlin Aquarium, Alternatively, just chill out for a while by the lakes, or indulge in a bit of retail therapy.

Q: What are the views like in Berlin?

From the vantage points in Berlin there are remarkable views of the city. See the city from above at the famous Berlin TV tower landmark, which is an impressive 368 metres tall.

Q: When’s the best time of year to visit Berlin?

Any time of year is great – it depends on what you’d like to do most while you’re in Berlin. Spring and autumn are a little bit cooler than high summer, so they’re a really good choice if you want to spend your trip sightseeing. You’ll also find the city a little quieter then. If you’d prefer to make the most of the city’s beaches and wild swimming, the summer months would be spot on. Some of Berlin’s historic sites can feel really atmospheric in winter, and Brandenburg Gate looks particularly stunning with its flood-lights shining.

Q: What is Berlin famous for?

Berlin is well known for having a rich history, a huge range of landmarks, and for its vibrant arts and cultural scene. The government district, which is open to visitors, has the famous Reichstag building, with its iconic glass dome. Past and present sit side by side here, just as the old and contemporary architecture does right across the city. The Berlin Wall, which once divided the city, and the Brandenburg Gate, bear witness to Germany and Europe’s chequered past. At the same time, people flock here from across the world to draw inspiration from everything it now has to offer.

Q: Why is the Brandenburg Gate famous in Berlin?

The Brandenburg Gate was inspired by the Athens Acropolis Propylaea, and its original purpose was to provide a grand entrance to the city. It became a symbol of a divided Berlin during the Cold War when it sat in what was known as No Man’s Land. The Gate has now come to represent peace and unity, however, and events, celebrations and gatherings are regularly held here these days. Of course, it’s also become a popular tourist attraction and, despite its difficult history, a visit here is an absolute must for anyone travelling to the city.

Q: Which neighbourhoods should I explore in Berlin?

As many as you can! Each neighbourhood has its own individual flair – the 12 districts of Berlin each correspond to a major city. They're all uniquely different, yet unmistakably Berlin.

Q: What’s good to eat in Berlin?

Berlin is setting trends for sustainable eating and was voted the most vegan-friendly city in the world, with its vegan fine dining scene highly regarded by gourmets worldwide.

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Every possibility in one city

Discover Berlin, a vibrant city full of history, adventure, and unique culture. Since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the city’s status as a countercultural hub has boomed, with creatives and artists thriving in this liberal metropolis.

The German capital will lure you in with its contemporary cityscape, where both modern and historically significant buildings come together. Living history, internationally renowned galleries, and UNESCO World Heritage sites are all waiting to be explored. Be tempted by Berlin’s exquisite international food scene, and the one-of-a-kind shopping experiences out in the west. A day in Berlin could see you joining a cycling tour of the city, strolling around hilltop Viktoriapark, and hopping between the five museums on the aptly-named Museum Island.

The city is a playground for creatives and unconventional thinkers – it welcomes innovation and fresh ideas. There’s everything you could want from a city break, as well as adventures by the waterfront and discoveries in Berlin's countryside. Whether it’s a big city expedition or pure relaxation, bustling neighbourhood life or natural oases – there’s so much more to experience in Berlin than a classic city trip.

Need to know

Language
German

Currency
Euro

Time zone
GMT +1

Flight time
1hr 20mins

* Average time from London Gatwick to Berlin

Explore our map of Berlin

Exploring Berlin

Art galleries

6-7 hrs

20 km

4 Locations

Bus or Walking or

From open-air history to modern masterpieces, spend a day at Berlin’s art galleries.

Historical Tour of Berlin

6-7 hrs

4 km

4 Locations

Walking or Bus or

Take a walk through Berlin’s turbulent past on a day of historical sight-seeing.

Potsdam Day Trip

4-6 hrs

6 km

4 Locations

Bus or Walking or

Explore the palaces of the ‘City of Emperors’ on a day trip from Berlin.

Bauhaus design
The Bauhaus Archive is a sleekly designed tribute to the Weimar-era pioneers of modern design, and hosts temporary exhibits alongside a history of the Bauhaus School and its philosophies.
The Brandenburg Gate
This colossal landmark has been around since the 18th century. In recent times, it's become a symbol of the separation between East and West Berlin.
The Berlin Wall
Check out the remains of the historic wall out in the east of the city, far from the crowds at Checkpoint Charlie, where new graffiti still emerges today.