Curator’s statement
Berlin is a top tier city to visit on a budget. Summer brings an abundance of beautiful parks and waterfront locales for leisurely picnics in the sun. Dozens of open-air festivals can be found scattered throughout the city. Winter invites us inside independent galleries for browsing and later, to cozy happy hours for warming away the cold. The kicker? Accommodation here skews significantly cheaper than other European capitals. Even as the price of travel increases, Berlin’s open-minded character and welcoming vibes mean this ever-cool city stays accessible to everyone.
The Fora Difference
Book with Maggie to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay in Berlin
Unlock perks by contacting Maggie to book your trip.
Things to do in Berlin
Walking Tours
There are a million options! All donations based! Check out:
Museums/Galleries - Free!
König Galerie: Interdisciplinary, space-based exhibitions featuring emerging international artists housed in a former Brutalist church.
Deutscher Dom: 18th century cathedral structure housing exhibitions on German democracy and its development. Also, a bell tower with panoramic views of Berlin.
Futurium: Interactive displays designed to make guests contemplate the future of culture and our planet. Trippy.
Kunstraum Kreuzberg: Former hospital turned squatter space turned present-day cultural center and contemporary art space!
East Side Gallery: A Berlin Wall monument. Must-visit for first timers.
Shows/Events
Comedy at The Wall or Babette’s Garden: Donation-based stand-ups are all over this city. Check Eventbrite for updated showtimes and even more fun options.
“Musik im Park”: Free, outdoor summer concert series on Köpenick Island.
Kultursommer Festival: Summer, various locations. All types of theater, dance, music and more. Open to the public.
Shopping
24COLOURS: Affordable, trendy pieces for women. Super cute.
Vintage Revivals: Varied selection of vintage items at bomb prices. Everything from old T-shirts to sports jackets to club and costume pieces.
Humana: Can’t make a thrifting list without good ol’ Humana. Locations all over the city. (Hint: The one at the Frankfurter Tor is the largest second hand shop in Europe.)
Marheinekeplatz Flea Market: A Kreuzberg staple offering a bit of everything for the patient bargain-hunter. (Weekends only.)
Getting Around
Berlin is big — the biggest city in the EU. While taking public transport from one end of the city to another will take longer than a taxi, the network is vast, efficient and will get you everywhere you need to go. With patience, you can see the entire city without cashing out for a single Uber. (24-Hour tickets start at 8.80 Euro.)
Places to eat & drink in Berlin
EAT
Kebab: Berlin’s ubiquitous kebab joints serve up enormous portions of Döner for anywhere from 5 - 10 euro. It’s impossible to recommend a top spot, but people love Mustafa’s. (Weisse Kebap Haus was my spot this recent trip.)
Banh Mi: The Vietnamese sandwich can be found fresh and cheap in stands all over the city. (Try the stand at Schnellerstraße 133 in front of Decathalon.)
Yoyo Foodworld: 100% vegan, self-service spot. Ridiculous variety of items. Dishes around 7 euro.
Burgermeister: beloved burger chain. Delicious options for less than 10 euro.
DRINKS
Belushi’s Happy Hour: 2 euro Jaeger shots, Sunday-Friday 5-9pm. Lively bar attached to a hostel. Fun for an energetic pregame.
Vagabund Taproom: Hi beer friends! Happy Hour 5 - 7pm with 50% tap pours. Plus, 5 euro long drinks all day, every day. A Wedding staple.
Club der Visionäre: Waterfront bar/club with different spaces for chilling and dancing. Nice mix of locals and tourists. For a more laidback club atmosphere, as the night deepens, CdV can’t be beat. PRICE: 5-8 euros cover.
Let's talk about customizing this itinerary for you. Or, about other destinations.
Travel Advisor
Maggie Pecorino
Get in touch with Maggie
Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
You can normally expect a response from Maggie within a business day or so. You’ll also be subscribed to our travel newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).
Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, The First Timer’s Guide to Copenhagen.
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Berlin.