How to make the most of a weekend in Berlin!
A weekend away in Berlin sounds like a fantastic idea! Berlin is a vibrant and diverse city with a rich history, art scene, and plenty of attractions to explore. Here are some suggestions to make the most of your weekend in Berlin:
1. Start your visit at the iconic Brandenburg Gate, an emblematic symbol of Berlin. It’s a great spot for taking photos and exploring the nearby Pariser Platz.
2. Just a short walk from the Brandenburg Gate, you’ll find the Reichstag Building. You can visit the dome for panoramic views of the city. Make sure to book your free tickets in advance.
3. Head to Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which houses several world-class museums. Explore the Pergamon Museum, the Neues Museum, the Altes Museum, or the Bode Museum, depending on your interests.
4. Take a stroll along the East Side Gallery, a section of the Berlin Wall that has been transformed into an open-air art gallery. Admire the vibrant murals created by artists from around the world.
5. Visit Checkpoint Charlie, the famous border crossing between East and West Berlin during the Cold War. Learn about the city’s history and the stories of those who attempted to cross the border.
6. Explore the Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom), an impressive architectural gem. Climb to the top of the dome for panoramic views of the city.
7. Spend some time at Potsdamer Platz, a bustling square with modern architecture, shopping malls, restaurants, and cinemas. It’s a great place to relax and soak up the atmosphere.
8. Berlin Wall Memorial: Visit the Berlin Wall Memorial in Bernauer Strasse to learn more about the history of the wall and its impact on the city. The memorial includes preserved sections of the wall and an informative exhibition.
9. Take a break from the city buzz and unwind in Tiergarten, Berlin’s central park. Enjoy a leisurely stroll, rent a bike, or have a picnic amidst the greenery.
10. Berlin is famous for its vibrant nightlife. Explore the diverse range of bars, clubs, and restaurants, especially in neighbourhoods like Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain, and Prenzlauer Berg.
Remember to also try some local cuisine, such as currywurst, schnitzel, or traditional German beer.
These are just a few highlights, and there is so much more to discover in Berlin. Make sure to plan your itinerary based on your preferences and interests. Enjoy your weekend away in this fascinating city!
What currency will I need?
The Euro (€) is the official currency of the Eurozone, which consists of 19 of the 27 member states of the European Union (EU). It is also used by several other European countries and territories outside the EU as their official currency, or as a de facto currency. The Euro is one of the most widely used and traded currencies in the world.
The Euro is divided into 100 cents, and it has seven different banknotes denominated in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 Euro, as well as eight different coins denominated in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents, and 1 and 2 Euro. The banknotes and coins are standard across all participating countries, with the same design and security features.
The Euro has had a significant impact on trade, investment, and economic integration within the Eurozone, as it has eliminated transaction costs and exchange rate risks associated with multiple currencies. However, it also presents challenges, such as managing the monetary policies of a diverse group of countries with different economic conditions and addressing issues related to fiscal policies, financial stability, and political coordination among member states.
Overall, the Euro has become a symbol of European economic and monetary integration, and it plays a crucial role in the global economy as a major reserve currency and a benchmark for financial markets.
Should I use travel cash or a card?
According to Mintel, 90% of British travellers take some travel cash with them. It’s perfect for tips, taxis, street-side vendors and locations which do not have card machines (or where they are not working). It’s easy to budget with, and share with other members of your party. It’s also not prone to technical faults, does not require internet access, and you won’t be charged to use it.
Having a debit card is also a great idea as backup – just make sure you know what fees the card issuer charges to make payments in the foreign currency (better still, find one that makes no charges at all). Bigger purchases should be made on a travel-friendly UK-issued credit card to get that additional Section 75 protection (see https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/everyday-money/credit-and-purchases/how-youre-protected-when-you-pay-by-card). Make sure when paying by card that you ALWAYS pay in the foreign currency – do not let the card processor do the conversion to GBP as you will always get a worse rate. That applies even if the foreign currency is already loaded onto a prepaid multi-currency card – the card issuer will decide whether to settle from your foreign currency wallet or not.
Where can I buy currency?
You will typically get a better deal buying your travel cash here in the UK before you travel. Look for the highest possible foreign currency exchange rate to indicate the best deal. For example, a rate of EUR €1.1225 is better than EUR €1.0952 when buying Euro (EUR). Airports tend to offer the worst rates – especially if you have not pre-ordered – and you may find a bureau de change on your High Street, in a supermarket or department store, in many travel agents, and at major transport hubs.
You can also buy Hungarian Forint from Travel Money Club for next business day despatch to home via fully insured Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed by 1pm. Unlike the competition, we don’t hide fees and charges in our exchange rates – you just pay a fair and transparent handling fee based on how much you are exchanging. Get an instant quote now at https://yourtmc.link/quote-eur.
