Berlin Things to Do

HURRY! Book by May 9th, 2013 to save 50% on the recommended retail price for select bike and Segway tours in Berlin. This exclusive offer applies to all scheduled departure times and dates through November 30th, 2013. Please note that this offer is available for new transactions only and cannot be applied to any existing booking.

Despite the triumphant fall of the Berlin Wall back in 1989, the remains of Berlin’s notorious border point are now one of the city’s most famous attractions, but the sections of wall still standing are just a fragment of the original. Tracing the route of the original wall is a popular pastime for travelers to Berlin and a number of walking tours and cycling tours take in the most significant sights that remain.

From uncovering the horrifying truths of the city’s history, to discovering the modern cosmopolitan Berlin that has emerged in its aftermath, there are plenty of ways to explore Germany’s capital that won’t cost you a cent. Here are a few ideas for free things to do in Berlin.

Berlin’s sheer size and vast number of attractions can be overwhelming for the first time visitor, but don’t worry – traveling around the city is an easy task. Here’s a few tips to get you started.

1. Make the most of the public transport system
Berlin’s public transport network is extensive and includes buses, trams, the U-Bahn (subway) and the S-Bahn, Regionalbahn (RB) and Regionalexpress (RE) trains. Public transport tickets are priced by zones, with single fare tickets valid for two hours including unlimited transfers between lines. Alternatively get a Tageskarte (day pass) or a 2-5 day Berlin Welcome Card, which offers flat-rate fares on all public transport, along with discounted entry for many of Berlin’s museums.

Earning UNESCO World Heritage status back in 1999, Berlin’s Museum Island is renowned for its unique architecture, holding the crème of the city’s world-class museums. The man-made islet encompasses a 1 square-kilometer mass, set on the Spree River and reachable by bridges from the Kupfergraben.

Turkish people represent one of the largest ethnic groups in Berlin. In the 1960′s, there was a shortage of workers needed to construct the infamous wall,   so guest workers were recruited from Turkey. Many of these workers decided to stay after the work was done, and over the years the Turkish population continued to grow. As a result, there’s a lot of excellent (and inexpensive) Turkish food to be had in Berlin.