The City

Berlin has a very turbulent and eventful past. No other city can even dream to compare with its numerous and radical changes that transformed the city. Today Berlin is rebuilding itself and is becoming a vibrant metropolis in the heart of Europe. It is a city with breathtaking natural landscapes and historical sites. You can experience Berlin’s intense culture everywhere from fine dining to the opera. The nightlife is exciting, hip, and trendy.

Tourism

Airport

Coordinates: Berlin Tegel Airport (52°33’35”N 013°17’16”E) is the main international airport in Berlin, Germany. Berlin-Schönefeld Airport (52°22’43”N 013°31’14”E) is the second largest airport in Berlin.

Airlines

The following airlines have regular flights to Berlin Tegel Airport and Berlin-Schönefeld Airport:

• Virgin Atlantic (from Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban)
• South African Airways (from Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban)
• Lufthansa (from Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban)
• Etihad Airways (from Johannesburg and Durban)
• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (from Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban)
• Air France (from Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban)
• SWISS (from Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban)
• British Airways (from Cape Town and Durban)

What to see

• Berlin Zoo
• East Side Gallery
• Gemäldegalerie
• Haus am Checkpoint Charlie
• Jewish Museum
• Pergamon Museum
• Potsdamer Platz
• Reichstag
• Schloss Charlottenburg

Events

• Carnival of Cultures – A celebration of the city´s ethnic diversity, the most colourful and vivacious festival in Berlin.
• Lesbian and Gay Street Festival - Berlin's Lesbian and Gay Street Festival attracts about 35,000 visitors and takes place at Nollendorf Platz.

• Christopher Street Day – Berlin's Christopher Street Day attracts hundreds of thousands of people with more than 50 floats and a huge party in the streets between Kurfürstendamm and the Victory Column.

• Berlin Fashion Week - Berlin Fashion Week consists of two exclusive fashion shows taking place every year, along with a full tradeshow program and numerous events, award presentations and exhibitions.

• Festival of Lights – The two-week long Festival of Lights sees Berlin's most recognized historical sights highlighted by colorful lights, projections and fireworks. Many cultural events take place during this festival.

• JazzFest Berlin – A four-day concert marathon with big bands, American and international jazz stars performing at this festival.

Accommodation

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General Information

Berlin is six hours ahead of U.S. Eastern Standard Time and the currency used is the euro. The best way to get around the city is with public transport; subway, light rail, buses and trams. Carry cash with you, as Berlin is not very credit card friendly. Pack comfortable walking shoes, because Berlin is best explored on foot. You never know when it is going to rain, even in summer, so always carry an umbrella or raincoat with you.

Weather

The best time to visit Berlin is from May to October when the days are long and warm. Temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C making it perfect for all the outdoor festivals. The rainy season is between November and April.