How to make the most of your layover in Berlin

Berlin is the perfect city to stretch your legs and dive into some culture on a layover! The German capital is known for its unique mix of historic charm and creative edge. Berlin combines centuries-old landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate and Berlin Wall with street art, cafés, and open-air galleries.

Change shaped this city into an exciting fusion of old and new. You’ll find buzzing neighborhoods, world-class museums on Museum Island, and an easygoing vibe that makes everyone feel welcome.

With excellent public transport, you can easily reach these sights in a fast and eco-friendly way. Whether you're a history buff or just craving a good currywurst, Berlin makes any layover worthwhile. Having company like friends and family makes the trip through Berlin even more enjoyable!

Things to keep in mind before leaving the airport

You can't just leave the airport all willy-nilly, there are rules, of course. Germans especially value them, and that respect for structure has helped make Berlin such an incredible city today. Keep reading to learn some key info you need before you leave Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER). It's the only airport in the city now, so you'll be passing through it during your Berlin transit. You might have used the Tegel Airport before, but it's permanently closed now.

Visa requirements in Berlin

Are you worried that you'll need a visa for your Berlin airport layover? You don't need a visa if you're from the Schengen area or the EU. Just bring your passport or ID that's valid for another 3 months. If you're coming from outside those countries, you'll need a tourist or transit visa. The official German Foreign Office website has detailed information! Make sure to check it out!

Minimum layover times in Berlin

1. In-airport short layover:
2. Domestic flights: 45 minutes
   BER has an efficient layout, and the two terminals (T1 and T2) are within walking distance of each other. So, if you're not leaving the Schengen zone, the layover process is pretty quick and doesn't involve extra security checks.
3. International flights: 75 minutes
   The process takes longer if you're leaving or entering the Schengen zone. You'll have to go through security checks, customs, and passport control. The baggage processing system also isn't as straightforward this way. If you have a biometric passport, you can use it for the EasyPass which gives you quicker checkpoints. There are also online check-ins and Fast Bag Drop options, where you can check in your luggage with a machine.
4. In-airport long layover: 3 hrs
   If you have a few hours while you wait for your connecting flight, you can spend them in comfort and luxury. The BER lounges start at €36 and have buffets, cozy work and rest stations, and shower facilities. You can also spring for the VIP Service Zeitgeist. It gets you a dedicated team that'll take care of the check-in and baggage process, and give you access to separate security, border, and customs control. BER has some great shopping options with quality German-made watches, cigars, and beer. You’ll also find some cool spots around like the observation deck, art exhibits, and rooms dedicated to the history of Berlin aviation.
5. Out-of-airport layover: 6 hrs
   Want a change of scenery? The Airport Express (FEX) train goes between the airport and Berlin Central Station 4 times an hour. It's the best way to get near the city centre, and the ride takes just 50 minutes. From there, you can catch another train or bus to any part of the city, or you could take an e-scooter! The locals love them and will thank you for using them!

What to do in Berlin during a layover

There's a lot to see in Berlin! If you want to make the most of your stay, check out our list of must-see spots in the city! From history and culture to fun and excitement, Berlin has something for everyone! A family trip or a day out with your pals is definitely worth it, especially if you know about our Bounce partners. They're all over the city and near the BER airport. Plus, they'll take any extra stuff you have but don't want to carry. Drop off your laptop, backpacks, or suitcases, and explore Berlin to the fullest!

Morning layover in Berlin

Germans start their days early, so get a head start and begin exploring just as the top spots open:

1. Brandenburg Gate, the iconic 18th-century monument, is Berlin's most famous landmark. It’s a great spot for some photo ops and right in Berlin city centre!
2. Just a short walk away, there’s a Reichstag Building, the historic German parliament building. It has impressive architecture and fantastic views of Unter den Linden Street from its glass dome.
3. Need a morning snack? The Bäckerei Balzer has classic German pastries like butterkuchen (butter cake) and fresh pretzels.
4. Zur Letzten Instanz is the city’s oldest restaurant dating back to 1621. It serves traditional Berliner Eisbein (pickled pork knuckle) for a unique start to your day.

Afternoon layover in Berlin

Berlin is beautiful at any time of the day, check out some more spots and food joints you can’t miss:

1. Start your afternoon in West Berlin at the Berlin Wall Memorial and explore this open-air exhibit. It's a preserved segment of the Berlin Wall with displays about the city's divided history.
2. Museum Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in central Berlin and a great place for history lovers! It consists of five museums that house ancient artifacts. You’ll need 1–2 hours for a quick tour.
3. Curry 36 serves the must-try currywurst, a local favorite made with sausage and curry-spiced ketchup.
4. If you're looking for a food market, Markthalle Neun is the place for you. It offers different German dishes like kaiserschmarrn (fluffy shredded pancakes) and some special cheeses.

Evening layover in Berlin

History, food, and beer, that's what German evenings are all about. Have a look at more  interesting spots:

1. A famous Cold War border crossing and a popular tourist site, Checkpoint Charlie is brimming with German history and displays about espionage and escape stories.
2. The East Side Gallery is a vibrant, open-air gallery on a 1.3 km stretch of the Berlin Wall. Artists painted murals there that represent freedom and change.
3. Zur Haxe restaurant specializes in Schweinshaxe (crispy pork knuckle) served with sauerkraut. It’s a classic German dinner experience.
4. Prater Garten is Berlin’s oldest beer garden that offers grilled sausages, pretzels, and local brews. It’s simply perfect for unwinding in the evening.

Overnight layover in Berlin

For some mesmerizing nighttime views of Berlin and its architecture, check out these spots and hotels:

1. Head to Alexanderplatz and take an elevator up the TV Tower for panoramic night views of Berlin.
2. Explore the largest palace in the city, the Charlottenburg Palace, and witness beautiful baroque architecture and spacious gardens.
3. Hotel Adlon Kempinski is right next to the Brandenburg Gate. It's a luxurious hotel that offers elegance and historic charm, starting from €300 per night.
4. Motel One Berlin-Alexanderplatz is a budget-friendly option near Alexanderplatz with stylish, modern vibes. A room will run you around €80–€100 per night.

Tips to make the most out of your time in Berlin

Here are some top tips to prepare you for your short stay in Berlin:

• German is the official language, but English is widely spoken too. You can also find a bunch of people from other countries that come to Germany for work.
• The euro (€) is the country's currency.
• Berlin is a very safe city, but you should still be careful around bus stops and train stations.
• Hostel beds range from €20–€40 per night, while budget hotels are around €50–€80. A typical meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs around €10–€15, and mid-range restaurants could run you €20–€40 per person.

Our most valuable tip: be eco-friendly! The scooters are a quick and easy way to get around Berlin while keeping carbon emissions to a minimum! If you want to spend the day exploring stress-free, stop by a Bounce partner and leave all your extra stuff behind. Don't let the baggage weigh you down!