DW Deutsch in Bayern and Baden-Württemberg

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Planning notes for Berlin

Must-try foods in Berlin

• Döner Kebab (Berlin Style)
  Döner Kebab (Berlin Style)Though its roots are Turkish, the modern Döner was popularized in Berlin. It features thinly sliced rotisserie veal or chicken stuffed into a triangular flatbread (Fladenbrot) with crisp salad, onions, red cabbage, and the signature trio of sauces: Kräuter (herb), Knoblauch (garlic), and Scharf (spicy).
• Berliner Pfannkuchen
  Berliner PfannkuchenThe city’s namesake pastry, known elsewhere simply as a 'Berliner.' It is a deep-fried sourdough ball filled with plum butter (Pflaumenmus) or strawberry jam and coated in powdered or granulated sugar. Traditionally eaten on New Year's Eve and during Carnival, they are a bakery staple year-round.
• Senfeier
  SenfeierA nostalgic comfort food that has seen a massive resurgence in Berlin’s modern bistro scene. It consists of hard-boiled or poached eggs smothered in a creamy, velvety mustard sauce, served alongside buttery mashed potatoes. It is the ultimate German 'Oma' (grandma) dish.
• Gemüsekebab
  GemüsekebabThe 2026 evolution of Berlin’s kebab culture. Pioneered by spots like Mustafa’s, this version swaps or supplements heavy meat with deep-fried Mediterranean vegetables, fresh mint, a squeeze of lemon, and a crumbling of salty white cheese, representing the city's shift toward fresher, vegetable-forward street food.
• Vietnamese Phở & Bun Cha
  Vietnamese Phở & Bun ChaDue to the historical migration of 'contract workers' to East Berlin, the city boasts some of Europe's most authentic Vietnamese food. Specifically, the Phở and charcoal-grilled Bun Cha found in the Dong Xuan Center or the trendy districts of Lichtenberg and Neukölln are essential to the modern Berlin palate.
• Berlin Smash Burgers
  Berlin Smash BurgersCurrently dominating the 2025-2026 trending food scene, Berlin has perfected the 'Smash Burger.' Characterized by ultra-thin, lacy-edged patties seared on a high-heat grill, served in potato buns with secret 'house sauces,' this trend has seen local spots like Goldies and 44 Burger reach cult status.

Trip guide

• About Berlin
  About BerlinBerlin, the capital of Germany, contains historical layers dating back to its 13th-century origins as the twin settlements of Cölln and Berlin. As of 2026, the city functions as a central European cultural hub with three UNESCO World Heritage sites: Museum Island, the Prussian Palaces and Gardens of Berlin and Potsdam, and the Berlin Modernist Housing Estates.
• When to go
  When to goWhile summer is the peak tourist season with higher prices and larger crowds, visiting during the "shoulder" months of May or September offers a perfect balance of mild weather and shorter lines. For budget travelers, the off-peak winter months (January–March) are the cheapest, though the weather is often grey and freezing; alternatively, December is a popular mid-winter choice for the famous Christmas markets.
• Getting around
  Getting around Berlin

  • Regional and S-Bahn Trains To get from Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) to the city center, use the Airport Express (FEX) or regional trains (RE8, RB23) for a 30-minute journey to Berlin Hauptbahnhof. Alternatively.
  • U-Bahn and Tram Network For local travel, the extensive U-Bahn (underground) and tram systems cover nearly every neighborhood. The U5 line is particularly useful for tourists.
  • Public Buses Berlin's bus network includes over 300 routes, with double-decker lines 100 and 200 serving as affordable sightseeing options. These lines pass major attractions like the Victory Column and Tiergarten.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Always validate your paper transport ticket at the red or yellow stamping machines on the platform before boarding to avoid a sixty-euro fine.
  • Respect the city's quiet hours by keeping noise to a minimum between ten p.m. and six a.m. and throughout the day on Sundays.
  • Stand on the right side of escalators in train stations to allow people in a hurry to pass on the left.
• What’s new
  What’s new in Berlin

  • NBA Berlin Game 2026: The first-ever regular-season NBA game in Germany, featuring the Orlando Magic vs. Memphis Grizzlies at the Uber Arena.
  • Hohenzollern Crypt Reopening: The grand reopening of Europe's largest dynastic burial chamber in the Berlin Cathedral after six years of extensive restoration.
• visitBerlin↗
  visitBerlinThe official travel portal for Berlin and its Mitte district, providing information on sights, events, and visitor services in the city's historic center.