With the Euro-Dollar exchange rate hovering around 1 to 1, travel to Europe has suddenly become more affordable than ever. Pair this with an airfare around 50% less than on established carriers, and food/accommodation prices way under what you pay in other capital cities, Berlin visitors will have much extra cash to spend on experiences or souvenirs. Here are some ideas that shows you how to save big on your trip to Berlin.
Airfare:
Airfare on the new low-cost/no-frills carrier Norse Atlantic Airways for on their new daily JFK-BER service and the new 3x/week LAX-BER route, is advertised on their website for as low as $132 one-way. Service from both hubs starts on August 18. The flights are nonstop, which also gives travelers a much greater chance to avoid recent flight delays. www.flynorse.com/.
Berlin Hotels:
Although prices have gone up in Berlin as well, the city still is one of the most affordable popular city destinations in Europe – and accommodations are generally much less expensive than hotel rooms in U.S. metropolitan areas. Places like the centrally located Circus Hotel or the Amano Hotels are known for design and low rates. Special offers can also be found at www.visitberlin.de/en/berlin-bargain-price. Want to splurge? A random search for midweek, mid-August, rooms showed 5-star hotel availability and rates under/around €400/night. visitBerlin offers a best-rate guarantee if you book though their website (www.visitberlin.de/en/city-break-berlin).
Eating out:
Breakfast: To save big and indulge in local customs, you find a great coffee and a breakfast sandwich on fresh German Brötchen roll at local bakeries all over the city (for around€5). Add a pastry for € 2. A cozy sit-down at many of the neighborhood breakfast places like will set you back about $20.
Lunch: We recommend Berlin street food, such as the filling Doener Kabab (€7) or a currywurst (€3).
Dinner: Good restaurants can be found everywhere in Berlin, and the cuisine ranges from German to very international. A casual dinner usually costs you about €25. A beer with it will cost €4 and a glass of Riesling about€7.
Free Sightseeing and admissions:
Join a tips-only walking tour, get up on top of the Reichstag (free but registration required) and visit any of the Berlin memorials and many museums relating to Berlin’s history for free. There are plenty other museums with free admission, as well as countless free activities.
At your leisure, explore the city’s street art, the East Side Gallery, or visit any of the famed flea markets for local scene and bargains, or just join Berliners enjoying the summer vibe in any of Berlin’s many parks.
Going out:
Until mid-September, visitors can enjoy free events nightly as part of the Berlin Kultursommer. Visit a club: admission is about €10, but many do offer free admission until 11 pm. In the summer, locals enjoy places like Birgit & Bier, or Else.
Venturing out: The German Rail is offering Euro 9 tickets for the month of July and August, good for a whole month of travel on regional trains anywhere in Germany.
Finally: get the Berlin Welcome Card for as low as €24 for many discounts and free public transportation.
Berlin at www.visitberlin.com