How to get the Most out of Your 2-Day Berlin Travel Card
Sometimes trying to navigate your way through a subway and train network in a new language can be harder than it looks, and Berlin's system (BVG) is no exception. Trains from all over Europe arrive in Berlin's Hauptbahnhof (main train station) every single day. So what do you do when you arrive in the German capital at one of the busiest train stations in the country? Head straight to the closest BVG ticket machine, get yourself an unlimited 48-hour travel card, and start touring!
Choose the card offering a 48-hour pass covering Zone A and B for the best bang for your buck at €20. These two zones provide access to a lot of amazing things to see within one large section of the city. Out of all the metro, train, and tram stops within Berlin, there are 5 interesting districts conveniently located at 5 handy stations.
The map may look complicated at first, but will quickly become second nature to you in no time at all. Here are your 5 go-to stops to get the most out of your 2-Day Berlin Travel Card.
District: Charlottenburg
Zoologischer Garten - or Zoo Station - is the most convenient place to get off to explore the district of Charlottenburg. The leisure activities are in abundance in this area of Berlin, which include Freidrichstadt-Palaste theatre and KaDeWe – the iconic West Berlin shopping centre. And of course, as the station name suggests, the Berlin Zoo is located here as well! It's perfect if you're travelling with kids or just love animals. If shopping is what you're looking for, you'll also find endless stretches of fashion stores and quality boutiques in and around Kurfürstendamm. Charlottenburg is the best district to visit if you want to indulge in shopping, high-end dining, and decadent entertainment.
District: Mitte
Stadmitte station is an advantageous place to start when exploring the Mitte district. While the actual station may be unremarkable, its location definitely is. The name literally means "city centre" due to its geographical location smack dab in the middle of town. With Checkpoint Charlie to the south, Unter den Linden to the north, and Museum island just a short walk away, you can always count on finding an activity even for the pickiest of travellers. Being in the centre of town means, no matter which direction you take from the station, you'll be in the historical heart of Berlin where you're sure to find a plethora of culture, museums and galleries all around you.
Kottbusser Tor
District: Kreuzberg
Once you've had your fix of shopping and culture, no doubt you'll have built up quite an appetite. Kottbusser Tor station is in the centre of the Kreuzberg district, which happens to be the place to find delicious food, drink and parties. There is a distinct lack of tourists making it one of the best places to mingle with the locals while they, too, indulge in Berlin's rich entertainment. Particularly along Oranienstrasse, Wiener Strasse, and Schlesisches Tor, there is an endless array of cheap restaurants and eateries representing a diverse list of cultures. So before heading out to a show or an exciting night out on the town, pick your favourite cuisine, follow the local crowd, or play "eeny-meeny-miny-moe". You're sure to have a satisfying meal in Kreuzberg.
Warschauer Strasse
District: Friedrichshein
Warschauer Strasse station is the recommended stop to get off at when visiting Friedrichshein, especially if you're looking for great nightlife. The district of the former East Berlin bustles with tourists and locals alike every day of the week. Particularly along Warschauer Strasse, Revaler Strasse, and Simon-Dach Strasse, you will be spoilt for choice for bars, cafes and clubs catering to every taste.
And the good times are not strictly confined to the night: Saturday afternoons, Sunday and even Monday mornings are full of people travelling between parties within the district where the time of day is of little importance. And in the sunny hours of the day, Warschauer Strasse is just as vibrant as nighttime. It's a great spot to find a cafe and people watch while enjoying a fresh cup of coffee or the traditional donut filled with jelly called "pfannkuchen".
District: Prenzlaurberg
Schonhauser Allee station is the perfect gateway when entering the district of Prenzlaurberg, another popular area of the old East. It possesses a much more relaxed and chilled vibe with family-friendly parks and platzs. When you have had enough of the bars and clubs, there are many long boulevards to stroll down, enjoy the fresh air and leafy trees. If you manage to end up in Prenzlaurberg on a Sunday, head to Mauerpark on Eberswalder Strasse for the flea market. It's one of the biggest and most diverse in all of the city where you can find little knick-knacks, trinkets, and souvenirs to take home to remember your time in Berlin. Afterwards, relax on the hill of Mauerpark and take in some local tunes from the bands of the area who perform along the pathways. Whether you want to tap your feet to the music or just hang out, you'll love the atmosphere of Prezlaurberg.
Well, there you have it. 5 very different districts at only 5 stops in Zone A and B. It's easy, affordable, and the BVG will get you anywhere you need to visit in Berlin. Of course, if you're in the city for longer than 48-hours, you can always sight-see throughout the different zones, too! What is your favourite district?
Berlin Travel Card
Choose the card offering a 48-hour pass covering Zone A and B for the best bang for your buck at €20. These two zones provide access to a lot of amazing things to see within one large section of the city. Out of all the metro, train, and tram stops within Berlin, there are 5 interesting districts conveniently located at 5 handy stations.
The map may look complicated at first, but will quickly become second nature to you in no time at all. Here are your 5 go-to stops to get the most out of your 2-Day Berlin Travel Card.
Zoologischer Garten
District: Charlottenburg
via Flickr
Zoologischer Garten - or Zoo Station - is the most convenient place to get off to explore the district of Charlottenburg. The leisure activities are in abundance in this area of Berlin, which include Freidrichstadt-Palaste theatre and KaDeWe – the iconic West Berlin shopping centre. And of course, as the station name suggests, the Berlin Zoo is located here as well! It's perfect if you're travelling with kids or just love animals. If shopping is what you're looking for, you'll also find endless stretches of fashion stores and quality boutiques in and around Kurfürstendamm. Charlottenburg is the best district to visit if you want to indulge in shopping, high-end dining, and decadent entertainment.
Stadtmitte
District: Mitte
via Wikipedia
Stadmitte station is an advantageous place to start when exploring the Mitte district. While the actual station may be unremarkable, its location definitely is. The name literally means "city centre" due to its geographical location smack dab in the middle of town. With Checkpoint Charlie to the south, Unter den Linden to the north, and Museum island just a short walk away, you can always count on finding an activity even for the pickiest of travellers. Being in the centre of town means, no matter which direction you take from the station, you'll be in the historical heart of Berlin where you're sure to find a plethora of culture, museums and galleries all around you.
Kottbusser Tor
District: Kreuzberg
via Wikipedia
Once you've had your fix of shopping and culture, no doubt you'll have built up quite an appetite. Kottbusser Tor station is in the centre of the Kreuzberg district, which happens to be the place to find delicious food, drink and parties. There is a distinct lack of tourists making it one of the best places to mingle with the locals while they, too, indulge in Berlin's rich entertainment. Particularly along Oranienstrasse, Wiener Strasse, and Schlesisches Tor, there is an endless array of cheap restaurants and eateries representing a diverse list of cultures. So before heading out to a show or an exciting night out on the town, pick your favourite cuisine, follow the local crowd, or play "eeny-meeny-miny-moe". You're sure to have a satisfying meal in Kreuzberg.
Warschauer Strasse
District: Friedrichshein
via Wikipedia
Warschauer Strasse station is the recommended stop to get off at when visiting Friedrichshein, especially if you're looking for great nightlife. The district of the former East Berlin bustles with tourists and locals alike every day of the week. Particularly along Warschauer Strasse, Revaler Strasse, and Simon-Dach Strasse, you will be spoilt for choice for bars, cafes and clubs catering to every taste.
And the good times are not strictly confined to the night: Saturday afternoons, Sunday and even Monday mornings are full of people travelling between parties within the district where the time of day is of little importance. And in the sunny hours of the day, Warschauer Strasse is just as vibrant as nighttime. It's a great spot to find a cafe and people watch while enjoying a fresh cup of coffee or the traditional donut filled with jelly called "pfannkuchen".
Schonhauser Allee
District: Prenzlaurberg
via Flickr
Schonhauser Allee station is the perfect gateway when entering the district of Prenzlaurberg, another popular area of the old East. It possesses a much more relaxed and chilled vibe with family-friendly parks and platzs. When you have had enough of the bars and clubs, there are many long boulevards to stroll down, enjoy the fresh air and leafy trees. If you manage to end up in Prenzlaurberg on a Sunday, head to Mauerpark on Eberswalder Strasse for the flea market. It's one of the biggest and most diverse in all of the city where you can find little knick-knacks, trinkets, and souvenirs to take home to remember your time in Berlin. Afterwards, relax on the hill of Mauerpark and take in some local tunes from the bands of the area who perform along the pathways. Whether you want to tap your feet to the music or just hang out, you'll love the atmosphere of Prezlaurberg.
Well, there you have it. 5 very different districts at only 5 stops in Zone A and B. It's easy, affordable, and the BVG will get you anywhere you need to visit in Berlin. Of course, if you're in the city for longer than 48-hours, you can always sight-see throughout the different zones, too! What is your favourite district?
