Planning Your Trip

Berlin, the capital of Germany, is a history-rich city that has shed its painful past to become a chic and eclectic metropolis with something for everyone, from the underground hipster to the highbrow culture vulture. Here’s a packing guide for your trip.

Business Travel

Whereas the rest of Germany may adopt a much more conservative business dress code, Berlin is like its laid-back counterpoint, where many residents work in creative industries like art, music, design and fashion. As a visitor, you’ll want to have a few safe and neutral outfits on hand.

Men ought to pack a tailored suit, a slacks-plus-button-down combo and a pair of dress shoes.

Ladies should also bring tailored sheath dresses, blouses, trousers and heels.

Depending on your line of work, you can swap in avant-garde pieces, like a statement necklace or vintage bow tie.

Exploring the City

Berlin’s top sights are spread out all over the city. From the Reichstag and Brandenburg Gate on the west side to the techno clubs and indie boutiques in Friedrichshain on the east side, you’ll have a lot of ground to cover.

Comfortable shoes are a must! Plus, Berlin is a casual city where heels aren’t even required for the most popular nightclubs.

Berliners’ street style is legendary. They openly embrace the unconventional with a touch of nonchalance. If you have anything experimental sitting in the back of your closet, bring it.

You’ll be out and about for long stretches of time. Don’t risk a dead phone battery; bring a small, portable charger.

Winter Vacation

Winters in Berlin are quite cold, with temperatures averaging in the 30s Fahrenheit and snowfall that usually occurs between December and March. Since you’ll be spending a lot of time sightseeing outdoors, pack plenty of cold-weather essentials.

A thick winter coat or down jacket will keep you warm, along with chunky sweaters and boots.

In case of especially frigid days, bring along a set of thermal underwear.

Hats, scarves and gloves are crucial. And winters in Berlin are not without some sunshine! Bring a pair of cool shades.

Don’t Forget:

It will be really hard to resist the eccentric wares you’ll find in Berlin’s boutiques. The locals’ fashionable way of dress may also inspire you to add a few items to your wardrobe. Bring an extra carry-on for any new acquisitions you make during your stay.

In Berlin, UNESCO World Heritage sites coexist with graffiti murals, techno discos share real estate with a revered philharmonic, and the works of 20th-century greats are found steps away from those by up-and-coming avant-garde stars. There is something for everyone in this unpretentious yet culturally vibrant city — below are some suggestions for your itinerary.

Dining Reservations

Embrace an adventure for the senses at the innovative Berlin Bar Fragrances, where perfumes and cocktails harmoniously combine to offer unrivaled sensory experiences. Discover the story of German cuisine at the signature restaurant POTS or indulge in Latin American flavors and music at The Curtain Club. Afternoon Tea, meanwhile, is a ritual to savor at The Lounge. For refined German cuisine, book a table at Aigner, and for a unique culinary experience, head to the Michelin-starred Nobelhart & Schmutzig, where you’ll get 10 courses of Nordic-inspired nouveau German dishes. The best steaks will be served at Midtown Grill, located just a few steps from the hotel.

Day Trips

The nearby city of Potsdam is a mine of historical and imperial gems. Tour Sanssouci Palace — the summer home of Frederick the Great, the former King of Prussia — and its beautiful Italian-style gardens. South of this residence is the Charlottenhof Palace, where King Frederick William IV spent the warmer months. The acclaimed Museum Barberini, which mounts exhibits of masters like Edvard Munch, Max Beckmann, and Gerhard Richter opened in January 2017 and is well worth the visit. Take a stroll around the charming Dutch quarter, which consists of 169 red brick buildings that have been renovated and is considered Europe’s greatest collection of Dutch-style architecture outside of the Netherlands.

Museum Tickets and Cultural Sights

The Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall (or East Side Gallery) and Reichstag (which was reconstructed by Norman Foster) are must-sees to get a true sense of Berlin’s — and Germany’s — significant past. Berlin’s best museums are clustered on Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site that occupies the northern section of an island in the Spree river. For a taste of the city’s youthful, bohemian culture, head over to Friedrichshain for cool galleries, eclectic boutiques and a Sunday flea market.

Nightlife

Like the rest of the city, nightlife options in Berlin span the spectrum of high and low. Don your evening best for a night at the opera (Staatsoper Berlin) or at the acoustically advanced Berliner Philharmonie, home to the world-renowned Berlin Philharmonic orchestra. Be enchanted by the acrobatic performances of Friedrichstadt-Palast, Berlin's famous revue theater, or take your chances with the bouncer at its buzziest club, Berghain. Prefer something quieter? Enjoy a few cocktails — and fabulous views — from the sky lounge at Solar Berlin.

Berlin is a modern hub for creativity and culture. As artists, entrepreneurs and tech innovators flock to the German capital for its promise of opportunity, there is always something new for travelers to see and experience. From the world-class museums and memorials to the industrial architecture and vibrant nightlife scene, traveling to Berlin always feels like discovering a cultural renaissance. Discover the best the city has to offer with a stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Berlin.

Aerial view of Berlin skyline with Spree river in summer, Germany

Cultural Treasures

With over 170 museums exploring everything from ancient artifacts to modern history, culture hounds will never experience a dull moment in Berlin. After the collapse of the Berlin Wall, artists, musicians and creatives of all types swarmed to the German capital to leave their mark. The result? A thriving art scene and city that buzz with abundant creativity.

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The Perfect Weekend

Take a closer look behind the glimmering city skyline, and you’ll discover the infectious duality of old-world charm paired with modern amenities. While the vastness of the sprawling metropolis can seem daunting, the city is bike-friendly, so the scenic route is always your best option. With more parks and museums than any city in Europe, you'll want to plan ahead to see everything on your list.