It takes about four and a half hours to reach Berlin from Prague by FlixBus — surprisingly quick!
Since accommodation in Berlin tends to be pricey, I stayed a bit outside the city center at Happy Hotel Berlin. The total cost for one week was around €130 (about ¥22,000). The dorm room had six beds and was rather compact. My bed happened to be near the door, and one of my roommates snored quite loudly, so I didn’t sleep much that week (laughs). Still, the place was clean, safe, and affordable — perfect for budget travelers.
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Getting Around Berlin
Berlin’s public transport system is extensive — buses, trams, and trains can take you just about anywhere.
That said, this was my second time in Germany, and I still find the tickets quite expensive.
The city is divided into A, B, and C zones, with central Berlin covered by Zone A.
Here are the main ticket options:
- Kurzstrecke (Short Trip Ticket) – valid for up to 3 train stops or 6 bus stops (€2.60)
- Einzelfahrschein (Single Ticket) – for one-way travel
- 24-Stunden-Karte (Day Pass) – valid for 24 hours from purchase
If you’re staying for a few days, the day pass for your target zones is usually the best deal.
For a detailed guide, check this helpful article:
🔗 How to Use Berlin Public Transport (Doitsu Dayori)
Sightseeing in Berlin
The Berlin Wall Remnants
The remains of the Berlin Wall appear rather casually along ordinary streets — almost blending into the city.
Touching the rough, concrete surface was surreal. It’s hard not to think about the Cold War and the monumental moment of its fall in 1989.
【ヨーロッパ周遊 #2】ベルリンから日帰りで行ける世界遺産の街・ポツダム旅行記
Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom)
This grand cathedral stands proudly in central Berlin. The park in front is perfect for picnics, and both tourists and locals gather here to relax. On a sunny day, it’s one of the best spots to sit and enjoy the view.
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Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor)
Built during the Prussian era, this gate is one of Berlin’s most iconic landmarks.
Napoleon once took its statue to Paris, and later, during the Cold War, the gate stood right at the border between East and West Berlin. A place filled with living history.
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Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
A somber yet powerful memorial consisting of hundreds of concrete slabs.
Walking through the uneven paths creates a quiet, reflective mood — a reminder of the importance of remembering the past.
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A Day Trip to Potsdam
Just outside Berlin lies Potsdam, a beautiful city famous as the site of the Potsdam Declaration after World War II.
It’s easily accessible with an ABC-zone day ticket, making it a perfect day trip destination.
From Potsdam station, the city center is a bit far, so I used local buses to get around. The streets were peaceful and charming, lined with greenery and classic architecture.
I stopped by a cozy café, ordered a caffè latte and pastel de nata, and enjoyed a calm break before sightseeing — the perfect way to start the day.
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Potsdam Highlights
Sanssouci Palace (Schloss Sanssouci)
The highlight of Potsdam, with both “New” and “Old” palaces located within Sanssouci Park.
Since I didn’t have enough time to visit everything, I chose the Old Palace this time. After buying a ticket, I waited for my entry slot by strolling through the park — where I could still admire the exterior of the New Palace.
Inside, an audio guide leads you through each room. The décor felt tastefully luxurious — elegant rather than extravagant — and honestly, it matched my personal taste perfectly.
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Cecilienhof Palace (Schloss Cecilienhof)
After Sanssouci, I took a pleasant walk to Cecilienhof Palace, where the Potsdam Conference took place after WWII.
The building, with its traditional timber-frame design, is now closed to the public, but you can still view its calm, historic exterior.
It’s a quiet and meaningful place — definitely worth a visit if you’re interested in world history.
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Eating in Berlin
Most days I cooked or bought groceries from local supermarkets, but one night I decided to treat myself at Augustiner am Gendarmenmarkt, a classic Bavarian-style restaurant in the city center.
Once seated, you don’t need to wave to the waiter — just make eye contact and wait until they notice you (a small but important local custom).
The restaurant had a welcoming vibe, even for solo travelers.
I ordered pork knuckle with two beers. The portion was huge — even for an adult man, it was a challenge to finish!
It looked impressive, but if you prefer something lighter, their steak or schnitzel might be a safer choice.
The beer, of course, was excellent — rich, crisp, and perfectly refreshing.
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Berlin Street Food: Curry 36
Another local favorite I couldn’t miss was Curry 36, a legendary street stand loved by Berliners.
I ordered one sausage with a small beer — simple but delicious! Prices were quite reasonable, and there was a long line of locals waiting for their turn, which says it all.
After finishing your drink, don’t throw the bottle in the trash — just return it to the counter.
If you want an authentic taste of Berlin, this is the place to go.
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Nightlife in Berlin
If you’re up for a drink, head to one of Berlin’s lively bar districts (see red-marked area on the map below).
The atmosphere reminded me a bit of Takadanobaba in Tokyo — casual, energetic, and full of students and young professionals.
Whether you prefer a quiet craft beer bar or a crowded pub, you’ll find plenty of great spots to enjoy the evening.
Final Thoughts
Berlin is a city where history and modern life coexist in fascinating ways.
From the Cold War’s remnants to the vibrant art and nightlife, every corner tells a story.
Potsdam, with its tranquil palaces and leafy streets, offers a perfect contrast — ideal for a one-day getaway.
If you visit Berlin, don’t miss the chance to experience both sides of this region: the urban energy of Berlin and the timeless elegance of Potsdam.
