Cost Cutting In Europe – Continued – Part 5

In the final part of our series, we investigate ways to save money when visiting historic Berlin.  The capital city of Germany, cutting-edge Berlin is a feast of history, music and theatre.  Berlin is best known for its historical associations, lively nightlife, for its many cafes, clubs and bars, and for its numerous museums, palaces and other historic sites.

If you are looking for budget hotels and pensions, they are more prevalent in the west side of the city than in the east.  Look for moderately priced spots in and around Berlin’s biggest shopping district – the Kurfurstendamm.  One popular budget accommodation is an early 20th century pension called Funk (from $69).  In the same neighborhood, check out the classy Sylter Hof (pricier at $172) – it offers discounts for stays of four or more nights.

For meals, there are many inexpensive options.  For instance, cheap and filling Turkish kebabs and sausage are available at sidewalk stands throughout the city for less than $4 per person (some are open very late).  Avoid the Unter den Linden area and Kudamm, which is home to costly tourist restaurants, instead head over to Schonenberg’s many ethnic spots.  Another option is to visit Mitte, in the east as it is packed with affordable dining and beer houses.

Your best bet for cost effective transportation is to avoid the commercial bus tours and hop on the No. 100 city bus, which goes by all the major sites.  Check out New Berlin Tours and Insider Tour, they both offer free tours in English.  Another freebee is to take in a view of the city from the dome of the parliament building.

If you are traveling with children, be sure to purchase the Berlin Welcome Card (from $21.32) for yourself, as it will allow up to three children younger than 14 to ride public transport for free.  Another option is the Tageskarte day pass ($7.46) that provides unlimited rides on trains, buses and trams until 3 a.m.  For shorter trips, hire a Kurzstrecke flat rate taxi.  For only $4, you can go on trips of around two miles or so.

If you are interested in visiting this breathtaking, historical and vibrant city, be sure to book one of Virgin Vacations great Germany packages.  Virgin Vacation’s offers many great options to suit your needs.  Starting at only $919, the Essential Berlin package is the perfect way to see this truly remarkable city.  This package includes round trip air, six nights’ hotel accommodations in Berlin, continental breakfast daily, and hotel taxes and service charges.

That concludes our five part series.  I hope you have enjoyed learning more about cost cutting strategies for Berlin, Rome, Madrid, Amsterdam and Paris.  Why not browse Virgin Vacation’s easy to use website, and book your own package to one of these fascinating destinations!  Happy Travels!

Sources:  Berlin Tourism Marketing North America, Lonely Planet, About.com.

Posted by on 05/04 at 10:57 AM

Next entry: So What If You Don’t Speak The Language…

Previous entry: Cost Cutting In Europe – Continued – Part 4

<< Back to main