Practical info for Berlin

Berlin time zone

Berlin takes central European time, one hour later than Greenwich Mean Time. Daylight saving time, when the clocks are moved forward one hour, applies from the last Sunday in March until the last Sunday in October.

The Berlin City Map

How do I get to my hotel from the main station? How far is Alexanderplatz from the Brandenburg Gate? Where is the Ku’damm and the Gedächtniskirche? Whether by car, on foot or by bus and train, the Berlin map is an absolute must in all luggage, for orienting yourself on the Berlin streets.

Those wanting to step off the tourist trail and immerse themselves in typical city life in the capital won’t get lost when they have the Berlin city map and its enclosed directory on hand. There are tips about leisure activities, museums, palaces and memorials including a short description, addresses and opening times on the Berlin city map for all those looking for additional inspiration for their day trips. Plus the map lists info about city sightseeing tours, bike rides and boat trips. You can easily order the Berlin city map from home at the visitBerlin Shop for just €1 (plus postage).

The Berlin City Map includes:

- Map of Berlin's city centre

- Berlin public transport schedule and stops (S-bahn (city train), U-Bahn (metro), bus, tram)

- Addresses of the most important sights and leisure activities

- Tips about city sightseeing tours, bike rides and boat trips

- Indication of car parks (including multi-storey parking)

- Berlin tourist info addresses

- Former trail of the Berlin Wall

Safety in Berlin

Compared with other major cities in Germany or around the world, Berlin is considered a safe city. So it’s no surprise that visitors to our city also feel safe here. But there are still a few things you should look out for to stay safe.

To avoid pickpockets, it is best to:

Keep any valuables close to yourself, for example in your coat’s inside pockets or in your front trouser pockets

Keep a tight hold on your handbag or other bags in tightly packed public transport

Stay away from dark parks and corners at night

Avoid falling asleep on the S-Bahn or U-Bahn – especially at night. Mobile phones and wallets are often stolen from sleeping passengers. If you are very tired, best stay on your feet or perhaps take a taxi instead.

Beware of fake policemen

Fraudsters seek out tourist attractions and pretend to be policemen to tourists to steal their cash and credit cards. Never carry more cash on your person than you will need and always ask policemen for official ID. The German police have compiled more information in a leaflet.

Steer clear of shell games

During the warmer seasons, fraudsters set up shell games, especially around preferred tourist locations such as Alexanderplatz, Schlossbrücke, Kurfürstendamm, East Side Gallery or the Berlin Cathedral. The police recommend: Stay clear! You will always lose to a fraudster.

Contacting the police

Just like in any other major city, Berlin’s districts all follow their own organisation. Berlin does not have any “no-go-areas”. Berlin is cosmopolitan, Berlin is hospitable and Berlin is safe – especially in the areas where visitors to Berlin usually go. Nonetheless, you can never completely rule out crime. Should you witness a crime, or become the victim of crime yourself, call the police immediately.

Important phone numbers

Police 110

Emergency calls from international mobile phones 112

Berlin Police citizen line +49 30 4664 46 64

Police station near Alexanderplatz

Direktion 3 - Abschnitt 32

Keibelstr. 35, 10178 Berlin

Phone: +49 30-4664 33 27-00

Police station near Kurfürstendamm

Direktion 2 - Abschnitt 25

Bismarckstr. 111, 10625 Berlin

Phone: +49 30-4664-225700