Berlin, Germany 🇩🇪
#486
,
Nomad Score:
74%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Berlin is the capital of Germany and one of the most populous cities in Europe, known for its art scene, modern landmarks, and rich history. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 3.6 million. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 100 Mbps, with many cafes and coworking spaces offering high-speed Wi-Fi. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 1.06 USD. Major banks include Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, and online services like N26 and Revolut. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, and O2, with good coverage throughout the city. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular services include N26, Revolut, and traditional banks like Deutsche Bank. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options vary from apartments on Airbnb to serviced apartments and hostels. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely, but some places may still prefer cash. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb, Wimdu, and local listings available. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Options include Generator Berlin Mitte and The Cat's Pajamas. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Mitte, the Brandenburg Gate, and near Alexanderplatz. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain, known for their vibrant culture and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Betahaus in Kreuzberg offers various working environments and networking opportunities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Silo Coffee, popular among remote workers for its great ambiance and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups can be found via platforms like Meetup and Eventbrite, with frequent tech and startup gatherings. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Expats in Berlin' host regular meet-ups and social events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Free Now and Uber operate widely in Berlin. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Services include Lime, Circ, and Nextbike for bike rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Wannsee, approximately 30 minutes from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Berlin (formerly). |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Lufthansa and Ryanair operate numerous international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | A100 and A115 highways provide major access points. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Berlin Hauptbahnhof, one of the largest train stations in Europe. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly AB zone pass costs around €86. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | S-Bahn and regional trains connect to cities like Potsdam and Brandenburg. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin is one of Europe's largest university hospitals. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Jivamukti Yoga Berlin is well-known among locals and expats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic-Fit and McFit offer affordable memberships. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Services like Waschsalon provide self-service laundries throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Delivery Hero and Wolt are popular for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Currywurst, a Berlin specialty often enjoyed as a quick snack. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Kreuzberg is rich in vegan eateries such as Veganz and The Bowl. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Cookies Cream and KaDeWe’s chocolate section offer delightful options. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Markthalle Neun and Turkish market on Maybachufer for budget shopping. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon.de and local marketplaces like eBay Kleinanzeigen are popular. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Offerings from Lieferando and Rewe deliver groceries to your door. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg are known for their lively night scenes. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | BRLO Brwhouse is a well-known local brewery offering tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Damn Good Wine is a trendy spot for wine lovers. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street food markets like Markthalle Neun are great for a variety of cuisines. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Gorki Park for Russian cuisine and Zur letzten Instanz for traditional German. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall, and Checkpoint Charlie are essential visits. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museum Island houses numerous world-class museums including the Pergamon Museum. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Berlin Cathedral and Berlin's Holocaust Memorial are significant historical sites. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church is an iconic landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Berlin Film Festival (Berlinale) and Fête de la Musique are notable events. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Kreuzberg and Prenzlauer Berg are vibrant cultural hubs. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Berliner Ensemble and the Berliner Philharmonie are premier cultural spots. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | RAW Gelände and Wochenmarkt am Boxhagener Platz are popular for local goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Berlin's music scene is diverse, with venues like Berghain and Sisyphos for electronic music. |
| 🎨 Street Art | East Side Gallery showcases famous murals on the remaining Berlin Wall. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinaria's cooking classes introduce local cuisine to new chefs. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | KW Institute for Contemporary Art and many smaller galleries in Mitte. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Reichstag Building is a historical and architectural marvel. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Berlin's history is reflected in its architecture and cultural festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Grunewald forest offers ample space for hiking and nature walks. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Müritz National Park is about a two-hour drive from the city. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Spree River path and Tempelhofer Feld provide excellent trails. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Reichstag rooftop terrace offers stunning views over the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Tiergarten and Tempelhofer Feld are great for observing local bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in Grunewald allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Hermes provide reliable delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iFix and MediaMarkt offer various tech repair services around the city. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Public ping pong tables can be found at various parks, particularly Mauerpark. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Community centers and institutes like Volkehochschule offer German language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | ZLB (Central and Regional Library) provides study areas and resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community centers in districts like Neukölln and Wedding host various events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Places like Meltdown Berlin cater to gamers and esports enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Spielbank Berlin provides a full casino experience. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €4,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €180,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €120,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €4,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €240,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €168,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €304,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €200,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 15% corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 26.375% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Taxation is based on worldwide income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Top rate is 45%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 19% standard VAT rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Germany has strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax based on value assessment. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 6% of property purchase price. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Germany's tax system offers incentives for foreign startups and businesses. |