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Guide
Berlin, Germany π©πͺ
#486
,
Nomad Score:
73%
Essentials
ποΈ 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. |
π₯ Population | Approximately 3.6 million. |
π» Internet Speed | Average speed of 100 Mbps, with many cafes and coworking spaces offering high-speed Wi-Fi. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 EUR β 1.06 USD. Major banks include Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, and online services like N26 and Revolut. |
π° Tap Water | Drinkable. |
π Power | 230V, 50Hz, π Type C/F sockets. |
πΆ SIM Card | Providers include Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, and O2, with good coverage throughout the city. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Popular services include N26, Revolut, and traditional banks like Deutsche Bank. |
π Accommodation | Options vary from apartments on Airbnb to serviced apartments and hostels. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are accepted widely, but some places may still prefer cash. |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb, Wimdu, and local listings available. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Options include Generator Berlin Mitte and The Cat's Pajamas. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Mitte, the Brandenburg Gate, and near Alexanderplatz. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain, known for their vibrant culture and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | Betahaus in Kreuzberg offers various working environments and networking opportunities. |
β Best Cafe for Work | Silo Coffee, popular among remote workers for its great ambiance and Wi-Fi. |
πΌ Networking Events | Meetups can be found via platforms like Meetup and Eventbrite, with frequent tech and startup gatherings. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Expats in Berlin' host regular meet-ups and social events. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Free Now and Uber operate widely in Berlin. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Services include Lime, Circ, and Nextbike for bike rentals. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Wannsee, approximately 30 minutes from the city center. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Air Berlin (formerly). |
βοΈ Top International Airline | Lufthansa and Ryanair operate numerous international flights. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | A100 and A115 highways provide major access points. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Berlin Hauptbahnhof, one of the largest train stations in Europe. |
π Public Transport Passes | Monthly AB zone pass costs around β¬86. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | S-Bahn and regional trains connect to cities like Potsdam and Brandenburg. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | CharitΓ© β UniversitΓ€tsmedizin Berlin is one of Europe's largest university hospitals. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Jivamukti Yoga Berlin is well-known among locals and expats. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic-Fit and McFit offer affordable memberships. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Services like Waschsalon provide self-service laundries throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Delivery Hero and Wolt are popular for food delivery. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Currywurst, a Berlin specialty often enjoyed as a quick snack. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Kreuzberg is rich in vegan eateries such as Veganz and The Bowl. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | Cookies Cream and KaDeWeβs chocolate section offer delightful options. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Markthalle Neun and Turkish market on Maybachufer for budget shopping. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon.de and local marketplaces like eBay Kleinanzeigen are popular. |
π Grocery Delivery | Offerings from Lieferando and Rewe deliver groceries to your door. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg are known for their lively night scenes. |
π» Local Brewery | BRLO Brwhouse is a well-known local brewery offering tours and tastings. |
π· Wine Bars | Damn Good Wine is a trendy spot for wine lovers. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Street food markets like Markthalle Neun are great for a variety of cuisines. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Gorki Park for Russian cuisine and Zur letzten Instanz for traditional German. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | The Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall, and Checkpoint Charlie are essential visits. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Museum Island houses numerous world-class museums including the Pergamon Museum. |
π° Historical Sites | Berlin Cathedral and Berlin's Holocaust Memorial are significant historical sites. |
π Religious Sites | The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church is an iconic landmark. |
π Annual Events | Berlin Film Festival (Berlinale) and FΓͺte de la Musique are notable events. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | Kreuzberg and Prenzlauer Berg are vibrant cultural hubs. |
π Theater Venues | The Berliner Ensemble and the Berliner Philharmonie are premier cultural spots. |
ποΈ Local Markets | RAW GelΓ€nde and Wochenmarkt am Boxhagener Platz are popular for local goods. |
πΌ Music Scene | Berlin's music scene is diverse, with venues like Berghain and Sisyphos for electronic music. |
π¨ Street Art | East Side Gallery showcases famous murals on the remaining Berlin Wall. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Culinaria's cooking classes introduce local cuisine to new chefs. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | KW Institute for Contemporary Art and many smaller galleries in Mitte. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | Reichstag Building is a historical and architectural marvel. |
π΄ Local Heritage | Berlin's history is reflected in its architecture and cultural festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | Grunewald forest offers ample space for hiking and nature walks. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | MΓΌritz National Park is about a two-hour drive from the city. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | The Spree River path and Tempelhofer Feld provide excellent trails. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | The Reichstag rooftop terrace offers stunning views over the city. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Tiergarten and Tempelhofer Feld are great for observing local bird species. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in Grunewald allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Hermes provide reliable delivery services. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | iFix and MediaMarkt offer various tech repair services around the city. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Public ping pong tables can be found at various parks, particularly Mauerpark. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Community centers and institutes like Volkehochschule offer German language courses. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | ZLB (Central and Regional Library) provides study areas and resources. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Community centers in districts like NeukΓΆlln and Wedding host various events. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Places like Meltdown Berlin cater to gamers and esports enthusiasts. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Spielbank Berlin provides a full casino experience. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬4,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β¬180,000). |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬3,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β¬120,000). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬4,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β¬240,000). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬2,800 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β¬168,000). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬3,800 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β¬304,000). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬2,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β¬200,000). |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 15% corporate tax rate. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 26.375% on dividends. |
π¦ Tax System | Taxation is based on worldwide income for residents. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | Top rate is 45%. |
π§Ύ VAT | 19% standard VAT rate. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Germany has strict CFC rules. |
π Property Tax | Property tax based on value assessment. |
π Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 6% of property purchase price. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Germany's tax system offers incentives for foreign startups and businesses. |