Explore Berlin on a Budget: Handy Tips for Your Trip

The Berlin snack classic: currywurst and fries (Unsplash/mirkofabian)

Good Food Doesn’t Have to Cost a Fortune

There’s no point in focusing on specific restaurants here - Berlin is a lively city that’s always changing. What’s trendy today could be gone tomorrow. So, here are some general tips on how and where to eat in Berlin on a budget:

• Many restaurants offer a lunch menu between around 12:00 and 15:00, and you’ll find plenty of Asian cuisine - especially Indian and Vietnamese - across the city serving up tasty business lunches for a bargain.
• If you're after a quick snack, you can't go wrong with currywurst and chips(fries) from one of the city's snack bars, now often available in vegan versions too. Local favourites like Curry36, Konopke and Curry Wolf are hits with both locals and tourists.
• Berlin’s famous kebab, a local invention, has become one of Germany’s favourite bites. Prices might have gone up recently, but it’s still worth sinking your teeth into a flatbread filled with veal or chicken, salad and many delicious sauces.
• I’m not sure if Spätis were invented in Berlin, but the city has certainly made them a cultural staple. Grabbing a Späti beer to enjoy outside the shop or as a takeaway is a must-do in Berlin. Plus, drinks from Spätis are usually cheaper than in the pubs and bars.
• Why not go for a picnic? Pick up a salad, some cake, wine, or whatever takes your fancy, and head to one of Berlin’s many parks. Whether it’s Tempelhofer Feld, Tiergarten, Treptower Park, or along the Landwehr Canal, Schlachtensee, or Wannsee, there are plenty of quiet - or lively - spots to choose from.

Outdoor Bar Berlin Mitte

Affordable Accommodation in Berlin

Alongside travel, accommodation is one of those fixed costs you usually sort out before your trip. If you don’t have mates in the city with a spare sofa, the affordable a&o Hostels in Berlin are your best bet. There are four locations in Berlin, all centrally located and easy to reach by public transport:

• a&o Berlin Friedrichshain | A stone’s throw from the lively Simon-Dach neighbourhood, packed with bars and restaurants, and the RAW area with its clubs. Ideal for visitors looking to dive into Berlin's nightlife.
• a&o Berlin Hauptbahnhof | Just a short stroll from Berlin Central Station, this hostel has you perfectly connected to the transport network, making it easy to explore the city at your own pace.
• a&o Berlin Mitte | Situated near Ostbahnhof and within walking distance of some of Berlin’s most famous nightclubs like Tresor, Kraftwerk, KitKat and more, this a&o offers an affordable and central base in Berlin.
• a&o Berlin Kolumbus | Located in a quieter area, this hostel is close to the Berlin-Hohenschönhausen Memorial, a former Stasi prison. The tram whisks you directly to Alexanderplatz with its iconic TV tower or to the Ringbahn to discover even more of Berlin.

Bargain hunting at the flea markets in Berlin (Unsplash/nikolalsvk)

Shop on the Cheap with Style

Now that you've saved a bit on your accommodation in Berlin, you've likely got some extra cash to spend. Why not treat yourself to a few unique souvenirs to remember your budget-friendly trip? Forget the usual fridge magnets - you probably have enough of those. Check out these spots and pick up something special:

• Flea Markets | Check out these great spots: Arena Treptow (Sat-Sun, 10-18), Arkonaplatz (Sun, 10-16), Bode-Museum (Sat-Sun, 10-17), Boxhagener Platz (Sun, 10-18), Fehrbelliner Platz (Sat-Sun, 10-16), Marheinekeplatz (Sat-Sun, 11-16), Mauerpark (Sun, 10-18), Rathaus Schöneberg (Sat-Sun, 8-16), RAW-Gelände (Sun, 8-17) and S-Tiergarten (Sat-Sun, 10-17).
• Second Hand | Vintage fashion is having a moment, and in Berlin, you’ll spot plenty of hipsters rocking outfits that look like they’ve raided their grandparents' wardrobes. Keep an eye out for second-hand fashion - you can find some real bargains, either priced individually or by the kilo. Hopefully, you’ve left a bit of space in your suitcase!
• Dong Xuan Centre | Get a taste of Asia right here in Berlin at the Lichtenberg wholesale market. Traders from China, Vietnam and other Asian countries offer all sorts of goods: fashion, electronics, food, toys, household items, souvenirs, plastic flowers - you name it, they’ve got it. (Wed-Mon, 10-20)

The Brandenburg Gate is a must when visiting Berlin (Unsplash/purzlbaum)

Where to Start? Sightseeing in Berlin

Berlin is packed with sights to see. There’s something to discover around every corner, and let’s be honest - who doesn’t want a selfie with the Brandenburg Gate or in front of the famous TV Tower? With the excellent transport links near a&o Hostels in Berlin, you can easily reach all your must-see spots. Here are some of the top sights in Berlin you can visit for free:

• The East Side Gallery, with its vibrant artwork, stretches along the Spree between Warschauer Straße and Ostbahnhof S-Bahn stations.
• Another piece of the Berlin Wall can be explored on Bernauer Straße, where a visit to the memorial and documentation centre is well worth your time. The Berlin TV Tower is Germany’s tallest building, and while the entry fee is a bit steep (though the view is worth it), it’s just as impressive from below.
• Insider tip: For the best view of the TV Tower, head to the panoramic terrace of the Park Inn Hotel on Alexanderplatz. There's a small fee, but the view is stunning.
• Every autumn, Berlin lights up for the Festival of Lights, a two-week event where many landmarks are beautifully illuminated with colourful patterns. It’s become a huge draw, attracting visitors from all over the world.
• It’s no secret that BVG city buses are perfect for sightseeing on a budget. Hop on Line 100from Alexanderplatz, and you’ll pass by Museum Island, the State Opera House, Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, Bellevue Palace and the Victory Column, ending at Zoologischer Garten in City West. For the return trip, catch Line 200 which stops at the Philharmonie, Potsdamer Platz and Rotes Rathaus. There’s no easier or cheaper way to explore Berlin!