If you’re then planning a trip to Berlin, Germany, you’ve probably heard of the Berlin Card. However, what is it, exactly, and is it money well spent? In this post we’ll take a closer look at the Berlin Card, what it includes, what benefits it offers, and what the downsides and possible drawbacks could be, so you can decide for yourself whether or not investing in a Berlin Card will be worth it for your visit.
What is the Berlin Card?
- The popular tourist pass is the Berlin Card, or as Berliners call it the Berlin WelcomeCard, is an all inclusive pass offering free or reduced entry to numerous attractions, museums, and activities in the city. In addition, in public transport with certain arrangements, it also offers unlimited use of buses, trams, and trains in defined areas.
- Benefits of the Berlin Card
- There are several benefits to consider when deciding whether or not to purchase a Berlin Card:
- Cost Savings: A ticket like the Berlin Card gives you the opportunity to save lots of money, if you are planning to visit several attractions. Over 200 attractions are included in the card, including the Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate and Museum Island, with discounted entry.
- Convenience: Using the Berlin Card you don’t have to worry about purchasing the individual tickets per each attraction. At many sites, the card lets you skip ticket lines and save you time and hassle.
- Free Public Transportation: There is one big reason to choose Berlin Card and that is we have the unlimited use of public transportation. Here, this can be handy especially if you’re planning to traverse the city or stay in housing outside the city center.
- Discounts and Offers: Besides free or reduced admission to attractions, the Berlin Card also provides a number of discounts and concessions for restaurants, shops and entertainment venues.
- Things to Consider
- While the Berlin Card offers numerous advantages, there are a few factors to consider before purchasing one:
- Duration of Your Stay: The Berlin Card can be rented in one of 3 ways, for half a day, one day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days or 5 days. You really need to evaluate how much time you have in the city and if the validity of the card complements your travel plans.
- Intended Activities: Compare the attractions and activities that come with the Berlin Card to see if they interest you. But if you don’t really care about the sightseeing attractions listed on the card, it may not be as useful for you.
- Cost Analysis: Take into account the price of a Berlin Card over the price of individual admission to the attractions you intend to see. If you’re not going to use all the stuff you get with the card, it may be cheaper to get the card and then pay for the bits you want to do instead.
How to Purchase the Berlin Card
You can buy the Berlin Card online or at any tourist information centre or ticket office in the city. As with all things, it’s always a good idea to check the official Berlin Card website for the latest prices and information on which attractions are included, and how to buy.
Conclusion
The Berlin Card can be a good investment for visitors to German hoping to get as much out of their visit to the capital. It provides cost savings, ease of use and unlimited use of public transportation. Yet, before you buy the card, note how long you plan on staying, what you’ll be doing, and the savings that may result. While weighing all of these factors you can decide on your own whether or not the Berlin Card is worth it for your trip.
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