If you’re planning a trip to Berlin, you might be wondering if you feel safe walking in the city. Through this blog post, we’ll talk about how to walk safely in Berlin.
General Safety in Berlin
As a somewhat safer city for pedestrians, Berlin is known. As one would expect in any major city, the crime rate in the German capital is generally pretty low. But it’s never a bad thing to be safe just in case.
Safe Neighborhoods
Walking most neighborhoods in Berlin is generally safe, as are neighborhoods in Berlin’s city center and well established residential areas. They had liked the bits of Paris where downtown lasted for blocks, and there were places like Mitte, Charlottenburg, Prenzlauer Berg and Friedrichshain, which were popular and relatively safe.
Avoiding High-Risk Areas
Generally speaking, Berlin is a safe city, but there are limited areas which require an extra bit of caution. Avoiding certain neighbourhoods at night, especially in those that are less of tourist areas, is best. However, there are some areas such as portions of Neukölln and Wedding in particular which do tend to have higher crime rates – particularly after dark. With that out of the way, don’t be discouraged, Berlin is a lovely place to visit, just stay on the safe side of questionable places.
Basic Safety Tips
No matter the city you’ll be visiting it is important to follow basic safety guidelines. Here are some tips to ensure a safe walking experience in Berlin:
Stay Aware of Your Surroundings
If you’re walking around Berlin, pay attention to your surroundings. Don’t use your phone or other sorts of electronic devices that you could be distracted by. It’s learning about your surroundings so that you know when there are potential risks or can avoid dangerous situations.
Use Well-Lit and Crowded Areas
Avoid poorly lit and under crowded areas, at least at night or early evening. But these areas provide more people, thus lessening the possibility of running into any troubles. It depends, generally speaking, areas with shop, restaurants and other types of business are safer.
Don’t Flash Valuables
Some opportunistic thieves may be tempted by flashy jewelry or expensive cameras. It’s a good idea to keep your valuables hidden or opt for more discreet accessories while walking around Berlin. This minimizes the chances of becoming a target for theft.
Trust Your Instincts
If you ever feel uneasy or uncomfortable in a particular area, trust your instincts and consider changing your route or finding a more secure place. Your safety should always be a priority.
Public Transportation in Berlin
For longer distances or to explore different parts of the city, you can also consider using Berlin’s excellent public transportation system. The network of trains, trams, and buses is well-developed and can provide a safe and efficient way to get around the city.
Buying Tickets
Make sure to purchase a valid ticket before boarding any public transportation in Berlin. Random ticket inspections are common, and fines for traveling without a ticket can be costly. It’s best to buy daily, weekly, or monthly passes depending on the duration of your stay.
Traveling at Night
When using public transportation at night, especially if you are alone, it’s a good idea to stay close to the driver or conductor. This can provide an extra sense of security during your journey.
Conclusion
Berlin is not that dangerous of a place to walk (compared to other cities I’ve traveled to), and it sees millions of tourists every year who don’t have problems while walking their streets. If you are in the vibrant capital of Germany and want to enjoy it fully, then you can trust your instincts, stay away from areas that are well lighted and crowded and simply follow some common sense safety measures like using well lighted and crowded areas.
Berlin is a safe city, but that’s no excuse to not be just as cautious in you travel as you always should be.
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