Because Berlin Is Big, A Map Is a Big Deal

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Germany's largest and capital city, Berlin, is best known for its tolerant atmosphere (gay bars and fetish nightclubs abound), its international vibes (there are over 3 million people from 190 countries in the city), and its historic sites (it is a city with a long history).  With all these factors to consider as a tourist in Berlin, you will need a Berlin map just so you can maximize your visit by careful mapping of your itinerary. 

Another reason to bring along a city map while in Berlin is that it has more than one central or downtown area.  It can be confusing navigating the streets of the city with its 23 boroughs (Bezirke), which are further subdivided into several localities (Kieze).  And since each borough has its own unique flavor, you can get literally lost without your map.  Of course, you can always ask the man on the street but that is assuming he/she is knowledgeable about the city.  Think of the blind leading the lost and you get the idea. 

From the map, however, you can easily deduce that that there are 6 main districts of Berlin.  You have the Mitte, the center of former East Berlin and now the emerging center for the entire city, with its modern entertainment and cultural venues coupled with its historic sites. And then there is the Kurfürstendamm, which is the shopping district for luxury goods along with great restaurants, the Schloss Charlottenburg and the Olympic Stadium. Other districts include the North with its old towns, the East with its gardens, and the South with its hodgepodge of the leafy and the less fortunate neighborhoods. (You want to make sure you don't end up at the wrong side of town, so to speak) Indeed, Berlin is a very beautiful city so much so that it would be a shame not to see almost all of it with the help of a map and thoughtful itinerary planning. 

Yet another reason to get a Berlin map is that the public transport system can be baffling to the uninitiated visitor.  It is very excellent in terms of quality of service but confusing, nonetheless, because of the absence of directional signs.  You will need a good transit map, not your average tourist map, for this purpose. 

Now, if you are in a rental car going into Berlin, you should have a driving map.  Keep in mind that there might be directional signs to the boroughs but no compass directions, which can only add to the confusion.  Cyclists should also take heed of this advice although you might have a better time at navigating Berlin through its interesting side streets instead of being confined to the main thoroughfares.

Berlin is a big city in its own right and, hence, a map is a big deal around these parts.  You should also take note that it is best to book a holiday apartment online before going into Berlin. You want to get right into your city explorations instead of going around in circles looking for the right apartment. 

If you need further information about this German city check our Berlin city-guide, if you want to discover another destinations visit our Amsterdam city-guide or Lisbon city-guide!