Tips for traveling to Berlin as a family

Berlin is an exceptional destination for families with children. The museums, the restaurants, the hotels and the entire city take into account the needs of the little ones, making the daily life of the families very comfortable. Plan your trip with children to Berlin according to the time you are g

Plan your trip with children to Berlin according to the time you are going to be in the German capital. Check the holidays in Germany, keep in mind the documentation you will need for your trip and take note of the emergency numbers, among other practical information so that everything is perfect during the family holidays to Berlin.

Tips before traveling to Berlin

Climate

Berlin has a continental climate, with very cold winters and very hot summers. Between December and February it is not uncommon to reach temperatures of 10 degrees below zero or below but the rest of the winter the thermometer usually marks around zero degrees.

In summer, however, the temperatures oscillate between 15 and 25 ºC, yes, sometimes they shoot above 30 ºC.

Rain can surprise you in Berlin at any time, regardless of the time of year you are in.

What to bring in your suitcase to Berlin

The umbrella or the raincoat should not be missing in your suitcase for Berlin. Do not trust yourself and count on it even if you are traveling in summer.

For your trip with children to Berlin you will also need comfortable shoes, a small backpack to carry water and fruit, and, if you travel in summer, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Clothes will depend a lot on when you are going to travel. Check the weather forecast a few days before packing your bag for Berlin and be forewarned.

Berlin business hours

Berlin has the most liberal opening hours in Germany after the latest law on business hours.

In theory, any store or business can open 24 hours a day from Monday to Saturday. In addition, they have the right to open their business eight Sundays a year from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

In practice, the stores maintain a business schedule similar to that of other tourist capitals: from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

As for banks, the usual opening hours are from Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The currency of Germany

As a member of the European Union, the currency of legal tender in Germany is the European currency: the euro (€).

The euro, which consists of 100 cents, presents both coins and notes. The euro coins are: 1 cent, 2 cents, 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, 1 euro and 2 euros.

The tickets are: 5 euros, 10 euros, 20 euros, 50 euros, 100 euros, 200 euros and 500 euros.

If you do not want to travel with a lot of money on top, you can pay by credit card (Visa, MasterCard ...) in almost all the establishments in Berlin or by withdrawing money from ATMs as needed. Of course, keep in mind that this option is the most expensive because of the commissions.

Language of Germany

The official language of Germany is German. If you do not speak it, you will not be able to understand anything in this language, however, you will not have any problem to be understood in English.

Both the workers who serve the public and the majority of Berliners handle themselves very well in English and will be happy to explain what you need to know.

In any case, it is never too easy to learn a few words in German to greet, thank or make simple requests. The Germans will appreciate it.

Plugs and electricity in Germany

Electric current in Germany is common for most European countries: 220 volts. With respect to the plugs, the ones used are the same as those used in Spain: two rounded pegs.

Medical assistance and Police

With European health cards all your family will be entitled to medical care in Germany.

If you are not a resident of Europe, it is recommended that you travel with insurance that covers medical assistance for the whole family during the trip.

For medical emergencies you can call the European emergency number 112.

To contact the Police, dial 110 and for faults 069 660 60.

Documentation and visas to travel to Germany

Travelers residing in the European Union only need a DNI in force to travel to Germany.

Those who are not EU citizens will need a valid passport. In the respective German embassies, information sheets on the legal provisions of the corresponding country can be obtained for stays of less than 90 days.

Holidays in Berlin

• New Year: January 1.
• Good Friday: (variable date).
• Easter: (variable date).
• Easter Monday: first Monday after Easter.
• International Workers' Day: May 1st.
• Ascension of Jesus Christ: May 9.
• Pentecost: May 19
• Monday of Pentecost: May 20
• Day of German Unity: October 3
• Christmas: December 25