Is Berlin safe? What you should know

Berlin is a city of contrasts and home to iconic landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate and funky graffiti-covered streets. Want to dive into the past? Check out the remains of the Berlin Wall. Prefer the modern vibe? Tech startups and underground clubs have you covered.
Fun fact: Berlin has more bridges than Venice! Yes, you can technically call it the "City of (a lot of) Canals!"

Let’s talk safety because nobody wants their epic trip interrupted by a mishap. Whether you’re exploring Berlin’s cultural gems, biking along the Spree River, or hiking in nearby Grunewald Forest, staying safe means knowing a few basics. From polite cultural interactions (yes, Germans do love punctuality) to navigating public transport at night, you’ll find it all here!

You can also expect some emergency tips, outdoor activities, and the quirks of urban exploration. So buckle up, or rather, lace up your walking shoes, because Berlin is an adventure best enjoyed safely! It’s also one of Europe’s most LGBTQ+ friendly cities! Safety never looked so fabulous!

Safety tips to keep in mind during your time in Berlin

Berlin is a major city, so there are always some safety concerns. Even though it's generally safe compared to other major cities, there are still some violent crime reports here and there. Those rarely happen to tourists, and as long as you stay aware of your surroundings and follow safety precautions, you'll avoid everything including any petty crime like a pro!

Getting from the airport to the city center

If you want to get to the Berlin Tower from the airport, all you gotta do is jump on the RB23 train and you'll get there in just 35 minutes. From there you can start exploring this amazing city with the help of our safety tips!

Tips to stay safe when you first arrive in Berlin

A common scam in Berlin is fake ticket inspectors. When you're using public transport, a random person might come up to you and ask to see your ticket. Even if you have the right one, they tell you it's wrong and ask you to pay a fine. If they don't have a uniform or a badge, it's 100% a scam! Just ask them to show their badge and they'll give up!

Is tap water in Berlin safe to drink?

Berlin's tap water comes from natural sources with natural filtration. Not only is it drinkable, but it's delicious too (if the pipes aren’t old)! It's some of the best water in the EU and meets all safety standards! So, no need to worry about that!

Safe accommodation options in Berlin

Feeling overwhelmed in this giant and populous city? Even though Berlin is a safe city, sometimes you want that little extra assurance to get a good night's sleep! Here are the safest areas and hotels:

1. Charlottenburg is a peaceful and upscale neighborhood that's ideal for families or solo travelers who want a calm area. If you're looking for shopping ops in Berlin, check out the elegant Kurfürstendamm Street where you'll find anything you want! Catch some z's at Hampton by Hilton Berlin City West Hotel at €120/night and a fantastic breakfast!
2. Prenzlauer Berg is a hip destination with green streets and trendy cafes. Here you can crash at Hotel Kastanienhof for around €110/night and have cozy rooms with views of some greenery!
3. Mitte is the heart of Berlin! It's massive and has historical landmarks, tourist attractions, and even a pulsing nightlife for those who want some thrill! The Circus Hotel is a bit more pricey at €150/night, but it's stylish, central, and has a welcoming vibe!

Pro tip: If you want to explore Berlin in an eco-friendly way, scooters are the way to go! But they lose a lot of their charm (and function) if you're carrying a lot of stuff. So, remember Bounce when you're traveling anywhere! We have storage locations in almost every major city around the world, including Berlin. You can dump anything you don't need for the day with the nearest Bounce partners!

Cultural callouts & things to keep an eye out for

Want to know what you can expect from Belin culture before you get there? Here are some tips so you know how to blend in:

• The locals are direct, pragmatic, and very punctual. That can come off as snobbish or unfriendly at first, but they just like things to be nice and neat. As soon as you get to know them, you'll see that it's not just rules and work, but friendliness and humor too!
• Most locals speak English, especially in tourist areas. But if you want some icebreakers, you can use these common phrases: Hallo! (Hello!); Tschüss! (Bye!) Bitte! (Please!); Danke. (Thank you.); Entschuldigung (Excuse me.); Sprechen Sie Englisch? (Do you speak English?).
• If it's not a pizza or a burger, don't eat it with your hands. When you're toasting, you should use Prost! (Cheers!) Always make eye contact while you're toasting. 
• Before you start smoking, make sure you're in a designated spot!

Keeping safe when navigating the city

Want to get around efficiently but safely? We've got you covered!

• The U-Bahn and S-Bahn run across the whole city, which makes them a great option for public transportation. They let you skip any rush hour traffic and get anywhere safely. The U-Bahn is short for "Underground," so it's a rapid metro line!
• Most streets in Berlin have sidewalks, and some are pedestrian-only! Bikes and scooters are also a fast way to get around town, just watch for any slippery cobblestones around tourist attractions!
• Berlin is one of Europe’s most wheelchair-accessible cities! Many U-Bahn and S-Bahn stations have elevators, though a few older ones still don’t. Most museums, tourist attractions, and restaurants have ramps and accessible facilities.

Nature and Berlin: Tips to keep in mind

It's time to stop and smell the roses! Berlin has some beautiful nature spots to experience safely!

• There aren't any saltwater beaches near Berlin, but you can swim in its lakes! Wannsee, Weißensee, and Strandbad Müggelsee are all great spots to relax, take a dip, and have a nice picnic!
• Grunewald Forest and Görlitzer Park offer some of the best hikes near Berlin! Just watch out for ticks and mosquitoes! Only bug repellant can help with those little devils!
• Berlin has all 4 seasons. So depending on the time of year, bring a nice warm coat or some shades and sunscreen!

Last tips in the case of an emergency

Better safe than sorry when it's your health. Here's what you need to know about healthcare and emergencies in Berlin:

• Always go for travel insurance wherever you're going. Besides private travel insurance, EU visitors can get EHIC cards.
• Germany uses a lot of known allergens in its traditional cuisine, so if you're not sure, ask the server or the street vendor about it!
• 112 is for medical emergencies and 110 is for the police.

So, is Berlin safe?

It's as safe as any other major city and has very low levels of violent crimes. Just remember to avoid dark alleys, be on your guard for possible scams, and if you have a health crisis, don't wait until the last minute to call someone. If you need to stash something for a while, you can always count on Bounce with our 24/7 customer support! Just find a storage spot that works for you, and keep bouncing happily around Berlin!