Prepare your Stay

Visa
Members of EU countries are allowed to enter the Federal Republic of Germany without a visa.
For Non-EU countries, a visa is required. We can provide you with a confirmation letter including a stamp and signature.   

Time zone
Berlin is located in the Central European Time Zone (CET), which corresponds to UTC +1. During summertime, the clock is advanced by one hour.

Climate
Berlin has a temperate continental climate. Summers are warm, with average temperatures of 20–25 °C, while winters are cool, with average temperatures around freezing. The spring and autumn months are mild and pleasant and are perfect for walks on Kurfürstendamm. 

Electricity 
The main voltage in Berlin is 230 volts at a frequency of 50 hertz. The sockets correspond to the European standard with two-pin round plugs (plug type F). Adapters can be borrowed at the reception of Hotel Bristol Berlin. 

Currency
The official currency in Berlin and Germany is the Euro (EUR). Banks, exchange offices and ATMs are widely available in the city. Credit cards, such as Visa, Mastercard and American Express, are accepted in most restaurants, shops and tourist establishments. However, it is advisable to carry cash as well because card payments are not accepted everywhere.

Smoking Policy
Smoking is forbidden in closed areas when they are open to the public. This means it is forbidden to smoke in restaurants, public buildings, offices and on public transport. 

Opening Hours
Shops and supermarkets in Berlin are usually open from Monday to Saturday. Exact opening hours may vary, but many shops are open from 08:00 until 20:00. Supermarkets often have longer opening hours - some are even open 24 hours. Most shops are closed on Sundays, with the exception of certain tourist areas, large shopping centres and the main railway station.

Local specialities
The Kurfürstendamm  offers a variety of culinary delights. Be sure to try the famous currywurst, a bratwurst seasoned with curry sauce. Other popular specialities include Döner Kebab, Eisbein (knuckle of pork) with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes, and Berliner, a form of pancake in Berlin dialect. The city is also known for its variety of international restaurants, offering a wide range of cuisines from all over the world.