What It’s Like To Visit Berlin During Coronavirus Pandemic in 2021

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  • byPost author:Chloe Smulian
berliner dom in berlin germany with tv tower in the background and people on the front lawn abiding to social distancing measures during coronavirus pandemic
What it’s like to visit Berlin during the coronavirus pandemic?

Expats share what it’s like to visit Berlin during the coronavirus pandemic and tips for travelling in Berlin and Germany during COVID.

With some countries relaxing travel restrictions and slowly opening borders across Europe. We thought it would be useful to share what it’s like to visit Berlin during the coronavirus pandemic in 2021.

Berlin and Germany are considered to be one of the lower-risk countries to travel to during COVID. But lower-risk doesn’t mean no risk so bear in mind that this could change at any time.

We’ve personally decided to minimise travelling where possible and have opted for day trips instead. But we hope that those who need to travel for work or personal reasons will find this first hand account useful.

July 2021 Update: Berlin is no longer considered a risk area. YAY! But things can always change. We try our best to update this guide as new coronavirus rules are released. If you’re not sure what the COVID restrictions are, just send us a message or check the official website (linked below).

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Visiting Berlin During Coronavirus Pandemic

International Travel To Berlin and Germany During COVID

Germany has decided to keep its borders open for international travel. But there are certain coronavirus guidelines and rules you need to follow to enter the country.

The current rule is that you have to do a mandatory coronavirus test if you’re entering Germany from a risk area.

You can check which countries are considered risk areas for travelling to Germany on the Robert Koch Institute website. The site is in German, but has been translated to English for ease of use.

You can do the mandatory coronavirus test when you arrive in Germany at the main train station (Hauptbahnhof) or at the airport. Then you’ll need to remain in quarantine for 10 days or until you get your test results back and it’s negative.

It can take between 3 to 5 days (and possibly longer) to get your results. So if you’re tight on time, you should do a coronavirus test in your country and bring the results with you to Germany. The test results should not be older than 48 hours (and needs to be in German or English) for it to be considered valid for entering Germany.

If you’re travelling to Berlin and Germany from a country that is not considered a risk area, then the coronavirus test is voluntary and you don’t have to do it. The only exception to this is if you’ve travelled into Berlin or Germany by air. In this case, then you’ll also need to do a mandatory corona test.

Read the official Berlin entry and quarantine requirements for travelling during COVID to check for the most recent updates.

Related Guide: Need to get tested in Berlin? Read our Corona Testing in Berlin guide to find out how to easily get a COVID rapid test and PCR test done in the city. We’ve included where you can get tested (paid tests) as a tourist visiting Berlin or Germany.

Berlin Public Transportation During COVID

It’s easy to forget that we’re still in the midst of a global pandemic when you’re travelling in and around Berlin during COVID. That’s because you’re not required to wear masks when you’re outdoors walking in the streets or taking a stroll at a park.

You’re only reminded of the ‘new normal’ when you need to enter enclosed spaces like taking public transportation, going into pubs, restaurants, night clubs or attending large public gatherings.

If you’re planning to take public transportation in Berlin (or in the rest of Germany), wearing a medical-grade mask that covers both your mouth and nose is now mandatory.

This is a new requirement that was put in place in 2021 to stop the spread of the new coronavirus variant. Surgical masks, fabric masks, and other make-shift coverings are no longer sufficient and FFP2 filter masks are now required for taking public transport.

Where can you buy FFP2 masks in Germany?
You can buy these masks at most supermarkets and drugstores like Edeka, Lidl, Rewe, ALDI, Rossmann, and pharmacies (‘Apotheke’).

This wasn’t the case a month or so ago in Berlin, but now it has become compulsory. The public transportation controllers can now fine you for not wearing an FFP2 filter mask and ask you to leave the train or bus.

taking berlin metro during coronavirus or covid pandemic with man wearing mask covering nose and mouth
Wearing masks is now mandatory when taking public transportation in Berlin

There are no restrictions to the number of people that are allowed on trains or buses in Berlin. But on the few occasions that we had taken public transportation, it was not crowded.

We’re guessing that’s because more people are working from home. Plus more people are getting around Berlin by bike during the warmer spring and summer months.

To encourage more people to cycle, the city council has actually expanded bike lanes across the city to make Berlin even more bike-friendly during COVID, which is awesome!

So if you’re planning to visit Berlin during the coronavirus pandemic, you can do it more responsibly (and sustainably) by renting a bike to get around the city. As a tourist or traveller, you can easily rent a bike for cheap in Berlin with bike sharing.

Never used bike sharing before? Don’t worry. Read our Berlin Bike Sharing guide to find out which bike share will be the best option for you in our cost comparison guide. We’ve also put together a comprehensive list of 24 Bike Road Rules you should know for cycling in Germany.

Travel Tip: Always have masks and hand sanitiser on you if you’re planning to visit Berlin during the coronavirus pandemic.

Eating Out At Restaurants in Berlin

Restaurants could only do take-outs or deliveries a few months ago. But now (July 2021), you can sit and eat in restaurants when you’re visiting Berlin during coronavirus times.

You don’t need to show COVID test results if you’re sitting outdoors at restaurants in Berlin. But if you want to sit inside a restaurant, you’ll need to show a negative corona test result (‘Schnelltest’ or rapid test results that were done within the last 24 hours).

Most restaurants have tried to adapt their seating arrangements so that people can sit further apart and outside where possible. But we have seen a few restaurants that don’t abide to social distancing rules.

If you’re travelling to Berlin during COVID, we’d recommend eating out at restaurants that have enough space between tables for you to stay at a safe distance away from other guests.

restaurant with outdoor seating in berlin mitte with please wait to be seated sign during coronavirus pandemic or covid
Restaurants abiding to 1.5m social distancing rules in Berlin, Germany

Another tip is to reserve and book a table online. Most restaurants are not operating at full capacity so that they can allow sufficient distance between guests. This means that you might have to queue if you haven’t reserved a table.

In Berlin, sit-in guests at restaurants, bars and pubs ask visitors to fill out contact forms on arrival. This is to allow authorities to track infections and contact guests if there’s a chance that they were exposed.

zola restaurant in berlin mitte is quiet during covid
Minimise your risk by enjoying your meals at restaurants with outdoor seating

Shopping in Berlin During Coronavirus

For those that love a bit of retail therapy. You’ll be happy to know that all the malls in Berlin are now open and trading. You don’t need to make a prior appointment or present a negative corona test to do some shopping in Berlin. But you still do need to wear a surgical or FFP2 mask to enter.

Only essential shops like supermarkets, grocery stores and pharmacies were open during strict lockdown. But now with the easing of restriction measures, all non-essential stores like clothing, electronics and cosmetics are trading too.

visiting mall of berlin during coronavirus and social distancing measures
You can indulge in some retail therapy when shopping in Berlin during COVID

You’ll have to wear masks when entering any shops or malls in Berlin, of course. Another thing to be wary of, is the maximum number of people who may enter the store at a time.

Usually shops (especially the smaller stores in the malls of Berlin), will have a sign or notice on their storefront, indicating the maximum number of guests that are allowed in the store at any one time.

This sign is usually written in German. But you can easily decipher the notice by looking for the words ‘max (number) personnen’. This number is calculated depending on how large the store is and is there to ensure that guests can social distance whilst shopping.

Travel Tip: Do your shopping during the week if possible. Weekends tend to be a lot busier and you may find that you’ll need to queue to get into certain shops.

Mandatory Mask Requirement On The Streets of Berlin

July 2021 Update: It is no longer mandatory to wear masks in certain streets of Berlin. YAY!

  • Wilmersdorfer Strasse (Charlottenburg)
  • Tauentzienstrasse (Schoneberg, Charlottenburg)
  • Kurfurstendamm (Charlottenburg, Halensee, Wilmersdorf)
  • Altstadt Spandau
  • Schlossstrasse (Steglitz)
  • Bergmannstrasse (Kreuzberg)
  • Friedrichstrasse (Mitte)
  • Karl-Marx-Strasse (Neukolln)
  • Bolschestrasse (Friedrichshagen)
  • Alte Schonhauser Strasse (Mitte)
  • Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz (Mitte)
  • Alexanderplatz (Mitte)
  • Rathausstrasse in the Mitte district
  • Hermannplatz (Neukolln)
  • Hermannstrasse (Neukolln, Kreuzberg)
  • Sonnenallee (Neukolln)
  • Breitscheidplatz (Schoneberg, Charlottenburg)
  • Wittenbergplatz (Schoneberg, Charlottenburg)
  • Olympic Square (for events such as football games)
  • Hardenbergplatz (Schoneberg, Charlottenburg)
  • Kottbusser Tor (Kreuzberg)
  • Lausitzer Platz (Friedrichshain, Kreuzberg)
  • Boxhagener Platz (Friedrichshain)
  • Potsdamer Platz
  • Rosenthaler Platz (Mitte)
  • Washingtonplatz / Europaplatz (Moabit, Mitte)
  • Bebelplatz (Mitte)
  • Hackescher Markt (Mitte)
  • Pleasure garden (Mitte)
  • Leipziger Platz
  • Pariser Platz (Mitte)
  • Unter den Linden and Karl-Liebknecht-Straße on both sides from Pariser Platz to Alexanderplatz (Mitte)
  • Turmstrasse (Moabit)

33 streets in Berlin is a long list to remember! If you’re unsure whether you need to wear a mask or not, look for signs or just wear it if most pedestrians are wearing theirs.

Cyclists who are cycling on the bike lane are exempt from wearing masks. Phew! Another reason why you should cycle to get around Berlin during the pandemic.

Flea Markets in Berlin

Flea markets are very popular in Berlin, especially during the warmer spring and summer months.

All the flea markets in Berlin are open again. Most of them are outdoors, but some require guests to wear masks, whilst others not.

Our tip? Wear masks when you visit flea markets in Berlin during the coronavirus pandemic. Especially when they are busy and it’s impossible to stand at least 1.5 meters apart.

a flea market in berlin during covid with guests wearing masks
Enjoy your favourite flea markets in Berlin safely by wearing masks

Visiting Bars and Pubs in Berlin During COVID

Bars and pubs in Berlin are open again since the coronavirus pandemic started. The only difference is that you’ll need to present a negative COVID test if you want to go inside. This rule applies to bars, pubs and restaurants too.

Similar to restaurants, you may be asked to fill out a contact form when visiting bars or pubs in Berlin during COVID. To make your life a lot easier, download the Luca app so you can easily sign-in without all the admin and paperwork.

outdoor seating for bars and pubs in berlin germany during coronavirus times
Travelling to Berlin during COVID – the best excuse to enjoy your drinks outside

Most bars and pubs have resorted to outdoor seating where possible. The ones that don’t, allow guests to enjoy their drinks on the sidewalk outside.

If you did not know, drinking in public is allowed in Berlin. It’s actually a popular summer pastime to enjoy a couple of beers outside at a park or next to the river.

You can enjoy yourself as long as you’re not a nuisance or make too much noise. And please, be a kind and considerate human and take your litter with you.

Berlin Night Clubs, Events and Festivals During Coronavirus

The renowned nightlife and clubs that make Berlin famous are open again! YAY! All public gatherings for events, festivals and night clubs were closed for more than 16 months since the coronavirus pandemic started. And have only recently been allowed to open again since July 2021!

There are rules though. You have to show a negative corona test result to attend. That’s better than nothing right?!

people gathering at tempelhof feld in berlin during sunset during coronavirus or covid pandemic
People dancing at the park when Berlin’s nightlife was put on hold

For those who prefer to be cautious – there’s still plenty to do besides Berlin’s nightlife. Many travellers don’t realise this, but Berlin is considered to be one of the greenest cities in Europe.

Between green spaces and water, almost half of Berlin is enveloped by Mother Nature. There are 3 rivers, 8 canals and more than 50 lakes in Berlin alone. So there’s no shortage of beautiful outdoor places to enjoy the long summer days in Germany’s capital city.

Need help to decide which outdoor places to visit? Check out our Best Outdoor Places To Visit in Berlin Guide.

Berlin Museums During COVID

Museum lovers will be happy to know that all the museums in Berlin (including the famous ones on Berlin’s Museum Island) are open!

what it's like to visit berlin museums during coronavirus pandemic
You can visit one of Berlin’s famous museums during COVID

If you plan to visit a Berlin museum during coronavirus times, you’ll need to reserve a time and date before your visit. The same applies if you’re visiting museums with free entrances as well.

Wearing masks are mandatory and hand sanitisers are widely available so that you can safely enjoy your museum visit.

Love museums but don’t want to risk visiting during the global pandemic? Why not ‘FaceTime’ your favourite museums from the comfort of your home on a free museum virtual tour? Berlin’s famous Pergamon Museum is included in this free list!

Head to our 60 Free Virtual Tours Guide to find more tours to travel around the world from home.

Berlin Christmas Markets During Coronavirus Pandemic

It’s finally official – we don’t know whether to be happy or sad. But with the announcement of a strict lockdown in Berlin from 16 December 2020 to 10 January 2021, Christmas markets in Berlin is officially canceled.

If you’ve never been to a Christmas market in Berlin before, you can get a glimpse of what to expect in our Best Christmas Markets in Berlin guide.

For a few weeks, there was a Christmas market alternative. We had compiled a detailed Berlin Gluhwein To-Go Guide with 60+ places where you can buy gluhwein in every district and neighbourhood in Berlin.

But drinking in public was later prohibited during the hard lockdown so we’ll have to drown our sorrows at home.

Need a gluhwein recipe? Send us a message and we’ll share our recipe with you.

german christmas markets in berlin with ferris wheel and lights in 2020
How Christmas markets in Germany will change during the pandemic

Berlin Tours During Coronavirus Pandemic

Popular Berlin Tours are in operation again. But it’s a lot quieter and less busy if you compare it to the summers before the pandemic. That’s great news for avoiding the tourist crowds. Especially since it’s more of a necessity rather than a ‘nice to have’.

Boat tours and cruises are also operating. Like sightseeing buses, there are fewer boat tours cruising along the city’s canals. The few that we did see were surprisingly full and we didn’t see people wearing masks either.

berlin boat tour on the spree river in front of the berlin cathedral during covid times
A fraction of the usual summer boat tours cruise down the Spree River during the coronavirus pandemic

Travel Tip: Avoid tours where social distancing is not possible. If you join a walking tour, make sure to go with an operator that follows social distancing rules. And if you prefer to go the extra safe route, follow our self-guided Berlin tour by bike – it’s social distance approved!

Save Me For Later

pinterest save image for what it's like to visit berlin now whilst travelling during pandemic
Pin me on Pinterest to read later!

We retraced the route we designed for our self guided Berlin Wall Tour to show what it’s like to visit Berlin during the coronavirus pandemic. We deliberately picked a sunny Sunday to tour the city by bike.

Berlin is usually teeming with tourists in summer, especially on weekends. Shops may be closed on Sundays, but restaurants, cafes and tourist attractions are open.

These are the scenes of what it’s like to travel to Berlin during COVID.

east side gallery with pope francis graffiti during coronavirus pandemic
Scenes of the East Side Gallery in Berlin during COVID

East Side Gallery is the most famous tourist attraction in Berlin. Whether you’re visiting this iconic monument during winter or summer, it’s usually always packed with tourists.

But not in 2020 if you were travelling to Berlin during the coronavirus pandemic. You would never be able to take a photo like this pre-COVID.

Tourists are slowly coming back to the city in 2021. So you might get a few photo bombers depending on what time you visit Berlin’s most famous attraction.

famous berlin kissing graffiti empty during covid times
The famous Berlin Wall ‘kissing graffiti’ – only minus the crowds

Potsdamerplatz

Potsdamer Platz is a famous shopping and office district in Berlin, but it’s not usually this quiet even on Sundays. Locals come here for its bustling restaurants and cafes. And travellers come to see Germany’s Boulevard of Stars, visit the LegoLand Discovery Centre, the Museum Dali or the famous Spy Museum.

In 2020, it was pretty empty. But in the summer of 2021, it’s slowly becoming busier again.

visiting potsdamer platz in berlin during coronavirus pandemic and its empty streets
The empty streets in front of the main train station at Bahnhof Potsdamer Platz

Alexanderplatz

You’ll know Alexanderplatz if you’ve ever been to Berlin. It’s the centre of the city with the famous Berlin Fernsehturm or TV Tower.

Alexanderplatz is usually bustling with people every single day of the week. So you can imagine how surprised we were to find it empty on a sunny Sunday afternoon (photo taken in summer 2020).

Tourists are slowly visiting Berlin again in 2021. So it will be much livelier than what is shown below.

visiting alexanderplatz in berlin during coronavirus - empty square that would usually be full of tourists during summer in europe
This is Alexanderplatz, but where is everyone?

Brandenburg Gate

Brandenburg Gate is another icon to visit when you’re in Berlin. We found a few tourists here as well as a small demonstration, but other than that it was quite uneventful (photo taken in 2020).

If you’re looking to take the perfect Instagram photos with Berlin’s most famous attractions, now is the perfect time to do so. Use our Best Photo Spots in Berlin guide to find the most instagrammable places in the German capital.

iconic Brandenburg tor in berlin whilst travelling during covid is empty as a protest is held here
Brandenburger Tor quiet except for a few tourists and demonstrators during the coronavirus pandemic

Local Hangout Spots in Berlin

If all the travellers and tourists are doing the responsible thing, how about the locals? We visited some of the popular local hangout spots in Berlin to find the answer.

Our first top was Holzmarkt. It’s a popular outdoor market along the Spree River with cute restaurants, cafes and bars. It was also pretty empty for a Sunday afternoon (2020).

We came here a lot last summer and Holzmarkt is usually quite vibey with lots of people sitting along its wooden deck with a drink in hand.

outdoor setting at Holzmarkt in berlin quiet during covid
Holzmarkt close to Alexanderplatz during COVID

Monbijoupark on the other hand, was much busier. Not as busy as previous summers in Berlin, but busy compared to all the Berlin attractions we visited earlier.

locals spending more times at parks like monbijoupark in berlin mitte during covid times
People relaxing at Monbijoupark in Berlin’s Mitte district during the coronavirus pandemic

We also found locals (geese and swans included) along the Landwehr Canal in Berlin’s trendy and hip Kreuzberg area. It was busy but groups kept at a comfortable distance away from each other.

landwehr canal is a popular outdoor thing to do in berlin especially during coronavirus pandemic with people sitting on the grass overlooking the canal
The Landwehr Canal is a popular hang out spot in Berlin

Travel Tip: If you plan to travel to Berlin during COVID, make sure to add a few parks and lakes to your itinerary so you can catch a glimpse of the local Berlin vibe.

Day Trips From Berlin to Potsdam

We took a day trip from Berlin to Potsdam as well, to see what it’s like during the pandemic.

If you’ve never heard of Potsdam, it’s the largest UNESCO World Heritage Site in Germany and the second most famous tourist attraction in the country after Neuschwanstein Castle.

It’s a must-visit if you’re planning to visit Berlin during the coronavirus pandemic. Not only is it an easy day trip from Berlin (only 45 – 50 minutes by train), it’s also ‘social distancing friendly’.

beautiful white sculpture with potsdam sanssouci palace in the distance
The world renowned Sanssouci Palace and gardens with few tourists

Most of the attractions in Potsdam are outdoors and you can easily enjoy an entire day there with our 1 day Self Guided Potsdam Itinerary.

Potsdam is usually packed with tourists during summer when the gardens are in full bloom. So it was really wonderful to experience it with a fraction of the crowds.

visiting neues Palais in Potsdam on a day trip from berlin during coronavirus times with no tourists in sight
Neues Palais in Potsdam, Germany – all to ourselves

Tips To Travel And Visit Berlin During Coronavirus Pandemic

So there you have it. A first hand account of what it’s like to visit Berlin during the coronavirus pandemic. Please remember that lower risk doesn’t mean no risk, so be mindful when travelling during COVID.

Here’s some extra tips to help you travel Berlin or Germany more safely and responsibly during the pandemic:

  • Travel during the week (when it’s usually less busy) rather than weekends
  • Include more outdoor activities and natural attractions in your travel itinerary
  • Go on self guided tours rather than group tours
  • Get around Berlin by bike instead of using public transportation
  • Travel by train or rent a car instead of flying
  • Experience day trips close to your city
  • Always have at least 2 masks and hand sanitizer on you when leaving home

Bonus Tip: Double check that you know the latest coronavirus rules and restrictions on the official Visit Berlin website.

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