Alert: Terrorism in Germany
A terrorist attack has recently occurred in Berlin on a Christmas market, and the terrorists haven’t been caught yet. Tourists should take the usual precautions in large cities, but avoid crowded events.
Berlin, Germany
Germany’s capital and most vibrant city, Berlin is both the political, historical and cultural center of Germany. On the east side of Berlin, visit the remnants of the cold war with the Berlin wall-turned open air art gallery East Gallery, the famous Berghain club in an abandoned power plant or the graffiti-laden streets of Kreuzberg. The West offers more traditional landmarks and the Tiergarten, a huge park in the heart of the city.
Although the city is very safe, some areas attracts a lot of pickpockets and crooks who take advantage of the crowds on the city’s streets.
SafeAround will allow you to see on a map the city’s safest and most dangerous neighborhoods and areas, details on scams and other risks, as well as some useful travel advice.
Mitte
The historical centre of Berlin, as well as the headquarters of the former East Berlin, is full of iconic landmarks such as the Brandenburg Tor, the TV tower (Fernsenturm), along with restaurants, museums, art galleries and clubs . Pickpockets are an issue near Brandenburg Tor, the MuseumInsel and Alexanderplatz, which can be also a bit dangerous late at night.
The West
The neighborhoods of Charlottenburg, Schoneberg, Wilmersdorf, Tiergarten and Moabit make up the west side of Berlin, which is the shopping area with the large Ku’Damm street and department stores. It is mostly a residential and calm area. Pickpockets are known to operate on the Kurfürstendamm area and in the KaDeWE department store.
The East
Berlin’s most up-and-coming neighborhoods (Friedrichshain, Kreuzberg, Prenzlauer Berg) are situated on the east side of the city. These areas are packed with bars, clubs, restaurants and open-street markets. There are traditional riots on the 1st of May (Labor Day) every year. Gorlitzer Park is best avoided at night since its the drug dealing area. Some areas in Neukolln and Kreuzberg have some increased risk of violence and robberies, but still very limited compared to other cities.
Warnings & Dangers
OVERAL RISK: LOW
Berlin is a very safe city. With a rating of 86% Germany, is ranked 14th out of 162 on the ranking of the safest and most dangerous countries.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
There is some pickpocket-related risk in Berlin. A few simple precautions will minimize your chances of being pickpocketed.
MUGGING & KIDNAPPING RISK: MEDIUM
Berlin is an averagely safe city regarding the chances of being mugged. Be aware of dangerous zones by asking local advice.
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
As in any touristic place, there may be people trying to scam you in Berlin. Be aware of “gold ring” tricks, fake petitions, groups of teenagers acting strangely or trying to distract you; and people offering help with your luggage.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
Transports and taxis are generally very safe in Berlin.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
There are no natural hazards in Berlin.
TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
Berlin has recently been targeted by a terrorist attack during Christmas 2016. Be very careful when attending events with a lot of people, or in crowded streets.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Berlin is generally very safe for women travelers.
Useful Information
Make sure your passport has at least six months’ validity from your planned date of return to the country you’re visiting.
www.doyouneedvisa.com is a useful website that can help you know if you need a visa or not based on your nationality and the country you’re visiting.
If you’re looking fore cheap flight deals, you can find some on JetRadar
Here are four of the best Travel Guides for Berlin
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