Potsdam
Visiting the regional capital of Brandenburg is the quickest and most budget-friendly option. The city of palaces and gardens has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1990. The huge Sanssouci complex (Schloss Sanssouci) is called the «Prussian Versailles» and the symbol of the city
How to get there
- By train: every 10—30 minutes; travel time 30 minutes; cost from 3,4 € one way. Check the schedule on the website of the carrier DB
- No buses
- Distance: 35 km
Dresden
The center of the Saxony region, one of the largest cultural centers in Germany. It is here that the famous Old Masters Picture Gallery (Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister) is located, with more than 750 paintings by great artists. The most famous are Raphael’s «Sistine Madonna» and Rembrandt’s «Prodigal Son in the Tavern». Another of Dresden’s riches: the Green Vault (Historisches und Neues Grünes Gewölbe), the largest collection of jewelry in Europe.
How to get there
- By train: several times a day; travel time 2 hours 10 minutes; cost from 22 € one way. Check the schedule on the website of the carrier DB
- By bus: every 10—20 minutes, even at night; travel time 2 hours 30 minutes; cost 8—16 € one way. Check the Flixbus website for timetables.
- The cheapest option is by bus: there at 08:00 am, back at 20:30 pm; travel time 3 hours 10 minutes; cost 1—6 € one way (yes, yes, only 1 € if you buy in advance). Check the schedule on the Ouibus website for details
- Distance: 193 kilometers
Hamburg
Germany’s largest port and one of the centers of nightlife. You should come here to see the 46-kilometer-long port promenade, the world’s largest warehouse complex, the German version of the red light district and to take beautiful industrial photos.
What to see: Hamburg sights.
How to get there
- By train: several times a day; travel time 1 hour 45 minutes; cost from 20 € one way. Schedule on the DB Website
- By bus: every 30 minutes, even at night; average travel time 3 hours 30 minutes; cost 8—16 € one way. Schedule on the Flixbus website
- Distance: 284 km
Magdeburg
A city with a long history, here in the Magdeburg Cathedral (Dom zu Magdeburg) the First Holy Roman Emperor Otto I is buried.
Of the modern architecture, the Green Cit adel (Hundertwassers Grüne Zitadelle von Magdeburg) attracts attention. The pink facade of the building looks very futuristic, the lines are curved and irregular, and it is called the Green Citadel because of the large number of trees and flowers. Inside there are designer stores, cafes and exhibitions.
How to get there
- By train: every hour; travel time 2 hours; cost from 22 € one way. Schedule on the DB Website
- By bus: every hour from 7am; travel time 1 hour 45 minutes; cost 8—13 € one way. Schedule on the Flixbus website
- The cheapest option is by bus (only there): 1 time a day at 10:20 am; travel time 1 hour 40 minutes; cost €6. Schedule on the Ouibus website
- Distance: 156 kilometers
Leipzig (Leipzig)
The largest city in Saxony, which Goethe called «a little Paris». The great composer Johann Sebastian Bach is buried in St. Thomas Church (Thomaskirche). The German poet Friedrich Schiller wrote the second act of Don Carlos and the first version of the ode To Joy in Leipzig.
How to get there
- By train: several times a day; travel time 1 hour 15 minutes; cost from 22 € one way. Schedule on the DB Website
- By bus: every 30 minutes, first at 7:15 a.m.; travel time 2 hours 15 minutes; cost 8—16 € one way. Schedule on the Flixbus website
- Distance: 190 km
Poland. Poznań
Feel the atmosphere of one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Poland. Prices here are 1.5—2 times lower than in Germany.
What to see: Poznan travel guide.
How to get there
- By train: several times a day; travel time 2 hours 50 minutes; cost from 35 € one way. Schedule on the DB Website
- By bus: every 30—60 minutes, first at 7:00 am; travel time 3 hours 30 minutes; cost 13—15 € one way. Schedule on the Flixbus Website
- Distance: 272 kilometers
Czech Republic. Prague (Praha)
One of the most visited cities in the world delights visitors with beautiful panoramic views, medieval spirit, delicious food and beer. Every traveler has heard of the mystical Charles Bridge and the famous red tiled roofs.
Everything you need to know about the Czech capital in our travel guides.
How to get there
- By train: several times a day; travel time 4 hours 30 minutes; cost from 30 € one way. Schedule on the DB Website
- By bus: every 30 minutes, even at night; average travel time 5 hours; one way from 21 €. Schedule on the Flixbus website
- Distance: 350 km
Before you buy tickets for the surrounding cities, make sure you’ve definitely already seen all the highlights in Berlin.