Unlocking Berlin—Here’s How the Berlin WelcomeCard Helps Us Maximize Savings and Experiences.
Berlin doesn’t just whisper its history—it shouts it proudly. This city blends raw energy with refined culture, creating an experience like no other.
From walking along the Berlin Wall to savoring currywurst in hidden artwork-filled alleys, every corner invites exploration.
For us, the Berlin WelcomeCard has been a game changer. It gives us seamless access to unlimited public transport and discounts at top attractions—perfect for making the most of our time here.
Whether we’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, it’s always our go-to for enhancing our trip.
But is it worth the price?
Let us break it down for you. Here’s an honest guide to help you make the most of your Berlin WelcomeCard:
1. What is the Berlin WelcomeCard?
The Berlin WelcomeCard is a tourist pass that offers:
- Unlimited public transport: Within zones AB (city center) or ABC (including Potsdam and the airport).
- Discounts of 25% to 50% at over 170 attractions, tours, and restaurants.
- A handy guidebook with tips and recommendations.
- Flexible purchase options: online, by mail, or upon arrival in Berlin.
Available in durations ranging from 48 hours to 6 days, the card is a convenient way to explore Berlin while saving money.
2. Who Should Buy It?
The card is ideal for:
- First-time visitors: Explore Berlin’s top attractions and travel easily by public transport.
- History buffs and museum lovers: Enjoy discounts on Museum Island and historical tours to dive into Berlin’s past.
- Budget travelers: Save money on transport and entry fees.
- Couples: Share romantic moments at a lower cost, like a sunset boat tour on the Spree or a trip to Charlottenburg Palace.
- Families: Unlimited transport and discounts at spots like LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre and SEA LIFE Berlin make traveling with kids stress-free.
- Extra perks for families: Each adult card includes free transport for all kids under 6 and up to 3 children aged 6–14. Children 15+ require their own ticket.
Not ideal for: Travelers planning to visit just a few attractions or those who prefer walking or cycling the whole day. Keep in mind, though, that relying solely on walking could limit how much of Berlin you get to explore.
3. Top Attractions Covered by the Berlin WelcomeCard
Here are some of the must-visit spots where you can use the card (discounted or free):
Iconic Landmarks
- TV Tower (Fernsehturm): Panoramic city views. (Nearest station: Alexanderplatz)
- Brandenburg Gate: A symbol of unity. Free. (Nearest station: Brandenburger Tor)
- Checkpoint Charlie: Relive Cold War history at this famous border crossing. Free. (Nearest station: Kochstraße)
- Reichstag Building: Stunning views from the glass dome. Free with prior registration. (Nearest station: Bundestag)
Cultural and Historical Sites
- Museum Island: Explore world-class museums. (Nearest station: Hackescher Markt)
- Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom): Climb the dome for breathtaking views. (Nearest station: Hackescher Markt)
- East Side Gallery: Murals on the Berlin Wall. (Nearest stations: Ostbahnhof or Warschauer Straße)
- Topography of Terror: An outdoor and indoor history museum documenting Nazi crimes. Free. (Nearest station: Potsdamer Platz)
Unique Experiences
- Spree River Cruises: See Berlin from the water. (Dock locations vary; nearest: Friedrichstraße)
- Charlottenburg Palace: Baroque elegance and gardens. (Nearest station: Westend)
- Sanssouci Palace: Explore Potsdam’s royal splendor. (Nearest station: Potsdam Hauptbahnhof)
Family-Friendly Fun
- SEA LIFE Berlin: Dive into an underwater world. (Nearest station: Alexanderplatz)
- LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre: Perfect for kids 3–10. (Nearest station: Potsdamer Platz)
- TimeRide: A virtual reality city tour showcasing Berlin’s history in the 20th century. (Nearest station: Friedrichstraße)
4. Full List of Discounts
The Berlin WelcomeCard offers many discounts. Here’s a sample:
Attractions, Museums & Castles: From historical sites, cultural landmarks, and top destinations.
Tours & Experiences: Bike tours, boat trips, city tours, and more.
Dining & Souvenirs: Discounts at select restaurants and shops.
For the full list of nearly 200 partner discounts available, visit their official website.
5. Berlin WelcomeCard Classic vs. other variations
Berlin WelcomeCard Variations: Which One Should You Choose?
The Berlin WelcomeCard comes in different variations to suit your travel style and interests. Here’s a breakdown of the main options to help you decide:
a. Classic – 2 to 6 days
Includes: Discounts up to 50% on almost 200 attractions, tours, and restaurants, plus unlimited public transport in zones AB, ABC, or others.
Best For: Flexible travelers visiting a mix of attractions at their own pace.
Highlights: See top Berlin spots while still enjoying flexibility.
b. Museum Island – 3 days
Includes: Everything in the Classic version, plus free entry to all Museum Island museums for three (3) days.
Best For: History and art lovers exploring UNESCO-listed Museum Island, including the Pergamon and Neues Museums.
Highlights: Dedicate up to three (3) full days to Berlin’s rich history and art treasures.
c. All-Inclusive – 2 to 6 days
Includes: Free entry to dozens of attractions like the TV Tower, Berlin Dungeon, and boat tours, plus unlimited public transport.
Best For: Travelers with busy itineraries who want a worry-free and all-access pass to top sites.
Highlights: Maximum sightseeing for maximum value.
6. Which Berlin WelcomeCard Should You Pick?
Need flexibility? Choose the Classic version.
Love museums? Go with the Museum Island version.
Have a busy schedule? The All Inclusive version covers everything.
Choose based on your itinerary and interests to make the most of your Berlin experience!
>>> RESERVE the best rates for Berlin Hotels <<<
7. Suggested Berlin Itineraries
Make the most of your Berlin, Germany, adventure with these curated itineraries, blending iconic landmarks, history, and culture.
DAY 1: Iconic Berlin Landmarks
- Morning: Start your day at the TV Tower in Alexanderplatz for stunning city views.
- Afternoon: Explore Museum Island and don’t miss the Neues Museum to see Queen Nefertiti’s famous bust.
Visit Checkpoint Charlie and the Topography of Terror to learn about Berlin’s Cold War and Nazi history. - Sunset: Climb to the Berlin Cathedral dome for amazing sunset views.
- Evening: Choose between the GDR Museum or a relaxing boat tour on the Spree River.
DAY 2: Berlin’s History & Culture
- Morning: Explore the Berlin Wall Memorial to reflect on its historical significance.
- Afternoon: Visit the Brandenburg Gate and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Tiergarten.
- Sunset: Watch the sunset from the Reichstag Dome (be sure to book in advance).
- Evening: Conclude the day at the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church area with dinner or a casual walk.
DAY 3: Explore Potsdam
Spend a full day discovering Potsdam’s rich UNESCO World Heritage sites. The sanssouci+ combo ticket gives you access to nearly all of Potsdam’s castles.
- Morning: Visit Schloss Sanssouci, its beautiful park, Schloss Charlottenhof, and Neues Palais.
- Afternoon: Give yourself about an hour to stroll through the Neuer Garten.
Or, drive to Schloss Cecilienhof, famous for hosting the Potsdam Conference. - Sunset: Enjoy panoramic views at Belvedere Castle on the Pfingstberg, just 20 minutes away.
- Evening: If you have time, visit the Museum Barberini for a cultural finish.
Optional Potsdam Add-ons:
- For families: Visit the Biosphere Potsdam, an indoor tropical garden.
- For rainy days: Explore the Filmmuseum Potsdam, Germany’s oldest film museum, with exhibits on cinema history.
Additional Berlin Highlights
If you have more time, add these spots to your additional days or the above itineraries:
- Cultural and Historical: Charlottenburg Palace, East Side Gallery (free), Spy Museum, Tempelhof Airport.
- Family-Friendly: SEA LIFE Berlin, LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, Gärten der Welt.
- Interactive and Quirky: TimeRide, DejaVu Museum, Berlin Dungeon.
>>> RESERVE the best rates for Berlin Hotels <<<
8. Insider Tips for Maximizing Value
- Plan your zones: Choose the AB or ABC card based on your itinerary.
- Activate wisely: The card’s validity starts when you first use it, so align activation with a packed day of sightseeing.
- Check the discounts: Use the guidebook or app to identify participating attractions and prioritize those with higher entry fees for maximum savings.
- Travel off-peak: Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
9. Sample Cost Calculation for the Berlin WelcomeCard
Here’s a sample breakdown to determine if the card offers value:
Cost of the card (3-day Classic AB): Approximately €26.90
Example one-day itinerary:
- TV Tower: €27.50 → €21 (25% discount)
- Berlin Cathedral: €10 → €7 (30% discount)
- GDR Museum: €13.50 → €10.15 (25% discount)
- Spree River Cruise (boat tour – seasonal): €24 → €18 (25% discount)
Total Cost:
- €85.60 – (€75 regular price + €10.60 one-day AB public transport)
- €56.15 – (with Berlin WelcomeCard + free AB public transport)
Total Sample Savings for 1 day: €29.45
Total Sample Savings for 3 days: €75-120+ per person (possible average—if you do 2 to 4 sites each day).
Public Transport: Remember that with unlimited transport, the card’s convenience becomes undeniable. Unlimited travel on buses, trams, and trains (S-Bahn, U-Bahn) within Zones A and B of Berlin’s public transport network. This alone could save you money if you’re using the metro or buses frequently. Each one-way ticket costs €3.80, while 24-hour tickets cost €10.60 to €12.30.
Total Potential Savings: If you’re visiting multiple attractions, the savings add up quickly. With just our one-day sample visit, you’re already saving more than the price of the card itself. For families, it’s even better value since each adult card already includes free transport for all kids under 6 and up to 3 children aged 6–14.
Note: The offers may change at any time, so we recommend checking the partner website before your visit. It’s best to determine which sites you plan on visiting to get the best value.
>>> RESERVE the best rates for Berlin Hotels <<<
10. Romantic Berlin for Couples
For couples, the Berlin WelcomeCard adds a touch of affordability to your romantic getaway. Here are some couple-friendly experiences:
- Sunset at the TV Tower: Watch the sunset paint the city gold as you share a glass of wine at the bar or a meal at the revolving restaurant.
- Boat Tour on the Spree River: Glide past Berlin’s landmarks while enjoying a relaxing cruise. Opt for an evening tour for an extra romantic touch.
- Charlottenburg Palace: Wander hand-in-hand through this lovely palace and its beautifully landscaped gardens.
- Berlin Cathedral Dome: Climb the spiral staircase for a cozy moment overlooking the city skyline.
- Quiet Moments in Tiergarten: Escape the hustle and bustle with a picnic in this sprawling urban park.
Conclusion: Is the Berlin WelcomeCard Worth It?
The Berlin WelcomeCard makes exploring Berlin easy and affordable.
By planning your itinerary around its discounts and benefits, you can unlock the best of the city without overspending. And for couples, the card turns romantic outings into affordable adventures.
Ready to start exploring? Grab your Berlin WelcomeCard and discover the city in style!
Disclaimer: We were hosted by the Visit Berlin team as media guests. Please note, we did not receive any compensation to write a positive review. All opinions shared in this guide reflect our genuine personal experiences.
