Visiting Berlin --- Need some info
Jun 21, 2024 | 9:47 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 941
Visiting Berlin, Amsterdam --- Need some info
Booked Europe trip from USA, first stop Berlin, to Amsterdam, to Brussels, to Paris and back. Couple of questions:
1. All family members with US Passports, do we need visa for any of these countries?
2. We only planned for Berlin in Germany, but thinking of adding Munich too..What do you guys think of Munich, or any other German city in place of it?
Apart from standard tourist attractions in Berlin, anything else you guys recommend that is must?
Thanks in advance.
1. All family members with US Passports, do we need visa for any of these countries?
2. We only planned for Berlin in Germany, but thinking of adding Munich too..What do you guys think of Munich, or any other German city in place of it?
Apart from standard tourist attractions in Berlin, anything else you guys recommend that is must?
Thanks in advance.
Last edited by troyhouse; Aug 3, 2024 at 10:58 am
Jun 21, 2024 | 11:18 pm
#2
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Rhineland-Palatinate
Programs: *A Gold (A3), HHonor Gold
Posts: 6,935
Booked Europe trip from USA, first stop Berlin, to Amsterdam, to Brussels, to Paris and back. Couple of questions:
1. All family members with US Passports, do we need visa for any of these countries?
2. We only planned for Berlin in Germany, but thinking of adding Munich too..What do you guys think of Munich, or any other German city in place of it?
Apart from standard tourist attractions in Berlin, anything else you guys recommend that is must?
Thanks in advance.
1. All family members with US Passports, do we need visa for any of these countries?
2. We only planned for Berlin in Germany, but thinking of adding Munich too..What do you guys think of Munich, or any other German city in place of it?
Apart from standard tourist attractions in Berlin, anything else you guys recommend that is must?
Thanks in advance.
2. Berlin is a major metropole with enough things to do to fill weeks of time. So is Munich, and a lot of other cities. We can not answer this question without details such as how many days you are planning to go to Germany and your interest.
3. Idem.
Jun 22, 2024 | 10:48 am
#3
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Munich, Germany
Programs: Miles&More Blue, SPG Silver
Posts: 3,452
No visa need for US passport holders. You can stay up to 90 Days in the Schengen Area https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/po...hengen-area_en
I would not add Munich to this trip. Not because it wouldn't worth it but it is too much. Focus on Berlin this time. Instead plan a second trip to Europe including Munich, maybe Vienna Milan, Rom.
I would not add Munich to this trip. Not because it wouldn't worth it but it is too much. Focus on Berlin this time. Instead plan a second trip to Europe including Munich, maybe Vienna Milan, Rom.
Jun 22, 2024 | 6:41 pm
#5
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Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Pacific Northwest
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1. All family members with US Passports, do we need visa for any of these countries?
2. We only planned for Berlin in Germany, but thinking of adding Munich too..What do you guys think of Munich, or any other German city in place of it?
Apart from standard tourist attractions in Berlin, anything else you guys recommend that is must?
2. We only planned for Berlin in Germany, but thinking of adding Munich too..What do you guys think of Munich, or any other German city in place of it?
Apart from standard tourist attractions in Berlin, anything else you guys recommend that is must?
2. Munich is lovely. So it Berlin. Whether to do one or both depends very much on how much time you have and how much is on your to-do list for Berlin. I recently spent four days in Berlin (not my first visit) and felt it wasnt nearly enough. I could spend two weeks there and wouldnt get bored.
3. We dont really know you and your preferences and interests, so making suggestions is a bit hard. Maybe tell us what is already on your todo list and things you like to do/see and we can throw out suggestions. Also, are you traveling with kids? Age might impact suggestions
Jun 23, 2024 | 5:07 am
#7
Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 3,812
Check out https://www.whitlams-berlin-tours.com/. Absolutely fantastic and can customize for whatever you have in mind. Very responsive to questions/messaging.
Jun 24, 2024 | 1:26 am
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Germany
Programs: Some
Posts: 13,112
Booked Europe trip from USA, first stop Berlin, to Amsterdam, to Brussels, to Paris and back. Couple of questions:
1. All family members with US Passports, do we need visa for any of these countries?
2. We only planned for Berlin in Germany, but thinking of adding Munich too..What do you guys think of Munich, or any other German city in place of it?
Apart from standard tourist attractions in Berlin, anything else you guys recommend that is must?
Thanks in advance.
1. All family members with US Passports, do we need visa for any of these countries?
2. We only planned for Berlin in Germany, but thinking of adding Munich too..What do you guys think of Munich, or any other German city in place of it?
Apart from standard tourist attractions in Berlin, anything else you guys recommend that is must?
Thanks in advance.
Jun 24, 2024 | 5:23 am
#9
Moderator: Lufthansa Miles & More, India based airlines, India, External Miles & Points Resources
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: MUC
Programs: LH SEN
Posts: 52,701
No visa need for US passport holders. You can stay up to 90 Days in the Schengen Area https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/po...hengen-area_en
Traveling Through Europe: If you are planning to visit or travel through European countries, you should be familiar with the requirements of the Schengen Agreement.
- In Europe's Schengen area, your passport generally must be valid for at least six months at the time of your entry.Although Germany only requires travelers to have three months of validity remaining beyond their intended departure date, airlines may still deny boarding for having less than six months validity, especially if transiting additional Schengen countries.
- If you plan on transiting a Schengen country, review our U.S. Travelers in Europe page.
- You will need sufficient proof of funds and a return plane ticket.
- For additional information about visas for the Schengen area, see the Schengen Visa page.
- If traveling with prescription medication, review the information below regarding pharmaceuticals to avoid potential fines and confiscation.
Pharmaceuticals
- If traveling with prescription medication, visit the German customs website to ensure the medication is legal in Germany. For medications that Germany classifies as narcotics, you may only carry a 30-day supply. A comprehensive list of these medications can be found here. If your medication is on that list, there is an additional requirement for your doctor to complete a certification form.
Jul 26, 2024 | 4:16 pm
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 941
Getting close to travel dates and have couple of questions:
1. which train system to use to travel from Amsterdam to Brussels
2. Is visiting Luxembourg from Brussels worth it, and which train system. The tickets are not expensive, or should we book a day trip service to explore Luxembourg
3. Any general purpose feedback on Hilton Berlin, Brussels Marriott?
thanks in advance
1. which train system to use to travel from Amsterdam to Brussels
2. Is visiting Luxembourg from Brussels worth it, and which train system. The tickets are not expensive, or should we book a day trip service to explore Luxembourg
3. Any general purpose feedback on Hilton Berlin, Brussels Marriott?
thanks in advance
Jul 29, 2024 | 12:11 am
#11
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Barcelona, Catalunya
Posts: 2,193
For international trains from / to Belgium you can use https://www.b-europe.com/EN (page for international travel of the Belgian train company).
It will show all options (different companies and high-speed / normal trains).
For Amsterdam to Brussel, make sure to look at the conditions of a ticket before buying the cheaper ones. A lot of them tie you to a specific train (time) these days.
For Brussel <> Luxembourg there is only one fixed price (and you are free to take any train on the chosen travel date). But IMHO Luxembourg only is not worth spending so many hours on a train.
It will show all options (different companies and high-speed / normal trains).
For Amsterdam to Brussel, make sure to look at the conditions of a ticket before buying the cheaper ones. A lot of them tie you to a specific train (time) these days.
For Brussel <> Luxembourg there is only one fixed price (and you are free to take any train on the chosen travel date). But IMHO Luxembourg only is not worth spending so many hours on a train.
Jul 29, 2024 | 9:14 am
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2006
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Posts: 21,487
I would put Bruges and Ghent higher on my priority list than Luxembourg, especially if my time was limited. Unless, of course, checking off a country in the pursuit of visiting as many as possible is a goal.
(I also may be biased by watching “In Bruges” again recently
)
(I also may be biased by watching “In Bruges” again recently
)
Aug 1, 2024 | 11:03 pm
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 941
ok, here is the plan, please suggest so i can make necessary changes
1. 2 full days berlin, will get big bus pass and visit all the tourist locations. any specific spots not covered but should be visited?
2. 3rd day afternoon, fly to amsterdam, 2 full days in here
3. on 6th day afternoon, train to brussels, 3 1/2 days here. include ghent / bruges day trip, luxembourg / dinat or antwerp day trip (still not decided), 2 days brussels sight seeing
btw.. looking for good vegeterian food recommendations at of these locations. thanks in advance.
what do you guys think? I am sure, this sounds rushed but hopefully it works out.
1. 2 full days berlin, will get big bus pass and visit all the tourist locations. any specific spots not covered but should be visited?
2. 3rd day afternoon, fly to amsterdam, 2 full days in here
3. on 6th day afternoon, train to brussels, 3 1/2 days here. include ghent / bruges day trip, luxembourg / dinat or antwerp day trip (still not decided), 2 days brussels sight seeing
btw.. looking for good vegeterian food recommendations at of these locations. thanks in advance.
what do you guys think? I am sure, this sounds rushed but hopefully it works out.
Aug 2, 2024 | 2:39 am
#14
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Canada
Programs: Star Alliance G*, Marriott Bonvoy Titanium,
Posts: 3,744
I travel to/from Berlin everty year. A very welcoming city, IMO. The underground is complicated but I am not sure I would be taking the Big Bus tour to see all the tourist attractions? Why not taxis? Or, rely on your hotel concierge? The balance of your itinerary makes a lot of sense. I like Bruges, I love Amsterdam. PM me if you want more detailed LM advice on where to stay in both BER & AMS.
Last edited by Antonio8069; Aug 2, 2024 at 2:41 am Reason: spell check
Aug 2, 2024 | 2:48 am
#15
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: BER
Programs: *A Gold, ST Elite Plus
Posts: 1,803
If you have only two days in Berlin, I reckon you won't be able to visit more than the usual tourist spots. The Hilton in Berlin is in a good, central location, but there's construction work going right in front of it (Gendarmenmarkt), but since you'll be out and about all day, that shouldn't inconvenience you.