Travel blog - Tips to explore the world on a budget: Berlin

December has arrived. The trees have shed their leaves, the temperature has dropped, and the decorations have been erected. Germany celebrates Christmas with enthusiasm and passion exhibited through Christmas markets throughout the country. And in Berlin, there's no exception. With a huge variety to choose from, here is your guide to 5 of the best Christmas markets in Berlin:

Sometimes trying to navigate your way through a subway and train network in a new language can be harder than it looks, and Berlin's system (BVG) is no exception. Trains from all over Europe arrive in Berlin's Hauptbahnhof (main train station) every single day. So what do you do when you arrive in the German capital at one of the busiest train stations in the country? Head straight to the closest BVG ticket machine, get yourself an unlimited 48-hour travel card, and start touring!

Brunch is not just a custom in Berlin - it's basically an institution. If you make friends here, without fail you will meet up on Sundays and have a pre-flea-market pig-out. These fuelling and caffeination sessions are the epitome of the chilled Berlin lifestyle, i.e. getting up late, indulging yourself and being sociable. Sound good? Now, in case you're already burning up for brunch, here's our guide to Berlin's best so that you can satisfy your brunch needs every day.

The first thing you'll notice about Berlin is that it's covered in graffiti. Whether you're staring blankly at a station's walls, cramped in a cafe's bathroom or unlocking your own front door, there's no escape. It's rare to find an inch of the wall which hasn't been doodled on.

Is Berlin on your travel itinerary? Alongside its incredible history and remarkable culture, I'm sure German beer is up there on the list of reasons to go, or at least a perk to the trip! The problem with German beer is that there certainly is a lot of it. So we've put together a pocket guide to Berlin beer to keep you on track. Plus some other excellent German beers because why would we take those options away from you? Now I'm swirl'n'smell my beer kind've person but I am someone who really REALLY likes beer, and German beer being no exception...