Getting There
The capital’s two main international airports are Berlin Tegel Airport and Berlin Schönefeld Airport. If you aren’t a German citizen, make sure you have the required documentation to enter the country.
Lodging
Depending on how much money you’re willing to spend, you pretty much have the whole city at your disposal. Berlin has an abundance of nice hotel options, some of which you’ll be able to see the light installations from. It’s always a good idea to book rooms months in advance, especially if you’re coming from outside the country. There are at least a dozen hostels in the area as well if you’d like some extra spending money on your touristy endeavors.
When do the lights come on?
All installations light up around 7 p.m. (19:00) until midnight (24:00). That gives you a solid five hours each night during your stay to see everything. The most busy time is between 7 and 10 p.m. with millions of people scattered across the city snapping pictures with their phones. If you prefer a more intimate experience without all those people surrounding you, embark on your tour after 10 p.m.
Free of Charge
Put your wallet away; Festival of Lights will cost you nothing to attend! It’s wise to bring money anyway as you most certainly will make pit stops various restaurants, museums and other cultural staples along the way. You may also want to spend money on a lightseeing tour.
Lightseeing Tours
Another way to experience the festival is an organized lightseeing tour via bus, boat, carriage, bicycle taxi, or a guided walking tour. Check the festival’s website to see a list of available options and how much they cost.