Every year around this time I begin to see the same kinds of posts on social media.
I’m coming to Berlin on New Year’s Eve!
Where should I go?
Is the S-Bahn safe to ride late at night?
Where is the best place to see fireworks?
This always brings to mind the advice I got when we first moved here - which are still the words I live by on Dec. 31:
Be where you plan to stay by 7 p.m. and don’t leave there until after sunrise the next day.
Yes, the S-Bahn is generally safe, even at night. And unlike most nights, the trains will be running frequently all through the night.
It’s everywhere around the S-Bahn that isn’t safe on Silvester.1
Unless you are the kind of person who enjoys throwing incendiary devices at others or having them thrown at you, then I advise watching some fireworks from a balcony or bridge early in the evening and then staying inside (shutters closed, if you have them), for the duration.
Think I am exaggerating?
Here is a short list of highlights …
