Unlike the garish colours favoured in other countries, Germany’s taxis are all painted modest beige. Many of them are also swanky Mercedes models, so you might expect taking a cab in Berlin to be a costly affair. Fortunately, that’s not the case for most trips; rides are metered and start at €3. Most trips across town will not cost more than €20. But if you are only going a short distance you can tell the driver you want a Kurzstrecke, which costs a fixed price of €3.50. This option is not available for cabs waiting at taxi stands.

Taxis park at designated stops all around the city, but you can also wave down a free cab in traffic. A free taxi is recognisable by its illuminated yellow rooftop sign. Many, but not all, of Berlin’s taxi drivers have adequate English skills, but it’s always handy to know a few essential German phrases.