Burgers in Berlin

Burgers are an institution on Berlin's culinary scene. Grill restaurants present hip and trendy dishes and even treat patrons to organic products. Burgers are the biggest culinary trend in the city. Over the past ten years, the scene has become increasingly sophisticated, with more and more restaurants offering a cornucopia of ingenious home made meat patty creations. Kreuzberg, Prenzlauerberg and Friedrichshain have become centres of an alternative culinary culture. Here, you can dine in the unique ambience created by backdrops of Boxhagenerplatz's street art and sculptural subway arches. From about four euros, delicious grilled dishes are yours for the tasting, and an extra charge snaffles you upgrade gourmet versions. Berlin's burger restaurants, by the way, are an excellent way to enrich a city tour with the Berlin CityTourCard, as venues for reviewing the day's experiences.

The best burgers in Berlin: from Burgermeister to Burgeramt

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In a former public lavatory, beneath the massive iron sign for the U1 at Schlesisches Tor, is the biggest success story of Berlin's burger restaurants. Established in 2006, "cafe Octagon" became a trendy haunt, which rapidly expanded. In the evening hours, burger enthusiasts throng the small space, waiting patiently for their orders. If there is a big rush, you'll be given a number and are called to pick up your burgers. Between the crispy buns, your 100 percent beef burger comes with bacon, jalapenos and other extras on request. If this branch is too busy, happily there is now another at Kottbusser Tor. The opening hours are also advantageous: even if you are travelling here at night with your Berlin CityTourCard, you can grab a burger until 00:30 a.m. during the week without any problems. In Boxhagenerplatz, you can choose to takeaway or sit in the restaurant. The latter offers you a larger menu selection. The popular burger restaurant opened in 2008 and has a hip hop and street art inspired interior. Beats, bars and burgers is their motto. Since 2013, rap battles and performances have regularly been held here too. Charolais beef sizzles on the grill behind the music. You won't be disappointed by the blue cheeseburger with lava-like Gorgonzola, feta and roasted onions.

Berlin's four Kreuzburgers

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Kreuzburger has been managed by the same people since the late 1990s, opening branches in Friedrichschain, Kreuzberg, Prenzlauerburg and Mitte. No matter where your Berlin CityTourCard has taken you, there's also likely to be a Kreuzburger within striking distance. The burgers change depending on which district of Berlin you're in and range from fur euro snacks to decadent menus featuring rosemary dusted fries and mouthwatering gourmet burgers. Organic meat and freshly baked buns are topped off with home made sauces. Kreuzburger is also open until 01:00 a.m. and until 03:00 a.m. on weekends.

"No Frills": Neukölln's SchillerBurger

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This Berlin CityTourCard guide to burgers in Berlin would be incomplete without mentioning Neukölln's attractive Schillerkiez. Burger restaurant history was built on a clear objective: the founders of SchillerBurger wanted to produce honest, authentic cuisine without additives and artificial aromas. The concept was a hit, and now you can buy their burgers at nine locations in Berlin. Between the buns are market-fresh ingredients and local beef. From five euros, tuck into the "Schiller", "Don Carlos" and "Wallenstein". There's also a great selection for vegetarians and vegans.

Burger de Ville: Kurfürstendamm

On Kurfürstendamm's famous Kranzler-Eck, Burger de Ville serves grilled Black Angus beef from local organic farms. Fresh buns, home made sauces and juicy meat are joined by specialities like crispy corn-fed chicken and pulled pork. Summertime sees a pop-up on Charlie's Beach at Check Point Charlie. If you visit the former border post and nearby museums with your CityTourCard, you can kick back in a deck chair and enjoy a sumptuous burger from de Ville. Book your CityTourCard now to access all public transport and discover Berlin's best burger joints. Tickets are valid for between 48 hours and six days.