Attend the ITB for Free!
3 March 2008 by poetloverrebelspy
If you’ll be in Berlin this week, you might consider checking out the ITB, the world’s largest travel convention. You can find details about times, ticket prices and how to get to the Messe (Convention Center) at the linked page.
Here’s how you can attend for free: all ISIC card holders are granted free entry March 8th and 9th when brandishing their card and a coupon. You can download the coupon here.
Other students are admitted for a discounted 8 euros — but take my advice and head to one of the STA Travel offices in Berlin, where you can score yourself an ISIC card for 10 euros. Get in for free with the coupon above, and consider your 2 euros well invested towards other discounted entries and events for the rest of 2008.
Kids under 14 are admitted free with a paying adult, making this a family-friendly event.
Not a student anymore? If you’re an IKEA Family member (join here), you can head to any one of the three Berlin IKEA locations (Waltersdorf | Spandau | Tempelhof) to get two free tickets to the ITB.
Neither a student nor a fan of Swedish furniture? You can still save if you get your tickets from the S-Bahn rather than directly at the ITB. They’re being sold at S-Bahn counters and from ticket machines for 12 euros instead of 14. (UPDATE 3/3: These discounted tickets are only available for advance purchase through March 7th.)
NB: the BVG — the transportation authority responsible for the U-Bahn, buses, and trams in Berlin — has just announced strikes beginning Wednesday to end March 14th. These strikes will not affect S-Bahn traffic. The linked press release notes that the BVG will institute emergency measures to ensure that buses will run to Tegel Airport. Plan your travel within the city accordingly!
Insider’s tip: don’t forget to take a bag for all your loot (and there will be loot)! If you’ve forgotten or don’t own a tote, pick up a canvas bag at any grocery store for around 70 cents. They’re located under the counter, directly at the checkout lines. Makes a great and cheap souvenir!
