Without question Berlin is a traveler’s dream and ranks high alongside Barcelona, London and Paris in terms of being Europe’s most entertaining and culturally rich city. Since the momentous falling of the wall in 1989 Berlin has continued to reinvent itself, striving to blend the staid Soviet-influenced east with the wealth of the Allied west to create a destination of extreme curiosity a boundless opportunities. For this is Germany’s largest city, a place of old and new history, the art and design capital, the city of the Berlin Wall, and a metropolis of pioneering nightlife that never sleeps.
From a kaleidoscope of museums and galleries to majestic opera houses and ground breaking nightclubs, riverside parks to chic shopping districts, to colossal historic monuments Berlin is literally bursting with tourist attractions. To see everything could take a lifetime, therefore, in order to get the best out of a visit to this energetic destination, it is advisable to take each district one by one. Any tour should begin in Mitte, the historical centre home to the largest concentration of sights and from where it is possible to easily access the rest of the city. From Mitte, head west to funky Prenzlauer Berg and nearby Friedrichashain, home to the magnificent Eastern Gallery and numerous riverside beach bars and cafes. East of the centre Tiergarten, the city’s biggest recreational park gently eases itself into Charlottenburg, a haven for culture vultures.
There are many ways to explore Berlin and those who land here will see locals milling around the markets and districts whilst rubbing shoulders with tourists on walking and cycling tours. A relatively flat city, if not speeding around on the ultra-efficient S-Bahn, bikes are an ideal way to go allowing great freedom to explore the many sights and parks. A popular route to take is from the former border crossing of Checkpoint Charlie along the route where the Wall once stood, passing Brandenburger Tor before finishing at the imposing Reichstag. Whichever way is chosen all roads lead to something of interest and when the time comes to return, the soaring Fernsehturm (TV Tower) at Alexanderplatz is the perfect focal point to regain bearings.
A place to explore with vigor and enthusiasm by day, it is important to save some energy for the night. Berlin is a world leader in night time entertainment offering something to suit all ages and tastes. Take a pick of grand, century-old theatres and opera houses to former breweries transformed into open-air drinking and entertainment complexes to thumping nightclubs housed in disused power stations and attracting big names from the world’s music industry. Be warned, Berliners party hard and long, so that penned day of sightseeing could well end up being exchanged for an impromptu after party.
Mitte - Mitte has by far the highest concentration of sights in the whole of Berlin and is considered by many to be the cultural heart. Walk along Unter den Linden to the historical centre, home to universities, churches and museums. By night countless bar and restaurants set out to entertain the masses and shoppers swear by Hackescher Market. Must sees in Mitte are: Berliner Dom, Berlin’s cathedral built in 1894; Denkmal Der Bucherverbrennung, the monument to the burning of the books on Bebelplatz; Fernsehturm & Alexanderplatz, home to the iconic soaring 365m television tower; Friedrichstrasse & Checkpoint Charlie border crossing; Gendarmenmarkt, the city’s most picturesque square; and Museu fur Kommunikation.
Tiergarten - Stretching from the city’s archetypal landmark Brandenburger Tor to Siegessaule monument, Tiergarten is Berliner’s favourite recreational park, administrative centre and shopping district. After exploring the Reichstag head to its glass cupola for unbeatable views across Potsdamer Platz, Brandenburg Gate and the Vitoria statues adorning Siegessaule to the west. This is a place to mix cultural activities with relaxation so make sure to do both and check out the Filmmuseum Berlin, the Kultur Forum, housing a collection of museums, and the Regierungsviertel, the modern parliament buildings adjacent to the Reichstag.
Prenzlauer Berg & Friedrichshain - Young and colourful district loved by Berlin’s youth for the city’s best and cheapest nightlife scene. Yet both have a distinctive air, with Friedrichshain attracting student and bohemian types and Prenzlauer Berg being the hangout for high flying academics. Firedrichshain is the location for the magnificent and never to be missed Eastside Gallery, the world’s largest open-air art gallery, with murals adorning almost a mile long stretch of the Berlin Wall. On sunny days and weekends all and sundry head to the parks of Mauerpark and Volkspark. For nightly action the Kulturbrauerei is an old brewery that has been converted into a cinema, concert venue and a plethora of restaurants, bars and clubs squeezed into a huge courtyard.
Charlottenburg - To the west of the city, passed Tiergarten, is lively district combing the best in gourmet dining, cultural activities and shopping opportunities. Topping the “to see list” is Schloss Charlottenburg, the stunning fortress of Electress Sophie Charlotte dating back over 300-years. Also worth checking out are The Story of Berlin and the Botanischer Garten. Shoppers might be interested in what’s on offer along Kurfurstendamm (or Ku’Damm). Sport lover’s visiting during the football season may wish to check out a Bundesliga game at the Olympiastadion, home to Hertha BSC.
Shopping in Berlin - Berlin is a shopper’s paradise however don’t set out in search of shopping centres, head instead for the districts as each one has its own shopping hotspot, with designer stores and boutique shops often tucked away down a side street. Fashion gurus with euros to spare should head to Mitte for the Hugo Store and Quartier 206 whilst those looking for a bargain can explore the flea markets of Am Mauerpark (Prenzlauer Berg) and Boxhanger Platz. There is something for everyone here and music lovers should check out Platten Pedro second-hand record store, ideal for adding to any record collection. The best markets in town are Karl August Platz, a haven for gourmet food, and Winterfeldmarkt.
Berlin Festivals
Berlinale - International film festival in February showcasing new movies by German and worldwide stars.
Jazzfest Berlin - International jazz festival with headlining performances from many household names.
Berlin Nightlife
Even following a busy day of sightseeing, nights in Berlin were not designed for sleeping and you can literally do whatever you want: take in a theatre performance, go to a concert, prop up the bar of a local beer hall or get your groove on at an all night dance club. With more than 200 clubs and innumerable pubs and bars there is never a shortage of options in this electrifying city.
Berlin Bars
Gainsbourg - American styled cocktail bar in Charlottenburg attracting a largely bohemian crowd.
Kuschlowski - Cosy living room styled bar renown for the Russian owner’s extensive vodka collection.
Solar - 16th floor bar with stunning views of the city reached via a glass elevator.
Strandbar Mitte - Summer self-service hangout by the Spree with plenty of lounging opportunities.
Victoria Bar - Schoneberg hotspot famed for its unassuming atmosphere and cocktail seminars.
Weinbar Rutz - You’ll need to take you time in this classy wine bar offering over 1000 different wines.
Berlin Clubs
Adagio - Massive dance club beneath the theatre on Potsdamer Platz.
Berghain/Panorama Bar - Techno-electro club housed in an old power station that has become a worldwide icon among clubs. Get past the strict, no-logic and no-arguments door policy for an unforgettable night.
Tresor - Another converted power station attracting big name techno DJs who pound out the tunes at unthinkable decibels.
Watergate - Stylish and intimate club right on the river with impressive riverside terrace looking down to the Spree.
Berlin Theatres
Philharmonie - Take a seat and appreciate the unbelievable acoustics and sounds of the Berlin Philharmonic. Free concerts at 1pm on Tuesdays from September to June.
Neukollner Oper - Eclectic theatre performances and Berlin’s home of fringe opera.
Budget Hotels Berlin
A&O Hostel - Dorms from as little as €10 on Boxhagener Strasse. Tel (49) 30 297 7810.
Fabrik - Range of comfortable rooms near to the Kruezberg nightlife zone. Tel (49) 30 611 8254.
Generator - With over 900 beds you’ll always find room in Germany’s biggest hostel. Tel (49) 30 417 2400.
Heart of Gold Hostel - Popular backpacker spot close to the Oranienburger Strasse nightlife. Tel (49) 30 2900 3300.
Midrange Hotels Berlin
Hotel Friedenau - Small and personal hotel that hosts the occasional reading by famous authors. Tel (49) 30 859 0960.
Motel One - Modern hotel with locations at Alexanderplatz, Moritzplatz and close to Schloss Bellevue. Tel (49) 30 3151 7360.
Park Inn Berlin - Looming over Alexanderplatz is this huge chain hotel with superb top floor terrace. Tel (49) 30 238 90.
Luxury Hotels Berlin
Ellington - Charming and personal family friendly hotel with airy garden perfect for summer evenings. Tel (49) 30 683 150.
Hotel de Rome - Relatively new luxury spot on Bebelplatz with stylish rooms and rooftop terrace.
Schloss Hotel im Gruneweld - The epitome of Berlin’s luxury hotels with its own gardens, wellness spa and gourmet restaurant. Tel (49) 30 895 480.
Short Term Apartment Rentals in Berlin
Apartments in Berlin: All-Berlin-Apartments offering affordable apartments, hotels and hostels with no hidden costs.