Berlin
Political and cultural capital with a turbulent history

The events of the past have left their mark on the cityscape - and the city is still changing today. "Berlin is always in the process of becoming", remarked historian Karl Scheffler, and this is one of the traits that makes it one of Europe's most vibrant, exciting and colorful capitals. Berlin has a vibe all of its own, and wherever you go, you can experience the pulsating life on the boulevards, in the art galleries and at the flea markets, and in the city's 300 clubs and 7,000 bars and restaurants - many of which are open around the clock.

Places of interest

Brandenburg Gate, the TV tower on Alexanderplatz - a 368-metre observation tower with rotating restaurant; Memorial Church on Kurfürstendamm, Gendarmenmarkt square - a beautiful and harmonious architectural synthesis with the Konzerthaus concert hall, the German Cathedral and the French Cathedral; the dome of the Reichstag - fascinating architecture and splendid views of the government quarter and the city centre; Hackesche Höfe - Berlin's famous nightlife; Potsdamer Platz - ultra-modern buildings, shops, entertainment and commercial centre.

Brandenburg Gate and the Memorial Church - unmistakable symbols of the city
Brandenburg Gate is Berlin's most famous landmark and a symbol of division overcome. For many years it stood in no man's land next to the Berlin Wall and was reopened on 22 December 1989, following the fall of the Wall. The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church on Kurfürstendamm is a memorial to peace and reconciliation and symbol of Berlin's determination to rebuild during the post-war era.

The Reichstag and government quarter
The Reichstag is the German parliament building and, with its new glass cupola designed by Sir Norman Foster, has become one of Berlin's most popular attractions. The Federal Chancellery is one of the most impressive buildings in the newly built government quarter. The large white building is part of the "Band des Bundes", or "ribbon of government" that links the new buildings and creates an architectural dialogue with the historical Reichstag.

Hackesche Höfe
The painstakingly restored Hackesche Höfe courtyards are extremely popular with tourists and trendsetters alike. Consisting of a web of eight courtyards designed for living and working, the Hackesche Höfe form the largest complex of its kind in Germany. The complex was built in the late 18th/early 19th century and, like many such courtyards in Berlin, was a mix of offices, workshops, multi-storey factories (particularly in the buildings in front of the courtyards) and apartments.

Shopping

Go shopping or just window-shopping at over a dozen shopping malls, on the main shopping streets (Kurfürstendamm or Friedrichstrasse) or at the more quirky shops in Kreuzberg, Mitte or Prenzlauer Berg districts. KaDeWe, the famous department store on Wittenberg Platz, is the largest store on the European mainland - a shoppers' paradise on six floors. Galeries Lafayette in Friedrichstrasse brings a frisson of French elegance to the city. Malls such as the Arkaden on Potsdamer Platz and the Europa Center on Breitscheidplatz offer great shopping even in bad weather.

Kurfürstendamm and Friedrichstrasse

Kurfürstendamm (also known as Ku'damm) runs from the Memorial Church to Lake Halensee, which marks the beginning of the exclusive "villa district" in the west of Berlin. The top end of Ku'damm is packed with department stores and fashion boutiques, and is a shopping paradise for young and old alike. From Adenauerplatz the stores become more exclusive: designer names from Jil Sander to Yves St. Laurent in elegant fin de siècle buildings. Friedrichstrasse links the glory days of the Roaring Twenties with modern architecture. With its new buildings, smart offices and coffee shops, it brings a flavour of New York to the heart of Berlin.

Kaufhaus des Westens on Wittenberg Platz
The largest department store in continental Europe, the KaDeWe, offers a huge variety of international designer labels. It has everything the heart desires, from jewellery and porcelain to ladies' and men's fashions. No visit would be complete without a trip to the legendary food hall on the sixth floor.

Potsdamer Platz
A new shopping centre has been created right at the new centre of Berlin, on Potsdamer Platz. In a modern architectural setting, the three-storey mall boasts fashions, designer accessories, shoes and much, much more.

Nature & greenery

Berlin has the energy of a big city and also offers peace and quiet. Its open green spaces, water, woodland, parks and idyllic lakes offer plenty of opportunity to get away from it all. Berlin's largest park, the Tiergarten, is a popular choice with locals. The Grunewald forest is well served by suburban trains (S-Bahn station: Grunewald).

Tiergarten

Berlin's largest park is a haven of nature and a recreational amenity for Berliners. Every summer it is transformed into a giant barbecue party. It is also well-known as the venue for the Love Parade. At the centre of the park is the "Great Star" roundabout and the towering Victory Column, one of Berlin's famous landmarks. Within Tiergarten is Schloss Bellevue,  the official residence of the President of Germany.

Zoological Gardens
The zoo is one of the largest in the world and one of Berlin's foremost attractions. It was founded in 1844 by Alexander von Humboldt and Martin Lichtenstein, Africa expert and the zoo's first director. With about 19,000 animals and 1,400 species, it is one of the world's foremost animal collections.

Peacock Island
The palace on Peacock Island ("Pfaueninsel") is one of Berlin's most romantic excursion destinations. This unspoilt Prussian arcadia is one of Berlin's most enchanting facets. Peacock Island can only be reached by ferry, and is a work of art: a garden and park landscape with a rose garden, a Biedermeier garden - and a large number of peacocks that have the run of the island.