Get the train to a Berlin that's really buzzing!
Irreverent, vibrant, bohemian, steeped in history and always ready to party into the early hours, Berlin really is an outstanding capital city that carries the marks of a turbulent past.
Checkpoint Charlie, the Brandenburg Gate, the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church and numerous other sites of political and historical significance compete for attention with cultural icons such as the Museum Island (Museumsinsel), a UNESCO world heritage site.
Mies van der Rohe, Walter Gropius and more recently Norman Foster have also shaped the Berlin architectural landscape, the British architect’s transparent Reichstag Dome now definitely a must-see.
The edgy, inventive Berlin that has attracted all kinds of intellectuals and artists, from Christopher Isherwood to David Bowie, can be glimpsed in the former eastern sectors such as Prenzlauer Berg. Here renovated courtyards and historical buildings are being populated by ethnic restaurants, boutiques and coffee bars – making it a top spot for a relaxing weekend.
Exploring treasures further afield is also straightforward, thanks to the extensive public transport system, which makes the Rococo style Sanssoucis Palace easily accessible. Recreation time in Berlin means taking advantage of more than 220 miles of water-side paths and 13 lakes, including the Müggelsee and the Wannsee - the ultimate inland beach retreat for Berliners and visitors to this inspiring city.
