Since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the city has regained a life and energy that surpasses that of many other European capitals. The city, eager to reinvent itself after the Cold War, has chosen to express itself in many beautiful ways. Many of the historic structures can still be visited. Memorials have been erected to remind Berliners and the world of its turbulent history. You can visit major galleries and museums, as well as have the best night out in Europe.
Key attractions
Berlin's historical periods can be seen in many of its landmarks: its grand Prussian past in the Charlottenburg Palace and the structures along Unter den Linden Boulevard; its dark Hitler era in the Jewish Museum and the Holocaust Memorial; and its Cold War period in the Berlin Wall Memorial, the Brandenburg Gate, and the infamous Checkpoint Charlie crossing between East and West Berlin. Those looking for modern Berlin landmarks can head to the imposing German Parliament building. For a laid-back day out, there's Victoriapark in Kreuzberg.
Having fun
Some of the more popular event venues include Arena Berlin, for concerts and large fairs, and the grand Admiralspalast for theater performances and musicals. The food in Berlin reflects the city's multicultural population. Along with local currywurst, you can have ethnic eats such as doner kebab and falafel. The Hackescher Markt is famous with visitors, while there is a great drinking scene on Warschauer Strasse and at Boxhagener Platz. Make sure to check out the club scene, too. Mitte, Prenzlauer Berg and Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg are famous for it.
Shopping
KaDeWe, the largest department store in Europe, is located in Berlin and is an attraction in its own right. There is an impressive food court on the sixth level. More upscale clothing stores and boutiques are found on Friedrichstrasse. The large French shopping mall of Galeries Lafayette has a location here. The premier shopping destinations in Berlin are the areas around Ku'Damm and Tauentzienstrasse. Flea markets are popular, with the largest one at Strasse des 17. Juni in Tiergarten.
Nearby
Just a short train ride away is Potsdam, the capital of Brandenburg. There are many historical landmarks here, but Park Sanssouci, a beautifully landscape park which forms the surroundings of Sanssouci Palace, is a highlight. An hour to the south, meanwhile, is Spreewald. This nature reserve features the River Spree and its scenic natural environs. Finally, there's Wittenberg, a city which is closely associated with the history of Martin Luther's Protestant Reformation. Guided tours to make the most of your daytrip are highly recommended here.
Our recommendations in Berlin
Radisson Collection Hotel, Berlin
Located in Berlin's Mitte neighborhood, Radisson Blu Hotel, Berlin is in the city center and on a river. Friedrichstadt-Palast and DDR Museum are cultural highlights, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Friedrichstrasse and Kurfürstendamm. Traveling with kids? Don't miss Berlin Zoological Garden, or check out an event or a game at Mercedes-Benz Arena. Our guests appreciate the hotel's central location.
Dorint Kurfürstendamm Berlin
Located in Berlin's Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf neighborhood, Sofitel Berlin Kurfürstendamm is in the city center and near a metro station. Theatre of the West and Deutsche Oper Berlin are cultural highlights, and some of the area's notable landmarks include Potsdamer Platz and Brandenburg Gate. Check out an event or a game at Olympic Stadium, and consider making time for Berlin Zoological Garden, a top attraction not to be missed. Our guests love the hotel's location for the sightseeing. It's also convenient to public transportation: Kurfurstendamm U-Bahn is just steps away and Zoological Garden U-Bahn is 5 minutes by foot.
Crowne Plaza Berlin City Centre, an IHG Hotel
Near a metro station, Crowne Plaza Berlin City Centre is in Berlin's Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf neighborhood, an area with great shopping. Friedrichstadt-Palast and Theatre of the West are cultural highlights, and some of the area's notable landmarks include Potsdamer Platz and Brandenburg Gate. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Mercedes-Benz Arena or Olympic Stadium. Our guests love the hotel's convenience to public transportation: Wittenbergplatz U-Bahn is 5 minutes by foot and Zoological Garden U-Bahn is 7 minutes.
Living Hotel Weißensee
Located near the beach, Living Hotel Weißensee is in Berlin's Pankow neighborhood. Friedrichstadt-Palast and DDR Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's notable landmarks include Alexanderplatz and Berlin Wall Memorial. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Velodrom or Max-Schmeling-Halle.
Melia Berlin
Located in Berlin's Mitte neighborhood, Melia Berlin is in the city center and on a river. Gendarmenmarkt and Brandenburg Gate are notable landmarks, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Friedrichstrasse and Kurfürstendamm. Check out an event or a game at Mercedes-Benz Arena, and consider making time for Berlin Zoological Garden, a top attraction not to be missed. Our guests love the hotel's central location.
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Hotel Metropolitan Berlin
Located in Berlin's Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf neighborhood, Hotel Metropolitan Berlin is in the city center and near the airport. Theatre of the West and Deutsche Oper Berlin are cultural highlights, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Kurfürstendamm and Friedrichstrasse. Check out an event or a game at Olympic Stadium, and consider making time for Berlin Zoological Garden, a top attraction not to be missed. Our guests appreciate the hotel's convenience to public transportation: Augsburger Strasse U-Bahn is just steps away and Spichernstrasse U-Bahn is 5 minutes by foot.
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Holiday Inn Express Berlin City Centre-West
Located in Berlin's Mitte neighborhood, Holiday Inn Express Berlin City Centre-West is in the city center and near a metro station. Friedrichstadt-Palast and Theatre of the West are cultural highlights, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Kurfürstendamm and Friedrichstrasse. Check out an event or a game at Olympic Stadium, and consider making time for Berlin Zoological Garden, a top attraction not to be missed. Our guests appreciate the hotel's convenience to public transportation: Wittenbergplatz U-Bahn is 7 minutes by foot and Nollendorfplatz U-Bahn is 11 minutes.
TITANIC Comfort Berlin Mitte
Located in Berlin's Mitte neighborhood, TITANIC Comfort Berlin Mitte is in the city center and near a metro station. Friedrichstadt-Palast and Berlin State Opera are cultural highlights, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Friedrichstrasse and Kurfürstendamm. Check out an event or a game at Mercedes-Benz Arena, and consider making time for Berlin Zoological Garden, a top attraction not to be missed. Our guests love the hotel's quiet location for the sightseeing. It's also convenient to public transportation: Spittelmarkt U-Bahn is 3 minutes by foot and Markisches Museum U-Bahn is 8 minutes.