Things to do when staying in Berlin
With a fascinating history, dynamic character, architectural landmarks, beer and sauerkraut – what’s not to like about a visit to Berlin, the capital of Germany? Having been divided into East and West Berlin after the Second World War, the two sectors developed distinct characters either side of the iconic Brandenburg Gate and the infamous Berlin Wall. Now reunified, it has a lot to offer visitors.
West Berlin is where most visitors stay, with easy access to the most popular attractions such as the Reichstag building, Berlin Zoo and a host of museums. Museum Island is where the national collections of art, natural history and antiquities are housed, but there are many other superb museums and galleries to see. Enchanting palaces and tranquil parks include the dreamy Charlottenburg palace and park, the white palace on Peacock Island and the summer residences of Frederick the Great at Sanssouci and of William I at Babelsberg. Berlin’s entertainment is famous, ranging from jazz clubs to the German opera house to cabarets, clubs and live music venues and theatres.
Renting one of the modern, comfortable apartments in the centre will place you in the heart of this vibrant city. Many apartments are in very grand old buildings. Exploring the vibrant streets you will find everything from bookshops and antique shops to avant-garde boutiques and friendly cafes. It’s a good idea to take a guided tour, and you can even join a guided cycling tour, enabling you to see even more of Berlin.