Berlin has changed rapidly in recent decades from divided cold war city to capital of Germany and cultural powerhouse. Often described as 'the biggest construction site in Europe', due to the amount of new buildings springing up, Berlin may not be a conventional sight seeing destination like Rome or Paris but it still remains one of the more interesting cities in Europe. There is plenty to see including a superb collection of galleries, museums and architectural attractions as well as remants of it history. The eastern part of the city has become the new west with an endless sprawl of trendy bars, restaurants and nightclubs while Berlin as a whole continues to enjoy and develop its longstanding reputation as one of the great art and design capitals of the world.
The city's hotel industry continues to expand and enjoy an excellent reputation. Berlin has become notable not only for a number of top class hotels but a series of quality budget hostels and pensions and accommodations which offer excellent value for money. Hotels are mainly concentrated in the Mitte or central district but good accommodations can be found in Prinzlauer Berg (east) and Kreuzberg (west). Campsites are available but they are quite far away from the town.
Transport to and from and within Berlin is fairly painless. Berlin's most popular airport is Tegel which is only 5 miles from the centre. Schonefeld (11miles) and Tempelhof (4km) are also very accessible. Berlin Brandenburg International Airport is also planned to open in 2007 so there is a good range of flights to berlin. Bahnhof Zoo international railway station is the main central station for connections to the West. Bahnoff Lichtenburg is the main station for connections to the East. The new central terminal is Lehter Stadtbannof near the Tiergarten. Public transport in Berlin is also one of the best in Europe with a comprehensive system of trams, U-Bahn, S-Bahn, bus and ferry services. Wide, straight avenues and expansive town planning make driving fairly easy compared to many European capitals. Cycling is popular throughout the city but it is easier in the West, which contains more cycle routes. Walking is pleasurable with wide pavements and many squares but the city is also very spread out.
Berlin can become hot and also very humid in summer. Temperatures average in the late 70s Centigrade in August. Winters are cold with the likelihood of snow and temperatures hovering just above or below freezing.
Designed on the model of the Propylea, the gateway into ancient Athens, this massive monument was built as a triumphal arch in the centre of Berlin for the armies of the Prussian state. It is the only remaining gate left from this period from an original 18.
Former hunting ground for Prussian leaders this vast park in central Berlin is popular with picnickers.
Celebrity architect Libeskind was behind this stunning modern building which houses Berlin's major collection of Jewish culture and history. The ground plan is partly based on the exploding Star of David. Inevitably some of the exhibition is very harrowing, documenting the history of the holocaust, but the museum is a must see.
Built in 1747 for Berlin's Roman Catholic minority this impressive circular cathedral was bombed out in the war and only reopened in 1747.
The dramatic cathedral in the central museum district was restored in the seventies. Its spectacular Victorian interior is worth a look.
A long remaining stretch of the former wall, which divided communist east and democratic west Berlin, which has been given over to international artists.
One of the biggest in the world this central museum contains impressive complete specimens of dinosaur skeletons and all manner of fossils, animals and geological finds.
The hugely impressive German parliament building was built in 1884 and more recently restored under plans by British architect Norman Foster before its revival as home to the German parliament. Famously visitors can go to the top of its glass dome and look down on the politicians below through a series of mirrors.
Opened in 1841 this is one of the biggest and most important zoos in the world. Home to almost 14,000 creatures and lots of cafes and bars it also includes an impressive aquarium.
Built in 1857 as the Berlin Jewish community's showpiece it was attacked by the Nazis in 1938 but remained relatively undamaged. Contains a comprehensive exhibition about Jewish life.
Impressive town hall building which was built in the 1860s from red terracotta brick. It served as East Berlin's town hall during the cold war and became known fittingly as the 'red' town hall. Guided tours are available.
This central museum traces the experiences of German children through the ages under the republic, Nazi and communist eras.
Famous checkpoint area between east and west during the cold war. Much of the original space has been built on now but there is a museum documenting the history of the checkpoint.
