Berlin

Because of its divided nature after the war Berlin wasn't rebuilt with a massive degree of sensitivity. This however does not prevent it from being a modern, vibrant city that positively crackles with energy. The city itself is surprisingly green with huge amounts of space devoted to parkland of all sorts. As the 'new' capital of a reunified Germany Berlin suddenly has found itself once more as a major economic, political and cultural centre. It seems to relish this role.

Where to go and What to See

Unter den Linden

A walk along this tree-lined boulevard will take the visitor past the surviving buildings of the old Prussian regime. These include the delightful Palace Bridge (Schlossbrucke) and the memorial to all victims of fascism and militarism (Neue Wache). There are also several noteworthy former palaces, churches and the Guggenheim museum.

Gemaldegalerie

Opened in a wonderful new building in 1998 this is a premium collection of European paintings spanning the centuries between 1400 and 1799. Amongst the major artists featured are Rembrandt, Holbein, Botticelli, Titian, Reynolds and Valazquez. Also in the same area are other cultural highlights. The Berlin Philharmonic is to be found here as is the snappily named Kunstgewerbemuseum (museum of decorative arts) and a gallery of contemporary art.

Charlottenburg Palace

Built by Frederick the First for his Queen, Sophie Charlotte, this is a royal palace on the grand scale. It was begun in 1695 and was completed, with the addition of a new wing, in 1746 by Frederick the Second. Although damaged during the war, there has been extensive restoration and the building now houses an extensive and lavish royal collection of art, furniture and furnishings.

Judisches Museum

This newly opened museum is one of a number of such places in Germany. It is the largest Jewish museum in Europe. The design of the building is stunning. Inside the museum is devoted to giving a history of the Jews in Germany and the contribution they have made at all levels over the years.

Tiergarten

This is the largest park in the city. Although it became a park in the 18th century it wasn't until late in the 19th century that it was opened to the public. Damaged during the war, the park trees were further depleted by freezing Berliners chopping them down for firewood in the winter 1945/46. The park has been restored and replanted since then and there are now many miles of tracks to be explored.

Also in the confines of the park is the Berlin Zoo. This is Germanys oldest zoo and now houses thousands of animals. The zoo, through breeding programmes, makes a vital contribution to the survival of many endangered species.

Pergamon Museum

This museum is named for a huge marble altar, dating from Asia Minor in 165 BC, that depicts the struggle between the Gods and the Titans. The altar forms part of the section devoted to Greek and Roman antiquities. Contained within this fabulous (and large) museum is also a Near Eastern antiquities section, one of the finest collections of its sort and a museum of Islamic Art. Berlin has in the region of 170 museums others of note include the Museum Haus am Checkpoint Charlie, the Egyptian Museum and the Museum fur Volkerkunde (Ethnological Museum).

Pub-Crawl anyone?

Berlin is full of bars that are a warm and friendly place to relax after a day seeing the sights. This is one of the best ways of getting to meet the people.

Brandenburg Gate

Formerly a symbol of the division of the city but now a symbol for reunification. This is the last surviving city gate and is a huge monument topped by a figure of the goddess of victory driving a chariot and four. The environs of 'the gate' are being developed to include hotels, Arts facilities and embassies. Also nearby is the Holocaust memorial.

Food Drink and a place to Sleep

Berlin has the expected choice of places to stay from hostels to top hotels. Many hotels do not have their own parking and the streets may be short of places as well, this may leave you with no choice but to park in an expensive parking garage.

The range of cuisine on offer reflects the cosmopolitan nature of the city, everything is available. As an attractive 'new' city, Berlin has also been able to attract many top chefs from around the world to its more exclusive eating-places.