Attractions in Berlin

Orientation

Berlin, the capital of Germany, is huge - with 3.4 million people. It's broken into 12 districts, with 23 Kiezes or areas. If you're thinking of visiting more than one district, get familiar with the city's public transport system. The four best areas are Mitte, this is the historic and cultural center; Tiergarten has a big green park, as well as Potsdamer Platz; Charlottenburg is what could be considered downtown, the heart of the west, hip restaurants and clubs; and finally Kreuzberg with a high concentration of restaurants, bars and clubs, all a bit more offbeat and alternative than Charlottenburg.

Sightseeing

Berlin has been a multicultural melting pot since it's founding in the 13th century. World War II saw much of the city destroyed, and after the war, the city was divided into East and West and remained that way until 1990. It's known for its cosmopolitan nature, festivals, contemporary architecture, nightlife and arts scene. There's a ton to see and do in Berlin, but there's no centrally located Old Town or downtown like many other capitals. Traditional sightseeing spots include the Brandenburg Tor, Reichstag, Berliner Dom, Potsdamer Platz, Jewish Museum, the remains of The Wall and Checkpoint Charlie.

Nightlife

Like everything else about Berlin, the extremes can be found in the city's immense nightlife scene. Upscale clubs? Check. Gritty pubs? Check. Alternative venues? Check. Admission and drink prices are often lower than in other Western European capitals. Because the city is so huge, people tend to stick to one neighborhood, and nearly all of them offer a variety of choices to satisfy all nocturnal needs.