Berlin Holiday
The German capital Berlin is the perfect combination of centuries of history and contemporary cool
For centuries overlooked as a tourist destination, the widespread regeneration projects of the past two decades have succeeded in transforming the German capital into one of the hippest, and fascinating, cities in the whole of Europe.
With centuries of history sitting comfortably next to contemporary art and architecture, Berlin is ideal for a diverse city break and is easily reached by numerous cheap flights and efficient rail connections.
From its status as first the Prussian capital, to being the heart of Europe's economic powerhouse, via stints as the focal point of the German Empire and the Cold War, Berlin has a history unmatched by any other European city, a fact that is all too evident to visitors.
Thus, the Prussians' ongoing love of beer and sausages is displayed in the numerous market stalls and boisterous bars dotted throughout this sprawling city, while its fine collection of art is housed in several museums all located on the UNESCO World Heritage Site Museum Island.
However, Berlin's modern-day success is thanks largely to its cutting-edge cultural scene, with the former warehouses in the former East German centre of Mitte now home to underground artists and barely-legal parties.
Among the highlights of Berlin's cultural calendar are the world-famous Love Parade as well as JazzFest, the International Film Festival and the more general celebration of the local arts scene, the Festspiele.
Recommended in Germany
Berlin by day is a history-lovers paradise and the best way to see what the city has to offer is to hop onto a number 100 bus.
Sitting alongside Berliners going about their daily business, the circular route goes by all the major sites, including the Brandenburg Gate, the Tiergarten and the Museum Island, with ample opportunity to hop on and off with a cheap day pass.
Though the Telecoms Tower has been drawing in the tourists for some years now, if any climbing is to be done, then it's best to head to the Reichstag and check out the revamped interior and stunning glass dome by Sir Norman Foster. Symbolically designed so as to allow the German people to see democracy in action, the dome also gives tourists unrivalled views across the Platz der Republik and over the Brandenburg Gate.
Checkpoint Charlie offers kitsch photo opportunities, though the connected museum does offer some insight into the story of the city during the Cold War years, while the city zoo in the Tiergarten park has now become one of the major draws for visitors, thanks to Knut the Polar Bear.
At night, the stunning architecture simply becomes a backdrop for a thriving contemporary bar and club scene.
Though Mitte remains eternally popular for those looking for something a little more downmarket, the former Jewish quarter of Scheunenviertel now attracts the younger crowds due to its late-opening clubs and cutting-edge music.
Weather in Germany
Arguably the best time to visit Berlin is around the time of February's Film Festival, when there is a chance of seeing its many landmarks coated in snow. While it may get cold, it never drops to unbearable levels, with average temperatures over the winter months standing at minus one degree C.
Likewise, in summer the weather is pleasant but never too hot, with average temperatures little more than 64 degrees C.
Germany Destination Checklist
German is the official language in use in Berlin, though English is understood around many of the main tourist areas. The city is one hour ahead of GMT and the country has the Euro as its currency. The dialling code to the country is +49.
