Finding the Best of Berlin

Around one out of every seven Berlin residents is an immigrant, so it’s suffice to say that the capital city of Germany is a melting pot of different cultures and influences. The burgeoning dining scene in the city is a fine example of Berlin’s diversity and you can eat your way around sampling everything from traditional Currywurst (curried sausage) to foods from the Far and Middle East, as well as tasty treats from other European dining dynasties like France and Italy.

When you’ve had your food fill then how about a visit to one of the many Berlin museums, where you can ogle at an array of collections from the ancient to the ultra-modern? Berlin's Jewish Museum is a major destination for tourists and visitors alike. The largest Jewish Museum in Europe celebrates the achievements of German Jews and their contribution to culture, art and science amongst other fields. The building itself is an architectural work of art and the contents are extensive enough to merit sparing a few hours to spend here.

Other popular museums to visit range from the Egyptian Nefertiti to the Greek Pergamon Altar and there is even a Helmut Newton museum for the fashion photography fans out there. Berlin’s museums and collections are as exciting as they are diverse, and as they’re scattered across the city you will never be too far away from a museum of one kind or another.

There are countless places in Berlin for shopping sprees from upmarket designer establishments to flea markets and the whole spectrum in between. Luxury designer clothes stores can be tracked down at the west end of Kurfürstendamm and in Friedrichstrasse.

Hackescher Markt is an interesting shopping district if you’re searching for the unconventional. An assortment of shops and small boutiques offer eclectic fashion and the area itself is worth a visit if you fancy sampling the unique finesse of the former east of Berlin where the streets simply ooze historical charm.

At the new centre of Berlin, the Potsdamer Platz shopping centre boasts more than 100 stores where you can find everything from clothing and cosmetics to electronic gadgets and food.

If you feel like having a drink or dance to end the day then Berlin will not disappoint. Some of the liveliest nightlife in Europe can be found in this fun loving capital and you can settle yourself anywhere from authentic beer halls and old Soviet era haunts right through to super slick bars and Latino nightclubs.

If you are struggling to decide on where to start your adventures then there are hundreds of hotels in Berlin that should be able to point you in the right direction of things to see and do in this bustling city.