Berlin City Break Guide

We take a quick tour of Berlin's new and historical attractions - we find top sightseeing tips and city break ideas - plus an introduction to Berlin's arts and music scene.

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1. Intoduction to Berlin

Berlin is a sprawling metropolis of fascinating history, culture and architecture. The city has a vibrant and youthful undercurrent that constantly evolves to attract younger generations; the vibrancy and energy of the city support Berlin's reputation as Europe's capital of modern-day culture and creativity.

2. Berlin Short Stay Holidays

Berlin is unique and is one of Europe's top cultural 'city break' destinations. You'll discover a lively and modern West Berlin, whilst the former East offers insights into the city's glorious past with historical monuments, restored buildings and glimpses of pre-war that cannot fail to impress.

Chose from a wide selection of quality and centrally located hotels, ranging from good value tourist and budget grades - right through to 5-star executive properties. Low-cost airlines Easyjet and Ryanair both offer budget flight services with departures from UK principal and regional airports, with direct flights to Berlin's new airport Brandenburg (BER) - conveniently located just 11 miles southeast of the city.

4. Berlin Arts and Music

For many visitors, Berlin's main attraction is its exciting arts and music scene, which is accessible via the city's many art galleries, bars, cafes, casual eateries, arthaus theatre and nightclubs. Whatever experience you're searching for, you'll find it in Berlin, from the hip cafes and indie boutiques of Prenzlauer Berg, to the alternative and bohemian heart of the Kreuzberg district, with its alluring and youthful hardcore clubbing and dance scene.

5. Berlin Sightseeing Tips

• Zoologischer Garten: Berlin's Zoo is Germany's oldest and is conveniently located close to the city centre. The zoo houses over 1,400 different species that have been kept and bred in Berlin since 1844. The zoo is impressive and presents one of the most comprehensive collections of species in the world.
• Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche: A WW2 memorial tower to the horrors of war. The haunting ruins of this 1895 church spire, stand 'ghostly looking' next to its more recent and modern 53m tall Bell Tower, which includes a new church building that preserves the original vestibule of the old church.
• Kulturforum: Just west of Potsdamer Platz is Kulturforum (cultural quarter) - here you'll find the modern and beautifully designed Philharmonie building, home to Berlin's Philharmonic Orchestra. You'll also find the Gemaldegalerie, Berlin's largest art gallery exhibiting European art.
• Charlottenburg Palace: The former Hohenzollern summer residence with impressive Baroque gardens. It's also home to one of the largest and most impressive collections of 18th-century French paintings outside of France.
• Kurfurstendamm: West Berlin's main (and very long) shopping avenue, considered by some to be the Champs-Élysées of Berlin. Kurfurstendamm is lined with luxury shops, houses, hotels and restaurants. International fashion, electronic and sports brands are located along Kurfurstendamm, as well as nearby Tauentzienstraße.

Berlin has plenty to offer its visitors - the city has an excellent public transport system with many exciting experiences and sightseeing options to explore. Check out our Top Six Attractions Guide for inspiration, or check out our 'Berlin Travel Blogs' below for tips on what to see and do in Germany's capital city of culture.

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