Things to do in Berlin

Since Frederick the Great ruled his Prussian empire from Berlin in the 1700s, this city has been a European centre of culture and art. Despite the devastation inflicted in the 20th century, Berlin continues to strive to be an important city for music, theatre, art and history. Some of the greatest museums on the continent are here as well as world-class opera halls, theatres and historical monuments.

Bauhaus Design Museum

Showcasing one of Germanys great contributions to architecture, this museum contains a permanent collection of photos and architectural designs which relate to the history and evolution of the Bauhaus school. The fascinating exhibits offer an insight into the concepts which inspired modern design (tel: +49 30 2540020).

Berlin Zoo Aquarium

Germanys oldest zoo was founded in 1844 and occupies a large part of the Tiergarten. Although only 91 animals survived the bombings of WWII; today, more than 13,000 animals live here in spacious, natural habitats. The giant pandas alone are worth a visit.

The aquarium is just as impressive as the adjacent zoo. Over 9,000 species of fish, reptiles, insects and other exotic creatures are on display in a modern facility. There is a large terrarium with komodo dragons and tuataras as well as a glass-roofed hippoquarium allowing you to get up close and personal with the hippos. You can buy a combination ticket for entry to both facilities (tel: +49 30 254010).

Brandenburg Gate

This integral symbol of Berlin now stands restored in the heart of the city. During the height of the Cold War, the structure was a part of the Berlin Wall, and as such, a symbol of the divided city. Originally designed in 1789, every trip to Berlin should include a visit to this triumphal arch.

Deutsche Guggenheim Berlin

This branch of the famous Guggenheim art museum is dedicated to modern art from around the world. A variety of Guggenheim Foundation exhibits are shown each year as well as newly commissioned works by some of the worlds most famous living artists (tel: +49 30 2020930). Website: www.deutsche-guggenheim-berlin.de.

Gemaldegalerie

Art lovers should not miss one of Germanys greatest art museums, which contains works by most of the European masters. Priceless works by Raphael, Titian, Bosch and Rembrandt are just a few of the big names represented here. Several rooms are dedicated to early German masters, highlighting 13th to 15th century altarpieces (tel: +49 30 20905555).

Historic Nikolai quarter

Many of the medieval and Baroque buildings in this lovely neighbourhood, situated along the banks of the Spree River, were authentically restored after WWII. This is where the city of Berlin was born over 750 years ago, and its truly a step back in time. The oldest church in the city, dating back to the 13th century, is also in this historic quarter.

Jewish Museum

The most respected museum in Berlin is housed in one of the most spectacular buildings in Europe. The exterior suggests a shattered Star of David with oddly shaped windows embedded in unlikely positions. The interior is designed to make the visitor feel uneasy and disoriented, much as the Jews surely felt during Nazi occupation. Europes largest Jewish museum presents the cultural achievements and the horrors of German Jews in three themes: Judaism and Jewish life, the Holocaust and the post-war recovery of Jewish life in Germany. This inspirational and brilliant masterpiece should not be missed (tel: +49 30 259933). Website: www.jmberlin.de.

Mauermuseum

This small museum tells the story of the Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie, the legendary crossing between the two parts of the city. Photos and recordings chronicle the events leading up to the creation of the wall. Original tools and devices show how some of the East Germans attempted to escape to the West. Its a fascinating look at how the wall shaped the lives of Berliners (tel: +49 030 2537250). Website: www.mauermuseum.com.

Museumsinsel
This unique complex of four national museums sits on one of Berlins two original settlement sites. The Old National Gallery contains an amazing collection of paintings and sculptures from the 18th to early 20th centuries. The Gallery of Romanticism houses masterpieces from the German Romantic School. The Old Museum, completed in 1830, is home of the Egyptian Collection as well as many ancient Greek and Roman artefacts. Also on-site is the incredible Pergamon Museum, one of the worlds greatest antiquities museums (tel: +49 30 2095577).

Pergamon Museum

If ancient history is your thing, you wont want to miss this comprehensive museum which is devoted to the great civilisations of the ancient world. The Greek and Roman Antiquities exhibit is particularly impressive. Its highlight is the truly massive Pergamon Altar from 180 BC, which fills an entire room. The Near East Museum has one of the best collections of Persian, Babylonian and Assyrian antiquities in the world. On the upper level is the wonderful Museum of Islamic Art, filled with exotic carpets and woodcarvings (tel: +49 30 209050).

Schloss Charlottenburg
Built in the early 1700s by the inspirational Sophie Charlotte, wife of King Frederick I, this Baroque masterpiece is one of the finest buildings in Germany. The sprawling palace can be toured to marvel at the grandiose salons and reception chambers. Several of the rooms now serve as a museum, displaying the art which was collected by the king and queen (tel: +49 30 32091275).