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A visit to the historical museum village of Düppel is like time travel back to the Middle Ages. Children can watch activities such as sowing, harvesting and feeding (see Grunewald & Dahlem) .

The open-air museum at Düppel is a reminder of the fact that Berlin once consisted of a series of villages, with one of the oldest settlements dating back to the 13th century. The lively museum is animated by actors, who are dressed and act out daily life as it would have been during the Middle Ages. There are fascinating live demonstrations of ancient crafts such as bread-baking, pottery and basket-weaving. Plants are grown as in medieval times for their various uses.

Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Sight, is one of the most important complexes of museums in the world, holding major arts collections and imposing full-scale ancient structures. Based here are the Pergamonmuseum, the Alte Nationalgalerie (the old national gallery), Bodemuseum and Altes and Neues Museum. The Neues Museum will reopen in 2008 (see Pergamonmuseum) .

Some 750 musical instruments can be heard in this museum, including such famous ones as Frederick the Great’s harpsichord. Don’t miss the silent-film organ which still works (first Sat in the month, noon).

Delicious traditional German food, served in gigantic portions, makes up for the service, which is not always the friendliest.

A family-run hotel in the centre of Prenzlauer Berg, ideal for families or young couples. The rooms are simply decorated yet modern, and the hotel is located in an historic part of town. The service is attentive and the atmosphere relaxed.

The green Neo-Baroque fountain, dating from 1895, depicts the sea god Neptune. He is surrounded by four female figures, symbolizing Germany’s Rhine, Weichsel, Oder and Elb Rivers.

A favourite day-trippers’ restaurant on the lake, where locals and visitors alike enjoy the game and fish dishes.

The National Gallery’s collection includes modern German art and classics of the 20th century. It often holds spectacular temporary exhibitions.

This impressive low building with its huge windows was built in 1965–8 according to plans by Mies van der Rohe. It was the first building to be designed by the pioneering Bauhaus architect after his emigration to the USA. He was able to make use of his earlier designs for the Havana headquarters of the Bacardi company, which had been abandoned following the Cuban Revolution.