DK Travel : Berlin

Berlin is Germany’s liveliest city and one of the most fascinating capitals in the world. You’ll find no other place where art and culture, museums and theatres, entertainment and nightlife are more diverse and exciting than on the banks of the Spree River. Once reunited, Berlin quickly developed into a cosmopolitan city, and today there is an air of energy and vibrancy about it.

Multi-lingual tourist information: www.berlin.de or: www.btm.de

Pfaueninsel

Peacock Island, an island in the middle of Wannsee that can be reached only by ferry, is probably the most romantic spot in Berlin. In the 19th century, the island served as a love nest for King Friedrich Wilhelm II. His charming folly of a palace ruin was in keeping with the tastes of the time. Today dozens of proud peacocks live in the area around the building (see Grunewald & Dahlem) .
Pfaueninsel

Visitors are enchanted by the romantic palace ruins and the eponymous peacocks that run around here. The Wannsee island, which can only be reached by ferry, is one of the most charming spots for a walk in Berlin (see Parks & Gardens) .

Jacobsbrunnen Pfaueninsel

A peacock on Pfaueninsel
Pfefferberg

This alternative cultural centre hosts concerts, performance art events and festivals.
Philharmonie

Germany’s “temple” of classical music still presents the best performers in the world. Designed by Scharoun, the concert hall has unique acoustics, much appreciated by artists and audience alike. Concerts by the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra are very popular and are often sold out for weeks ahead (see Kulturforum) .
Philharmonie and Kammermusiksaal

Two modern concert halls in the Kulturforum were designed by Hans Scharoun in 1961 and 1987 respectively – the Chamber Music Hall was completed according to Scharoun’s plans by his pupil Edgar Wisniewski. Both buildings are renowned for their excellent acoustics as well as for their tent-like roof structures (see Kulturforum and; Performing Arts Venues).
Philip-Johnson-Haus

This retail and office complex, built in 1994–7 by US star architect Philip Johnson, reflects in its design the clear lines of the Bauhaus style.
Podewil

Pleasantly informal Italian eaterie in Kulturzentrum. Sit in the idyllic courtyard and listen to artists discussing their work.
Postfuhramt

The richly ornamented Postfuhramt (post office transport department) dates back to the 19th century. It is now an exhibition hall for alternative photography and art shows and a centre for performance art.
Potsdam-Museum

A small museum presenting the history of the town of Potsdam, from prehistoric times to the present day. The museum is based in the historic Hiller-Brandtsche Häuser.
Potsdamer Platz

The new heart of the old metropolis beats on Potsdamer Platz, where exciting new structures, such as the Sony Center, have been erected. With its restaurants, film museum, cinemas, shops and musical theatre it is a unique world of entertainment (see Potsdamer Platz) .

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Restaurant price categories

For a three course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and charges included.
- under €20
- €20–30
- €30–45
- €45–60
- over €60