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Both the theatre troupe and the orchestra of the venerable Berlin Opera – now ably directed by Daniel Barenboim – enjoy top reputations. Nowhere else can you see so many top stars of classical music (see Unter den Linden) .

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) .

Berlin’s largest variety show relates back to the traditions of its famous predecessor from the 1920s. Every evening, André Heller and Bernhard Paul direct a varied classical cabaret show in the former cinema, which has been transformed into an amazingly beautiful theatre. The shows change three or four times a year, but there is always a mix of acrobatics, comedy and song on offer.

The lack of technology is more than made up for with much wit and ingenuity by the small, alternative Chamäleon stage. If you are seated in the front row, you are likely to get pulled onto the stage.

This venue, whose name means “devoid of all reason”, is Berlin’s most popular comedy theatre. The cabaret offers a humorous and, at times, romantic programme of songs and chansons , reviews, cabaret, slapstick and comedy, all based in an amazing mirror tent dating from the 1920s. Many stars of the international and German cabaret scene can be seen regularly among the performers here: for example Tim Fischer, Georgette Dee, the Pfister Sisters and Gayle Tufts, as well as older stars such as Otto Sander or Brigitte Mira.

Performances at the German Theatre, one of the best German-language venues, include mainly classic plays in the tradition of Max Reinhardt. Experimental theatre by young playwrights is performed at the DT Baracke.

For two decades, this theatre has been producing its own shows, such as La Cage aux Folles , and now shows international guest productions such as Les Misérables and Hair .

The long-legged dancers in Friedrichstadtpalast are as popular today as they were in the 1920s in their legendary former venue, which was damaged during World War II. Long celebrated as the “world’s greatest variety show”, the performances have today become even more spirited and entertaining.

The Hebbel-Theater has attained cult status in Berlin, thanks to its modern and varied programme of concerts, dance and song. Top performers from around the world appear here.

Frank Castorf has transformed this former Socialist stage into a theatre, which has become famous for its classy, and at times controversial performances.