AT A GLANCE After a long and fascinating history, Berlin has emerged as a vibrant and cosmopolitan city.

With outstanding architecture, diverse culture and endless entertainment, Germanys capital is the ideal destination for a European city break. For all its modern features, its impossible to get away from Berlins remarkable history from standing at the point of Checkpoint Charlie to exploring the famous Brandenburg Gate. WHEN TO GO Berlin is a fantastic place to explore at any time of year with various events and festivals. The city comes alive though during the summer months between May and October with tourists visiting from all over the world. As temperatures drop towards the end of the year, the city becomes a romantic winter wonderland and the fabulous Christmas markets are not to be missed. Weather Spring: Although the sun can be traditionally slow to arrive and temperatures are still quite mild, its a beautiful time to visit. Summer: Expect clear days and warm temperatures that can reach around 25C - its still comfortable enough to walk about though. Autumn: Be prepared for all kinds of weather from bright sunshine to heavy downpours - dont forget the umbrella! Winter: As winds blow in from Russia it can get pretty chilly between December and February with snow quite likely.

Image: Clouds over Berlin by Till Westermayer on Flickr

THINGS TO DO Offering illustrious museums, glorious architecture and some of the most famous historical sites in the world, Berlin has a variety of things to do for every type of visitor. From lively clubs to an evening at the theatre, the nightlife in Berlin is equally diverse; and for anyone wanting to escape the city for a day, there are a range of excellent options. Attractions The Brandenburg Gate: The most iconic and famous landmark in Berlin, which has come to symbolise peace and a unified Germany.

Checkpoint Charlie: Find replicas of the point where East and West Berlin meet. Checkpoint Charlie is the symbol of divided Germany. The Berlin Wall: Discover the remains of one of the worlds most famous structures, much of which has been knocked down over the years. The DDR Museum: An interactive museum that is one of the most-visited in the city, focusing on life during the German Democratic Republic. Museum Island: The north part of an island located in the middle of the River Spree that is home to many of Berlins finest museums. Holocaust Memorial: A series of stone slabs that acts as a memorial to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust. The Reichstag: A building built to house the parliament of the German Empire with a modern glass dome offering panoramic views of the city. Potsdamer Platz: The modern heart of Berlin with various metal and glass buildings and an important public square in the centre of the city. Olympic Stadium: A Colosseum-like structure that underwent a modern transformation for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Now the home of football team Hertha BSC.

Nightlife With a varied night scene like no other, there really is something for everyone in Berlin. With a reputation as one of the coolest cities in the world, youll find everything from funky beach bars to traditional German pubs. Anyone looking to hit the clubs will be able to choose from rock, techno and alternative establishments that stay open long into the night, or for something a little more civilised, the theatre industry in Berlin is one of the citys most famous attractions. Mitte District: The place to be in the city with top venues such as the King Kong Club Kreuzberg: An edgy area of the city that is fast becoming a happening district Prenzlauer Berg: A hip and lively area, home to the famous hip-hop venue H2O Friedrichshain: Find a wide range of super-cool clubs and chilled-out venues Schoneberg: Boasts a selection of trendy bars and cafes Watergate: The most spectacular club in the city with top DJs and excellent light displays

Day Trips from Berlin Berlin is a city jam-packed with things to see and do, but anyone wanting to leave the city behind for a day is able to choose from a range of day trips. Peacock Island: Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Peacock Island is an idyllic nature reserve that lies on the Havel River with bags of character. Look out for the magnificent peacocks that roam the island. Travel Time: 30 minutes

Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp: This former German Concentration Camp is now a national memorial and provides an insight into what life was like for thousands of political prisoners during the Third Reich. Travel Time: 30 minutes

Wandlitz: Just a short train ride away from Berlin, this quaint little town is quintessentially German, with various churches, glorious lakes and fascinating museums including the Steam Railway Museum. Travel Time: 20 minutes

Potsdam: Situated on the River Havel, this charming city is made up of a series of interconnected lakes and cultural landmarks. Check out the Sanssouci Palace and the pretty cobbled streets of the Dutch Quarter in the Old Town. Travel Time: 45 minutes
Images: Brandenburg Gate by Ross Huggett on Flickr / Holocaust Memorial by Heather Cowper on Flickr / Peacock Island by Steffen Zahn on Flickr / Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp by Flickr user Pablasso / Wandlitz by Onnola on Flickr / Potsdam, by Flickr user Mitch Altman.

SHOPPING With all your favourite designer labels, huge shopping malls and a range of flea and antique markets, Berlin has everything you need for a spot of retail therapy. Take a break from sightseeing for a day and update your wardrobe or get some excellent presents for loved ones back home - just leave some space in your suitcase! Shopping Areas: Friedrichstrasse: Boasts first class shopping facilities and highend designer wear in an art deco environment. Kurfrstendamm: Popular with the younger generation with famous international labels such as Zara and H&M. Savignyplatz: Find unusual jewellery and accessories in this quiet side-street shopping experience. Shopping Centres: KaDeWe: Find fashion, cosmetics, jewellery and much more at this famous shopping centre. Europacenter: Features over 100 shops, a cinema complex and numerous restaurants. ALEXA: Choose from over 180 shops on five levels of fashion, electronics and beauty. Markets: Kunstmarkt: Find a large selection of antiques, modern handicrafts and art. Winterfeldtmarkt: Try tasty food and browse arts and crafts on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Image: ALEXA Shopping Centre by Daniel Neugebauer on Flickr

FOOD & DRINK With a mix of delicious flavours from the traditional to more modern cuisine, Germany is a country that boasts a range of culinary delights. No visit to the country is complete without sampling the famous currywurst - curried sausage with a spicy ketchup sauce; or the dumpling - filled with various tasty fillings. Tuck into some of the 300 varieties of bread the country has to offer before washing it all down with a pint or two of the world-renowned German beer.
Image: Currywurst by Jerry Michalski on Flickr

Popular Berlin Hotspots: Oranienburger Strasse - A trendy area with rows of restaurants serving top food at reasonable prices Mitte - Berlins lively touristy area with an array of restaurants, bars, cafes and shopping facilities Friedrichshain - A young and hip area of the city that offers a real Berlin experience Prenzlauer Berg - Find both traditional German food and more modern alternatives CULTURE & ETIQUETTE Although their tone may not always suggest it, Berliners are incredibly warm and hospitable. The culture in Germany is quite similar to that in Great Britain, but getting to know some of the local words and phrases before visiting is sure to be appreciated. Useful Phrases Guten Tag - Hello BVG - The public transport system in the city Autobahn - The motorway system with no official speed limit

Dos and Donts DO say Prost! (cheers!) before having a drink - and look your drinking partner in the eye when saying it. DO carry enough cash around with you as many restaurants in Germany dont take credit cards. DONT walk in the red-marked bike lane if you want to avoid been shouted at by angry cyclists. DONT jaywalk as you may get a nasty fine. DONT drink too much. German beer can be strong, but being drunk in public is frowned upon.

Tipping Tipping etiquette in Berlin is very similar to Great Britain. A service charge may be included in the bill but if not then around 10% is normal. Taxi drivers don't expect tips; however its always welcome to tip them for good service.
Image: Beer in Berlin by Jon Gos on Flickr

TRANSPORT Although its perfectly comfortable to walk around the city, the public transport system in Berlin is extremely popular and efficient. Whether you want to hop aboard a bus, experience the underground or travel by tram, getting around the city couldnt be easier. Or for a safe and easy way of exploring Berlin, cycling is highly recommended. Getting Around U-Bahn or S-Bahn (Underground): Stations are marked by a white U on a square blue background or a white S on a round green background Bus: A range of bus routes are available across the city, plus many hop on, hop off bus tours Tram: Berlin boasts the largest tram network in Germany, which are extremely efficient Berlin Brandenburg Airport is one of Europes most modern airports
Image: Berlin U-Bahn by Michael Day on Flickr

Fare Information The public transport system in Berlin is known as the BVG and only requires one ticket to use the bus, tram and underground system. Tickets and travel cards are available for two zones (AB) or three zones (ABC). Although there are no ticket barriers, make sure you buy a ticket before boarding as spot-checking is frequent. Taxis: Numerous taxis are available from main stations and airports or you can hail one from the street. Most drivers speak English and fares will usually start at 3 if using a meter. HEALTH & SAFETY Emergency numbers: Police - 110; Fire Service and Ambulance - 112 British Embassy Berlin