Top Reasons to Go

Top Reasons to Go

Museum Island: The architectural monuments and art treasures here will take you from an ancient Greek altar to a Roman market town to 18th-century Berlin and back in a day. Rest up and recover on the lawns of the Lustgarten.

The Reichstag's Cupola: Read up on the parliament's dramatic history at the base of the spectacular glass cupola, and then spiral up to enjoy great views of central Berlin and the leafy Tiergarten.

Trace History's Path: The division of Berlin was an anomaly in urban history. Follow the cobblestone markers that remember the Wall's path from where it bordered the Reichstag and Spree River, past the Holocaust Memorial and rebuilt Potsdamer Platz, and along the street where the Gestapo was headquartered, to end at the famous border crossing, Checkpoint Charlie.

Affordability: Of western and northern Europe's capitals, Berlin is by far the best bargain. Most museum prices remain under EUR 10, hotel rooms are expansive in comparison, and one night on the town won't rule out a second one.

Long, Creative Nights: Berlin is the only European city without official closing hours, so you can stretch your drinks until the wee hours of the morning without fear of a last call. Young artists and bohemians from the world over keep coming up with installations, performance events, and unusual impromptu venues for parties and bars.