Berlin is the capital of Germany, reunified after the Berlin Wall was pulled down in 1989 and back in the running as one of Europe's greatest cities. A wave of new construction has accentuated rather than diminished Berlin's historic past. Tourism is also on the rise as more discover the vibrant mix of old and new.
Sightseeing in Berlin is a problem as many of its treasures are dotted all around the sprawling city. Nevertheless its cultural attractions are nicely grouped into different areas like the Museumsinsel, the southern Potsdamer Platz, the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag. The city centre is better for nightlife and shopping than sightseeing.
Key attractions are found at the Potsdamer Platz, once the busiest square in Europe, now restored and packed with shops, restaurants and entertainment complexes and one of the best places for views over the whole city.
The Reichstag has been transformed by a striking glass dome and rooftop restaurant and the Berlin Wall is still there, though only a few sections remain intact and a visitor centre details its history.
The Brandenburg Gate is one of the city's most recognisable landmarks and the nearby Museum Island has museums, galleries and the massive Berlin Cathedral. Other attractions include the Tiergarten park, the Spandau Citadel overlooking the Havel River and the 368m-high Fernsehurm TV tower with astonishing views over Berlin.
Berlin has a well integrated transport system with metro, rail, bus, tram and ferry services. Bus services cover the city while a tram network operates in the east. Driver must negotiate a difficult one-way system and parking can be a problem in shopping areas.
Germany’s national rail provider operates an and efficient rail service, including high-speed intercity express trains out of the new Banhorf Lehter station and there is an excellent and extensive system of major roads with an orbital motorway around the whole city.
The main Berlin airport is Tegel Airport about 8km north west of the city centre which handles flights from scheduled and charter airlines from more than 60 destinations. Schonefeld Airport is 18km south east of the city and was the primary airport for the former East Berlin and now handles flights from eastern Europe and Asia.
