Berlin is a scene-stealer with its vibrant culture, bold architecture, global food, intense parties and easy-going vibe.

You can eat any style of food in the German capital. Berlin has a lot of great experiences to offer.

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The Bode-Museum at the Museum Island in Berlin at dawn
Berlin's Museum Island is one of the city's many unique highlights © elxeneize / Shutterstock

Museum Island

This imposing cluster of five treasure-houses is one of the highlights of the city. The museum displays art and cultural history from the Stone Age to the 19th century.

At the Alte Nationalgalerie you can see 19th-century art and at the Bode-Museum you can view Renaissance sculptures.

Graffiti at the East Side Gallery, the longest preserved stretch of the Berlin wall.
The East Side Gallery is the longest preserved stretch of the Berlin Wall © Ewais / Shutterstock

Berlin Wall

The power to move the world is rare. If you were alive and old enough for the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, you'll most likely remember the crowds of ecstatic revellers at the Brandenburg Gate. The legacy of the Berlin Wall still lives on in places like the East Side Gallery and the Gedenksttte Berliner Mauer.

Berlin nightlife

The libertine 1920s were the time when Berlin's reputation for partying was born. Berlin is back on the map of music-lovers everywhere since the fall of the Wall.

The edgiest clubs can be found in a lot of different places. Prince Charles has made a name for itself as a hip hop mecca, and the local punks mosh away at SO.

There's a guide to Berlin clubs.

The art scene

There are many art galleries in Berlin. The city is home to hundreds of galleries, scores of world class collections and thousands of international artists. This top-notch collection of paintings, installations, sculptures and video can be found at the Hamburger Bahnhof, a vast museum housed in a former railway station.

Urban Nation in Schneberg is a more Berlin-centered place to go. The concept of a museum in Berlin has been turned on its head by this street art celebration.

Outdoor drinks

Berliners enjoy a relaxed approach to drinking and socializing outdoors. The city of Berlin in the warm weather has a special buzz about it.

Schloss Charlottenburg

The palace is an example of baroque architecture. It is special to visit in the summer when you can take a stroll through the palace park and look at the royal treasures.

Reichstag

The Reichstag, one of Berlin's most famous buildings, was built after being burned, bombed, rebuilt and covered in fabric by the Berlin Wall. This was designed by Paul Wallot in 1894 and has been the location of the German parliament since 1999. Reserve in advance to access the glass dome for free.

View of a bread stall in an indoor food market
Markthalle Neun is a great spot to visit in Berlin, especially if you love to try new food © JJFarquitectos/Getty

Markthalle Neun

Locals saved the market hall in 2009. On Street- Food Thursday, local and regional producers present their wares, as well as aspiring or semipro chefs who set up their stalls to serve delicious snacks from around the world. There is a craft brewery on site.

Jüdisches Museum

Berlin's Jdisches Museum presents an eye-opening and emotional journey through 2,000 years of Jewish history in Germany, not just the 12 years of Nazi horror that are often focused on. You can find out about Jewish cultural contributions, holiday traditions, the difficult road to emancipation, outstanding individuals, and the fate of ordinary people and families.

An older couple riding bikes among autumn foliage in Tiergarten
Tiergartenis just one of the great city parks in Berlin © Shutterstock / rawf8

Tiergarten

The Tiergarten was landscaped in the 18th century after Berlin's rulers used the grounds for hunting. The Tiergarten is one of the world's largest city parks and a wonderful retreat from the city bustle. Cafe am Neuen See is one of the charming beer gardens that can be found in the summer.

Potsdamer Platz

Even though it's called Potsdamer Platz, it's not actually a square but an entire city quarter. It is considered a showcase of urban renewal by the world's finest architects. Unless you go to the Museum fr Film und Fernsehen, you won't be able to see Berlin from above.

Couple take a selfie at Brandenburg Gate at sunset, Berlin
The famous Brandeburg Gate landmark is most picturesque at sunset or night © SAHACHATZ / Shutterstock

Brandenburg Gate

The royal city gate was once east of the Berlin Wall and has been used by the emperors of Prussia. The symbol of oppression and division has been replaced by the symbol of a united Germany. Light bathes the stately columns and Goddess of Victory sculpture in a golden glow at night, when the landmark is at its most atmospheric.

Kurfürstendamm

A trip to Berlin wouldn't be complete without a stroll along the Kurfrstendamm. It is the longest and busiest shopping strip in the city. The biggest department store in Europe, KaDeWe, has a food hall that is mind-blowing, as well as the cutting-edge concept and flagships stores at Bikini Berlin. The ruined Gedchtniskirche is a sad reminder of the absurdity of war.

Topographie des Terrors

In the spot where the most feared institutions of Nazi Germany once stood, this compelling exhibit documents the stages of terror and persecution, puts a face on the perpetrators, and details the impact these brutal institutions had on society. The life of the people of Berlin changed after the Nazis came to power.

The article was first published about six hours ago.