Berlin

Germany's largest and capital city is a sprawling metropolis known for its many contradictions. While Berlin is steeped in history and offers visitors many historically significant landmarks and cultural museums, the city also boasts a very modern side to it with pioneering architecture and a vast array of contemporary art galleries. This is a city where Eastern Europe meets Western Europe. It's a city of constant change due to its tumultuous past. Today, Berlin and its metropolitan area is home to over 4.5 million people and is a thriving tourist destination with much to offer in terms of culture, entertainment, shopping, and history.

Berlin is a massive city, its core being the historical hub of Mitte where the majority of attractions, restaurants, galleries and clubs are located. The mega metropolis stretches in every direction including the City West, East Central, North, East and South districts. Although perhaps daunting in size, Berlin is known for its organized and impressive public transportation system that connects all major points of the city.

History buffs will be impressed by the amount of museums Berlin has to offer such as the Jewish Museum, the Museum of European Cultures and Museumsinsel (Museum Island), which hosts some of the city's most acclaimed museums. Beyond the larger national museums found throughout the city, Berlin is also truly a center of art. There are many galleries to be strolled through and enjoyed in many pockets of the city. For an unparalleled view of the city, travelers should visit the famed TV Tower for its panoramic views of the sprawling city below. Berlin also features tourist staples such as Checkpoint Charlie, which is the former crossing point between the two sides of Berlin, and even pieces of the Berlin Wall that are still intact. The city has a number of green spaces within the urban jungle with many lush city parks offering great places to picnic and relax within the city. Berlin has so much to offer for many types of travelers who may be interested in art, history, culture, beer and even football.