The diversity at the heart of this glamorous, lively modern metropolis, makes it a ‘something fabulous for everyone kind of place.’ Berlin boasts legendary historic sights, impressive museums, an eye popping art scene, top opera and symphony offerings, elevated cuisine, famed nightlife and luxurious hotels. Did I mention the friendly, creative, open minded Berliners?

The best way to get to know Berlin is on a walking tour. The city’s tangible history as a political and cultural center is on full display at the many out-door museums. Chief among them is The Wall Memorial at Bernauer Strasse. The wall preservation is an exhibition portraying the stories of survivors and those who failed to escape from the East to the West of Germany. Don’t miss the emotional video footage at the end. East Side Gallery, the famous remaining stretch of the Berlin Wall is the longest open-air art gallery in the world. More than one hundred stirring murals forming a mix of political statements, artist visions and psychedelic inspirations by Berlin’s most respected street artists have become a symbol of hope, creativity and resilience.

Iconic Brandenburg Gate, once a symbol of division during the Cold War with the Berlin Wall right behind it – today epitomizes German reunification and peace and is the site of popular concerts. Checkpoint Charlie, the Allied sentry that divided East and West Berlin offers a free open-air exhibit in Cold War history. Check out Topographie des Terrors, former Gestapo headquarters and Bebelplatz square where the Nazi’s burned books.
A memorial to the murdered Jews of Europe, The Holocaust Memorial is one of the most important World War II attractions in Berlin. You’re sure to see Stolpersteine, “stumble stones” placed into the sidewalks as World War 11 memorials of the Jews and other Nazi victims, engraved with their name, birth year, deportation year, date and place of death. The Jewish Museum’s striking design by Daniel Libeskind, delivers a powerful experience of the Holocaust with it’s broken, zigzag base, blank closed off concrete walls and eerie, disorienting light emitted from angular windows. Berlin has done an impressive job documenting the city’s history for all to see.

Don’t miss a visit to the Reichstag with its glass dome and sweeping city views. This neo-Baroque building housing the German Parliament stands proud today as a symbol of a new era after surviving wars, the Nazis and a fire. (reservations required)visite.bundestag.deVisiting. While strolling the city, check out Hackesche Höfe, a bustling courtyard with stylish boutiques, cafes, bars and galleries –as well as the Sunday Mauerpark Flea Market.
Culture vultures love Berlin’s ever flourishing Art Scene. Visiting at least one of the five museums that make up Museum Island is a must – like the noteworthy Neues Museum with the coveted bust of Queen Nefertiti. The popular interactive DDR Museum provides an immersive and somewhat unsettling experience of everyday life in the former East. Other favorites include Hamburger Bahnhof’s contemporary art collection, the edgy Fotografiska Berlin, Museum of Photography with an extraordinary ‘Photography during the Holocaust’ exhibit along with the Helmut Newton Collection and the very hip Camera Work Photography Gallery – to name a few.

Berlin’s legendary nightlife has long been a top attraction with famed hot spots such as Berghain and the infamous KitKatClub. Recently, a slew of innovative chefs crafting creative, quality cuisine have made Berlin a foodie haven. Henrik Tidefjärd, Berlin’s top nightlife guide, owner of the lifestyle agency Berlinagenten, perfectly combines both dining and clubbing on his impressive individually curated tours and provides VIP access to the city’s most sought after places. Henrik has worked with celebrities, CEO’s and those seeking the best of Berlin on nighttime crawls with options such as amazing appetizers at Holly Gastrobar, culinary delights at fashionable Berta, desert and dancing at dazzling Papillon, cocktails at whimsical Bellboy Bar, burlesque at Prinzipal Kreuzberg and many, many more. henrik@berlinagenten.com

To Stay – Hotels
In a city with many luxury hotel options, two newcomers stand out. Telegraphenamt, a 5-star hotel and members club by the owners of acclaimed dining establishment, Borchardt – the place to see and be seen since 1853 (and with stellar cuisine ) opened November 2022. Situated next to museum island, in the heart of Berlin, this former elaborate postal building has been glamorously restored with 97 stylish rooms, maisonettes and suites, Root Restaurant, snazzy bar, event space, inviting plant filled open lobby and provides a lively and fashionable meeting place for locals and international guests. Original elements such as historic columns, capped ceilings in rooms and exposed brick walls have been spectacularly integrated into the interior design, creating the utmost atmospheric cozy haven. telegraphenamt.com/en/

Château Royal, a 93-room and suite 5 star boutique hotel, centrally located in Berlin by the team behind Grill Royale, opened September 2022. Contemporary artwork including 100 paintings, sculptures and installations are distributed throughout the hotel’s guest rooms, stylish lobby, bar and restaurant. Each room is different with custom made furniture and vintage accents. chateauroyalberlin.com/en

The ever prestigious Adlon, first opened in 1907 by Kaiser Wilhelm II, is the city’s most opulent hotel, famed for its front-row-center view of the Brandenburg Gate and it’s storied history. This 5-star stunner with always bustling grand lobby, sumptuous furnishings and elegant décor, features 307 luxurious rooms, 78 posh suites, 3 top restaurants and wellness spa – perfect for elite travelers, as well as for social and corporate events. kempinski.com/en/hotel-adlon

Check out their fantastic $10,000 Weekend that includes two nights for 2 guests in an exquisite suite overlooking Pariser Platz and the Brandenburg, pampering spa treatments, limo to KaDeWe (Berlin’s most famous department store) with personal shopper, caviar tasting, eight-course dinner with wine pairing at the two-Michelin-starred Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer restaurant, and More! kempinski.com/en/hotel-adlon/overview/offers/luxury-package
For more information on Berlin: visitberlin.de