The stylish German capital, with its rich history, vibrant night life and cultural credentials, has been a magnet for tourists in recent years.
Last year tourism raked in gross revenues of €10.3 billion (£8.29 billion), equivalent to nearly 10 per cent of the city budget, according to a recent study by the Berlin government.
Nine new hotels are set to open in the city by 2013 to accommodate growing visitor numbers, placing Berlin firmly on the tourist map.
“Berlin is regaining the status of a world city. We are becoming a mass tour destination. The average Berliner is honoured by the tourists,” said Burkhardt Kieker, director of VisitBerlin, the city’s main tourist service agency.
Referring to the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1991, he said: “Paris and London have had hundreds of years to get used to their many visitors. We’ve only had 20 so far.”
Berlin has climbed through the weekend break destination ranks to claim the accolade of Europe’s third most visited city, after London and Paris. Here are just some of the ways you can explore Germany’s largest city.
Explore Berlin’s Jewish history
The Jüdisches Museum tells the story of Berlin’s Jewish population, while the 19th Century Neue Synagoge across Oranienburger Straße stands as a testament to time, having survived World War II.
A walk through the Denkmal für die Ermordeten Juden Europas (The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe) will also evoke powerful images of Germany’s past.
Unwind at Mauerpark
Take a breather from the hustle and bustle of the city with a spell in the green expanses of Berg’s Mauerpark (open daily from 8am to sunset).
Each Sunday the park hosts a massive flea market selling a variety of bargain wares from clothes and furniture to souvenirs and food.
At 3pm those who are brave enough can try out their vocal skills on the hillside to an awaiting crowd at Bearpit Karaoke.
Dance the night away
Party to your heart’s content at venues including the Salon Zur Wilden Renate, which recreates the underground house party vibe, or the Berghain/Panorama Bar – a techno club with a laid-back attitude and a top-notch sound system.
(Images: az1172, jan.gosmann, Franz Richter, opyh)
