What to do in Berlin

Advice on what to do in Berlin, including culture, relaxation, nightlife, sport and food.

Culture

There are number of monuments to Germany's sometimes tumultuous history, and Berlin has them in spades. The architecturally impressive Brandenburg Gate, the city's most famous landmark, was once a symbol of division in the country, but is now a symbol of unity.

The Berlin Wall is of course another remnant of a disparate country, but its breaking down is now seen as a symbol of hope, while there are memorials and exhibitions remembering those who fought to unite east and west Germany.

Another important facet of Berlin's political make-up is of course its corridors of power, which lie in the grand and very large Reichstag.

Not as large or, some might say, self-important as the likes of its New York and Bilbao counterparts, the Berlin Guggenheim still boasts some of the world's best contemporary international art works.

Recreation

The Berliner Zoo and Aquarium has a massive range of wildlife on show, so visitors can come and see orang-utans, rhinos, penguins, giraffes, zebras, and elephants. The aquarium is also well-stocked, with reptiles, crocodiles and octopi.

In eastern Berlin you will find Volkspark Friedrichshain, an expansive park that includes a forested hill, a public outdoor pool, beach volley ball and anything else you might want to chill out after an absorbing day of culture in Berlin.

Nightlife

The Hackesche Höfe is the place to meet for Berlin's bright young things. A sprawling mix of cinemas, restaurants, blossoming courtyards nightclubs, it features everything you need from a night out.

For night-owls who like to party hard, check out Panorama behind Ostbahnhof, a debauched journey through techno with locals who know how to throw a warehouse party.

Kiki Blofeld is a chilled and unpretentious outdoor bar on the banks of the River Spree. Including a sandy beach to chill out with a cocktail on, it is definitely one for the warm summer months.

Sport

A game of football can be caught with Hertha Berlin.

Festivals

The Berlin International Film Festival has been growing in stature since its inception in 1950, and now attracts a large number of the Hollywood A-list.

The famous Berlin Love Parade draws some of the world's biggest DJs and thousands of clubbers. In July the city's streets are awash with floats bearing DJs from all of dance music's spheres, though one should avoid the city centre if electronic dance music really is not their thing.

Food

It may not be archetypally German, but some fantastic tapas can be found at Yosoy on Rosenthaler Strasse. The food is plentiful, though it is worth getting there early in the evenings as it can get very busy.

Good for families and groups of friends, Prater Garten is essentially a beer garden, but one with excellent Teutonic food.

Fine Italian food can be gorged upon at Il Casolare on Grimmstrasse, which is romantically set next to a bridge, providing excellent views of the canal.