Fly to Berlin

Berlin is at the heart of central Europe, a hub for artists and free-spirited people. The city's long awaited new airport has finally opened, underscoring Berlin as the main city of Germany.

Paris might have a romantic fleur while Berlin is definitely more of a hip and cool city.

The western parts of the city are the chic parts of Berlin. This is where you will find most of the luxury shops and the big stores like KDW.

In the eastern part, gentrification is rapidly eating into previously shabby areas popular among Berlin's alternative crowd. This part of Berlin has lots of vintage shops, vegan restaurants, and some really nice beer gardens.

The Mitte district is located, as the name suggests, in the heart of Berlin. In addition to famous places such as Alexanderplatz, Brandenburg Gate, Potsdamer Platz and the Reichstag, you will also find a lot of cool nightclubs, restaurants and shops here. You are likely to pass the historic border Checkpoint Charlie in Friedrichstadt. Here is a museum that focuses on all those who escaped - or tried to escape - from east to west in the old, divided Berlin.

If you want to get a real impression of the wall, as it cut through and divided the city for more than 30 years, you must take the trip to Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg. This is Berlin's most multicultural and exciting district. Here you will find lots of interesting street art and liberal people.

It is perhaps not surprising that this is also a real food mecca? Have lunch in one of the international food stalls in Markthalle Neun. In Bergmannstrasse you can also enjoy delicious drinks at one of the many bars or eat one of the city's best kebabs.

Prenzlauer Berg is considered by many to be the nicest area in Berlin. The style is slightly bohemian, which suits the district's many artists and students well. There are many playgrounds and casual restaurants in the area.

Do you want to take something unique home with you - why not stop by the flea market at Mauerpark?

Charlottenburg is Berlin's most chic district, with luxury shops and the most expensive homes. Charlottenburg Castle - originally built at the end of the 17th century, but further developed beyond the 18th century - is definitely worth a visit. In summer it is nice to walk in the castle gardens and enjoy the flowers and bird life. If you are here on a weekday, there are not too many people here either.

If you are unfamiliar with Berlin and need some tips on areas to stay, here's what our Berlin-familiar crew recommend.

The area around the Reichstag is Berlin's corporate district. It's great to stay here if you are visiting for work and like staying at one of the big hotel chains. If you are visiting Berlin in your leisure time, there are other areas that might give you more of a feeling of Berlin.

Around Kurfürstendamm there are numerous mid-range hotels. You will find lots of nice places to eat, all from hole-in-the-wall kitchens to fine dining.

Alexanderplatz and the surrounding area have lots of reasonably priced options and are especially popular among a younger crowd.

Kreutzberg is the heart of bohemian Berlin. Street art, alternative cafés, art exhibitions, and cheap accomodation.

Choose Charlottenburg for the exclusive Berlin experience. Fine dining, expensive shopping and high class hotels.