The first landmark that comes to mind when you think of Berlin is the neo-classical Brandenburg Gate – a symbol of German reunification after Cold War division of the city. And, the second being the Berlin Wall which cut through the middle of the city and famously fell during the Peaceful Revolution in 1989 – only small sections remain intact including the 1.4km stretch which is part of the Berlin Wall Memorial. Other sights include the Reichstag Building, a symbol of democracy and the current home of the German parliament; the Charlotttenburg Palace, the former home of Prussian Kings and German Emperors; and the Holocaust Memorial, where you can pay your respects.

Culture fans can head to the UNESCO-listed Museum Island in Berlin’s historic Mitte. Explore Pergamon Museum’s Collection of Classical Antiquities, Museum of the Ancient Near East, Museum of Islamic Art, and Roman Pergamon Altar. The Bode Museum hosts a unique collection of sculptures, Museum of Byzantine Art, Numismatic Collection, and James Simon Cabinet. Neuses Museum displays the famous bust of Nefertiti. Alte Nationalgalerie houses works such as Caspar David Friedrich’s The Monk by the Sea and August Rodin’s The Thinker. The Altes Museum is home to masterpieces of classical antiquity exhibited under its expansive circular dome.

No Berlin holiday is complete without sampling tasty local dishes. Tuck into Bratwurst, Schnitzel, Kartoffelknödel, and Reibekuchen with Black Forest Gateau and Apfelstrudel for dessert - sip Reisling, Silvaner, or Spätburgunder wine with your meal and then finish with a Jägermeister herbal liqueur.  And, of course, why not cool down with a bottle of Kölsch, Doppelbock, Helles, or Bock in a beer garden or warm up with Glühwein at a Christmas market. You’ll also find everything from fast food fare to international favourites served at Berlin’s restaurants, cafes, food stalls, and takeaways.