The city on the cutting-edge and the capital city of Germany, Berlin has often been in the spotlight on the world stage over the past 100 years. Having re-established itself as one of Europe’s primary cities and the reunified Germany’s capital, Berlin brims with optimism. 

Located in the north-east of Germany with a population of around 3.5 million, it’s a hive of activity and growth. Despite this, one third of Berlin is still covered by woodland, parks and waterways and nature seeps in; around every other bend.

The accommodation in Berlin are abundant and there is definitely something for everyone including big chain hotels like the Holiday Inn Berlin. If you are seeking truly luxurious accommodations, the Art'otel Berlin City Center West is the place to go. Besides the awe-inspiring views, you receive lavishly decorated rooms and world-class service. Less expensive accommodations such as the Quality Hotel & Suites Berlin City East also offer fantastic service and scenic locations at an affordable price.

Fast becoming a city of the future, Berlin has managed to preserve its rich history well. Having earned its fame through being the home of the Berlin Wall and therefore the focus of the bitter cold war between East and West, Berlin is now home to the largest construction project Europe has seen since the Second World War. All this makes the city one of the most exciting and varied in Europe.

It sits in the middle of the region known from medieval times as the Mark of Brandenburg, now the Bundesland (federal state) of Brandenburg. The city spills north and south of the Spree River. Unlike most other large German cities, Berlin is a partly planned capital, with streets and boulevards organized in a clear manner.

Berlin is also laid out on an epic scale - western Berlin alone, is four times the size of the city of Paris. Of its 23 boroughs, the five of most interest to visitors are Charlottenburg in the west, Tiergarten and Kreuzberg in the downtown western area, the historic eastern part of town in Mitte and Prenzlauer Berg in the northeast. South-west Berlin has lovely parks, secluded forests and lakes in the Grunewald area.

Popular with overseas visitors, Berlin is one city you can't really get lost in as one is nearly always within sight of the brooding Fernsehturm (TV Tower). Too large to be explored on foot, Berlin has one of the most efficient public-transportation systems in Europe, making every part of the city easily accessible.

Visitors to this historic city can bask in its magnificent architecture and monument's from the Reichstag to the Brandenburg Gate. This city's tortured history is evident in the remains of the Berlin Wall and the famous Checkpoint Charlie which was once the gateway between the divided city.

Berlin has a long and extremely lively history. The first written mention of the city dates back to the 12th century and was even then considered a major social and economic hub.

In the 14th century Frederick I became the elector of the Margraviate of Brandenburg. His family continued their rule until 1918, first as electors of Brandenburg, then as kings of Prussia, and finally as German emperors. 

The first recorded protest was in 1448 when the citizens rebelled against the construction of a new royal palace. The “Berlin Indignation” protest was unsuccessful and ultimately caused its citizens to loose many of the political and economic privileges that they had become accustomed to.

Berlin became the capital of the Kingdom of Prussia and in 1740 the infamous Frederick the Great came to power and under his rule Berlin became a centre of the “Enlightenment”. 

After France's victory in the war in 1806, Napoleon Bonaparte granted self-government to the city. Soon the Industrial Revolution transformed Berlin, causing a major economy and population boom. Berlin soon became the main rail hub and economic center of Germany, thus securing its place as the capital of the newly founded German Empire.

Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party came to power in 1933 and started World War II in 1939 and soon the city became divided with the Western Allies forming West Berlin, while the Soviet sector formed East Berlin. The tensions between the east and the west culminated in the construction of Berlin Wall which remained in tact until the famous demolition took place in 9 November 1989. 

Ten years later, the German Parliament and government began their work to revitalise Berlin; thus transforming it into one of the top destinations in all of Europe.

During the summer, the city enjoys continual sunshine and gorgeous cool nights. Daytime temperatures reach a pleasant 23° Celsius. Rain is possible in any month, so come prepared. From November to early March, skies tend to be gloomy.

Winters in Berlin can be very cold and snowfall is quite common. However, citizens are accustomed to snowfall so it poses no inconvenience.

The temperatures seldom if ever fall to 0ºC even on the coldest winter's day and for a lot of the year you can eat and drink on the outdoor terraces of the bars and restaurants.

The best time to visit is from May to late October, when the weather is at its best. Prices everywhere are generally higher during the summer, so consider visiting out of season to save money. Many resorts offer between-season (Zwischensaison) and edge-of-season (Nebensaison) rates.