Best hotels in Berlin
Hotel Oderberger
Oderberger Str 57, 10435 Berlin
This stunning hotel, overlooking the Prenzlauer Berg district, was originally designed as a public bathhouse in 1898 before being converted into a hotel. The 65ft (20m) indoor pool is a wonder to behold, as is the tri-level restaurant. A luxurious, opulent stay is guaranteed.
Sir Savigny
Kantstraße 144, 10623 Berlin
The perfect hotel for a city as cultured as Berlin. Located near Savignyplatz and Charlottenburg’s art galleries, Sir Savigny is inspired by Art Deco and features classy rooms with leather headboards and mirrored mini bars for when you want to unwind.
KPM Hotel & Residences
Englische Straße 6, 10587 Berlin
It may be situated on the site of west Berlin’s historical Royal Porcelain Factory, but KPM Hotel is new and cutting edge. The 117 rooms are minimalist spaces, made from interlocking steel cubes and featuring windows stretching from floor to ceiling. And if you’re in need of green space, Tiergarten, the city’s largest park, is close by.
Best restaurants in Berlin
eins44
Elbestraße 28/29, 12045 Berlin
If you want fine dining in the unusual industrial surroundings of Neukölln, this is the place to be. You can pick up to six courses from flexible menus that feature amazing dishes including venison with shiitake mushrooms. Guaranteed to leave you satisfied.
Tim Raue
Rudi-Dutschke-Straße 26, 10969 Berlin
Tim Raue might be small, but its reputation is huge. It often features on the lists of world’s best restaurants, so don’t delay in booking. Among the many highlights of its Japanese-themed menu are wagyu beef, lobster, Australian winter truffle and tofu.
Nobelhart & Schmutzig
Friedrichstraße 218, 10969 Berlin
Close to the Jewish Museum, Nobelhart & Schmutzig is probably the best place to try authentic German cuisine. The proprietors only use ingredients from within the capital. But such is demand, you’ll definitely need to book early – the interior consists of one table with 28 seats. If you do get lucky, make sure you try the Bresse chicken.
Best things to do in Berlin
Reichstag
Platz der Republik 1, 11011, Berlin
This government building has survived fire, the Second World War and the Cold War. It was restored when Germany reunified and is a must-see for anyone visiting the country’s capital. Book at least three days in advance if you want to go inside.
Berlin Zoological Garden
Hardenbergplatz 8, 10787, Berlin
The oldest surviving and most famous zoo in Germany is also home to the largest variety of animals in the world. Some of the highlights to be found in its 99 acres include the only Giant Pandas in the country and the hippopotamus house.
Museum Island
Bodestraße 1-3, 10178, Berlin
An essential place to visit for all culture vultures. Museum Island consists of five of the best museums in Germany – the Pergamon Museum and Altes Museums, displaying Greek and Roman art and architecture; the Bode Museum, showcasing sculptures from the Middle Ages; the Neues Museum, which boasts the bust of Nefertiti; and the Alte Nationalgalerie, featuring paintings from the Classicism era.