If you're planning a European adventure of your own in Germany, you can't go wrong with a trip to the nation's capital city of Berlin. With plenty of beautiful architecture, fascinating museums, historical relics and much more to explore, it should definitely be on your list of places to visit during a holiday in Europe.
Whether you're travelling alone, with the family or with a few select friends, there's something for everyone in Berlin.
Lose yourself in the Grunewald
The Grunewald - otherwise known as the Green Forest - is the largest you'll find in Berlin, covering an impressive 3,000 hectares and providing a great backdrop for an early morning stroll. Venture through its lush flora and fauna on foot, with a bike or even on horseback.
Pack a picnic and settle down for an afternoon in the sun, or go deeper into the forest to explore some of the nearby attractions. If the weather is good, you can go for a quick swim in the Schlachtensee or Wannsee freshwater lakes.
If you travel further in you'll come across the Teufelsberg, a man-made hill that was created by the Allies in the aftermath of the second World War. A guided tour will take you to the top, where you can enjoy panoramic views over the Grunewald itself and the neighbouring towns.
Visit the Reichstag
Germany's Parliament building isn't just a political hub, it's also a great way to get an unrivalled vantage point of the city. The roof is made entirely from glass for an unobstructed view of the surrounding area. If you register in advance you can get to the roof level of the Reichstag for free, giving you the perfect spot to snap a few picturesque photos.
You can also choose to take an audio tour while you're up there to give you more information about the building itself.
See the Jewish Museum
To get an in-depth look at the history and story of Berlin's Jewish population, make sure to stop by this fascinating museum. The most recent section of large outdoor stone blocks was designed by Jewish architect Daniel Libeskind to look like an exploding Star of David, full of sharp angles and disappearing spaces.
There are always plenty of exhibitions and events taking place, from book readings and film screenings to musical performances and lectures from noted speakers.
Let your tastebuds guide you in the Unsicht-Bar
Take the concept of fine dining to a whole new level with a trip to Unsicht-Bar, where patrons eat in darkness - all the better to truly savour and appreciate the flavours and aromas of the tantalising food. There definitely won't be any food pictures taken here, but you'll get a dinner experience like no other.
This is definitely one to visit if you're a fan of quirky or adventurous dining, but just remember not to wear your best in case you spill or tip anything over.
Explore the Berlin Wall
What trip to Berlin would be complete without a walk along the famous Berlin Wall? A relic of the second World War, it was mostly torn down between the months of June and November, 1989. However, today you can still see a restored section of the wall running along the southern border of Wedding and Mitte.
You'll also find Checkpoint Charlie, where officials operated border control between the east and west of Germany during the Cold War. This area is steeped in history, so make sure to take your time as you walk along the wall - and don't forget to stop by the East Side Gallery, where original paintings from when the wall was demolished can still be found.
Whether you're spending all of your holiday in Germany or just a few short hours or days, Berlin is definitely worthy of a visit.
