Germany

Despite its staid former-power-station exterior, Berghain has rapidly earned itself a reputation as one of the best clubs in Berlin.In just over three years it has catapulted to the forefront of both the German and international club scene and continues to be an underground trendsetter.Wowing partygoers with an impressive array of resident and regular DJs, the hedonistic atmosphere and bullying beats see people queue into the chilly early hours of Saturday and Sunday mornings to get in.As well as the swarms of locals, Berghain is a firm favourite for globetrotting clubbers too, with increasingly more young tourists ranking it top of their must-do list of city nightlife.The Panorama bar upstairs in the same venue offers a slightly quieter area to chill out watching the eclectic mix of partygoers around you.Good Berlin bar choices to precede Berghain's breakfast beats include uber-trendy 6vorne and hip hangout CSA Bar.

Berlin’s churches and cathedrals have been battered and bombed. Before the Second World War could even take its toll, one was blown up to make room for a wall. Visiting tourists may want to make the most of the buildings that have survived the test of time in Germany’s capital city. A top tip is to take a bicycle with you in clement weather. This mode of transport is preferred by the locals and is one way to get around the city from church to cathedral with ease, opposed to relying on buses or taxis that get stuck in traffic between the affordable accommodation in Berlin. Zionskirche This church is famous for its history of resistance. According to reports, its reverend Dietrich Bonhoeffer was killed after being sent to a concentration camp by the Nazis. Later on, opposition to the separation of the country also took place here, which resulted in violence following the performance of a punk band, according to sources. Zionskirche still hosts unusual music, including punk, as well as classical concerts. Kirche Versoehnung This church was blown up as it was perceived as a threat to the Wall’s security. Its remnants continued to be a prayer house, supporting a congregation of 20,000. The remaining turret was used as a machine gun turret for border patrollers until that was finally destroyed. Visitors today will see little more than a wooden shack that lights up for services during the week to commemorate the victims of the west and east divide. Versoehnung Kirche is now known as the Church of Reconciliation and can be found by the hotels in Berlin centre. Gedächtniskirche This 19th century church stands ruined in the centre of Berlin. The Gedächtniskirche hotels look modern and odd next to the restored building. It was in service for less than half a century when it met its end during the Second World War. Now restored it has been given a colourful tower which points to a bustling high street by much of Berlin’s accommodation. The church is named after Wilhelm I, who appears in the church mosaics.St Thomas Kir ... Read More

It has been described as "best situated to discover Berlin", "first class" and "one of the best in Germany" by guests. Last week the messages left on online guest books were made concrete by the results of a vote from 167,000 tourism officials from 200 countries at a World Travel Awards ceremony held in Poprad, Slovakia. The Swissotel Berlin won Germany's Leading Business Hotel at the awards ceremony. Members of staff at the hotel, which has long been considered one of the best hotels in Berlin, speak several different languages, including English and French. There is enough room for an entourage of cars in the underground 150-space parking arena and it is near several of the major attractions in Berlin, most notably the shops. President of Swissotel Hotels & Resorts Meinhard Huck said the award came in addition to five other accolades gleaned from the Asian edition of the World Travel Awards. "These recognitions emphasize our company credo 'a passion for perfection', which stands for warm Swiss hospitality combined with quality, efficiency and reliability," he explained. Shop along the Kurfurstendamm This shopping street by Swissotel Berlin stretches for 3.5km. Kurfurstendamm was partly destroyed in the second world war and therefore has several different architectural styles. From 1883 to 1886 it was laid out as a boulevard. In the 1920s, Berlin's intellectuals met here and Marmorhaus, which has since closed, became the first film theatre. It is also the home of the internationally renowned Cafe Kranzler, which gained a reputation for being one of the finest eateries in the capital city after being founded 175 years ago. Check out the other hotels along the Kurfurstendamm for a definitive list. See the Gedächtniskirche This is a church in the heart of the commercial district, which was built in the late 1800s by Kaiser William. The tower, or 'hollow tooth', survived Allied bombing and it remains an example of neo-Romanesque architecture today. Also well-kept are the nave, bell tower and foyer. As well as the Swissotel Berlin there are plenty of other Read More

Shop until you drop in style at Berlin's exclusive Departmentstore Quartier 206 on Friedrichstrasse.The gorgeous glass-and-marble retail complex opened in 1997 and draws gasps as much for its incredible design as luxury stores.It was built by the firm behind Paris' iconic Louvre pyramid and boasts as much French influence inside with a string of big-name Gallic fashion brands including Yves Saint Laurent.Label-conscious bargain hunters should pay a visit to the basement where seasonal designer merchandise is sold at great discounts.As well as the finest couture, the department store also boasts flowers, art, books, cosmetics, interior design and a good restaurant, all of which shoppers can peruse away from the crowds.For another credit card workout head next door to Galeries Lafayette for elegant French designs and even a French library. The store is also renowned for its gourmet food basement featuring imported wines, premium meats, cheese and other delicatessens.