Berlin is the capital city of one of the states of Germany. It's a great European centre of politics, media, science and culture, and also a big air and railway transport hub. A lot of renowned universities and research institutes are located in Berlin. The city is the venue for many sports events, as well. It's famous for its museums and orchestras, too. Because of its landscape and historical buildings, the city has been used for many film productions. Nowadays, its festivals, modern architecture, avant-garde arts and nightlife attract visitors of all ages. Tourists shouldn't miss the Brandenburg Gate, which is depicted on the German Euro coins. The building of the Reichstag is the seat of the German Parliament.
Berlin's architecture is quite varied: though badly damaged in the final years of World War II, Berlin has reconstructed itself greatly, and it is now possible to see representatives of many different historic periods in a short time within the compact city center, from a few surviving medieval buildings near Alexanderplatz, to the ultramodern glass and steel structures at Potsdamer Platz.
Berlin is a major center of culture, politics, media, and science in Europe. Its economy is primarily based on the service sector, encompassing a diverse range of creative industries, media corporations, congress and convention venues. Berlin serves as a continental hub for air and rail transport, and is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the EU.
Once a year, during the Berlinale film festival, the world of the silver screen focuses on Berlin. And the city’s inhabitants are used to global interest. After all, the people of Berlin have lived in a capital city since 1458. However, there is also a shady side to the city’s history: the rule of the National Socialists and the East German regime, which built a wall right through the heart of the city. Since 1990, Berlin has once again been the undivided capital city. The Museum Island, the Berlin Philharmonic and some 150 theaters ensure the city is unique. The “scholarly capital” boasts 20 institutes of higher education, while also being home to outstanding firms such as Bayer Schering Pharma or Philip Morris. And the ITB, the world’s largest tourism fair, highlights the fact that “Berlin is well worth a visit”.
The Berlin-Brandenburg capital region is one of the most prolific centers of higher education and research in the European Union. The city has four universities and numerous private, professional and technical colleges (Fachhochschulen), offering students a wide range of disciplines.
Berlin has a lot in store for shopping sprees. From wickedly expensive temples of consumption overflowing with designer labels to flea and antique markets, shopping malls, bargain stores and the whole spectrum in between. For luxury designers and international chain outlets head for Kurfürstendamm or Friedrichstrasse. Right in the centre of the New Berlin just off Potsdamer Platz are the 'Arkaden'. The lively shopping mall spreads over three floors in a pleasant, airy setting with over 130 shops.
Hackescher Markt and Hachesche Hofe (courtyards) is a great place to head for a lively mix of shops, bars and cafes. Set away from mainstream boulevards this is the place to soak in the New Berlin's local, trendy atmosphere.
With over 170 museums and galleries Berlin welcomes millions of visitors each year to its vast collections. On offer are unmissable artefacts such as the Pergamon's treasures of antiquity at the Museum Island, contemporary art and modernist classics such as the Bauhaus building. Daniel Libeskind's Jewish Museum, built after reunification, is one of the memorable highlights of the New Berlin. |
