Breathtaking views of both cityscape and elected officials from Norman Foster–designed dome atop 1894 German parliament building. “A perfect metaphor for how democracy should function.”—Chris Sandeman. Tip: Lines are shortest early in the morning and at night. ;

“Massive chunks of antiquity moved holus-bolus (all at once) to a burgeoning imperial capital.”—Damien Simonis. Pirate’s chest worth of treasure from ancient civilizations; highlights are Pergamon Altar, Ishtar Gate from Babylon, and Mshatta Facade, the caliph’s palace from Jordan; Unesco World Heritage site.

“A moving, incisive exploration of Berlin’s Jewish history.”—Damien Simonis, author National Geographic Traveler: Berlin. Chronicles Jewish history in Germany going back to Roman days; spectacular star-shaped building by Daniel Libeskind.

Engaging private museum brings alive political tensions of the Cold War with Berlin as its focal point; includes tales of spectacular escapes from East to West; adjacent to the famous border crossing itself.

Outstanding collection of European masters; more Rembrandts in one place than anywhere else in the world; in modernist Kulturforum culture complex near Potsdamer Platz. Tip: Use your ticket for free same-day admission to the other three Kulturforum museums.

“An absolute must because there aren’t many original Berlin Wall remnants left.”—Andrea Steichele-Biskup. Longest section (0.75 mile or 1.3 kilometers) of the Berlin Wall still standing; open-air gallery since 1990 with 106 murals by artists from 21 countries. Mühlenstrasse between Oberbaumbrücke (Oberbaum bridge) and Ostbahnhof

“A smorgasbord of international architectural creativity on the site of Berlin’s Cold War ground zero.”—Damien Simonis. New urban district where Berlin Wall once stood; theaters, hotels, bars, shops, and museums. Tip: Ride Europe’s fastest elevator to Panorama Punkt for bird’s-eye views.

Germany’s oldest zoo; gained worldwide fame in 2007 with birth of polar bear cub Knut. He joined some 14,000 other animals, including endangered rhinoceroses and ultra rare panda bears.

One of Berlin’s hottest dance clubs and live music venues, stylish interior and a good sound system, with two separate dancefloors, plus an Eastern-inspired lounge, and an outdoor chill-out space complete with wooden decking and a pool.