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. ;

Art / Culture Berlin Cities

“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.

Art / Culture Berlin Cities

“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.

Art / Culture Berlin Cities

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.

Art / Culture Berlin Cities

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.

Art / Culture Berlin Cities

“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

Art / Culture Berlin Cities

“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.

Art / Culture Berlin Cities