Weekend break in Berlin

Shop...

If you thought Berlin was all about the Cold War, you’re missing a trick. This vibrant city is a serious contender for the coolest place in Europe, and plays host to an eclectic mix of malls, familiar high street chains and temples of consumption overflowing with your favourite designer labels. Kurfüerstendamm (affectionately shortened to Ku’damm) in Charlottenburg is the city’s longest and busiest shopping street. If it’s designer brands you’re looking for, the luxurious KaDeWe department store is the place to head for a browse, or to drool at the amazing gourmet food hall. And if you fancy some alfresco retail therapy, there are plenty of flea markets where you can bag some authentic Berlin bric-a-brac. Be aware, though: lots of shops are closed on Sundays. Don’t forget to stop for kaffee und kuchen (coffee and cake) at one of the cafés and watch the world go by. Or, if your taste for chocolate runs to the exotic, pop into Leysieffer (www.leysieffer.de) for a gingerbread cookie and a chocolate or six!

Stay...

Right in the heart of the city, all freshly renovated and looking über-swish, is the fabulous five-star Westin Grand Hotel. Situated on the corner of Unter den Linden and Friedrichstrasse, this little palace is perfectly placed for key tourist attractions. Each of the 400 rooms are stylish and sumptuous, and all boast the hotel’s signature 'Heavenly Bed', that makes for a seriously good night’s sleep. Prices start from £93 per night for a double room (www.theberlingrandhotel.com). For a more budget-friendly option, check into Motel One on Alexanderplatz square – next to the station and a short stroll to Hackescher Markt and the surrounding shops, restaurants and night life. Rooms from £74.19 for a double (www.motelone.com).

See...

From the Brandenburg Gate (possibly Germany’s most recognisable landmark) to Museum Island, this wonderful city is chockers with historical sites. Don’t miss the Holocaust Memorial located just down the road from the Brandenburg Gate. This maze-like piece of architecture pays tribute to the victims of Hitler’s concentration camps, and features 2,711 stone columns. Again nearby is The Reichstag, which houses the German Parliament – super-popular with tourists, so join the queue. No trip to Berlin would be complete without a visit to The East Side Gallery – the longest preserved part of the Berlin Wall, which has been painted by hundreds of artists making it the largest open-air gallery in the world.

Eat...

Despite a reputation as a haven for meat lovers, Berlin is home to Cookies Cream, a quirky vegetarian restaurant offering a huge range of dishes. Here, you can enjoy watching your meal being prepared in the frenetic open kitchen. To find it, follow the alleyway behind the Westin Grand – the outdoor chandelier marks the spot. If it’s something sweeter you’re after, pop over to Fassbender & Rausch Chocolatiers at the Gendarmenmarkt and book a table at the Schokoladen Restaurant, where you can experience a fantastic chocolate-themed night (www.fassbender-rausch.com).