Berlin’s long 20th century left its marks on the city. But with the restoration of monuments like the Reichstag and Brandenburg Gate, it’s getting harder to see the signs of this troubled era.
The Berlin Wall, the barrier that once tore the city apart, now exists mostly as a narrow strip of pavement stones. If you have to wait in line at the once-tense border crossing, Checkpoint Charlie, that just means that it’s peak season. But if you’re afraid Berlin’s forgetting its past, think again: the Fernsehturm, East Berlin’s proud TV tower, still defines the skyline.
In the summer, Berlin’s waterways are heavily trafficked by canal cruises. Biking is also popular in its parks and wide boulevards. Nearby, Potsdam, with its Sanssouci Palace is perfect for a day trip.