The Fernsehturm above the banks of the Spree
COMPILED BY RORY GOULDING, WITH CONTRIBUTIONS FROM ANDREA SCHULTE-PEEVERS. PHOTOGRAPHS: PETER FORSBERG/ALAMY, MARKUS LANGE/MAURITIUS/SUPERSTOCK
SIGHTS
Fernsehturm ££
(tv-turm.de; Panoramastrasse 1a)
The TV Tower has soared 368m high since 1969 and is as iconic to Berlin as the Eifel Tower is to Paris. On clear days, views are stunning from the panorama level or from the restaurant, which makes one turn per hour. To shorten the wait, buy a timed ticket online before your visit – the tower is open until midnight.
Jüdisches Museum £
(jmberlin.de; Lindenstrasse 9–14)
One of the city’s latest-opening museums (to 10pm Mondays, 8pm otherwise), the landmark Jewish Museum designed by Daniel Libeskind chronicles the trials and triumphs in 2,000 years of Jewish life in Germany.
Reichstag
(bundestag.de; Platz der Republik)
The most distinctive feature of the 1894 Reichstag building, home to the German parliament again since 1999, is Norman Foster’s glittering glass dome, with fabulous 360-degree city views until midnight. For guaranteed access, make reservations online, otherwise pick up tickets at the Reichstag Service Centre for the same or next day. Bring ID.
ACTIVITIES
Berlin Craft Beer Experience £££ (
berlincraftbeerexperience.com;
Warschauer Strasse U-Bahn)
Beer afcionado Clifton Kinchen leads insightful three-hour evening tours of the Berlin craft beer scene. You’ll visit three locations in Friedrichshain and/or Kreuzberg. The price includes three to fve sud samples.
EATING
Café Jacques
INTERNATIONAL ££
(00 49 30 694 1048; Maybachufer 14)
A favourite with of-duty chefs and loyal diners, Café Jacques infallibly charms with fattering candlelight, arty-elegant décor and fantastic wine. It’s the ideal date spot but, quite frankly, you only have to be in love with good food to appreciate the blackboard menu, inspired by French and North African cuisines. Fish and meat are always tops and the pasta is homemade. Reservations are essential.
Curry 36 GERMAN £