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The Reichstag
The Mitte is also the home of the Reichstag, the German parliament.   During the war, over a million bullets struck the building.  The glass dome suspended over the shell of the historic building is like Berlin itself – new built over old.  The structure symbolizes a government that is transparent to the people.  You can ride the elevators to the top for a view of both Berlin and the parliament in action.

TIP Avoid long lines at Reichstag with reservations at the rooftop Dachgarten-Restaurant. Online, go to travelguides.lastminute.com and scroll half-way down the page to the Dachgartenrestaurant section.

Walking Tours
One unforgettable experience is to take a walking tour of the old Jewish section of Berlin, which takes in, among other things, the gorgeous Neue Synagogue, destroyed during the war and recently rebuilt.

TIP For more on walks in Berlin, check out www.berlinwalks.com and unwrapping-history.de.

 

Berlin Bierfest
Berliners love a good party.  All summer long you’ll find concerts and festivals. 

I’m lucky enough to catch the August beer festival just across the river from Kreuzeberg in Friedrichstein.  It’s clear, Berliners love their beer. 

Well one down, 15 hundred and 99 to go.

TIP You'll find more on the Bierfest, and Beer Gardens, at www.bierfestival-berlin.de and www.berlin-tourist-information.de.

Nocti Vagus
If you prefer a less traditional meal, Berlin offers plenty of options.  No, I haven’t been taken hostage!  This is the best way to show the concept at Nocti Vagus, a restaurant where the food is served and consumed in complete darkness.
TIP Dare to be adventurous? Make reservations at www.noctivagus.com.

The Ten Tenors
When darkness descends on the rest of Berlin, the city lights up.  In addition to the changing colors of the Sony Center dome, some of Berlin’s historical sites are most provocative at night – like the memorial at Bebelplatz on Unter den Linden.  Empty bookshelves mark the spot where in 1933 Nazis burnt thousands of books.

Perhaps the most romantic and nostalgic nightlife in Berlin is the cabaret.  Tonight we are visiting the atmospheric cabaret tent Tipi das Zelt for a performance of the witty Australian group, the 10 tenors.

(Interview with Dom Smith and Jason Turnbull)

TIP Check out the Ten Tenors universe at www.thetentenors.com.