Berlin

Berlin is the capital city of Germany, as well as the largest. The city is also considered to be the cultural capital of the country, with plenty of museums, shops, and palaces as well as a lively nightlife. There are twelve boroughs within the city, which are grouped into six districts.

During World War II, much of the centre of the city was destroyed, and the reconstruction that followed has led to a somewhat fragmented architectural style and layout. The Berlin Wall was constructed to split East and West Berlin in 1949, and was pulled down in 1989. Stretches and fragments of the wall can still be seen, particularly east of the city centre along the River Spree.

Berlin benefits from a very good public transport system, which includes overground trains, underground trains, trams and buses. There is also a Paris-style public bicycle hire system, which allows visitors to cycle around the city. There are various ticketing options for those wishing to travel around the city, including a range of roamers/travelcards.

Berlin is exceptionally well connected by train both nationally and internationally. Both night and day trains run to/from Berlin to various destinations including Amsterdam, Paris, Zurich, Vienna and Budapest. An international service to Moscow from Paris also runs through Berlin.

Berlin has three principle train stations within the city, the newly constructed Hauptbahnhof, Sudkreuz and Ostbahnhof. All stations are well connected to the public transport system.

The city is well served by national and international coach services, although only one operator is permitted by the government to serve the city. Fortunately, this operator forms part of the Eurolines network, meaning cheap coach fares to the city are possible.