"The Michelberger is undoubtedly one of Berlin’s trendiest hotels. Based in a 19th-century converted warehouse, the lobby’s sleek design feels at home in the surrounding east Berlin architecture."

"The former brewery site is fronted by a pretty courtyard with seating; inside, the dining room and cocktail bar boast plenty of cosy nooks. Raising the comfort level further is a meat-centric menu dominated by stews and roasts, although vegetarians will find plenty that pleases too."

"Hidden in a quiet courtyard, the former printing facility was redesigned as a shop by architecture firm Gonzalez Haase AAS. It stocks Loewe, Aspesi and Mykita, as well as Susanne Kaufmann skincare, Werkstatt Münchenn jewellery and Hohgant baby clothes. “We work with about 200 brands; some sell really well, some sell moderately, some barely sell at all,” says Murkudis. “It doesn’t matter; we love them.”

"In Berlin’s postwar years, Haus am Waldsee, founded in 1946, was one of the hottest spots in which to see contemporary art shows. These days its Steglitz-Zehlendorf location might be a bit out of the way but the programming is spot on: the Haus mounts impressive exhibitions along with concerts, performance and sound art."

"This monumental square is the place to see Berlin in all its historic grandeur. The spectacular space began life as a marketplace in the 17th century. The imposing Deutscher Dom and Französischer Dom (climb its tower for superb views of Berlin) was added in the following century, helping to establish Gendarmenmarkt as a significant meeting point."

"The Grunewald forest is just 15 minutes by train from the centre of Berlin. Teufelsberg (Devil’s Mountain) is an artificial hill made from rubble collected in the city after the end of the Second World War. Atop sits the abandoned Teufelsberg listening station, which acted as a US National Security Agency outpost during the Cold War. Follow up the history tour with a dip in Teufelssee (Devil’s Lake), although be aware that freikörperkultur (nude bathing) is alive and well here."