If there is a big city close to Switzerland that always is worth a visit, then it is Berlin, a city, where travel advice is hard to give.
The capital of Germany was in the media a lot recently because of the fall of the wall 20 years ago. And the wall is also one of the first reasons to visit that city. Some of the wall is still complete. Even if it is touristic, you need to visit Checkpoint Charlie and the museum. It is incredible to see that part of the city’s history.

History is one thing that makes Berlin so attractive. Everywhere you walk you literally can feel the history. And for your first visit to Berlin, you cannot be without visiting the Brandenburger Tor, Alexanderplatz or one of the cemeteries. Very emotional are also the many memorials, for example the one for the Jews.

But there is also a very modern, New Berlin. Check out all the embassies and their very interesting buildings, the impressive Sony Center with the spectacular roof. Or for the more political interested get a guided tour through the Reichstag (be sure to make a reservation in advance).

If you got enough time, there are beautiful castles in and around Berlin that can cast that certain magical spell over you. One of the best-known castles is Sanssouci in Potsdam.

Shopping in Berlin is very easy. You have a big variety of shops and where to shop is depending very much on what you want. Looking for Gucci and Co? Then try Kurfürstendamm. But bring some money! If you are more into small, genuine shops, then you should go to the Hackesche Höfe.

As I said at the beginning: It is almost impossible to give travel advice for Berlin. Except for one advice: Go there often. Repeat the trip till you get the feeling that you don’t miss out on something if you just spend your day in a sweet restaurant in Kreuzberg. That is a very seldom feeling in Berlin. If you get it and you want to let out your feelings, go for some Karaoke on a Sunday afternoon in the mauerpark. You’ll have a lot of fun, whether you’ll sing or not!

Travel to Berlin: Easy by train or by airplane, the cheapest way depends on your booking date.
Find lots of information about Berlin on: www.berlin.de