Berlin, Germany

Founded in the 13th century, Berlin became Prussia's capital in 1701 and the German Empire's capital in 1871. The city witnessed the Weimar Republic's golden age, Nazi rule, WWII devastation, and Cold War division into East and West. The Berlin Wall's fall in 1989 reunited the city, sparking a cultural renaissance. Today's Berlin embraces its complex past while constantly reinventing itself as a global creative hub.

Berlin's food scene is incredibly diverse. Try traditional German dishes like currywurst and döner kebab (a Berlin invention). The city has thriving Turkish, Vietnamese, and Middle Eastern communities offering authentic cuisine. Find Michelin-starred fine dining alongside affordable street food. Weekend brunch is a local institution. Craft beer culture is strong, and specialty coffee shops are everywhere. **Festivals:** Berlinale (International Film Festival), Berlin Art Week, Festival of Lights, Christopher Street Day. **Museums:** Pergamon Museum, Neues Museum, DDR Museum, Jewish Museum, Hamburger Bahnhof (Contemporary Art).

**Safety:** Berlin is generally very safe with low violent crime. Exercise standard precautions in crowded tourist areas and public transport. Some neighborhoods like parts of Neukölln and Wedding may feel edgier at night but are typically safe. Pickpocketing can occur at major attractions. Emergency number: 112. **Language:** German (English widely spoken in tourist areas and by younger people) **Currency:** EUR (cashless payments increasingly common, though cash still preferred in some establishments)

Berlin seamlessly blends its complex history with cutting-edge modernity. The city's unique character stems from its Cold War division, visible in landmarks like the Berlin Wall remnants and Checkpoint Charlie, contrasted with futuristic architecture at Potsdamer Platz. Museum Island houses five world-class museums with treasures spanning millennia. The city's affordable cost of living has attracted creatives worldwide, fostering a thriving arts scene in neighborhoods like Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain. Berlin's legendary nightlife centers on its techno clubs, while diverse neighborhoods offer distinct atmospheres from the elegance of Charlottenburg to the alternative vibes of Neukölln. The extensive public transport network makes exploration easy, and English is widely spoken in tourist areas and among younger residents.