Berlin

The most popular times to come are during the summer (June-August), when the balmy weather and many street festivals keep the city humming, and around Christmas and New Year. Summer can be uncomfortably hot and winter bitterly cold due to the continental climate.

The shoulder months of April, May, September and October are the best times to visit – they draw lighter crowds while still offering pleasant temperatures.

The sleek Berlin-Brandenburg Airport, 12 miles from the city, is the main international gateway.

The airport express is the best and fastest way to the city (30 minutes), for less than €5. The trains run every half hour from Terminal 1 to Berlin’s central station. Alternatively there are regular buses.

Taxis are available 24/7, take around 45 minutes, and cost around €50. There’s no set fare.

Taxis are very reasonable by European standards. Rates stay the same around the clock, although for longer trips it pays to agree a fixed sum in advance. You can flag drivers down or there are taxi ranks in tourist-heavy areas. ‘Party hops’ of up to 2km for up to three passengers are a bargain.

The public transport network includes an efficient and extensive underground, known locally as the U-Bahn, trams and buses. Berlin’s transport authority, the BVG, provides a wealth of maps and information.

Most visitors gravitate towards the many design and budget hotels in Mitte and, to a lesser extent, Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain and Charlottenberg. The former east tends to be much cheaper and offers the buzziest vibe, if that’s what you’re after.

Those in the city on business or hobnobbing with high society will more likely find themselves bedding down and entertaining in the old west.

Steer clear of the tourist traps around major landmarks. The inner core of Mitte has a dearth of eating and drinking with local atmosphere, so instead head north to the streets around Hackescher Markt and Rosenthaler Platz.

Other rewarding areas to graze and bar-hop are Helmholzplatz in Prenzlauer Berg, Schlesische Strasse in Kreuzberg, Savignyplatz in Charlottenburg and Wühlischstrasse in Friedrichshain. Some of the coolest new addresses have sprung up in the rough-edged district of Neukölln.

The shopping scene in Berlin is highly fragmented with the most interesting stuff to be found in small shops and boutiques. Upmarket labels are strongest along glitzy Friedrichstrasse in Mitte, and on and around Kurfürstendamm and Kantstrasse in Charlottenburg. The hippest shopping drags include Alte Schönhauser Strasse and Oranienburger Strasse in Mitte, Kastanienallee in Prenzlauer Berg, and Bergmannstrasse and Oranienstrasse in Kreuzberg.

Don’t miss the excellent Sunday flea markets at Mauerpark and Boxhagener Platz.