 Inside View of the Reichstag Dom
 Belvedere in Charlottenburg Castle
 Max Pechstein
 The Quadriga on top of the Brandenburg Gate
 Deutsche Oper, Opera House
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Berlin is now one of the world's most exciting cities. Surely, the profound recent history of being a divided city has a lot to do with the rapid development of the new city and it's renewed function as Germany's capital. But, after the collapse of the wall, a great reawakening took place and the mingling of different cultures has opened the way for creativity and artistic expression.
Every day, an astounding 1500 events take place in the city, offering a wide cultural spectrum that ranges from classical to abstract to "avant-garde".
Famous architects like Schlüter, Knobelsdorff and Schinkel left their mark on the Old Berlin. The Gendarmenmarkt or "Unter den Linden" (Berlin's most beautiful boulevard), the Opera House, Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Cathedral, Charlottenburg Castle and other famous buildings reflect Germany's once golden past.
Today's cityscape, however, captivates with its contrasts, a charming synthesis of old and new. For instance in 1999, the Reichstag received a new glass dome, which is open to the public. While you enjoy a breathtaking view of the capital, the German Bundestag could be meeting below.
Visitors to Berlin have a choice of 170 museums. Whether you prefer classic or contemporary, the city's museums offer something for everyone. Art from all periods, wonders of nature, technical sensations and last but not least, many unique and unusual exhibitions. In addition, some 300 galleries liven up Berlin's art scene.
Berlin's multi-cultural population has complemented the regional cuisine. Hearty fare like Eisbein (pork knuckles), Bulette (meat cakes) and Currywurst (curry sausage) are long-standing favorites with Berliners and visitor alike. Whether you eat at a typical sidewalk Stehimbiss (food stand) or in an elegant fourstar gourmet restaurant, Berlin offers excellent cuisine.
When night falls, Berlin's dazzling nightlife awakens. The city's theaters and concert halls open their doors for locals and visitors to enjoy a diverse program of world-class performances, which include classical music with the renowned Berlin Philharmonic. Light musical theater, and an impressive variety of traditional grand theater performances also contibute to the city's reputation as a cultural metropolis.
In addition, countless smaller experimental stages add life and creativity to the theater experience. Legendary cabarets and Europe's largest variety theater, the "Friedrichstadtpalast", bring back the seductive atmosphere and decadence of Berlin in the roaring twenties. Trendy bars invite you to linger and the famous Berlin club scene entices with hot rhythms that continue until the early morning hours.
Berlin, however, also has its quiet and relaxing side. A different perspective of the city can be enjoyed from the lofty deck of a steamboat, which takes a traveller along Berlin's many lesserknown lakes and waterways. The city's large parks, gardens and forests all offer peace and tranquility to reenergize.
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