Berlin 1-day itinerary

Start at the Brandenburg Gate, the symbol of German unity. Walk to the Reichstag building and up to the glass dome (free, pre-book online) for panoramic views and a fascinating audio guide about German parliament. Walk south to the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, 2,711 concrete slabs of varying heights that create a disorienting, powerful experience. The underground information centre (free) is essential.

Metro to Ostbahnhof for the East Side Gallery, the longest remaining stretch of the Berlin Wall, now an open-air gallery with 100+ murals including the famous Brezhnev-Honecker kiss. Walk the full 1.3km. Then to Checkpoint Charlie, the most famous Cold War crossing point. Skip the overpriced museum and instead visit the free outdoor exhibition and Topography of Terror (free, former Gestapo HQ).

Kreuzberg is Berlin's edgiest, most multicultural neighbourhood. Dinner at Mustafa's Gemüse Kebap (legendary veggie kebab, €5, expect a 30-min queue) or sit down at Markthalle Neun for street food (Thursday evening Street Food Thursday, stalls from €4–8). Walk along the Spree river, then drinks at a Kreuzberg Kneipe (pub) or Watergate club on the riverfront.