Things to See in Berlin

If you only have time for one museum in Berlin, make it the Pergamon for a feast of classical Greek, Babylonian, Roman, Islamic and Middle Eastern art and architecture. The giant complex, which was only completed in 1930, harbours under one roof: the Collection of Classical Antiquities, the Museum of Near Eastern Antiquities and the Museum of Islamic Art.

The Bauhaus Archive/Museum of Design is devoted to the members of the Bauhaus School, who laid the basis for much of contemporary design and architecture. Founded in Weimar by Berlin architect Walter Gropius, it aimed to unite art with everyday functionality, from doorknobs and radiators to the layout of entire districts and apartment blocks.

Just north of the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag has been the seat of the Bundestag (German parliament), since 1999 following a complete renovation by Lord Norman Foster. The British architect turned the 1894 building by Paul Wallot into a state-of-the-art parliamentary facility, preserving only the historical shell and adding the glistening glass dome.

Berlin's Jüdisches Museum, the largest Jewish Museum in Europe, celebrates the achievements of German Jews and their contribution to culture, art, science and other fields. An architectural work of art, the building and its contents are a major destination in Berlin.

It's easy to spend an entire day at the giant Deutsches Technikmuseum and the sizable Museumpark. The museum's 14 departments examine technology throughout the ages - from printing and transport to computers - with interactive stations. Demonstrations of historical machines and models take place throughout the museum.

If you only have time for one art museum, make it the Gemäldegalerie (Picture Gallery), a spectacular showcase of European painting from the 13-18th centuries in a glorious building designed by Munich architects Hilmer & Sattler. The collection is famous for its quality and breadth. It's especially strong when it comes to Van Dyk, Hals, Rubens and Rembrandt.

The restored landmark Brandenburger Tor (Brandenburg Gate), a symbol of division during the Cold War, now epitomises German reunification. It was against this backdrop in 1987 that then-US president Ronald Reagan uttered the now famous words: 'Mr Gorbachev - tear down this wall.' Two years later, the Wall was history.

If you've seen any other Guggenheim museum, especially those in New York and Bilbao, this small, minimalist gallery space - a joint venture between Deutsche Bank and the Guggenheim Foundation - is likely to be disappointing. Curators mount several exhibits a year featuring international contemporary artists of some renown.

At the second-largest consumer temple in Europe, after Harrod's of London, the assortment is so vast that if they don't have it, it probably doesn't exist. This legendary 6th-floor gourmet food hall is a culinary universe selling only the best of anything - Veuve Cliquot to oysters, chorizo to harissa - from around the world. Don't expect any bargains.

Veterans of the Berlin designer scene, Ralf Hensellek and Thomas Mrozek specialise in making professional women look good in clothing that's feminine but not fussy, sexy but not vulgar, and always well-tailored. Their smart dresses, skirts and shirts go easily from office to dinner to nightclub, but they won't go out of fashion by the next season.

The lost art of handmade sweets has been lovingly revived in this little basement store with its integrated show kitchen. Watch master candy-makers Katja and Hjalmar using antique equipment and traditional recipes to produce such tasty delights as tangy sour drops or green leaf-shaped maiblätter (May leaves), a local speciality made with woodruff.

There's usually a line out the door of this teensy pizzeria and for good reason: the pizzas are tasty, toothsome, generously topped and cheap. If the weather permits, grab one and head across the street to Monbijoupark. Pasta dishes are available too.

Despite the pepper-red walls, good-looking clientele and beautiful dishware, this bustling eatery only looks expensive. The Vietnamese fare is made to order and is uniformly delicious, as are the fruit cocktails and exotic teas. No reservations, so be prepared to queue or, better yet, come during the afternoon off-hours.

Two of civilization's greatest treasures - wine and books - form the name, decor and soul of this ristorante run with charm and panache by a Sardinian family. The pizza is excellent but chef Bruno truly shines when it comes to experimental flavour combinations. Strawberry salmon, and tagliatelle with wild boar in a chocolate-based sauce are truly excellent.

This unpretentious place is a favourite among Berlin politicos needing some sustenance after a tough day in the Bundestag. You'll spot familiar faces hunkered over the plain wooden tables fortifying themselves on hearty choucroute (a sauerkraut-based stew), cheese fondue, flammekuche (a pizza-like dish) and other Alsatian soul food.

It took culinary wunderkind Michael Hoffman only a year to wow the Michelin testers with his cuisine avantgarde classique. What may sound like an oxymoron actually translates into first-rate ingredients, refined flavours and artistic presentation. And somehow, the divine dishes taste better still against those lush, back-lit onyx walls.

Flaunting a subdued urban feel, this private boutique hotel prides itself on lavishing its guests with personal attention. The lobby, with its ice-blue backlit bar, gives way to over-sized, elegant rooms, some with walk-in closets. The hotel's ultimate trump card, though, is its three themed suites: cool Bauhaus, cosy Tuscany and exotic Colonial.

Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow and Marilyn Manson are among the celebs who've slept, dined and partied at this stomping ground for the rich and famous. The moment you step into the lavish, cedar-clad lobby, you sense that it's luxury all the way to the breathtaking rooftop pool. Rooms are wired for connectivity and filled with pragmatic and artistic touches.

If you require quirk to spice up your trip, this eccentric place delivers by the bucket-full. Owner-artist-musician Lars Stroschen has created more than three dozen unique, warped and wicked rooms perfect for those with imagination and a sense of adventure. Just don't expect the usual amenities: this ain't no hotel. It's a work of art.

This is everything a jazz club should be - intimate, loud and usually packed. The talent on display is invariably top-class and, despite the cosy tables, everyone is standing by the end of the evening. On Monday the local jazz cats play; go on Saturday for the late-night jam session.

Old-fashioned Berlin pubs have their own tradition of hospitality - beer, schnapps and the Berliner humour all served up in rustic, smoke-filled surroundings. This ancient example of the species (first lager poured in 1877) bottles its own flavoured schnapps and fruit wines on the premises.

By day, the opulent baroque salon in front - complete with plump velvet sofas, gold-leaf mirrors and chandeliers - caters to the cafe crowd. After dark, it morphs into an eats-and-lounge act before turning into a chic club hosting a variety of retro and electro nights with occasional 'extras' such as go-go dancers. Dress on the smarter side of casual.

Spiritual home to some of Berlin's most discerning clubbers - the DJs playing here are among the best in their field, whether it's breakbeat, down-tempo or some other strand of electronica. Live concerts often take place here on weekdays and it's now a key address for techno, hosting 'Tresor in exile' nights while the legendary club looks for a new venue.

Berlin's oldest beer garden is also one of the prettiest. It's the perfect spot for quaffing away beneath a canopy of mature chestnut trees. The complex includes a small stage operated by the Volksbühne (People's Theatre), a cocktail bar, a traditional restaurant serving updated German fare, and the popular Bastard club.