Berlin had been divided for over 28 years by the Berlin Wall. When the wall came down in 1989, it was a leap forward for the city. You can see countless attractions and landmarks throughout East and West Berlin. Besides for the history that can be found there, Berlin is a vibrant cosmopolitan city today with a lively nightlife, bars, dancing floors and a number of underground clubs.

When you are visiting Berlin, make sure to spend some time at Brandenburg Gate, the Holocaust Memorial, the Jewish Museum and the Keiser-Wilhelm Memorial. There are sections of the Berlin Wall that are still standing and you should definitely have a look at part of it. The most famous part of the wall is known as Checkpoint Charlie. Other popular tourist attractions in Berlin include the Fernsehturm Television Tower, which is the tallest structure in the city and which includes a revolving restaurant at its top, Potsdamer Platz, which is one of the busiest squares in Europe and contains many shops, bars, cafes and places of entertainment, and the Reichstag, which is the old German parliament building. The Reichstag has a large glass dome that was constructed on top of it that you can enter. It affords you a stunning view of the city.

If you are looking for culture, Berlin is home to many museums and galleries. Museum Island is a complex of five museums and the Egyptian Museum contains many artifacts, dating as far back as 6,000 years. Art galleries in the city house the sculptures and paintings of famous artists such as Van Gogh, Picasso and Cezanne. There are many other architecturally beautiful buildings and places of fascinating historical interest throughout the city. You can view some surviving medieval buildings, as well as ultra-modern glass and steel buildings. You are able to purchase a 3-day ‘welcome card’ at tourist offices, ticket offices and some hotels. This will provide you with up to 50% discounts on museum and other attraction entry, as well as free inner city transport on the bus and train networks.

Berlin is full of holiday accommodation options. There are many hotels in the city and it is possible to find fairly cheap prices, even if you are looking at the five star category of hotel. Most of the better hotels can be found in the Western part of Berlin the section that was once East Berlin does not have the same standard of hotels or of other tourist facilities. If you are a member, you can stay at a youth hostel or if you not a member, you can stay at a regular hostel. These are among the cheapest accommodation options in the city. It is also possible to find private bed and breakfasts or boarding houses.

Many ancient monuments can be found throughout the city. The Schonbrunn Palace and the Imperial Palace (Hofburg) are a treat to behold. The Imperial Treasury is a must see when you visit Vienna. The Imperial Furniture Collection is also a popular stop for visitors to the city. If you walk along the Ring Boulevard you will find examples of stunning majestic architecture.

Make sure to visit the Stephansplatz in the heart of the city where you can see the cathedral’s tall spire. You are able to climb to the top of the spire and despite the effort, it is well worth the stunning view of the whole of Vienna and some of its countryside that you will be rewarded from the top. Parliament and the aquarium zoo are other sites that may interest tourists to Vienna.

Besides for its rich history, Vienna is a city that is full cultural interest. From museums to art galleries, music to festivals, Vienna has enough to keep any tourist occupied. It contains the Museum of Fine Arts which is among the world’s largest art museums. Vienna was home to Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and Johann Strauss. Today, it boasts the Wiener Philharmoniker which is one of the world’s best orchestras, as well as the Vienna Boys’ Choir and the Vienna Conservatorium. It hosts many classic theaters, film and dance festivals, operas, exhibitions and concerts. There are many museums and cultural institutions located in the Museum District.

You are able to see Vienna on one of its many sightseeing tours. These can be done by bus, by foot or in a hackney carriage. You can also get around the city by hiring a bicycle, by tram or by train. If you enjoy a bit of quiet relaxation, you can take a slow riverboat along the Danube. The Wiener Tiergarten contains many hikes and wildlife and it is a fun place to relax.

There are a variety of accommodation options in Vienna and tourists should be able to find accommodation to fit any style or budget. You can find beautiful five star luxury hotels and if these are beyond your budget you can choose to stay in a reasonably priced pension or bed and breakfast. Apartment-hotels are a popular choice in Vienna as they provide extra space and privacy with a fully equipped kitchen. Rental apartments are also available, ranging from luxury apartments to smaller cheaper ones.

These are an excellent choice for families or groups or for people who are planning to stay in Vienna for longer than a week. Youth hostels and regular hostels are also available throughout the city.