Provocateur, a member of Design Hotels

The best time to visit Berlin is from May to September, when days are long and temperatures range from 19°C to 25°C. June and August are the most pleasant, with lower humidity and fewer rain days than July. October and November are the rainiest and gloomiest, with high humidity and short days. Winter months are cold and damp, though the city's Christmas markets are a well-known draw.

Mitte is the central district, ideal for first-timers, with the Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, and the TV Tower nearby. Charlottenburg suits those who prefer a more relaxed, upscale feel, with the Kurfürstendamm and the Zoological Garden. Tiergarten offers a quieter, green setting close to the city center. The Ritz-Carlton, Hotel Adlon, and Westin Grand are in Mitte, while Hotel Zoo and Dorint are in Charlottenburg.

Start at the Brandenburg Gate, the city's iconic symbol. Checkpoint Charlie shows the Cold War divide. The East Side Gallery is a long stretch of the Berlin Wall covered in art. The Berlin TV Tower offers a full view of the city. Berlin Cathedral is a grand historic church on Museum Island.

Potsdam is a top day trip, with Sanssouci Palace and its gardens. Sachsenhausen Memorial offers a sobering look at history. Both are reachable on full-day tours from Berlin.

Plan 3 to 4 days for Berlin. In 3 days, you can see the Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, the East Side Gallery, and the Berlin TV Tower, plus a museum or two. Add a fourth day for Potsdamer Platz, the Berlin Cathedral, and the Victory Column. If you want a day trip to Potsdam or Sachsenhausen, add one more day.