Hotels in Berlin
Germany

Hotels in Berlin

With a population of 3.4 million people, Berlin is Germany's largest city. Berlin is best known for its historical associations as the German capital, for its internationality and tolerance, for its lively nightlife, for its many cafes, clubs, and bars, for its street art, and for its numerous museums, palaces, and other sites of historic interest. Berlin's architecture is quite varied. Although badly damaged in the final years of World War II and broken apart during the Cold War, Berlin has reconstructed itself greatly, especially with the reunification push after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.

Compared to other European cities, Berlin with its less than 800 years is considered a rather young city, but its history is unique. Berlin was successively the capital of the Kingdom of Prussia (1701–1918), the German Empire (1871–1918), the Weimar Republic (1919–1933) and the Third Reich (1933–1945). After World War II, the city was divided; East Berlin became the capital of East Germany while West Berlin became a Western exclave, surrounded by the Berlin Wall (1961–1989). Following German reunification in 1990, the city regained its status as the capital of all Germany hosting 147 foreign embassies.

Berlin was, and still is, a film metropolis. The city continues to serve as both an inspiration and setting for films. International co-productions such as Enemy at the Gates by Jean-Jacques Annaud (2001), The Pianist by Roman Polanski (2002) and Around the World in 80 Days (2004). Action-thriller, The Bourne Supremacy (2004), starring Matt Damon and Franka Potente (Run Lola Run), uses Berlin as a backdrop for gripping chase scenes.

Berlin has one of the most diverse and vibrant nightlife scenes in Europe. Berlin is home to 153 museums. The ensemble on the Museum Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is situated in the northern part of the Spree Island between the Spree and the Kupfergraben. Zoologischer Garten Berlin, the older of two zoos in the city, was founded in 1844, and presents the most diverse range of species in the world. It is the home of the captive-born celebrity polar bear Knut, born in December 2006.