Twenty years since the Berlin Wall was pulled down unifying the East and West, Berlin is now a top tourist destination.

Highlights include the Brandenburg Gate, the holocaust memorial (made up of 2,700 identical sized concrete slabs) and the former guardhouse, the Neue Wache.

Stepping off the plane it becomes obvious how friendly and comfortable Berlin is. Every street has its own story to tell and complimenting the city’s landmarks is its unique architecture housing hundreds of buildings from museums and galleries to shops and places to eat.

Fashion, art and music are a big part of the capital’s culture. Berlin fashion week runs twice a year and in September the Berlin Music Festival arrives where thousands will hit the city to see acts including The Killers and Sigur Ros.

For those seeking entertainment as the sun goes down, Kruezberg in the western district is the place to go with its menagerie of bars and clubs overlooking the beautiful Spree river.

One we visited and would recommend is Volt, a former power-station turned restaurant with its stunning interior of glass and mirrors, reflecting its excellent selection of food and drink.

Lufthansa has recently announced direct flights from both Manchester and Birmingham to Berlin for £79 return. For a place to stay the Maritim Hotel Berlin is an excellent choice with its comfortable rooms, great views, friendly staff and bars to wind down in.