Destination Berlin: Bright lights ... big city

Business travellers to the capital of Europe’s powerhouse economy have plenty to occupy their time when they are not in meetings or watching presentations. Indeed, Berlin has been on the edgy, cool list of cities to visit for tourists for a long time now, but for those who feel past the clubbing age there are still lots of things to do and see that don’t involve dressing in black and staying up till 6am.

A walking tour is an excellent way to see any city and you can hear about the quirky side of life here, discover hidden places, and benefit from a personal insight into the city. Where was Hitler’s bunker? Does the city really have ‘ghost stations’? And what is a “Datsche” — and where do you find it? You can book your tour directly from open guided tours to a private group with friends and family or a bespoke individual tour with your very own guide.

Charlottenburg Palace is a must-see for many visitors. Built between 1695 and 1699 and badly damaged during the Second World War the palace has been rebuilt quite magnificently. It served as accommodation for the Federal President from 2004 to 2006 when the Bellevue Palace was undergoing renovation and today it is a museum open to all and a great place for a stroll during a busy day. Gendarmenmarkt is one of the most beautiful squares in Berlin and the location of the French Cathedral (Friedrichstadtkirche) built in the early 18th century by Berlin’s Huguenot community. The concert hall just beside it is also well worth a visit.

Take a trip to the Gardens of the World where international garden art mixes with culture. This is a really relaxing setting where you can admire exotic flowers and plants from the park’s cable car service or up close while walking around. If you’re lucky you might be able to enjoy some live music under the open sky — this is definitely a cool place for some downtime in Berlin. If your trip extends into the weekend, the flea market in Mauerpark is a popular Sunday destination. Stroll around the stalls that offer fashion, jewellery, bags, design and vinyl as well as snacks and drinks and watch edgy Berliners pick up a bargain. In addition to these attractions, a boat trip through Berlin or a trip to Potsdam to the Sanssouci Palace Park is also well worth seeing.

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Berlin is well known for its high-end cuisine and there are many excellent restaurants to choose from, such as Facil, a two Michelin two-star place run by Chef Michael Kempf. It’s located in the Mandala Hotel next to the Potsdamer Platz Arkaden. Sample a sugo of Poltinger lamb served with yellow beet, miso, and Mumbai-style curry

Meanwhile, Shiori on Max-Beer-Strase will propel you to the streets of Tokyo. This incredibly intimate restaurant only seats ten guests. The delicious “omakase” menu is something you will be talking to your friends about for years to come.

The menu at upscale, industrial chic restaurant Cookies Cream features highly creative vegetarian dishes. Particularly popular are Parmesan dumplings, sometimes with coriander carrots or an artichoke cream. And there is a trendy nightclub which you can reach via the rear courtyard at the Westin Grand Hotel which is located in the former Cookies disco.

With a spectacular panoramic view of Berlin, take the lift to the rooftop in Hotel Zoo Berlin to watch the sunset and the abundance of plants make the terrace a green island high above the city.

Stay at the Orania, a small boutique hotel located on Oranienstrasse. The building, which is over 100 years old, went undamaged during the second World War and is registered as a national monument.

Each bedroom blends Italian elegance and subtle oriental influences with warm lighting and natural materials.

Dine in the Orania Restaurant, run by chef Philipp Vogel, who has put together a sophisticated but informal menu, with a speciality centred around Peking Duck.

Getting there: Daily flights from both Aer Lingus and Ryanair.