Berlin is an edgy European city that is known for its charged political history, as well as its beautiful, enchanting, and unique attractions fit for any traveler who wants to take in the one of- a-kind culture. When visiting Berlin, the first stops to learn the city’s history are walking among the remnants of the Berlin Wall, and discovering old Berlin at Charlottenburg Palace gardens. Lucky visitors get to take in an outstanding, world-class music experience by attending a performance by the Berlin Philharmonic. Residents in this city sure know how to party, and dancing to authentic European techno dance music is essential to the Berlin experience. Of course, no excursion is complete without tasting the food most loved by locals, so grab a spicy currywurst as you delve into the striking city of Berlin.

When many think of Berlin, one of the first things that comes to mind is the Berlin Wall, which was demolished in 1990, but a restored stretch of the Wall still remains to this day, and is one of the major attractions for visitors to Germany. Tourists can visit this remnant of history along the southern border of Wedding and Mitte. Although graffiti has been removed from the northern section of the Wall, the East Side Gallery has preserved the paintings that were made on the eastern portion when it was taken down. Where there were once countless watchtowers among the barriers, there are now monuments and memorials, which gives visitors an idea of the political and emotional traces from the not-so-distant past. Th e wall draws thousands of tourists each year to pay homage to Berlin’s past, while looking toward the future and putting great emphasis on progress.

While exploring Berlin’s past, why not go a little further back in time and visit old Berlin at the Charlottenburg Palace gardens. Charlottenburg Palace is soaked head to toe in charm and is a beautiful, historical site to experience. It does not hold back in terms of fantastic photo-ops. Friedrich III built the palace in the late 1600s as a summer home for his wife, Queen Sophie- Charlotte. Though terribly damaged during World War II, the buildings and grounds have been restored, and it is known as the largest surviving palace of its kind. Various parts of the palace are open to the public, but the Neue Flügel (the New Wing), which contains Frederick the Great’s State Apartments, is considered a must-see.

When wandering around the vast, beautiful gardens, you will likely stumble upon the 18th century Belvedere, which houses a gorgeous collection of porcelain, as well as a Mausoleum. These decadent gardens are made for a quiet, romantic walk at twilight, before heading back to the liveliness that waits in the heart of Berlin.

Nothing says a night out in this city quite like taking in some live music and, in the world of classical music, Berlin has most cities beat. Berlin is home to one of the world’s greatest symphony orchestras, the Berlin Philharmonic. For tourists who consider themselves classical music enthusiasts, an evening with the Berlin Philharmonic is an inspiring and memorable experience. If you’re not a classical music aficionado, a night with this famed orchestra may change your tune. This music hall opened its doors in 1963 and is a big draw for its daring, modernist architecture, designed by Hans Scharoun. The Berlin Philharmonic performs around one hundred concerts each year, which gives visitors to Berlin a good chance to catch a show while they’re in town. If you’re looking for a vibrant cultural experience, but don’t want to break the bank, just hours before each performance there are often discounted tickets available. Previously led by such greats as Gustav Mahler and Peter Tchaikovsky, this world-renowned philharmonic has over 120 years under its belt, and guarantees an evening of fantastic classic and contemporary numbers.

If popular music in Berlin is more your style, then you’re in luck. Many Berlin dance clubs are frequented on weekdays as well as weekends, and there isn’t a shortage of great venues to take in the thrilling late night dance scene. If you’re looking for a hidden gem, Salon Der Wilden Renate is decked with a café, outdoor venue, hidden rooms, and a smaller club tucked away in an attic room. This unique venue will give you a real taste of the underground club scene in the city. Often referred to as the city’s most famous club, Berghain/Panorama Bar is a mustsee in the Berlin club scene, and is often referred to as “church” by Berlin ravers and partygoers. Though notoriously hard to get into on a Saturday night, this club is a local establishment and is well worth the wait in line. This techno club has an industrial feel and features an enormous sound system that is known to still be thumping on Monday mornings.

No matter how many hours of dancing and sightseeing are under your belt, refueling with a local food favorite is essential. Currywurst is a local favorite, and is often enjoyed by students in Berlin as a late-night snack, or eaten by commuters who are looking for a quick bite. Currywurst is made up of fried and sliced pork sausage in a ketchup and curry-spiced sauce, often served with a side of fries. An icon in German pop culture, currywurst is the cherry on top of an extraordinary trip to Germany’s capital.

Berlin is a city that is known to draw countless history buffs from around the globe, but it is also a city so alive with culture and celebration that visitors often find themselves exploring all the city has to offer into the wee hours of the morning. This capital city is making a name for itself in trendiness, and with tasty culinary treats, world-class music, and stylish nightclubs, there are endless corners of this city to uncover.