Berlin

Berlin, Germany's largest city has become a hugely popular destination since it's re-birth 20 years ago. Filled with galleries, opera houses, exhibitions and gourmet eateries, Berlin has something to offer everyone. With its renowned Christmas markets and New Years Eve party, it is the perfect destination to visit over the festive season.

To celebrate the New Year in style join the party at the Brandenburg Gate, where thousands of spectators welcome the New Year with a fireworks display and party. Visit www.expedia.co.uk for the latest deals!

Here are some tips from the Expedia experts to help kick start your trip to Berlin:

• To get around the city like a local, hire a bike instead of using the underground or taxis – the city is one of the most bike-friendly in the world. Head to www.expedia.co.uk to book a guided bike tour of the city
• For a spot of celeb spotting, head to Borchardts for schnitzel. Situated close to Gendarmenmarkt, there is usually at least one celebrity to be seen there. Alternatively, visit during Berlin Fashion Week on 18^th-23^rd January and you may even catch a glimpse of a supermodel up close!
• For an alternative to the highstreet when Christmas shopping, head to the city’s Christmas Market, which runs from the 21^st of November to 22^nd December, for unusual gifts and food
• For fine dining in Berlin, head to Solar Lounge – set 15 stories above the city, you can enjoy delicious food and wine while looking out over the stunning city skyline
• For a fun night out with the locals, head to Berghain in the Friedrichshain district. It was named one of the best clubs in the world by DJ Magazine. Be warned though, the bouncers run a very strict door policy, so dress to impress!
• To experience Germany's latest trend’ sightjogging’ which combines sightseeing with jogging to see Berlin’s best sights on the go and exercise at the same time, visit www.expedia.co.uk. Or, for inspiration on another unique way to discover the cities unique culture watch this video...

Oliver Miller, 38, ping-pong addict and owner of Dr Pong (a late-night bar with its own table and table tennis acolytes) comments ‘You can discover the city through table tennis.’ He explains ‘Every neighbourhood has its own table, it’s where you see the real locals’

• Spend a Sunday morning at brunch. The best one in town is served at Restaurant 12 Apostel in Charolttenburg
• Alternative City Tour - discover the Berlin’s sub-cultures, learn about the squats and graffiti art that became part of the area's distinct style; understand how this culture moved East after the fall of the Berlin Wall and clash that arose between the counterculture and corporate expansion.
• Spreearche: a bit in the outskirts: pass through the Spreeetunnel in Friedrichshagen, turn right, ring the bell after 300 metres and wait for the boatman to pick you up - lunch here can be an event: the restaurant is in a floating wooden house, the fish is fresh without any pretension
• To make the most of your time in Berlin, head to www.expedia.co.uk to buy a Berlin Welcome Card, which will give you queue jump passes and discounts at over 200 attractions

Image - Getty Images