The Nikolai Quarter is a peculiar reconstruction of the way Berlin used to be before its destruction in World War II. The area was restored in the 1980s in preparation for Berlin's big 750th birthday. Stroll around the idiosyncratic mixture of reconstructed historic houses and concrete slab Plattenbau blocks, and discover some of the most famous traditional German restaurants and bars. The Nikolaikirche (St Nicholas’s Church), with its striking double spire, is the heart of the quarter. The Ephraim Palace, with the curved Rococo façade, is a masterpiece of 18th century Berlin palace architecture. Don't miss the Baroque architecture of the Knoblauchhaus, built in 1760.

As the city's oldest ‘suburb,’ Haga stands as a small town in its own right, offering a nostalgic and enchanting experience for visitors. Strolling through Haga's narrow, cobbled streets evokes a sense of time travel, transporting you back at least a hundred years. Its traditional wooden buildings house a plethora of cosy cafés, pubs, and quaint shops, where you can peruse books, crafts, and locally-made knitwear. Haga is also home to the magnificent 17th-century fortress Skansen Kronan, which offers panoramic views of the city.

This set of gardens pays homage to the life of Irish-born Patrick Lafcadio Hearn, who is famed for his travels and extensive works about Japanese culture. The place includes among others an American, Greek, and Stream garden: join a guided tour or take a stroll yourself.