Say Berlin and people immediately think of the Wall, even though it is over a decade since "Die Mauer" was broken down. But Berlin has much more to offer and is growing in popularity with tourists wanting something with a bit more grit than most European destinations.

It is undeniable that the years of division took their toll on Berlin - and the pieces of the wall that remain standing remind you that there is a lot of reparation still to be done before Berlin and Germany will be able to completely forget the past. However, Berlin is leading the way, and although you still might glimpse a few shards of the old Communist ways in the east of the city, they are becoming less and less common each year.