Berlin has its fair share of fine restaurants, markets, museums and galleries.

Berlin is a must-stop for those looking for a place fueled by commerce -- but propelled by expression. Or is it propelled by expression, but fueled by commerce? Really, it doesn’t matter… because it’s Berlin.   

And this city – while colored by its dark past -- has made it consistently clear that it wants to move forward and live freely.

Berlin is a city that attracts graffiti, tolerates protest, champions music and the arts, and permits the odd indulgence … or two… or three.

If you’ve never been to Berlin, you’re going to need a fair share of tips -- or else you’re going to miss out.

Let’s first focus on getting to know Berlin.

Berlin is divided up into over a dozen districts. For the most part, travel articles focus on five of these neighborhoods.

* The first district is Mitte. This is where many historical spots, museums and shops are located. We highly recommend you spend time in this part of town. In fact, you should go to this location first.

* The second section is called Charlottenburg. People think this place is a sterile, bourgeois part of town. But we like it a lot. Think of Charlottenburg as the popular kid who gets picked on but doesn’t care. And it’s the old stomping ground of David Bowie. A good hotel (Sir Savigny), many Asian restaurants, and a bevy of high-end shopping options are here as well as a pair of our favorite restaurants (Schwarzes Cafe and Paris Bar).

* The third neighborhood is Prenzlauer Berg. You could compare the vibe to Brooklyn (NY) but with wider streets and promenades. Prenzlauer Berg is family friendly, has some good bars, cafes and restaurants (such as Wen Cheng noodle house) and holds a big flea market every Sunday. The flea market shouldn’t be the draw in and of itself, but as most commerce shuts down in Berlin on Sundays this relaxed section of the city becomes a livelier and welcoming option for the day of rest.

* The fourth area is Kreuzberg, or sometimes hyphenated with its neighboring district as Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg. Best for younger peeps (and people who like hyphens), this is a hipper, edgier place filled with a variety of bars and international dining options.  

* Leaving the fifth district for last, we have Neukolln, which is an even hipper and edgier quarter than Kreuzberg. How hip and edgy? Well, how long do you have about our story about the anti-fascist, poetry-loving punk bar we stumbled upon? Better yet, want to hear about the nightclub on a department store’s garage roof? 

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Courtesy off Wonder Shuffle; image snapped near Rosenthaler Strasse 39, Mitte