In the city of Berlin, capital of Germany

 “Many small people, who in many small places do many small things, can alter the face of the world.” – East Side Gallery, Berlin (This quotation, citing an “African saying,” is one of the original art pieces at the East Side Gallery, opened in 1990; it is an open-air gallery of murals by international artists covering a section of the Berlin Wall that once separated the districts of Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain)

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(in the capital of Germany) The city of Berlin lies at the heart of the North German Plain, across an east-west commercial and geographic axis that helped make it the capital of the kingdom of Prussia and then, from 1871, of a unified Germany. The city survived the destruction of World War II, and has since been rebuilt, while achieving remarkable economic and cultural growth. Berlin is now one of those spectacular cities that belongs on every bucket list. But let’s be honest: winters in Berlin can be quite cold, with temperatures diving to 14 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 degrees Celsius). Fortunately, its thriving arts and culture atmosphere, pulsating nightlife, and vibrant food scene make the city worth visiting all year round. Berlin is filled with hidden courtyards and alleys that double as the perfect "shield" from the cold winds felt along the city’s main streets. Three "cool" places to visit are Gerichstrasse, Mietskaserne, and Heckmann Höfe. Then, a bit later in the day, be sure to also check out the Weltzeituhr (world time) Clock, topped by a model of the solar system, then turn back time by dining at the historic Zur Letzten Instanz, a 16th century restaurant that was frequented by Napoleon and Beethoven.

+ From its fashion to its architecture to its political history, Berlin has always been edgy. The Berlin Wall is a sobering reminder of the hyper-charged postwar atmosphere, and yet the graffiti art that now covers its remnants has become symbolic of social progress.

+ Featured here is the Spree im Winter, where visitors can see Berlin landmarks from a different perspective as they wend their way along the Spree, the city’s most famous river. The river offers a bit of peace and quiet, far from the hustle and bustle of the Mitte’s (center's) busy major streets. On a crisp, clear day, the magnificent institutions on Museum Island look particularly imposing, and the riverside stroll offers impressive views of the area. The boat tour Winterfahrt (winter ride) on the Spree exposes the more famous sights of Berlin's city center, while you cruise comfortably on a well-heated ship along the river. Relax during the 60-minute boat tour, which departs from the Friedrichstraße (Weidendamm) and Nikolaiviertel jetties. On the journey through the wintry city center, you will experience numerous well-known sights -- such as the House of World Cultures, the government district with the Chancellery, the modern main train station, Friedrichstraße, the imposing Berlin Cathedral, the World Heritage Museum Island, and the historic Nikolaiviertel.