The sights of Berlin - Always new, never boring

Germany is one of the most visited countries in Europe, and for 30 percent of Germans it is also their destination of choice for their own holidays. The most frequent reason for visiting is its culture, according to the many that flock there - and the city of Berlin is very much the cultural hub for the country. So for those looking for deals on city breaks this winter, Berlin is an excellent destination to sample one of the richest cultures available in Europe.

Politics have been key to the shape and appearance of Berlin and its architecture over the years. Since the German Empire of the 1800s, the city has seen another four significant political powers assert their powers in the city, and today many of its most famous sites serve a government purpose. The Rotes Rathaus is one such example - a formidable and symmetrical red brick building which serves as the home of the Berlin administration.

A must see for any visitors, the Gendarmenmarkt is often regarded as one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. With a statue of poet Friedrich Schiller at its centre, the square is dominated by the divine symmetry of the French Cathedral and the German Cathedral on the other side, with The Konzerthaus (home of the Konzerthausorchester Berlin) in the centre. Both the cathedrals house museums today - while during December, the Gendarmenmarkt is given over to a popular Christmas market.

Berlin and the surrounding region is also well-known for its palaces. Charlottenburg Palace is the largest in the city, and is a major attraction. The building structure dates from the 17th Century, and its great size, baroque style and immaculate gardens are unforgettable despite major regeneration since the Second World War. Entrance to the gardens is free, while parts of the palace building can be entered for a charge.

Unsurprisingly, Berlin is home to a great number museums - some typical of any capital city, and others more unique to its history. The Jewish Museum Berlin is perhaps one of the most intriguing to visitors from outside of the country. The museum is actually made up of two buildings, an 18th Century courthouse and a modern zig-zagging building which now stands beside it. Within, visitors can learn about two millennia of Jewish history in the country, via many installations including a sculpture of 10,000 iron faces and the 79 foot tall Holocaust tower.

Sarah Maple writes for Gohop.ie who offer last minute holidays and cheap holidays.