I’m just back from a long weekend in Berlin and would highly recommend it as a city break.

There’s currently a great buzz about the city, as plans for next week’s Festival of Freedom to mark the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall get underway. U2 will kick-off the celebrations tomorrow night by playing a free gig at the Brandenburg Gate. On Monday, 9th November, hundreds of thousands of people will watch the symbolic fall of the wall, as over 1,000 giant dominos, erected along a section of the strip that once divided East and West Germany, are toppled.

The historical and cultural sites are everywhere in this city, including the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, the Brandenburg Gate and the Holocaust Memorial. Designed by Daniel Libeskind, The Jewish Museum is an amazing building and well worth a visit. The central Dome at The Reichstag is also a must for those seeking the best views of the city.

Berlin also provides lots of opportunities to shop. At this time of year, Potsdamer Platz has a great selection of open-air Christmas markets, selling handmade trinkets and serving delicious hot spiced wine, (Glühwein). There’s also an eclectic food offering, with a wide choice of German, French, Italian and Russian restaurants. The famous Currywurst did not disappoint and the Berlin Breakfast at The Kaisersaal Café is also particularly good. While you’re there, check out the beautiful setting of the Rococo hall, where the Emperor Guillaume II used to dine, when it was still in the famous Hotel Esplanade of the Potsdamer Platz.

While we were there, the Sony Centre was buzzing with the launch of BB1, the new concept car from PEUGEOT. Inspired by motorcycle technology, the BB1 is 100% electric, emits no carbon emissions and has the capacity to carry 4 people. Moving from cars of the future to cars of the past, check out Trabi Safari for a great way to see the city.

For more information, log on to Visit Berlin and keep an eye out on Aer Lingus for great deals