What to see and do

Go to the dome

IT’S free to visit the iconic glass dome of the Reichstag, home of the Bundestag (parliament), however, you must book in advance on the website — slots are offered every quarter of an hour. Best not to leave it till a day or two before, as you could miss out. Bundestag.de

Lovely river walk

HEAD off along the River Spree to Schloss Charlottenburg, an ornate rococo palace built by Frederick I for his wife Sophie Charlotte in the 18th century. It takes about 90 minutes from the Reichstag. Entrance is £10.60, but seeing the beautiful gardens is free. spsg.de

Visit the flea market

EVERY Saturday and Sunday from 10am-5pm on the western edge of Tiergarten, a large flea market assembles. Old vinyl records, tea sets, railway signs, brass candlesticks, paintings, pottery, vintage clothing . . . you name it, it’s probably there. Food stalls sell slices of delicious rhubarb cake (£1.80), fresh orange juice (90p) and good coffees (£1.30). berlinertroedelmarkt.com

See the street art

YES, go to see the fantastic murals on the section of the Berlin Wall now known as the East Side Gallery in the buzzy Friedrichshain district. But also make time for the excellent Urban Nation Museum for Urban Contemporary Art in Schoneberg, epicentre of Berlin’s decadent 1970s nightlife (which attracted David Bowie). The art is vivid and arresting; free entry. urban-nation.com

Quirky museum… and bar

THE Ramones Museum was set up by a fan of the New York punk rock band formed in 1970s, who were popular in Berlin. There’s a room full of memorabilia (entry £4.50). Catch the vibe of the bohemian East Kreuzberg neighbourhood in the little bar; beers are £2.50. ramonesmuseum.com

Sunday hangout

MAUERPARK Flohmarkt is a brilliant Sunday market in Prenzlauer Berg, a part of East Berlin that was popular with artists pre-1989. This flea market is great for antiques . . . as well as old junk! All sorts of food stalls, plus live music. flohmarktimmauerpark.de