The new Berlin presents itself to visitors as a cosmopolitan city. The Brandenburg Gate, once a symbol of the divided Germany, has become the emblem of the German capital. Today, Berlin is situated in the heart of a continent moving towards unification, and plays an important role in the European integration process.

Berlin is one of the prime locations for science or research facilities and the media. As a Competence Centre, Berlin has relied on the fields of technology, biotechnology, medical and environmental technology. Globally operating firms draw benefit from the large number of institutions resident in Berlin and the knowledge available here.

Berlin‘s cultural scene offers unlimited op­portunities for leisure activities. The Museums­insel (Museum Island) with its world-­famous museums was inscribed on UNESCO‘s World Heritage list in 1999. Kurfürstendamm, Friedrichstraße and Pots­damer Platz are ideal places for extensive shopping trips.

Berlin is also a green city. Numerous woods, lakes, parks and gardens offer recrea­tion for every­one. In ­addition, the historical city of Potsdam in the neighbour­ing Land of Brandenburg, with its historic palaces and gardens and numerous highlights of historical architecture, invites visitors to stay for a while.