The most recognisable landmark in Berlin shoots up from Alexanderplatz just minutes from the hostel. At 368 metres it’s the tallest structure in Germany and the views from the observation deck stretch across the entire city. Hard to miss, impossible to forget.

The most famous crossing point of the Berlin Wall sits in the heart of Mitte and is one of the most visited spots in the city. A powerful reminder of a divided Berlin and a fascinating piece of Cold War history, a short journey from the hostel.

Berlin’s grand cathedral sits right on the banks of the Spree and dominates the skyline around Museum Island. You can climb to the top for sweeping views across Mitte, or simply sit outside on the lawn and watch the city go by.

The longest remaining stretch of the Berlin Wall, now covered in murals by artists from around the world. Over a kilometre of open air art and history along the banks of the Spree, a short ride from the hostel and completely free to visit.

A hands on, interactive museum dedicated to everyday life in communist East Germany. Fascinating, surprisingly funny in places, and just around the corner from the hostel. Book ahead as it gets busy.

A lively square and set of interconnected courtyards right in the heart of Mitte, packed with independent shops, street food, bars and market stalls. The perfect place to spend a few hours soaking up Berlin life at street level.

Berlin’s oldest public park is a short walk east from the hostel and a brilliant place to decompress for a few hours. Locals come here to picnic, play sport and watch the world go by. Find the fairy tale fountain if you can.

A small but lovely park right on the banks of the Spree next to Museum Island. In summer it fills up with locals drinking, swimming and relaxing by the water. One of the nicest spots in central Berlin on a warm evening.

The open lawn in front of the Berliner Dom is one of the most scenic spots in the whole city. A favourite with locals for a lunchtime sit down, it’s the perfect place to take a breath between sightseeing and soak up the view.

You don’t even need to leave the building. Belushi’s is right downstairs with live sports, DJs, cheap drinks deals for hostel guests and a crowd that makes it very easy to have a good night without any effort at all.

Practically on the doorstep, Volksbar is a reliably good neighbourhood bar with a lively atmosphere, a solid drinks menu and regular events. A great first stop before heading further into the night.

A legendary club on the banks of the Spree with a glass floor overlooking the river and one of the best sound systems in the city. A regular fixture on any list of the world’s great clubs and a short ride from the hostel.

You’re already in it. Berlin’s historic centre pulls together the city’s most important landmarks, museums and streets into one walkable area. The perfect neighbourhood to get your bearings on day one.

Just north of the hostel, Prenzlauer Berg has gone from post-reunification squat culture to one of Berlin’s most charming and liveable neighbourhoods. Tree-lined streets, great coffee and a relaxed pace that feels genuinely Berliner.

Head east and you hit one of Berlin’s most exciting postcodes. The East Side Gallery, the Spree riverbank bars and some of the city’s best clubs are all here, with a young, international energy that never really stops.