By Caitlin

If you are into archaeology or antiquities (I am), then this museum is a gold mine. Even if you are not, I would venture it's hard not to be into antiquities when in this museum containing some of the biggest archaeological finds ever transported and reconstructed within a museum. The Ishtar Gates and processional way from 6th century BC Babylon are breathtaking with its sheer size and beautiful blue and yellow tiles. From ancient Greece, the Pergamon Altar from 160 BC is rebuilt to show its elaborate reliefs and mosaics. We were fortunate enough to get into this museum a few weeks before it closes for 5 years(!) for renovations. One thing that makes Berlin's museums so fantastic is that all the major ones include an audio guide with the ticket price. Helpful since my German is limited to "Guten morgen!" and "Danke!"

One of the reasons we chose to stay in a non-tourist neighborhood was its proximity to the biggest/best flea market in the city held every Sunday.
Do you need antique furniture, cheap sunglasses, or a mini-mixer to deejay from your i-phone? You can get it here. Or maybe like us you just want some good people watching, window shopping and a paleta (popsicle). Done.