[Dottore]

My old hometown. I think it's magic.

Food? You're in the Hilton so the KaDeWe is close by. This is a huge department store that has a top floor devoted to gourmet food, German specialities and food from around the world. It's sensational and not to be missed. You can drink beer or wine there and order small tasting portions or massive sausages etc. Can easily spend a few hours or days there. You might just end up eating all your meals there.

Our current favourite restaurant (we were there last week) for great combination of style and value and food is "e.t.a.hoffmann". Very cool spot with sublime food. Again, your concierge can help you.

Do not miss seeing Berlin by boat from a canal/lake cruise. You will see Berlin from an entirely different angle that surprising few people take advantage of. Get your concierge to book a "beer cruise"—that combines a bit of the inner city canals with the lakes that surround the city.

If you like classic cars—don't miss the Meilenwerk, the Mecca for this scene in Berlin. The Hilton concierge will point you there. Not to be missed.

Check out the new shopping area around the Gendarmenmarkt. Very cool. very funky. Spend some time in Kreuzberg and check out student bars.

My personal favourite bar has always been Die Weisse Maus in Wilmersdorf. But if you want some serious beer and pork knuckle near the Hilton check out "Hardke"—just off the KuDamm.

Also: spend an afternoon in Potsdam. You can get there by bus, train or boat. See the palace—or better yet just walk around the old town. Magic. Like Paris 100 years ago. Lots of great little bars, and a complete change from the hustle of Berlin. Very charming. There's also a very depressing Stasi Museum there.

Please PM me with any specific questions.