We based ourselves at Meliá Berlin on Friedrichstraße, perfectly placed for exploring largely on foot. In just two days we clocked up an impressive 45,000 steps and covered so much of what makes the German capital so compelling: its powerful history, creative energy and striking architecture.

Our first day was all about getting under the skin of Berlin’s past. We took in some of the city’s most iconic sights: the Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gate and the moving Holocaust Memorial, before spending a couple of sobering hours at the Topography of Terrors, standing where so many pivotal decisions were made and lives were changed forever.

To begin our exploration of the era of a divided city, we headed to the East Side Gallery: the longest continuous section of the Berlin Wall still in existence. Open to the elements, the artworks are regularly being restored and repainted, some by the original artists. A controversial and thought-provoking open-air gallery, and well worth a visit.

We ended the day on a literal high with cocktails at the top of the Fernsehturm (TV Tower), 368 metres above the city. With clear skies and long summer evenings, we were treated to panoramic views that seemed to go on forever, and enjoyed spotting what we had seen on the ground and what was still left to be explored.

Day 2 moved at a gentler pace, starting at the DDR Museum, this immersive space brings everyday life in East Berlin under the GDR to life through interactive exhibits and multimedia displays. From Trabants to life inside a 1970s apartment, it offered an insight into what it meant to grow up behind the Wall.

Later, we wandered through the Mitte district, a lived-in, characterful part of the city that at times felt like a “living museum”. Remnants of the Wall, plaques, and stories of daring escape attempts and lives cut short are scattered across ordinary streets and buildings. You are constantly reminded that Berlin’s history is not locked away in galleries; it is woven into its very fabric.  This would also be my top pick for places for eat, with an abundance of quality local restaurants away from the tourist traps.

What surprised me most was the sheer scale of the city, its bold, varied architecture and just how easy it is to get around. Efficient public transport, walkable neighbourhoods and so many green spaces make it a joy to explore, even in a short stay.

In just 48 hours, Berlin firmly claimed a spot in my top five European city breaks. It is a place that educates, challenges and inspires, yet still delivers all the ingredients of a brilliant escape: great food, buzzing bars, leafy parks and a creative, relaxed vibe.