Lonely Planet Berlin

Discover why the Reichstag was wrapped in silver fabric for 14 days
See cutting-edge art displayed in a Nazi bunker
Dine in a secret restaurant where the host serves you supper in their own home
Sleep inside a kaleidoscope, prison cell or coffin at Berlin’s most unusual hotel

In This Guide:

Written by our expert resident author who knows the city inside-out
Full-color coverage of Berlin’s vibrant art, design, music and fashion scenes
Insider tips from a music tour guide and an art gallery curator

Like Blondie, Berlin is a female-fronted new wave band with a lead singer (Terri Nunn) who can really belt, although Nunn is more in-your-face than Debbie Harry. Their music is submerged new wave synth-pop that is varied most successfully by Nunn's agile vocal arrangements. In "No More Words," she first yells and then drops to a scathing whisper, only to attack again; it's scary enough to make any man cower. "Take My Breath Away" is a beautiful from-the-gut ballad, so large and deep in scope that it commands your full attention. In "The Metro" she puts you on a train, sullen and melancholy, going nowhere. --Beth Bessmer