Once a divided city, Berlin is one of Europe's most dynamic capitals with a history inextricably tied to the greatest struggles of the 20th Century. Today, past divisions have been replaced with a Euro-cool vibe, cutting edge architecture and some of the world's greatest art museums.

Much has changed in the twenty years since the fall of the Berlin Wall in November 1989 led to reunification of Germany. Since then, lines between East and West have been blurred and once run-down areas of the city have been rebuilt. The former East Berlin is no longer recognizable thanks to a systematic demolition and rebuilding of the areas that were behind the wall, not to mention buzzing art, dining and late night scenes that attract both locals and visitors. Meanwhile West Berlin with its wide boulevards and bustling energy has become almost an after-thought for visitors. But stellar museums, shopping and diverse neighborhoods abound no matter where you find yourself.

Berlin is less densely packed than many other cities, dotted by large parks with the River Spree snaking lazily through its center, but the distinction of East and West remains in part due to a reversal in fortunes. After unification, billions of dollars in investment went to rebuild decrepit East Berlin while West Berlin fell behind. Today the western portion of the city is slowly beginning to catch up to the suddenly vibrant eastern districts. Anchoring this effort is the downtown area of the city around the ZOO Station, for too long a neglected district of cheap stores and shops of ill repute.

For a European capital, Berlin is a relatively young city. It was founded by Germanic tribes in the mid-13^th Century and grew in importance until becoming the capital of Prussia in 1701. After many bloody wars and much damage to the city over the ensuing two centuries, Berlin became the capital of a unified Germany in 1871. In 1920, after World War I, the city was expanded to its present shape through the absorption of several outlying villages.

In 1933, the infamous Reichstag fire broke out, used by then-Chancellor Adolf Hitler to consolidate power, which he held until 1945 when he committed suicide in his bunker in the city. During and after World War II, the city was decimated with more than half of the inner city area destroyed. Afterwards, it was divided into four zones - the Russians in the East and the Allied American, British and French forces each controlling their own areas in the West. With this division and the subsequent establishment of East Germany, which encircled Berlin, the capital moved to Bonn in 1949. In 1961, East Germany began construction on the wall that would divide the city for thirty-eight years. In November 1989, the wall was thrown open to both sides and within a year the two states were unified, with Berlin again being named the country's capital. Today very little of the wall remains, which some visitors may find disappointing.