CHARLOTTENBURG-KU’DAMM
The centre of West Berlin before the unification, Charlottenburg is now bearing more resemblance to its silver-haired population: refined and affluent, but also a bit dull. The upscale neighbourhood is named in honour of Queen Sophia Charlotte and known for its beautiful palace – the last remaining royal residence in the city – but truth be told, with the city centre having now gravitated to Mitte, few people would venture here were it not for the Ku’damm. That’s short for Kurfürstendamm, one of Berlin’s most famous avenues and its most popular shopping stretch with the sidewalks lined by trees and exclusive hotels, restaurants and big brand fashion – kind of like the Champs-Elysees, with more auto showrooms. With sights like the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church and the Deutsche Oper, there’s even something for the culturally inclined.
