A romantic weekend getaway in Berlin this Christmas season

Let yourself be enchanted by Christmassy Berlin: the whole city is transformed with elaborate illuminations on Kurfürstendamm, in the Botanical Gardens and at other locations. Christmas concerts and the city's unique gastronomic diversity are also on offer. Look forward to an unforgettable romantic Christmas weekend for two in Berlin - and many unique opportunities to shop for Christmas presents.

Day 1: Must-sees in Berlin-Mitte

There are probably few places in the city with such a romantic historical ambience as Berlin's Museum Island. Surrounded by imposing 19th-century buildings, you can stroll along the banks of the Spree or through the pleasure garden in front of the Altes Museum. The walk against a picturesque backdrop can be continued perfectly in the idyllic colonnaded courtyard in front of the Alte Nationalgalerie, where covered colonnades create a particularly romantic ambience. If you like, take a detour into the museum itself.

Also located on Museum Island is Berlin Cathedral, where concerts are held almost daily throughout the Advent season. It is also worth taking a tour of the impressive building, for which it is best to book a ticket in advance.

Discover extraordinary shopping highlights as a couple

Even though Friedrichstraße has changed a lot, it's still worth a visit with a detour to the nearby theatres, museums or restaurants around Gendarmenmarkt - because there's still plenty to discover between the cultural highlights. Between the sights and restaurants, there are a few traditional shops with handmade products, specialised theme shops and boutiques with exclusive fashion.

Alternatively, you can leave the Museum Island in an easterly direction via the Karl Liebknecht Bridge. Your shopping spree will then take you to elegant boutiques, cool concept stores and designer shops in Mitte. Stroll past the television tower and Alexanderplatz to Memhardstraße, where you will find the PLATTE fashion house, where Berlin fashion designers present their work. A little further north, at Torstraße 155, you can discover the concept store Hotel ULTRA - here you will find numerous fun and practical accessories for your home.

Newly engaged couples will also find plenty of stylish inspiration at the elegant Kaviar Gauche Bridal Concept Store in nearby Linienstraße. In between, you can fortify yourself in numerous small cafés and international restaurants along the way or warm up with a coffee while observing the vibrant everyday life in the lively neighbourhood.

Day 2: Explore Berlin's sustainable side

The second day begins with a hearty breakfast. Start the day in the stylish, modern ambience of Frühstück 3000 in Bülowstraße and savour creative, newly interpreted breakfast ideas. Then it's off to a varied neighbourhood stroll in Schöneberg. Here you will discover numerous original and sustainable shops - you are sure to find a Christmas present or two for friends and family.

The fair fashion store Loveco is just a short walk north of Restaurant Lenzig. You can find the right shoes at Zeha in Belziger Straße. In between, you can fortify yourself with a lunch in one of the many cafés and small restaurants.

Attend a magical Advent concert

After a busy day of shopping, let yourself be whisked away into the world of music. Especially during the Advent season, there are many highlights to discover on the city's stages that round off a romantic weekend in Berlin perfectly. Christmas oratorios are performed at various venues and popular classics such as The Nutcracker and Swan Lake are also performed. Or you can visit one of the top 10 shows at Christmas time.

Before that, you can visit the Christmas market on the beautiful Bebelplatz: Here, handmade treasures are sold in the artisans' tent and culinary specialities are offered at various stalls. There is also a varied cultural programme on the stage. And right in the Konzerthaus am Gendarmenmarkt , Advent concerts are performed by the Konzerthausorchester Berlin and high-calibre guests - an ideal way to round off your romantic evening in style.

Day 3: Fine shops on the Kurfürstendamm

Your romantic weekend in Berlin has some elegant highlights in store for you on Sunday. The best way to start is with a relaxed, extensive breakfast at the popular breakfast restaurant Benedict, not far from the beautiful Ludwigkirchplatz.

From here, it's just a short walk to Kurfürstendamm, which will once again be illuminated for Christmas this year. You can discover the most luxurious shops on your Ku'damm stroll, especially around Olivaer Platz: Luxury brands such as GUCCI, Chanel and Louis Vuitton have set up their flagship stores here.

You will also find many wonderful shops and boutiques in the side streets, such as Schlüterstrasse, Bleibtreustrasse and Uhlandstrasse. For example, the home design shop Stana Berlin in Leonhardstraße: furnishings and decoration in a very special style. If you follow the festively illuminated Kurfürstendamm in an easterly direction, your path will lead you to Breitscheidplatz and from there on to the renowned traditional department stores' KaDeWe. Here you can sweeten the romance of Advent for two in Berlin with a freshly baked piece of cake on the gourmet floor.

Out into the countryside in the afternoon

After a shopping spree in the City-West, it is a good idea to take a more romantic approach to the afternoon. The Christmas Garden in the Botanical Gardens is particularly beautiful during the Advent season: the entire area is festively illuminated and transformed into a glittering magical world of lights. Here you can experience magical moments for two on a long walk at dusk.

There are also some highlights to discover around the beautiful Grunewald Hunting Lodge in the run-up to Christmas. On 6 and 7 December, there is a fairytale Christmas market where you can listen to fairytales and meet fairytale characters.

You will also find the upscale country house restaurant Châlet Suisse in the wintry Grunewald - an excellent idea for an unforgettable final dinner. Choose from a range of Swiss specialities and seasonal highlights in the rustic ambience of this beautiful restaurant. You can take your time to review the impressions of the eventful weekend together.