Berlin has emerged as one of Europe's most vibrant capitals and one of its top tourist destinations.

It's an exciting non-stop festival of style, substance, and constant change.

Hi, I'm Rick Steves. In the early 1900s, Berlin was an avant-garde

and Marlene Dietrich, but then came Hitler. After a difficult 20th century, today's Berlin is proudly stepping up to become one of the world's leading cities.

Since German reunification nearly 20 years ago, Berlin has gone on a building frenzy,

wasting no time refashioning itself into Central Europe's powerhouse

with an exciting new spirit.

To help us keep pace with the upgrades, we'll be joined by Nigel Murrell.

Nigel's an American working as a tour guide in Berlin. He'll fill us in on how to best

experience Berlin's impressive historical sites, its cutting edge modern architecture, and

its everyday amusements. With Nigel, we'll take your questions and share your stories in the hour ahead.

Stay with us as we get up to speed on Berlin.

This is Travel with Rick Steeves.

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American Airlines knows why you fly. Berlin is a flashy

intense mad ride of a city. It's constantly reinvesting in itself as it renews

its role as one of Europe's leading capitals.

Nigel Murrell is an American who moved into Berlin making it his home four years ago.

Today Nigel joins us on Travel with Rick Steves to help us take aim at this moving target of a city.

I'm Rick Steeves, this is Travel with Rick Steeves and let's go to Berlin. I've got with me a man who went

to Berlin three and a half years ago and stayed there. Nigel Murrell is one of many people that have moved

into Berlin because it's sort of a happening

...