Berlin: Smart Splurges

Antonia Goy Berlin-based fashionista Antonia Goy creates magic in her tiny showroom – reversible coats that can be worn upside-down as capes, screen-printed silks, and halter dresses that combine pinstripes and gingham to good effect. The designer herself is a cheerful part of the shopping fun. Mitte; Brunnenstrasse 142; 011-49-30-44-650-386; www.antoniagoy.com
design | trendy | expensive | shopping

Bar Newton This chic watering hole is named after celebrated Berlin native Helmut Newton, whose exquisite portraits of nudes grace the walls. While art is certainly eye catching, the sleek leather lounge chairs and green marble counters are even more alluring, inviting guests to strike distinguished poses as they sip on fine whiskey (try the award-winning 30-year Glenfiddich) and puff a Cuban cigar. Charlottenstrasse 57; 011-49-30-2029-5420; www.newton-bar.de
expensive | nightlife | whiskey

Berlin by Boat Enjoy an hour-long look at Berlin from the Spree River, or splurge on a four-hour tour. Each boat has comfortable seats and table service. Board at multiple locations, including Friederichstrasse at Weidendamm, the Nikolaiviertel, and the Berliner Dom; 011-49-30-536- 3600; www.sternundkreis.de
family | tour | things to do

Best of Berlin tour Experience the best of Berlin on a bespoke six-day tour of the city. During your stay at one of Berlin’s five-star hotels, expert guides will escort you to sites, museums, and special-interest lectures. It’s not cheap, but it’s an excellent value considering it includes the hotel, local transportation, itinerary planning, admission fees, and access to exclusive restaurants and ev Artisans of Leisure; 800-214-8144; www.artisansofleisure.com
tour | things to do | expensive

Dachgarten at the Reichstag Bypass the eternal lines for the German parliament building, a hybrid architectural gem, by making a reservation at its rooftop restaurant which sits adjacent to the building’s celebrated glass dome. Fine German regional tastes refined into delicacies (smoked trout soup and pumpkinseed ice cream) served with a view. Mitte; Platz der Republik 1; 011-49-30-226-2990/33; www.bundestag.de
restaurant | expensive | continental

KaDeWe The Kaufhauf des Westens (KaDeWe) department store provides all the European high-end brands (Prada, Hugo Boss, Guerlain) along with practical delights like fine fountain pens and writing paper. Follow your nose through the astonishing selection of perfumes on the ground floor, then graze in the gourmet paradise found in the 6th-floor food hall. Schönenberg; Tauentzienstrasse 21-24; 011-49-30-212-10; www.kadewe-berlin.de
expensive | shopping

Schlosshotel im Grunewald Think red wallpapered walls adorned with old portraits, heavy wood-paneled doors, sweeping spiral staircases, and heavy curtains at this 54-room hotel renovated by Karl Lagerfeld in 1994. Rooms are just as sumptuous, with elaborate headboards, fine linens, and large bathrooms. Expect beautiful gardens surrounding the property, and a Roman-style spa with a swimming pool in the basement. Grunewald; 10 Brahmsstrasse; 011-49-30-895-840; www.schlosshotelberlin.com
luxury | hotel