How to get around Berlin, from bahns to buses

Every great railway station needs a guardian angel. Zurich has one of the quirkiest. A colourful sculpture of a curvaceous, swimsuit-clad woman with golden wings hovers over the main concourse at the city’s Hauptbahnhof. L’ange protecteur by French artist Niki de Saint Phalle is as intriguing as the busy departure boards. With direct trains to destinations across 10 countries, this station is rich in possibilities. Anywhere from Amsterdam to Zagreb! Berlin, Bratislava or Bologna? Or perhaps Paris or Prague?

In our 5 Shops series, we'll point you in the direction of our favorite independent shops across some of the world's best cities. From food markets to bookshops, vintage and homegrown design, we've found a diverse and exciting mix of local retailers where you can pick up one-of-a-kind pieces.

Part of living a vegan lifestyle is following a plant-based diet, something I have been doing for well over a decade. When traveling to new places I am always on the lookout for vegan restaurants or places offering vegan dishes. As veganism gains in popularity around the world, it’s becoming easier than ever to eat plant-based foods when traveling. Berlin is not only a vegan foodie paradise, but a hub for vegan activism. There are so many vegan-friendly restaurants to choose from I think it’s safe to say the days of ordering a boring lettuce salad and a side of fries are over, at least in Berlin. Here are some delicious options to get you started.

In some cities, they’re called convenience stores, in others, bodegas, but in Berlin, those pint-sized late-night shops you see everywhere are Späti, and they’re integral to the city’s everyday life.

Last month I traveled by train from London to Berlin and back.

Germany is a traveler’s dream. The birthplace of the Autobahn boasts one of the most extensive, reliable and well-integrated transport networks in the world.

Western Europe’s most populous country doesn’t always spring to mind as a low-cost destination. However, in a place this big and diverse, there will always be a smarter way to spend your euros.

Berlin is a city where families will feel welcome.

Summer brings new perks and amenities to many top hotels and brands around the world. Dozens of new hotels and resorts are opening for the first time this season, but others are adding new features and renovations that repeat guests will be eager to see. From do-it-yourself goodies to eco-friendly changes, here is some of the latest news from the hospitality industry and properties around the world.

Berlin has long enjoyed a reputation for being a city of bargains, but don’t be fooled: it’s catching up with London, Tokyo and New York – and fast!

Berlin is a place that makes boredom impossible. Discovering Germany’s capital, and its true depth of historical and cultural richness, gifts you jam-packed days and sprints between attractions. And that’s just the sightseeing! There is also so much cool stuff to do.

The 26-country no-border-control Schengen area is in danger of collapsing under the migration threat. Presumably, the new border controls will be for no more than two years. But for now, you have to figure on reverting to the bad old days of mind-numbing border hassles within the area.