NEUKÖLLN. Originally designed for a garden show, this 256-acre tract of land is now a recreational park. The nature trails and lake you'll find in the greenspace are particularly breathtaking.

STEGLITZ ­ ZEHLENDORF. Mediterranean souvenirs hang from the garden walls on the grounds of this palace built for Prinz Carl von Preussen. The palace is closed to the public, but the gardens and grounds offer visitors a number of fountains, pavilions and courtyards.

TREPTOW ­ KÖPENICK. Known as an escape route for East Berliners, this lake is now a popular recreation spot. Located east of the city, its lakeside paths offer a scenic view of city meets country.

STEGLITZ ­ ZEHLENDORF. From lakeside spots to sandy beaches, this is a favorite with the locals. The two lakes, the Grosser Wannsee and the Kleiner Wannsee, provide all kinds of water recreation. Known as Berlin's Riviera, the lakeside property is expansive, and the shops and restaurants along the shore are worth a stop.

MITTE. Berlin's largest public park originally served as royal hunting grounds until it was reconfigured in the 18th century. Nowadays, joggers, walkers, and families flock here to enjoy the natural splendor. The grounds are home to war memorials, victory statues, and palaces, along with Hitler's Grosser Stern, a paved roundabout on the park's main street. Park highlights include the Philharmonie, home to the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Bauhaus Archiv-Museum, which charts the history of the world-renowned design school. S-BAHN: Unter den Linden, Tiergarten, Zoologischer Garten; U-BAHN: Zoologischer Garten