MITTE. Since the end of Communism in 1989, this bustling eastern square has enjoyed an ongoing transformation. The railway station splits the area in half, with the Platz proper on one side and the Marx-Engels Forum and Television Tower on the other. Be sure to visit the café located at the pinnacle of the Television Tower. It revolves 360 degrees every 30 minutes and offers a majestic view of Berlin. S-BAHN, U-BAHN: Alexanderplatz

MITTE. Despite its close quarters, Departmentstore Quartier 206 holds the distinction of being one of Berlin's most distinguished department stores. High-end fashions for children, women, and men take top billing, but the store also manages to fit in a dizzying array of top-of-the-line personal and home accessories. S-BAHN and U-BAHN: Friedrichstrasse

MITTE. In keeping with Berlin's justly-earned rep as a city with a keen sense of style, Galeries Lafayette in Mitte carries elegant, brand-name French designs, as well as expensive perfumes, colognes, shoes, and accessories. In addition, the department store is known for its fabulous basement floor, which features gourmet delights like exotic produce, imported wines, premium meats, and other delicacies. U-BAHN: U6 Französische Strasse

CHARLOTTENBURG ­ WILMERSDORF. One of Berlin's ­ perhaps even Western Europe's ­ largest and most famous department stores, legendary Kaufhaus des Westens in Charlottenburg is revered for its wide variety (seven floors worth!) of high-end merchandise, ranging from contemporary fashions and cosmetics to best-selling media and kitschy kitchen wares. In addition to great shopping, the store has a delicacies department on the sixth floor that features champagne, wine, and beer bars; a deli; a crêperie; and even a sushi bar. U-BAHN: U1, U2, U3 Wittenbergplatz

CHARLOTTENBURG - WILMERSDORF. With five floors, Peek & Cloppenburg offers the gamut of contemporary fashion for just about every taste. Big brands such as Hugo Boss and Max Mara share floor space with boutique labels such as the edgy Drykorn. The store also offers good-value basics, including cashmere sweaters and t-shirts. The building itself is worth taking a look at too ­ it's wrapped in an undulating glass curtain designed by architect Professor Gottfried Böhm. U-BAHN: Wittenbergplatz