Unter den Linden, Berlin

If you can possibly visit during the second half of June, the linden (US basswood, UK lime-but not the citrus fruit) trees are in bloom. They have a lovely, subtle smell that perfumes the air all around. This street was in East Berlin, but since reunification, it has attracted redevelopment suitable for what was once among the most important boulevards in Europe. Today, the Kurf�rstendamm is more about retail stores, and Unter den Linden is more about massive institutions. Many visitors overlook the Neue Wache building, dedicated to an unknown soldier. In East German times, an honor guard stood before the building, but the spot is much less prominent today. Not only are the Brandenberg Gate and the Reichstag nearby, there's the (smaller) Berlin-Guggenheim museum and the Bebelplatz book-burning memorial. Construction diverts some of the busses and streetcars, so plan to get here by Underground or walking, if possible. A few blocks away are the major museums of the Museum Insel (island.) It's too far to walk, but the Checkpoint Charlie and Jewish Museum (architect Daniel Liebeskind) are a few subway stops away.

This is a beautiful street--lined with lime trees. Many embassies, historical monuments, fine hotels and restaurants are located on the walk down this beautiful street.