The St Nicholas Quarter is nearby (Nikolaiviertel) and has lots of historic buildings which border the River Spree. It is a good place to be in the summer, because you can sit out by the river and enjoy a drink
You soon get to Museum Island with its five Museums. It is impossible to take in everything that is on offer in a single viewing, so a case of spending a selective couple of hours, or a couple days. You can take your pick from German artists, impressionists, nineteenth century sculpture, Islamic art and ancient antiquities. If scale is your thing, the Pergamon Museum is a must, with its magnificent Pergamon Alter.
A little more strolling and you come to Gendarmenmarkt. The architecture in this imposing square is in stark contrast to Alexanderplatz. It boasts two cathedrals either side, one French, one German and a Concert Hall in the middle. It is a good place for a spot of lunch or just to rest for a while and enjoy the surroundings. If the weather is good there are plenty of outdoor eating options. There are also bars and restaurants overlooking the square. The trendy Newton Bar, has a mural of nudes on the wall. It is quite boisterous at night, but more sedate during the day and has a good range of Champagne.
Fassbender & Rausch overlooks the square and sells a huge range of delicious chocolate. I am no chocoholic, but love this place. The shops in this part of the city are high end. Even if shopping isn’t your thing, it is worth popping into Galleries Lafeyette and admiring the glass cone which runs through the middle of the building from the floor to the ceiling. I know it sounds a bit anoraky, but it really is worth viewing it from the top looking down and basement looking up
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