Neues Museum (New Museum), Berlin (must see)

This delightful section of the Museum Island ensemble made its grand return in 2009 and is well worth an extensive exploration. Spread across four floors, it houses an unparalleled collection of Berlin's archaeological wonders, spanning the globe and various prehistoric epochs, as well as treasures from ancient cultures like the Greeks, Romans, Nubians, and most notably, ancient Egyptians.

Although pride of place here goes to the stunning bust of Egyptian queen Nefertiti – and you so need to see her gracefully sculpted head from every possible angle – there's a trove of other marvels waiting to be discovered. As you venture into the next room, you'll encounter one of the more intriguing displays, with precious papyrus scrolls appearing at the touch of a button. Also, be sure to peruse the information cards scattered throughout many rooms, detailing the current state of the artifacts in comparison to their pre-World War II condition. On this second floor, you'll also find additional Egyptian art, and on the first floor, a temple and a courtyard.

Take time to linger over the well-curated and well-explained Bronze and Iron Age exhibits, showcasing an array of weapons, tools, pottery, and other relics, along with the photos and diagrams of the excavations where they were unearthed. Among the most fascinating displays is the recently acquired Golden Hat, an enigmatic piece of Bronze Age ceremonial headgear, one of several found in Northern Europe (apparently, whoever held the power that accompanied it could predict eclipses and celestial phenomena). Other highlights include the astonishingly lifelike Berlin Green Head, mummies and sarcophagi, a magnificent collection from the ancient city of Troy, 19th-century wall paintings depicting scenes from Nordic mythology, and blue faience funerary objects shaped like animals.

Tips:
Arrive as early as possible to beat the crowds, and consider purchasing a Berlin Card or a three-day museum pass to make the most of your visit, as there is much to see. It's advisable to start this particular journey from the top and work your way down, either with the aid of an audio guide or as part of a guided tour.