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

The crown jewel of Museum Island—the New Museum—has been back in action since 2009 and just begging for a deep dive. Not a literal one, of course—security frowns on that. We’re talking about four glorious floors packed with Berlin’s finest archaeological bling. Think global, think ancient, think seriously impressive: from prehistoric bits and bobs to full-on cultural blockbusters—Greeks, Romans, Nubians, and, of course, the ever-iconic Egyptians.

Now, speaking of the Egyptians—yes, the Nefertiti is here! She’s flawless. She’s got cheekbones that could cut glass and a gaze that’s been melting hearts for over 3,000 years. Believe it—you’ll want to admire her from every possible angle. (And no, sadly, selfies are not allowed.)

But don’t stop there—this place is full of surprises. One room even lets you summon ancient papyrus scrolls with the press of a button. It’s like Indiana Jones meets touchscreen tech. Keep an eye out for info cards, too—they’ll tell you which treasures survived World War II unscathed and which ones had a bit of reconstructive “tender loving care.”

On the second floor, there’s more Egyptian art to devour, and one level down is a temple. A whole courtyard. Basically, your inner explorer will be doing cartwheels.

And don’t even think about breezing past the Bronze and Iron Age exhibits. They’re not just pots and pointy sticks—these are ancient multitools, weapons, and mystical relics, served up with excavation pics and diagrams that make you feel like you’re right there in the dirt.

Oh, and then there’s the Golden Hat. Sounds fancy, right? It is. Shiny, mysterious, and probably used to predict eclipses, rule tribes, or host very exclusive dinner parties—no one’s entirely sure.

And if that doesn't impress you much, let the Berlin Green Head, a freakishly lifelike sculpture, stare into your soul. Or wander through rooms of mummies, sarcophagi, treasures from Troy, Nordic myth murals, and tiny blue animal-shaped faience from ancient tombs. It’s basically a time-traveling greatest-hits album.

Tip:
Arrive early. Really early. This place gets busy. A Berlin Card or museum pass will save your wallet and your patience. And when you enter, don’t go rogue—start at the top floor and descend like an archaeological royalty. An audio guide or tour is optional but highly recommended for full nerd-out potential.