“Poor but sexy”—with this casual statement, former Governing Mayor Klaus Wowereit coined the ultimate Berlin slogan. In just three words it perfectly sums up Berlin’s attitude, allure, and its problems. It’s also a snapshot of Berlin’s coolness, which is uninterrupted but constantly changing. If you haven’t paid a visit to Berlin since the early nineties, you’re in for a surprise, especially if you head to the Mitte district. After the fall of the Berlin wall, raucous, illegal parties sprang up in the Mitte district; now, that same area boasts numerous famous galleries and fashionable boutiques. While Berlin may not be very glamorous, it is a city steeped in history at every turn and offers around-the-clock excitement. Tucked away here and there you’ll find old legends and islands of good taste, and while they might not be as obvious as The Young Guns, they are cool nonetheless.