STEGLITZ - ZEHLENDORF. More than 100 acres of botanical gardens feature a bounty of beautiful floral and horticultural displays. The gardens feature 1800 specimens of plant life, and there's an on-site flower and herb museum that's great for browsing. The gardens open year-round at 9am; closing time ranges from 4pm to 9pm depending on the season.

NEUKÖLLN. Originally designed for a garden show, this 256-acre tract of land is now a recreational park. The nature trails and lake you'll find in the greenspace are particularly breathtaking.

MITTE. Surrounding the Berlin Cathedral, the garden was named for the visual pleasure it provides. Its lush, manicured green lawns showcase an abundance of flowers during summer.

STEGLITZ ­ ZEHLENDORF. Mediterranean souvenirs hang from the garden walls on the grounds of this palace built for Prinz Carl von Preussen. The palace is closed to the public, but the gardens and grounds offer visitors a number of fountains, pavilions and courtyards.

POTSDAM. Planned by Frederick the Great and supervised by a number of architects, this palace forms a half-circle at the peak of a terraced hill and is surrounded by 700 acres of parkland, complete with fountains and statuary. The interior of the palace features works by Caravaggio, a massive circular library, a music room, and elaborate ceiling murals. The property, once home to Voltaire and a performance venue for Bach, also boasts a Chinese Teahouse and exquisite Dutch and Italian gardens. S-BAHN: Potsdam Stadt