Tourists are being encouraged to visit a massive European capital as they feel increasingly unwelcome in spots like Barcelona in Spain. Protests have reached a boiling point in some tourism hotspots, as videos shared online show locals using water guns to spray visitors to the city. But while some countries and cities in Europe fight against overtourism, one city is asking for more tourists to consider it as an alternative.

The capital of Germany, Berlin, is pushing its highlights to international tourists, inviting more visitors to experience its art scene, nightlife, and Prussian architecture. Christian Taenzler, spokesperson for the VisitBerlin tourism board, said that the city doesn't "have a problem with overtourism". He revealed: "The city is large and people spread out. Especially in summer, when Berliners are away, there's quite a lot of space."

Berlin is a massive city, home to a whopping 3.7 million people. In the first half of this year, Berlin received over 5 million visitors, but it is asking for more, as it experienced a fall of 1.8 per cent from a year earlier.

Before the pandemic, Berlin received a staggering 14 million tourists, much more than its current visitor numbers. Taenzler added: "We are a very green city, with a lot of water and swimming options, and a lot of shade ... I think that will gain in importance in the future."

Berlin has a lot to offer tourists, including historical sites, museums, local markets and edgy neighbourhoods where visitors enjoy the unique cafes, bars and independent shops.

The top-rated attraction in Berlin, based on TripAdvisor reviews, is the Reichstag Building, which is the seat of the German Parliament and was the seat of the Weimar Republic government until it was taken by the Nazis in 1933. Tourists have praised this "beautiful building", calling it "fascinating" and "amazing".

Other top-rated attractions in the city include the Topography of Terror, which charts Nazi history and the war crimes the party committed. Tourists have also praised iconic sites like the Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Wall, the Holocaust Memorial and the East Side Gallery.

With an array of things to do, tourists have spoken about their time in Berlin positively. One Reddit user said: "Berlin certainly has a lot going for it. World-class museums and galleries. History on almost every street in the centre. The bars and bistros, the restaurants and nightclubs. The parks and the rivers with river boat trips. Be lucky to get the right boat and you will be highly entertained for about an hour."

Another painted a more colourful picture of the German capital, and didn't hold back: "It’s dirty, grumpy and edgy but interesting, safe and maybe the most-fun city in Germany if that’s your thing."

A third said: "Berlin has culture, including great hidden places to shop, 1 million comedy clubs and theatre."

Brits can take direct flights to Berlin from London, Birmingham and Manchester. The flight time is normally around one hour and 40 minutes.