Considered to be representative of 'old' Berlin, Nikolaiviertel or the Nikolai Quarter is five minutes walk from Alexander Platz but can feel like it is centuries away from the modern public square. Dating as far back as 1200 it is centred around Berlin's oldest church, Nikolaikirche and, along with medieval narrow cobbled streets, the 18th Century Ephraim Palace and Knoblauchhaus (1760) with a 19th Century Neo-Classical facade, the largely reconstructed area (following damage in WWII) is a fascinating representation of architectural styles down through the ages and offers many delightful cafés & restaurants in and around its medieval alleyways.