If you’re a haggler at heart, you’ll be disappointed with the lack of bartering opportunities in Berlin. No amount of sweet talking will bring down the marked price in shops and department stores – although buckets of charm might win you a small offering of extra produce at the farmers’ markets.

The exceptions are big-ticket items, where up to 10% might be knocked off new and used cars and 5% off expensive electrical goods such as plasma screens. You can always try your luck at second-hand stores and flea markets, but don’t be fooled by a seemingly generous price drop at those regularly frequented by tourists in the city centre and around Museum Island – true bargains here are rare.