Eyewear to Germans is more than a practical necessity; expect to see all manner of fashionable shapes, colours and sizes on the streets. Options are rife with at least one store selling eyewear in each neighbourhood, and several along the main tourist strips and in shopping malls. If your health insurance covers eye care, you’ll be reimbursed for your frames, and many shops offer on-site eye tests and after-sales service, such as cleaning and repairs.

World famous local brand ic!Berlin has a flagship store in Mitte, which stocks its signature ‘screw-less’ glasses that look sleek and withstand careless handling.

Apollo and Fielmann are both big chains that have a good range of contact lenses (coloured and prescription), and reasonably priced sunglasses and glasses, with vision testing on site. Opticon (030 882 66 65) and Brille 54 have several shops in Berlin, with frames and sunnies by big international brands, such as Chanel, Gucci, Armani and Prada. For something a little more individual, try Funk Store in Berlin, a fashion store that stocks statement-making frames. Krumme Lanke Brillen (www.krumme-lanke-brillen.de) in Zehlendorf has handmade frames from Japan and unworn vintage frames from the 20s to the 50s. Eye tests and exceptional service are included in the price (€80 to €250). As well as the basics, Leibniz-Optik Exner can help with prescription goggles for swimming, diving and skiing, and offer free high-tech ultrasound cleaning to customers. Despite a notable lack of sun, shades are big business in Berlin – so you can shop according to both taste and budget. Chain stores such as Zara, Quiksilver and H&M (see Clothes) have stylish and affordable frames, while a designer frame from Mykita, (one of the founders of ic!Berlin) will set you back several hundred euros.