A crisp Helles from the corner späti in hand, the faint techno beats always within earshot, this metropolis is a canvas for self-expression.

Each borough, with unique personalities, is a mosaic of "kiez," smaller facets within.

At the heart of the city, Mitte houses many of the museums and architecture that carry the stories of the land’s history. Stroll through Auguststraße, indulge in a bit of window shopping, get a coffee table book at do you read me?, and then a coffee at Father Carpenter.

In the spring and summmer, Berliners gravitate towards the canals of Kreuzberg. A spot on the grassy banks and watch the swans glide by, undisturbed by your presence. Or join the hum of conversations on the pavements of Admiral Brücke, a popular meeting spot on warm summer evenings. Each one of the thousand bottle caps embedded in the cobble stones has a laugh and a conversation behind it. With a coffee or a spritz and some pastries at La Maison, an outdoor cafe, you can settle in for some people watching.

Further south you have Neukölln, once the “alternative neighborhood” but now known for the emerging food scene. A sunny day calls for a visit to Klunkerkranich, a rooftop bar above an old arcade. Not the gleaming skylines of New York or Tokyo, but Berlin rooftops are raw and thrive in their own distinctive manner. Towards the west, explore the sprawling runways of Tempelhof, the abandoned WWII airport.

A bit shinier, a bit cleaner than the rest of Berlin - You have Prenzlauerberg up north. A bit more sophisticated with cocktails at Kink or the chorizo tacos at Markethalle. The weekend calls for the sprawling markets at Mauerpark with live music, impromptu basketball matches in the concrete courts and more people watching.

And then of course you have Friedrichshain (known as F'shain). Home to some of the city's legendary clubs. You know which ones I am talking about. Beyond the music, enjoy a drink at Holzmarkt where music, food, people, and culture all come together on the banks of the Spree. The RAW area, a transformed train repair station is another to explore, as well as the busy flea market at Boxi.

It may not be what you expect of a capital city, but that is also what makes it so special.

Berlin doesn’t care about expectations.  

A city where individuality is celebrated, where cash is still king, where life here may not be for everyone. But for those who grasp it, it's perfection.

Whether dancing in the darkness of the clubs, diving into the city's complex history, or wandering for the sake of wandering, don't forget that Helles from the späti as you journey to the next, or that late night döner kebab as you make your way back home.