Berlin
Berlin has something for everyone,
But it’s not for everyone.
A simple city with a complex history.
Berlin is raw, Berlin is free, Berlin is techno
And techno is Berlin.
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.
All my discoveries for you to explore
Click to see all these recs on google maps
Recs
-
Cantonese dimsum, the cucumber strips & pork belly are a must
A favorite when we want to treat ourselves. Japanese affair, try to get the Chef's table
Neapolitan pizza shop in Rosenthaler; pitstop before or after shopping in the neighborhood. Not fancy, but approved by Italians
Sharing plates Israeli cuisine, perfect for a light brunch and a canal walk after
Contemporary bar & kitchen in the lively Graefekiez
Cozy affair with authentic German cuisine and the kindest owners. But remember its Schnitzel only on Fridays!
Knödel dumplings and Goulash, simple menu but perfect
Cozy neighborhood spot in Bermannkiez for some sake & bulgogi; Get a cocktail at Galandar first and here for dinner
Locally sourced ever changing menu based on seasonal produce
Brunch (make a reservation) and stroll through Viktoriapark after to burn it all off
No Frills, this is THE spot for Turkish cuisine (skip "Adana Grill House", this is better). Super local, humble and delicious food
Best tacos in Berlin (Chorizo tacos, yes please).
*Honorary mention Mustafa's Gemüse Kebap - If there is one döner that lives up to the hype, this is it. Commit within the first 5 minutes to the long wait ahead.
-
Real summer vibes onthe banks of the Spree with food, music and people
Cocktails at Kink, outside in the summer and inside in the winter (skip the food)
"Best Bar in Berlin” 2024 Edition
Minimalist and sleek with Sake & Japanese snacks (owned by DJ Richie Hawtin)
Well crafted cocktails and great vibes
Intimate neighborhood spot, venture off the menu for excellent cocktails (my rec “Last Word” gin based cocktail”)
Quintessential summer rooftop bar above the Neukölln arcade car park. Ain’t no shiny New York skyline. It’s raw, its better.
Go-to spot after work for drink at the Michelberger hotel
The only thing better than the wine here are the hosts
Late night spot for cocktails
-
An oasis with coffee in Kreuzberg
Gotta love a hidden courtyard
Perfect spot for Aperol, french pastries , sandwiches and people watching (looks crowded but you always find a spot). The aperol is better than the coffee..
Always a line for fresh sourdough bread
Get the cheesecake
Coffee after window shopping at Voo Store nearby?
Another courtyard hidden gem. Pitstop here and then continue casual strolling through Auguststraße
-
Highsnobiety Store - Zeitgeist of streetwear culture; the Berlin born phenomenon finally open their first store in 2024, and it looks cool
Studio 183 - The only time I go to a mall in Berlin is to check out Stud10 183
Voo Store - Contemporary designers and some luxury here
Superconscious - Concept store in Mitte
Store X - Located in Soho House, get a coffee at the cafe after some shopping
Hardt - Neighborhood spot for high quality vintage
Do you Read Me?! - Coffee table books, anyone?
Address - Pitstop when exploring Weinmeisterstraße
-
Get a drink at Orangerie and enjoy this hidden gem in Neukölln
A walking tour fan and this is one of the best (it’s not free but worth it)
-
One Rule. No Photos Allowed. This is Berlin.
Check Resident Advisor for a sense of what’s happening in the city.
Sisyphos
Club der Visionäre
Berghain
Renate
Golden Gate
Ritterbutzke
Also, if you are at a club with table service, you are in the wrong club.
Find the music. Close your eyes and enjoy the city.
View from Admiralbrücke, Kreuzberg, Berlin, 2022