A City Guide to Berlin

Berlin is one of the coolest cities in Europe. It’s long been a pioneer of trends in music, design, fashion, art, and architecture. The nightlife has a reputation for good reason. There’s an abundance of historical sites, parks, and galleries. And if you know where to go, there are some great local food spots.  Yes, it’s very grey – think Brutalist mood – but, the rainbow graffiti and street art add color on every corner. Here are a few of our favorite spots.

Where to stay in Berlin

SO/ Berlin Das Stue

Fun fact: this was the Danish Embassy prior to being a boutique hotel, which is why it’s called Das Stue, meaning “living room” in Danish. The perfect mix of sophisticated, new-age interiors and old-school historic bones, it’s a contrast that works well and attracts a fashionable crowd.

Michelberger Hotel

A more hipster option, typical of Berlin style, the vibe here is youthful and relaxed. It also happens to have one of the best restaurants in the area; and plays brilliant music, too.

Hotel Zoo Berlin

In the central area of Mitte, book a room facing the Tiergarten Park’s Zoo, and you’ll likely spot some real monkeys from your bed. Definitely spend an evening on the rooftop in the Monkey bar (yes, there’s a theme).

Soho House Berlin

You know what you’re getting with Soho House, but this place hits differently. In a Grade-II listed building, demonstrating Neue Sachlichkeit (New Objectivity) architecture, it’s a time capsule of history from pre-WWII, through to the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. The building was passed between political parties and then left dormant for 10 years, before Soho House scooped it up. We’re surprised that Wes Anderson hasn’t made a film here yet: there’s lots of delicious symmetry, one of the slickest rooftops in the city, a DJ decks in some of the rooms.

Where to eat & drink in Berlin

For farm-to-table German comfort food, Katz Orange is a always a safe bet for a great dinner. Borchardt is where you go to see and be seen, and it's especially worth a visit on a Friday night when they host after-dinner parties upstairs.

And if you're looking for a break from the local cuisine, 893 Ryōtei Japanese Restaurant passes the food, cocktail, and vibe check.

Best bar in Berlin

Go to one of the many speakeasy-style around the city – Buck & Breck is our top pick.

Best coffee in Berlin

Distrikt Coffee is ideal for coffee and something sweet – the bread pudding is legendary. While The Barn in the Mitte area is one for serious coffee heads – they roast their own beans on-site and host free coffee-tasting sessions every Saturday.

Where to shop in Berlin

Voo is an expansive store that manages to feel very exclusive, as if every piece has been handpicked for you.

The Store also has a good selection of fashion and homeware – part of Soho House, when you’re done shopping, settle in for a coffee on the sofas.

Where to get a hit of culture

Berlin is a place that lives and breathes art. Download the Street Art Cities app and take yourself on a tour of the best graffiti with your headphones on. And, if you are here during the Gallery Weekend or Berlin Art Week, you’re in luck.

The modern art contrasts with the historical sights and monuments that are intrinsic to Berlin, such as the Holocaust Memorial, Berlin Wall Memorial, and Checkpoint Charlie. All important to see.

For photography, go to the Helmut Newton Foundation, which hosts exhibitions of some of the most influential photographers of our time. The gift shop has the best postcards ever.

Where to work out in Berlin

Badeschiff

Go swimming in this outdoor swimming pool in the river. The water is chlorinated, but it still feels like you’re out in the wild. Opening times are seasonal, so check ahead.

Sun Yoga

With two locations in Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain, this is one for the hot yoga lovers – the heat is cranked up high.

Ride.bln

This studio is the best for spin, and the 50-minute classes will get you pumped and ready for a night of clubbing.

Where to work

Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin

The lobby here is a great place to sit with your computer, but it’s pricey to stay. Make sure to order the world’s best cheesecake while you work.

Where to party in Berlin

Berghain is Berlin’s most infamous club. There is this small issue of actually getting in (pro tip: never wear nice shoes, no dress shoes, no stilettos, just sneakers). But, it’s worth it once you’re in. Otherwise, CDV is great, especially in the summer when you party outside. While Birgit und Bier has several dance floors and is good for those who aren’t hardcore techno lovers.

What else to do in Berlin

Enjoy the outdoors with drinks! Bring a blanket, go to Weinerei and buy a good bottle of wine and sit in Weinbergspark. Or sit at Modersohnbrücke in Friedrichshain and watch the sunset on the skyline.

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