Berlin is a city that everyone should visit while young. We’ve put together a detailed guide for you with the best museums, galleries, theaters, clubs, bars, eateries, flea markets, and other cultural destinations to help you fall in love with Berlin as we love it.
Transport In Berlin
In the fall of 2016, Ryanair opened new flights to Berlin from Eastern Europe. Now you can fly from Vilnius to the German capital in an hour and a half and € 12, from Kiev – in 2 hours and € 30-40, and from Polish Rzeszow (just a stone’s throw from Lviv) – even for € 5. From Moscow, the cheapest flight is “ Victory ”, although recently both Aeroflot, S7, and Utair have been selling cheap tickets. Pobeda also flies to Leipzig, from where you can get to Berlin for € 10 euros and 2 hours on one of the many Flixbus buses.
If you do not want to waste time on complex logistics Minsk – Berlin, look for flights from Air Baltic, Belavia, or Austrian Airlines with a transfer in Vienna. Lufthansa also pleases with affordable tickets from time to time.
There are many options for how to get to the German capital, but we advise you to go from Vilnius by Simple Express – with the Internet, a power outlet and tablets with movies and music for € 38 (there are often promotions, so you can get tickets for half the price). The most convenient way to check buses (not only in Germany but throughout Europe) is at checkmybus.de.
There are probably more metro stations in Berlin than there are “speed bumps” in Minsk. And the bus stops here are almost under every tree. So don’t try to rent a car! If you still want to ride with the breeze, then at your service is the COOP electric scooter sharing: a half-hour ride costs only € 3, every next 10 minutes – € 1.
The penalty for travel without a ticket in Berlin is € 60, besides, the controllers do not wear any special uniform, so it is better to give up your hooligan habits, buy a ticket and do not forget to punch it. A two-hour ticket for all types of transport costs € 2.80, but if you take four (4-Fahrten-Karte) at once, it will cost € 9. Note that with such a ticket you can change as much as you like, but you cannot change direction and go back. If you are not far away, you should buy a short ticket for € 1.70 (or four for € 5.60). With this ticket, you can travel three stops with metro and S-Bahn connections, or six direct buses or tram stops. A full-day pass will cost € 7.
If you come with friends, you can buy a group ticket (up to five people) for € 19.90. A seven-day pass costs € 30 and allows you to take one person with you free of charge from 8 pm to 3 am on weekdays, as well as all weekends and holidays. The ticket can be bought from a multilingual machine at any station or from the bus driver.
Both Berlin airports are connected to the city center by regular public transport routes. You can get from Tegel Airport to the city with a ticket for € 2.80, but Schönefeld Airport is already in zone C, and you need a ticket for three zones to get to Berlin. This ticket costs € 3.40. By the way, most often on this line, the controllers go between zones B and C in order to catch unsuspecting tourists.
On weekdays, the metro and S-Bahn operate until 00.30 or 01.30 depending on the line, then they are replaced by night buses and trams. On Friday and Saturday, all transport runs around the clock without interruption. On bvg.de you will find all the information you need on routes and tickets.
And further. If you still ride as a hare, then take at least a passport with you: so the controller who will fine you will not have to call the police to find out your identity.
In order not to spend precious time underground, explore the city by bike, especially since all the conditions have been created for this. You can rent a bike in almost any hotel or hostel for € 10-12 per day, but it’s better to use bike-sharing systems. The most popular, cheapest and simplest are Mobike: there are a huge number of bicycles, you can leave them almost anywhere. Take bicycles with an orange basket, they are more modern and much more comfortable.
Accommodation In Berlin
Finding accommodation is best done through Couchsurfing and Airbnb. The nicest areas to live in, in our opinion, are Kreuzberg, Neukölln, Prenzlauer Berg and Mitte. Here you will always be in the center of events and, most likely, you will meet some nice people.
EastSeven (Schwedter Str. 7) is a hostel with bright, clean, and pleasant rooms. In addition to dormitories, there are rooms for one or two. The hostel has its own garden with barbecues and a chill-out area with hammocks. Prices – € 18-50.
Motel One is a proven option from a chain of budget design hotels. Discreet and stylish interiors in turquoise and brown colors, excellent breakfast, comfortable rooms, and many locations all over Berlin from Alexanderplatz to Tiergarten – so you can choose the location that best suits your city plans. Prices from € 60.
Alcatraz Backpacker Hostel (Schönhauser Allee 133A) is a hostel in a great area of Prenzlauer Berg. There are single or double rooms, as well as several dormitories. Prices from € 18.
25 hours Hotel Bikini (Budapester Str. 40) – “urban jungle overlooking the city.” The hotel is more expensive but worth it. Stylish interior, huge windows with panoramic views, tropical plants. There is a bakery and a sauna. This is the same hotel, on the top floor of which there is a Monkey bar with the best views of the city (read below in the Bars section). Prices from € 130 for a double room.
nhow is the first music hotel in Europe, right on the banks of the Spree River. The best place for those who cannot imagine life without music and art. Here you can rent an electric guitar or get into an exclusive concert. From € 180 for a double room.
Places to visit in Berlin
You already know everything about the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag. We only note that you can climb the dome of the latter completely free of charge if you register in advance on the website bundestag.de. And if you plan your trip several months in advance, you may even manage to snatch a seat on the podium from which you can watch the progress of parliamentary sessions. But think well, do you really need it? There are nicer places in Berlin!
Hackesche Höfe. An interesting architectural ensemble, the largest complex of closed courtyards in Germany. Consists of 8 courtyards with numerous galleries, cafes, small shops, and a cinema. And the apartments in the Hack courtyards are considered the most expensive in Berlin.
Haus Schwarzenberg (Rosenthaler Str. 39) . A minute’s walk from the Hack Courtyards is another courtyard: the Schwarzenberg House, where alternative Berlin culture reigns, graffiti, figures of iron monsters, and a shop with street art books. During the war, there was a factory of the industrialist Otto Weidt, where blind and deaf-mute Jews worked. Risking his life, Weidt hid them and did everything to protect them from imminent death. He sold part of the products produced at the factory on the black market, and with the proceeds, he bribed the Nazis so that they would not touch the people working for him.
There are not many old squats left in Berlin, but three addresses remain unchanged. The most famous, practically stronghold of the squatters’ movement, is, of course, Rigaer 94 (Rigaer Str. 94) . For its preservation and now there are battles with the police. Periodically raids take place, squat residents are arrested, but so far everything remains the same. It is not a fact that you will get inside, but you can look at the squat outside, walk along Rigaer Straße and look at street art. The Køpi squat (Köpeniker Str. 137) hosts concerts, film screenings, and parties every day. Admission is almost always free or “gegen Spende” – whatever you give. Squat Tommy Weisbecker Haus (Wilhelmstr. 9) was founded in 1973 and named after a member of the radical left terrorist Movement on June 2. In 1989, the walls of the house were painted with cool street art under the direction of artist Andreas Dornbusch. Now they help people who find themselves in cramped conditions, they conduct crisis consultations and provide accommodation for the homeless. Feel free to go to the local cafe, where punk and sk- concerts are regularly held.
If you are a big fan or a fan of David Bowie or Iggy Pop, or better yet both of them, then head to Hauptstrasse 155. Here in the 1970s, your idols lived in neighboring apartments. But you won’t find a museum in this place – today another family lives in David’s apartment. But last year, a memorial plaque was finally hung in his honor.
Westhafen is the best place for industrial romance lovers. The largest industrial port in Berlin. Cranes, brick buildings of the early twentieth century, moored ships. Come here on Sunday when nothing is working here – and no one will bother you to take pictures with a pipe in your mouth.
Flakturm Humboldthain is a Luftwaffe anti-aircraft tower, built by order of Hitler to fire back from aerial bombardments. The mountain on which the tower is located arose after the war when the remains of destroyed houses were brought here. You can go up to the very top and admire the panorama of the city. Berliner Unterwelten organizes Berlin underground tours. One of the routes includes a visit to the bunker tower and runs from April to October.
Tempelhof is an airport opened in 1923. Now inoperative. It was actively used during the Second World War, and during the blockade of West Berlin, it served for the delivery of food and fuel. You can get to the colossal airport building with a guided tour or by buying a ticket to some festival or exhibition that is regularly held here. Now they have made a shelter for refugees.
Humboldt box (Schlossplatz 5 | Unter den Linden) . If you miss the forms of the National Library, look into the glass on Palace Square – you have every chance to run into a cool exposition about the culture, history of Europe and beyond, or even get to a concert.
Gedächtnis Kirche ( Lietzenburger Str. 39) . The Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, from which the Kurfürstendamm begins, is called by the locals a “hollow tooth” for its strange shape. The church received this form as a result of the military bombing. After the war, the ruins of the church tower were preserved to remind of the destruction of the war. Nowadays, the church hosts wonderful jazz concerts and modern organ performances that will change the way you think about church music.
Baumhaus an der Mauer . A hipper cottage with no address. Take a look at Bethaniendamm 0 (23) – there you will find a “treehouse” built from construction waste. It was erected by a Turkish émigré on the territory that, during the division of Berlin, legally belonged to the eastern part, but was physically outside the wall. That is why the house has been preserved.
Tempelhofer Feld is the “Berlin Sea”, a huge former airport field located between the districts of Kreuzberg, Neukölln, and Tempelhof. Previously, planes took off and landed here, and today it is a favorite park of local residents and tourists. On the surviving runways, you can run, ride a bike or rollerblades, and the most important entertainment in Tempelhof is flying kites. In the summer, there is even a big festival here, where teams from all over the world come.
Teufelsberg. The tallest mountain in Berlin, on which during the Cold War was located the wiretapping and air traffic control station of the American armed forces. Today, the area is abandoned, and below is a spontaneous street art gallery, which has featured many of Berlin’s vibrant street art artists. Previously, it was possible to get here by jumping over the fence, but now visitors are strictly monitored and charged€ 5for entrance. Entry to the tower itself and under the dome is currently temporarily prohibited, but sometimes it is possible to get there with a photo session or simply by persuading local workers.
Oberbaumbrücke is a legendary bridge over the Spree, connecting the two hippie districts of Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg. It was built in 1732 and at that time served as the river gate of the city. In 1879, the bridge was made of stone, and 20 years later the metro was launched across it. Then the bridge was the border between West and East Berlin. Today, Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg are constantly fighting for the title of the best district, and a vegetable battle is held on the bridge once a year. In addition, you can always meet street musicians here.
Liquidrom (Möckernstr. 10). Public saunas will appeal not only to lovers of bath procedures but also to design fans. This is Germany, so you can leave your swimming trunks at home. Electronic music plays even underwater – the speakers are built right into the pool itself. Ticket from € 19.50.
East Side Gallery – Here you can see the remains of the legendary Berlin Wall, one side of which is painted by artists from all over the world, and the other is used as an unauthorized toilet by tourists relaxing on the banks of the Spree. If you want to see the wall as it really was, head to the Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer (see the Museums / Galleries section).
Olympiastadion. You are unlikely to be a big fan or a fan of the Hertha Berlin football team, but this does not mean at all that the excursion to the Berlin Olympic Stadium will not interest you. This monumental structure was erected in 1936 by Hitler’s personal architect Albert Speer and Werner Markh just before the opening of the Olympic Games and became the scene of the famous propaganda film Olympia, filmed here by Leni Riefenstahl.
If you are tired of going to bars and clubs, and you already have a headache from contemporary art galleries, then feel free to go to the neighboring city of Potsdam, which is connected to Berlin by the S-Bahn S1 line. To travel, you will need a ticket to the ABC zones for € 3.40. Potsdam resembles some kind of ideal Grodno – cafes, small shops, and workshops are everywhere. Be sure to visit the huge luxurious palace and park complex Sanssouci, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and often called the “Prussian Versailles”. If you love cinema, then it will be interesting for you to visit the Potsdam Film Museum, where exhibitions dedicated to the art of cinema are held. One of them – a regular one – tells the story of one of the most important German film studios, Babelsberg. The museum also regularly shows old German and foreign films. And lovers of espionage stories (who have already looked into the Berlin espionage museum) can look at the famous Glinik Bridge – the “Bridge of Spies”, along which the border between the FRG and the GDR passed. Here, Soviet and American spies were exchanged several times.
Leuschnerdamm. The Berlin Wall ran along the street that runs along the former Luisenstädtischer canal – houses were in the Western Zone, and the sidewalk was already in the Soviet sector. Lanterns with wooden supports, which illuminated the wall, have been preserved there since 1961. Be sure to walk around these places – it really shivers here. For example, the parish of the Catholic Church of St. Michael, which was located here, could not be reunited after the fall of the wall – the experience of 40 years of separation turned out to be too different. By the way, very close to the lanterns, at 13 Leuschnerdamm, you will find a very atypical Art Nouveau house (Engelbecken-Hof) for Berlin.
Stadtbad Oderberger Straße (Oderberger Str. 57) – in the luxurious building of the former city swimming pool today there is an equally luxurious hotel. No one has swum here for 20 years, but in the fall of last year, the pool was finally restored, and now not only hotel guests, but also ordinary citizens can swim in it. For just 6 euros, you can feel like Harry Potter bathing in the headman’s bath for two hours – the interior here is no worse than at Hogwarts.
Corbusierhaus (Flatowallee 16) . The famous Unité d’Habitation of the father of modern architecture Le Corbusier. This is the only “Housing Unit” built outside of France. This colossal structure is an icon of architectural modernism and is a must-see for all fans of panels and city ghettos. A little secret: Although the house is residential, no one will stop you from taking the elevator to the top floor and looking through the round windows at a breathtaking view of all of Berlin.
Hufeisensiedlung (12359 Berlin-Neukölln) – Another famous monument of modernist architecture: House built-in 1925-1933. in the form of a huge horseshoe toilet seat designed by architects Bruno Taut and Martin Wagner. In 2008 it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Victoriastadt. A unique residential area on the border of Lichtenberg, Rummelsburg, and Friedrichshain districts, which has managed to maintain its almost pristine appearance and comfort. This is a real island of peace and quiet, not yet disturbed by creative ex-pats and drug-addicted tourists. Locals calmly put out benches near the entrances, children gorge themselves on Italian ice cream, and adults sip beer in decent bars. Paradise!
Rummelsburger See. Spree bay located between the Victoriastadt quarter and the Stralau peninsula. Swimming is prohibited here, but you can admire the residential rafts. This is a real settlement right on the water, founded in protest against gentrification and higher housing prices.
Stralau Peninsula… Until the 90s, Stralau was an industrial area with a brewery, glassworks, and various chemical plants. It was a bleak place with abandoned buildings, trash heaps, and ugly apartment blocks. Everything changed in 1994 when they decided to revive the area and make it a pleasant quarter for living. Now it is a great place for calm walks in any weather: on the one hand, water, rafts, and yachts, on the other – residential buildings from textbooks on modern architecture. Despite the proximity to the East Side Gallery, you will not find crowds of tourists here. After walking in Stralau, cross the bridge to Treptower Park. There are food trucks with a variety of food on the promenade, and in summer you can ride a catamaran and canoe. In the same park, there is a well-known monument to Soviet soldiers, as well as Spreepark, a former amusement park that has been abandoned for several years.
Prinzessinengarten (Prinzenstr. 35-38) . Until 2009, this place was a dump, and now it is a public vegetable garden. A cozy place where locals grow their own vegetables, talk about sustainable lifestyles, and hold various workshops. Here you can walk and look at mobile flower beds (all plantings are done in containers and tetra packs) or sit in a local cafe.
Bergmannkiez. One of the coziest quarters of Berlin, the center of which is Bergmanstraße. Here you can find restored houses of the 19th century, restaurants, indie shops with all sorts of things, parklets along the street, where you can relax after a long walk. At the end of the street on Marheinekeplatz is Berlin’s favorite covered market, the Marheineke Markthalle. On the parallel Bergmanstraße Chamissoplatz, films about pre-war Berlin are often filmed, and on Saturdays, there is an ecological market with vegetables, fruits, wine, and homemade cakes.
Viktoriapark. Near Bergmannkiez there is a park with a waterfall and excellent views of the city. The main attraction of the park is the National Liberation War Monument, standing at the top of a 66-meter mountain. This place is notable for the fact that it was it that gave the name to the Kreuzberg district (Kreuz is a cross, and Berg is a mountain). By the way, in the summer, many instead of going down the mountain on the steps, slide down the waterfall.
Holzmarkt (Holzmarktstr. 25) . Almost a village in the city center, Holzmarkt is the brainchild of the owners of the legendary Bar 25 located on the same site. Initially, they planned to build up a piece of land right next to the Spree River with buildings made of glass and concrete, but this idea failed, giving Berlin one of the best public spaces. You can easily spend the whole day here: sit on the waterfront, drink beer, fly from bar to bar, take pictures in a photo booth. Well, at night – get over to dance in Kater Blau (see clubs).
Landwehrkanal. In good weather, do not miss the Landwehrkanal and its embankments – there is everything you need for a great vacation: canal ride on various boats, good restaurants and coffee shops, a pedestrian bridge, a bar on the Van Loon ship. You can walk along the canal directly to the Tiergarten, or you can stay in the Kreuzberg and Neukölln area. Maybachufer has a flea market on Sundays, and a Turkish one on Tuesdays and Thursdays with a huge amount of vegetables, fruits, oriental dishes, and a variety of sweets. At Fraenkelufer, take a look at the houses designed by architects Hinrich and Inken Baller. They are very different from others, so you will definitely notice them.
Zoo Berlin (Hardenbergplatz 8) . Berlin Zoo holds the record for the number of titles. The most visited in Europe, the oldest in Germany, containing one of the largest collections in the world. Animals are in spaces that resemble their natural habitat. Berlin Zoo collaborates with many universities and zoos around the world and participates in the program for the conservation of endangered species of animals.
Platform 17 (Am Bahnhof Grunewald) . At the exit from the S-Bahn Grunewald station, there is a memorial “Platform 17”, dedicated to the victims of the Nazi regime. The Jews were sent along these routes to concentration camps, and now there are 186 plates installed here, each of which bears the date, the number of deportees, the points of destination, and departure.
Fast Food & Snacks in Berlin
Near the U-Bahn Kottbusser Tor station, you will find a scattering of good eateries with a variety of foods. But our absolute favorite is Taka, a Turkish family fish restaurant (Adalbertstr. 97). Walking around Kreuzberg, it is sacrilege not to dine in it. The menu includes a dozen fish dishes – from sandwiches and delicious soup to gilthead or grilled trout. There is no alcohol, wash it down with ayran.
Pizza Zia Maria (Winsstr. 21) . One of the best pizzerias in Prenzlauer Berg, very popular with the locals. A choice of three dozen options, the price is for 1 “piece” – despite the thinnest dough, 2-3 pieces are quite enough to “freeze the worm”. The fridge contains Italian beer Birra Moretti and wine from barrels on tap. Another trick is that the institution calls itself a pizzeria gallery – and really offers examples of modern art on the walls.
Ziervogels Kult Curry (Schönhauser Allee 20) . Your chance to eat a sausage or two is not on the run but in a calm atmosphere and pleasant surroundings.
In the courtyard of the Berliner Ensemble (see Theaters) there is a canteen where you can have a very cheap meal or coffee in the company of BE actors and staff.
Mensa der Humboldt Universität zu Berlin (Unter den Linden 6) . Humboldt University student canteen. Another place in the very center where you can have a good and cheap meal is the company of the intellectual elite. On the downside: apart from lunches from 11.00 to 14.30, there is not much to do here. Try hanging out with some student and paying with his card, it will be half the price.
Aceto Lokanta (Simon-Dach-Straße 12) . Here you will get an excellent big and fat pizza for only € 3-4! Editors’ Choice – with chicken and spinach. And ask to pour garlic sauce.
Burgermeister. Burger in a historic former public restroom, right below the busy night of Schlesisches Tor underground station. Across the road, by the way, there are a bunch of kebabs and pizzerias that will save you if you get hit by a snack on the way to the next club, and you can’t stand in line at Burgermeister.
Sahara (Wildenbruchstr. 85, Reuterstr. 56, Herrfurthstr. 5) . Once you’ve been to the Sahara, you will most likely never want to eat regular dinner or falafel again. The secret to the success of the African fast-food chain is simple – peanut sauce. Everything is watered here, and abundantly!
Thaipark (Brandenburgische Str.) . Once you reach Preußen Park, you will find yourself in Thailand without leaving Berlin. For many years, local Thais have been preparing homemade Thai dishes here for themselves and their friends. It all started just like a small insider get-together, and now it’s a huge open-air food market. Soups, rice, kebabs, salads, desserts, fruits, alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails – everything is authentic, prepared on the spot, and very tasty. A large plate of food costs € 5, all sorts of individual pieces (such as kebabs, dummies, spring rolls) – euros per item. The park is open during the warm season; it is best to come on Sunday.
In Berlin, there are several covered markets, which still perform their main function: supplying citizens with food. Now, these are ultra-fashionable places where you can find the most diverse cuisines in the world. Some of the most popular are Markthalle IX (Eisenbahnstraße 42/43) . There are always a lot of people here, on Thursdays there are street food days, and on other days there is a sweet market, a breakfast market, and a cheese market. The less promoted Markthalle X (Arminiusstraße 2-4) is located in Moabit. Moabit does not yet compete with the glory of Kreuzberg, so tourists rarely drop into this market. There is something to try here too: Canadian and Creole cuisine, Alabama barbecues, organic burgers, and more. At the Marheineke Markthalle (Marheinekeplatz 15) it is worth stopping by after walking around Bergmannkiez (see attractions).
Cafes & Restaurants in Barlin
Szimpla (Gartnerstrasse 15) is the younger sister of the most famous ruin pub in Budapest, which, however, bears little resemblance to the Hungarian version. It has a calm interior, not so many people, great German breakfasts that can turn into brunch with craft beer – especially if you came here to take a break after the bustle of the Sunday market at Boxhagener Platz.
The Barn (Schönhauser Allee 8) . Little coffee shop, which is suitable for discussing the most ambitious plans over a cup of coffee, which is roasted right in front of you. Spread your homemade buns generously with jam, squint in the sun and learn coffee Zen.
Katjes Café Grün-Ohr (Rosenthaler Str. 32) . Vegan Cafe – Here you can find all the traditional and favorite coffee treats, made exclusively from herbal ingredients. Be sure to take the marmalade by weight!
Café Morgenrot (Kastanienallee 85) . Anarchists and other “people with a position” hang out in this place. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday you can drop by for a vegan-vegetarian breakfast – € 8 for “all you can eat”.
Café Pfoertner (Uferstraße 8-11) . If you’re already fed up with all these kebabs and falafels, be sure to check it out! From 11.00 to 15.00 you can have a very good lunch here in the company of the creative intelligentsia from Uferstudios (see Theaters) and art workshops located on the same territory as this cafe. The main feature, in addition to very tasty and inexpensive cuisine, is the old bus, which serves as one of the halls of the cafe.
If you don’t have enough burgers, write down the best addresses. Burgeramt (Krossener Str. 21-22) is one of the top ten burger restaurants in Berlin, and rightfully so. The meat here is used only by the best farmers in Brandenburg, and the variety of burgers will appeal to anyone: the menu includes not only classic options but also an oriental burger, a burger with bacon, and guacamole, a halloumi burger with peanut butter. Shiso Restaurant (Auguststraße 29c) offers burgers with an Asian twist. Asian spices, pickled tuna, chili mayonnaise, but also beef, of course. The Editors’ Choice at this place is not a classic, but an awesome salmon burger. In addition, it is worth taking kimchi or edamame beans. The Bird (Am Falkplatz. 5)Is a classic American steakhouse where waiters are happier to speak English than German. Despite the extensive menu of steaks and grilled wings, burgers are worth trying here.
Barcomi’s Deli (21 Sophienstrasse) . This is what the perfect breakfast spot looks like – bagels, pastries, muesli, and fresh juices. True, you will have to punch the place, wielding your elbows – the locals are crazy about this location.
Die Fleischerei (Schönhauser Allee 8) . During the GDR times, there was a typical butcher’s shop with white tiles and boiled sausage. The interior as a whole has been preserved, only instead of boiled meat, they serve huge portions of ecologically pure meat from the regions. To master the Brandenburg goby entrecote, order a glass of red – there is a huge selection of Austrian wine.
Heno Heno (Wielandstr. 37). Japanese diner with one window – with the best cuisine and the most democratic prices in the city. It’s better to come here in the evening – more dishes appear. By the way, take beer with you – they don’t sell alcohol here.
Atame! (Dircksenstraße 40) . A traditional Spanish restaurant whose name translates as “Tie me up!” – in honor of the comedy of the same name by Pedro Almodovar. Everything here is like in Spain – tiles on the walls, posters of Almodovar films with autographs of actors, smiling and talkative waiters and, of course, inspiring tapas and red as bull’s blood wine.
Trattoria Perla Jonica (Berlziger str. 20) . The best Italian pizzas and seafood can be found in this eatery. The interior is simple, the entrance is difficult to find, but the chef is Neapolitan, and the entire staff speaks excellent Italian – the very thing to create the atmosphere. Please note that only the cache is used here.
Brauhaus Lemke (Luisenplatz 1) . Full immersion in the burgher atmosphere with fresh beer. Take a beer set right away to understand what kind of beer you will come back here next time! And pay attention that the second place from the same guys is located under the S-Bahn bridge on the Hackescher Markt.
Milja & Schäfa (Sonntagstr. 1) . Excellent affordable breakfasts are served here in the morning and afternoon, and DJs sometimes play at night when the kitchen closes.
l’osteria (Budapester Str. 38-50, Bikini-Haus) . If you happen to find yourself in West City, be sure to dine on pizza at l’osteria! But it is advisable to take someone with you, because you will probably need help. The pizza here is so huge that you can even order two halves with different ingredients. If the two of you can’t cope, then the rest of you will be packed with love – you will warm it up at home!
Hofbräu Berlin (Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 30) . Do you want to feel like at Oktoberfest? Here for you. It serves beer in one-liter mugs, the waiters are dressed in national Bavarian outfits, an ensemble plays on the stage, and after each song invites the whole audience to raise their glasses and have a drink.
Café Seeblick (Rykestrasse 14) . If you want to experience German cuisine in a more intimate setting, come to Café Seeblick, located near Kollwitzplatz, where you can find many other restaurants and bars for every taste and pocket.
Schädels (Oderbergerstr. 56) . If you are not only a gourmet but also an esthete, then this is the best place for lunch! Minimalistic design, concrete, wood, a huge window on the whole wall. The chefs here are architects, photographers, musicians, and artists who prepare their favorite dishes. Yes, in the “poppy”, too, it happens, creative individuals earn extra money, but here they work not for the sake of money, but for the soul. Everything is simple and tasteful. Please note that this restaurant is open only from 8 to 16 hours. But the prices here are not much higher than in the same “mac” – for example, espresso costs € 1.50, and risotto with tuna and fennel – € 8.
Schwiliko (Schlesische Str. 29) . Have you already missed your summer vacation in Georgia? Then you are here! One of the owners of this island of Georgian hospitality in the heart of Kreuzberg is Rusudan Gorgiladze, a former adviser to the president and minister of education of Georgia, and today a passionate cook. She will greet you like a dear, and may even treat you to a glass or two.
Osteria UNO (Kreuzbergstr. 71) . If you are tired of the bustle of the city, walk into the courtyard of this restaurant to dine with mussels with white wine or just pizza in the shade of olive trees and live Italian music. On weekends, make sure to book a table in advance – this place, which opened back in 1977, is especially popular with locals.
Bistro Tasty (August-Bebelstr. 26-53, Potsdam) . The head of the Babelsberg film studio. It is interesting, first of all, not for the cuisine, but for the opportunity to meet Tom Tykwer, who is dining here, or, if you are very lucky, Quentin Tarantino, after whom, by the way, the neighboring street is named. And be sure to go wash your hands before eating, if only in order to see the original props from the movie Grand Budapest Hotel, which are on display near the toilet.
Amerika-Gedenkbibliothek (Blücherpl. 1) – for tourists, this library is notable primarily for the fact that you can drink coffee and snacks in it on a budget, and as a bonus, you can read the latest international press or any book from the library itself. You can enter it even in outerwear, and you only need a library card if you want to take something home.
Max und Moritz (Oranienstr. 162) . An old restaurant with real German food. Lots of meat, shank, goulash, and good beer. The restaurant has existed since 1902: artists met here, meetings of liberal-minded youth were held and dances were held. It is named after the classic stories about two tomboys by the German writer Wilhelm Busch.
Cocolo (Paul-Lincke-Ufer 39-40) . This Berlin restaurant undoubtedly feeds, if not the best ramen, then at least one of the best. There is always a queue, you have to stand from 15 minutes to half an hour, but the food is worth the wait. Be sure to try Tonkotsu with pork. The size of the plate, of course, is such that you will not want to eat until the night.
Zeit Für Brot (Alte Schönhauser Str. 4) . Both the bakery and the breakfast area. You definitely won’t leave here until you’ve tried at least a couple of pastries. Focaccia, a variety of vegetable quiches, cinnamon rolls, apple envelopes – what not! If you have gluten intolerance, don’t worry, you’re in Berlin: Zeit Für Brot has as much gluten-free bread as usual.
Five Elephant (Reichenberger Str. 101) Here the beans are roasted on-site and excellent espresso is served. But coffee is not the only one: be sure to try the awesome local cheesecake, even if you didn’t like this cake before.
Coffee Profilers (Karl-Marx-Allee 136) . A cozy place on the Karl Marx Alley, which is overwhelming for its monumentality. Inside – Scandinavian design and the best coffee in Berlin. Brothers Stefanos and Stavros are responsible for coffee here. Take flat white and an unusual interpretation of mille-feuille: it’s almost better here than in France. It is best to sit at a huge large table in the back of the room.
Duo – Sicilian Ice Cream (Skalitzer Str. 77). A real Sicilian ice cream parlor opened in 2017 in Kreuzberg. You can choose from almond ice cream, ice cream with walnuts or chestnuts, ricotta or avocado, grapefruit, reddish, ginger. Our favorites are the lemon and signature ice cream burger.
Oak and Ice (Schönhauser Allee 52) . A large assortment of the freshest ice cream, including lactose-free types. It will obviously be difficult for you to make a choice. The menu includes rhubarb, beetroot, carrot ice cream, as well as, for example, ice cream with smoked cheese. For lactose-free varieties, try dark chocolate.
Brauhaus Spandau (Neuendorfer Str. 1) . If you get to Spandau on your walks in Berlin, then visit this cool brasserie with real German food, your own brewery, and different beer tastes every month.
Clubs In Berlin
Berghain / Panorama Bar (Am Wriezener Bahnhof) . This club is called the best in the world, so not only do you want to hang out there: prepare to stand in line for two or even three hours and, in the end, not get inside. There is even such an anecdote: a club that is better than Berghain has opened in Berlin. But two months later, he went bankrupt because no one was able to go through face control.
Tresor (Köpenicker Str. 70) . One of the most important places on the Berlin club map. In the 1990s, the history of techno music was made here. In 2005, the building of the iconic club was demolished, but in 2007 Tresor opened its doors in a new location – on the banks of the Spree in a huge building of a former power plant.
Kit Kat Club (Köpenicker Str. 76) . This club with more than twenty years of history is known all over the world for its hedonistic policy. Here, to the sounds of house and trance, you can have sex in any more or less suitable corner for this. The dress code on Friday and Saturday nights is pretty strict, but you don’t have to be a fetishist to get inside. On Sundays, they usually even wear jeans.
B-Flat Jazz Club (Dircksenstr. 40) . An iconic jazz club with free admission on Wednesdays.
Club der Visionäre (Am Flutgraben 1) is the best summer open-air space for after parties. The “Visionary Club” is located on a wooden platform right on the river, so here you can dip your feet into the water after a long dance and enjoy the sunrise with light electro.
Kater Blau (Holzmarktstr. 25) is located in the Holzmarkt space, opened by the owners of the legendary Kater Holzig and Bar25.
Chalet (Vor dem Schlesischen Tor 3) . This club is located in the building of an old abandoned mansion, so here you will have a complete feeling of traveling in time 100 years ago. Vintage lamps, wallpaper with old patterns, many small rooms. Talented DJs play on two floors of the mansion. The club is open seven days a week.
YAAM (An der Schillingbrücke 3) . If you are not a fan of electro, techno, and house, but wear dreadlocks, then this is the place for you. YAAM (Young African Art Market) is a reggae club, beach bar, concert and art venue, and social initiative that is more than twenty years old. All this on the very bank of the river and often with free admission.
Klunkerkranich (Karl-Marx-Straße 66) . Open-air club-bar, on the roof of a shopping center, with a wonderful view of the whole city. During the day, you can skip the entrance fee and just sit there, drinking the beer you brought with you from the supermarket.
Clärchens ballhaus (Auguststr. 24) . Legendary dance hall opened back in 1913. The interior has not changed much since that time, as well as the program – dance evenings in a variety of styles are held here almost every day: from salsa to rock and roll and swing. Here you can meet both twenty-year-old fashionistas and cute couples of 80-year-old pensioners. Just don’t try to challenge them – in a dance battle these old men will easily wipe your nose. Pomaded hair and bright dresses are welcome. After dancing, you can enjoy a refreshing beer or even have dinner here.
Panke (Gerichtstraße 23) – Bar, club, gallery, and cafe with good vegetarian cuisine under one roof. We recommend visiting the already legendary Wedding Soul series of parties.
Salon zur wilden Renate (Alt Stralau 70) . The Salon of Wild Renata is a former residential building rebuilt into a club. Lots of small rooms, lots of dance floors, wild parties.
Sisyphos (Hauptstr. 15) is a great club with five dance floors and parties from Friday night to Monday morning.
Keller (Karl-Marx-Straße 58). This “Basement” is known and loved by all self-respecting Berlin musicians. The wildest jam sessions, concerts of newcomer bands, and parties are held here every night. Everyone here is drunk, happy, and friendly.
Schokoladen (Ackerstr. 169). The legendary punk club in the very center of the city, which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. Today, there are incredible parties and concerts of world-famous musicians here almost every day, and beer costs just over € 2.
Club der Polnischen Versager (Ackerstr. 168) The Polish Losers’ Club is located next door to Schokoladen. Every time we accidentally wander here, something indescribably wild is happening here. You can get into the music ring with the participation of two cyborg freaks, one of whom plays thrash techno from a computer, and the other is the same, but using a homemade wooden device with thousands of wires sticking out of it. They say, however, that decent events also take place here – book presentations, literary readings, and film screenings. In any case, this is one of the most picturesque places in the city.
SO36 (Oranienstr. 190). If you ask David Bowie where is the best place to relax in Berlin, he would no doubt send you here. This is a legendary punk rock club, where dinosaurs such as Einstürzende Neubauten, Die Ärzte, and David himself stood on the stage with his friend Iggy Pop. Today, as before, concerts of world punk-rock stars, LGBT parties, roller-skating discos, and much more are held here.
Badehaus Szimpla Musiksalon (Revaler Str. 99) . This is where Berlin’s best Balkan parties take place, but the program is always very varied, so don’t be too lazy to check the site before heading out here on Friday night.
Gretchen (Obentrautstr. 19-21) . Be sure to check the poster of this concert club. Groups often perform here, and when you get to their concert, you will proudly say in two or three years that “I listened to them even when it was not mainstream”.
Ritter Butzke (Ritterstr. 24) . In 2007, this place was an illegal club while the owners filled out all the necessary paperwork. For two years of unofficial work, the Ritter Butzke club has become truly cult and continues to remain so to this day. Three dance floors where Berliners mostly come out. There are almost no random people here, among the residents – Mary Jane, Aroma, Jens Bond.
About Party (Markgrafendamm 24c) Getting here is no easier than the Berghain, but techno fans will definitely not miss the opportunity to visit one of the local parties. In summer, about blank has a large garden with two dance floors, while in winter the whole party flows inside.
Grissmühle (Sonnenallee 221) . You have to try really hard to get to a bad party here. Three dance floors, cool DJs – in the last three years Grissmühle has become an increasingly interesting club.
Bars In Barlin
Galatea Wine and Music (Lenaustr. 5) . Here, with a heartfelt conversation and live music, you can drink good Spanish wine, sitting at a massive designer table against the backdrop of beautifully shabby walls.
When you’re at Hackesche Höfe, be sure to check out the Eschschloraque trash bar (Rosenthaler Str. 39), decorated with metal monsters and authentic patrons.
Absinth Depot Berlin (Weinmeisterstr. 4) – here, in the atmosphere of the early 20th century, you can taste and buy absinthe, which will be prepared right in front of your eyes.
Deck 5 (Schönhauser Allee 79, Parkdeck Allee Arcaden) . A good beach bar doesn’t have to be by the sea. This one, for example, is located on the roof of a large shopping center. In normal weather, you can rest here with a glass of caipirinha overlooking the city at night.
Clash (Gneisenaustraße 2A) . Large punk rock bar with home beer, billiards, kicker, and a stage for concerts that are held here from time to time. It works every day, except Tuesday, until five in the morning.
Badeschiff (Eichenstraße 4) . A beach club with a swimming pool set right in the middle of the Spree. In summer, you can swim and drink here with a grand view of the Oberbaumbrücke and the TV tower. The entrance costs only € 3-5.
Haubentaucher (Revalerstr. 99) is another beach club with a pool, located right on the territory of RAW-Gelände. Here you can swim and gain strength before going to the concert of your favorite band in Astra.
Fitcher’s Vogel (Warschauer Str. 26) . A ruin pub with cheerful, variegated furniture and affordable prices for beer, especially homemade beer. The entrance is difficult to find, but the birds on the windows will help you with this.
Castle pub (Hochstraße 2) . Great Irish pub that has pub quizzes like our Brain Slaughterhouse on Mondays (entrance € 1). But it’s better to come early – before 20.00 happy hour for a beer.
McLarens (Boxhagener Strasse 16) . Especially for fans of How I Met Your Mother. This, of course, is not a 100% copy of a bar from your favorite sitcom, but there are enough recognizable artifacts there. And the cocktails are great!
Prachtwerk (Ganghoferstr. 2) . A spacious and cozy cafe bar with a stage where interesting musicians regularly perform. Entrance to such events is usually paid, but more often than not it is worth it – you can open a lot of new and pleasant music. Follow the announcements here.
Laidak (Boddinstraße 42/43). Favorite place of all literary scholars, philosophers, and other parasites. Come here for a cheap beer and argue about contemporary art. After visiting this bar, it is not recommended to wash your clothes and take a shower – for tomorrow, by the characteristic smell of tobacco smoke emanating from your hair, friends or colleagues will be able to understand where you spent the evening and will respectfully pat you on the shoulder.
Hops & Barley (Wühlischstraße 22/23) . Some people are used to thinking that craft beer should cost a lot, so before going to another trendy microbrewery they get drunk with good and inexpensive Sternburg from a kiosk. The guys at Hops and Barley have solved this problem. Their excellent fresh beer costs from € 2.10 for 0.33 liters to € 3.50 for 0.5 liters. This means that after the evening spent here, you still have money left for a beard cut or a new tattoo.
Schwarzes Cafe (Kantstrasse 148) . If it so happens that you are spending the night in the western part of the city, then sooner or later you will land at the iconic 24-hour Black Cafe. This place opened back in 1978 and at first, was a meeting place for anarchists and punks (hence the name). After the fall of the wall, the leftists moved to the eastern part of the city, leaving their cafe to the local bohemians. Today it is crowded and motley around the clock: pretty Asian students share a table with gray-haired intellectuals in hats.
Dschungel (Friedelstraße 12) . A very pleasant bar – even though it doesn’t quite live up to its name (“Jungle”). It is more like a “Russian Forest”: be careful not to scratch yourself on the tree branches hanging from the ceiling, and bow to the birch trunk installed in the center of the hall.
Vagabund (Antwerpener Str. 3) . Great microbrewery. For almost five years now, three American friends have been brewing six varieties of first-class beer, which you can taste right on the spot. Incredibly cozy, and the beer is nowhere to be found fresh.
Shlot (Invalidenstrasse 117) . Every evening in this cozy cellar there is excellent jazz with payment at will – tips. Check the program of performances!
Weinerei (Veteranenstraße 14) . Stylish and cozy wine bar. Here the scheme is simple: you pay two euros at the entrance and you drink “all you can drink”. Of course, there is a box at the exit, into which you need to throw as much money as you see fit.
Vögelchen (Eisenbahnstr. 6) . In the “Birdie” bar you can not only drink a beer but also play the piano, type your poems on an old typewriter or drop into a party in the basement, the entrance to which is hidden behind the doors of an ordinary wardrobe.
Studio 8 (Grüntalerstr. 8) and Fos Bar (Grüntalerstr. 9) – these two bars are located in the same building. In the first, in a room with black walls and theater chairs, marginal exhibitions and concerts are held from time to time, and the second, constantly crowded and pleasantly smoky, attracts a wide assortment of beer from all over the world. Where to go is up to you.
WG-Bar (Malplaquetstraße 43) . Everybody knows this bar in Wedding – the “new Kreuzberg”! Here you can lie with friends on a huge bed, looking at the table and chairs, bolted to the ceiling, and after 23.00 drink cocktails for € 3.60, sitting at an ironing board. And on Wednesdays, a glass of wine costs only € 2!
Froschkönig (Weisestraße 17)… At first glance, this bar, located in Neukölln near Tempelhofer Feld, is unremarkable. To get a sense of how cool this place is, you need to drop in here on Wednesday nights – once a week they show a silent movie with live music. Sometimes football matches are shown instead of movies – yes, also in black and white and with music. Admission is free, but after the show, you can support the pianist and throw a couple of coins into the hat. The owner of the bar Ludwig Lugmeier himself will bring the hat to your nose, which is the main attraction of the bar. This man was the most famous gangster in Germany in the 70s. Among other things, he robbed two collector cars in Munich and Frankfurt, hid in Mexico, Brazil, England, the Bahamas, and Iceland, and during the trial managed to escape through an open window. Interesting,
Fischladen (Rigaer Str. 83) . This is an iconic, smoky punk bar, located on Rigaerstrasse, even more, iconic for anarchists around the world. The prices here are slightly higher than in the supermarket, photography is strictly prohibited, but you can and should drink beer “1312”, named after the abbreviation ACAB. Most importantly, remember – here you drink for solidarity and against the Nazis.
Warschau (Sonnenallee 27). The legendary bar in the heart of Neukölln opened back in 1990. Ideal for an evening in the style of trash or bad taste: the interior resembles a Polish pub of the early 90s, the audience here is very diverse – from truckers to intellectuals, you can order a song from the DJ, but the most authentic is the permanent owner of the bar, who is at the helm and at the bar for more than a quarter of a century. Feel free to chat with her and throw a glass or two to your health.
Kiebitz Kauz (Reuterstr. 47) . The fashion for craft beer has not bypassed Berlin. In this spacious but cozy bar, you can taste not only local beer but also the best examples of other Berlin microbreweries. It is especially attractive that this can be done both in a pleasantly smoky room and in a non-smoking room, which is a great rarity for Berlin.
Lichtspiele Tilsiter (Richard-Sorge-Straße 25A) . This is not just one of the oldest cinemas in Berlin (opened in 1908), but also a place where you yourself will feel like a hero of a film when after the screening you stay for a drink of Tilsiter Pilsner brewed here in an authentic smoky home bar. They love documentary films, German art houses, hold retrospectives and festivals. Tickets from € 5.
Rummelsbucht (Paul- und Paula-Ufer an der Rummelsburger Bucht) . Relaxed homemade summer bar right on the banks of the Rummelsburger See (see Sightseeing). Everything here is made with soul and wood. Grab a glass of beer and a slice of pizza and enjoy the sunset. Sometimes they light up the grill here, and you can throw the sausages you brought with you on it. On weekends, open-air parties are regularly held here.
ORA (Oranienplatz 14). ORA opened three years ago and immediately became the center of gravity in the already crowded area around Oranienstraße. This bar has been converted from a former pharmacy, all interior decoration has been preserved. The bar is an old counter, behind the bartenders’ wall there are beakers, test tubes, and other pharmacy paraphernalia. All cocktails are served in beakers. An atmospheric place where you can not only come off in the evening but also have a good breakfast in the morning.
Die Apotheken Bar (Mariannenplatz 6) . Another pharmacy bar with great attention to detail. Cocktails look like potions. Head here if you are tired of the standard cocktail cards and want to choose something unusual in a great setting.
Saphire Bar (Bötzowstraße 31) . Don’t be confused by the fact that the prices in Sapphire are higher than the standard Berlin ones (cocktails € 8-15), the local drinks are worth it. There are more than 300 cocktails on the menu. In addition to the classic ones, there is a huge number of cocktails created by the Saphira team and served only here.
Strandbar Sage Beach (Köpenicker Straße 18-20) . Palm trees, a lot of sand, lazy relaxation, and the full feeling of being on the sea – for all this you can go to the Kreuzberg beach bar Sage.
Monkey Bar (Budapesterstraße 40) . People come to this bar for a great view of Berlin. Not only cocktails are popular here, but also the local glass toilet rooms, from where you can see the zoo and the monkeys living there (hence the name of the bar).
Shopping In Berlin
Dussmann Kulturkaufhaus (Friedrichstraße 90) . Huge bookshop and music store open until midnight. Located a stone’s throw from the Friedrichstraße station. There is a two-story department of English-language literature.
Do you read me? (Auguststraße 28). A small stylish store with a huge assortment of magazines from all over the world. You will find him on “gallery street”.
Motto (Skalitzer Straße 68) . Another bookstore with rare editions of art books and photo albums. Book readings and small exhibitions are held here. A great place to buy a unique gift for a bibliophile friend.
Soda (Weinbergsweg 1) . Recently, another minimalist magazine store was opened right on the hippie Rosenthaler Platz (the first Soda store that operates in Munich). Here, too, you can flip through magazines from around the world or just get inspired by feeling their thick matte paper.
Muji (Hackescher Markt 1) . Japanese store of high-quality environmentally friendly clothing, accessories, interior items, and gifts.
In the area between Alexanderplatz and Hackescher Markt, on Münzstrasse and the streets adjacent to it, there are clothing stores of all more or less decent world brands, from Adidas, Levi’s, Urban Outfitters, and Fred Perry to Karl Lagerfeld and Hugo Boss.
If you are interested in local young designers’ clothes, then head to Friedrichshain, here on Wühlischstrasse, Kopernikusstrasse, and the surrounding streets you will find what you are looking for.
Kauf dich glücklich (Kastanienallee 54) – the city’s most delicious waffles and designer shop under one roof.
Mauerpark is a real celebration of life every Sunday! The whole city gathers here to bask and bask in the sun to the accompaniment of street musicians, watch theatrical and circus performances, play basketball, sing karaoke on the amphitheater stage, and, most importantly, stock up on the city’s largest flea market.
Trödelmarkt Arkonaplatz . Small flea market five minutes from Mauerpark with lots of antique furniture. Also works only on Sundays.
Kastanienallee – there are many cute shops on this street with interior items, dishes, trinkets, and gifts. It is also a real paradise for vinyl collectors. We counted at least five record stores in this place. Our favorite is OYE Records (Oderberger Str. 4).
Flohmarkt am Boxhagener Platz . One of the best flea markets in Berlin. There are not as many tourists here as in Mauerpark, therefore it is not so expensive. And even if it’s expensive, you can always bargain.
Farmers market at Winterfeldplatz (Winterfeldtplatz 1) . On Wednesdays and Saturdays, Winterfeldplatz is probably one of the most famous food markets in Berlin. Here you should try farm cheeses and sausages, delicious fresh bread and pastries, as well as oriental and Chinese specialties.
Titus (Karl-Liebknecht-Straße 9) . Skater shop with clothes, shoes and all sorts of fashionable accessories for the young and active. Carhartt, Iriedaily, Cleptomanicx, Dickies, Element, VANS, and many other brands. There is a skating pool in the center of the hall, and the benches near the entrance to the store are made of old skateboards.
Görlitzer Park. On sunny days, young people gather here to have barbecues, drink beer, and dance in spontaneous open airs, and in the evenings the park turns into a large market for illegal and semi-legal substances. The police turn a blind eye to this.
Bikini Berlin (Budapester Str. 38–50) and LP12 – Mall of Berlin (Leipziger Pl. 12) – if you think Berlin H&M should be something better than Vilnius or Warsaw, then head to these super modern shopping centers. Or to the biggest shopping street Kurfürstendamm.
Dong Xuan Center (Herzbergstraße 128-139) . If your life is happily boring, you should definitely visit this place! This is an impressive Vietnamese market housed in four huge barracks. If you are thinking about spending your next winter in Vietnam – drop by here and you will immediately change your mind. False nails and eyelashes, Abibas sneakers, exotic fruits, and products with additives banned in all civilized countries: you can get everything here!
Modulor (Prinzenstraße 85) . The main store for designers, artists, architects, sculptors. Among thirty thousand ribbons, fabrics, architectural parts, stationery, and paints, you will find exactly what you need for your project.
Just music (Oranienstraße 140-142) . Literally in the building next to Modulor, there is a huge shop for musicians. Any musical instruments, sheet music, and accessories are sold here.
Sonnenberg (Lietzenburger Str. 62) . This store is a pet paradise. Here you will find any food for your pet, a large number of toys, bedding, houses, and everything that makes the days of cats and dogs more interesting. Perhaps, after you bring home presents, your cat will even allow himself to be petted.
Ritter Sport (Französische Straße 24) . Kvadratish Prakish Gut in all its glory. Ritter Sports flagship store. Huge variety of varieties, including limited editions not available outside Germany. If you still don’t find chocolate to your taste, then you can make your own: for this, you need to stand in a small queue and name the ingredients you are interested in. Prepare to wait 40 minutes for your signature chocolate bar to be prepared.
Käthe Wolfhart (Kurfürstendamm 225-226) . A two-story Christmas shop opens all year round. You can avoid the crowds only if you come here in spring or summer when people are not thinking about the upcoming Christmas. The shop belongs to one of the most famous Christmas manufactories in Germany: here you will find all the attributes of the holiday from Christmas tree decorations to cuckoo clocks.
Vinyl-a-Gogo (Krossener Straße 24) . The owner of the store, Andreas Klemmer, has been collecting records since 1995. In 2009, he opens Vinyl-a-Gogo, and we can say that this is not just a store, but a real vinyl museum. Andreas is not a fan of the mainstream, so here you can find, according to the owner, all styles underestimated by the mass listener.
Overkill (Köpenicker Strasse 195A) . The premier store for fans of sneakers and streetwear. Here you will find not only models from ordinary collections but also a bunch of limited editions, including those created in collaboration with the shop’s curators. Don’t be surprised if you see a line at the entrance: Overkill often hosts presentations and music events.
KaDeWe (Tauentzienstraße 21-24) . An important address on Berlin’s shopping map, KaDeWe is the largest store in Europe after London’s Harrods. A bunch of brands and clothing, but you can find it in other places too, but two floors of food from all over the world are what attracts real gourmets here. You can walk like in a museum, but you will certainly want to try something.
Ampelmann shop (Unter den Linden 35) . A store with all products dedicated to the famous Berlin green man at a traffic light. After the fall of the Berlin Wall, this symbol of East Berlin was so fond of the townspeople that it retained its place in the western part of the city. This store has all kinds of Ampelman merchandise (which translates to “traffic light man”), from gummies to beach towels.
RSVP (Mulackstraße 14). If, as you were as a child, you are still fascinated by office supply stores, then check out RSVP. It has everything from wrapping paper to a variety of writing utensils, carefully collected by a hostess from all over the world.
Paper and Tea (Alte Schönhauser Straße 50) . A renowned tea boutique selling exclusive teas for true connoisseurs.
