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    Berlin City Guide

    Julia H. Montanez
    After spending 6 weeks in the German capital, I was able to get close to experiencing what it feels like to be a local in Berlin. It was my first time visiting and I found the city to be more elegant and sophisticated than I expected, as its reputation tends to lead with being the nightlife capital of Europe. Style, diversity, and uniqueness define the locals, qualities ingrained in the contemporary culture where many of the residents are expats from all over the world.
    Published
    23 Aug, 2022
    Author
    Julia H. Montanez
    Categories
    City guide, berlin

    Berlin is the type of city where you can wake up at 9 am on a Sunday to go clubbing, catching up with the hardcore partiers there since the night before, but it’s also a city where you can experience excellent museums, galleries, and independent shops if you’re a daytime person. There is something for everyone.

    In my experience, the best part of Berlin were the people I met - creatives, entrepreneurs, artists, diplomats - who all shared the same openness to meeting new people. The vintage shopping, cafes, and amazing cuisine made it my new favorite city in Europe. Here is a list of all the things I did and enjoyed, thanks to some great tips from local friends.

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    Mitte in late August. Photo by Julia H. Montanez

    Neighborhoods:



    The four main neighborhoods I got to know were Kreuzberg, Mitte, Prenzlauer Berg, and Charlottenburg.



    I spent two weeks in Kreuzberg, which was the cooler and edgier neighborhood, with some of the best vintage shopping I have experienced. Aside from great independent shops, this artistic neighborhood is where you’ll find low-key bars and international restaurants, both casual and high-end, and lots of green spaces.



    Mitte, where I stayed for a month, is the central neighborhood, both sophisticated and walkable, with art galleries and beautiful residential buildings lining the streets. Mitte is a great place to stay to be able to access the rest of Berlin easily. The more mainstream shopping area can be found near Hackescher Markt, a hub for restaurants and bars.



    Prenzlauer Berg is known as the young families neighborhood of Berlin. It’s a beautiful area, with certain parts reminding me a bit of Paris. There you'll find a large park, great restaurants, and independent shops. Finally, Charlottenburg, the beautiful and upscale neighborhood of Berlin, is home to Charlottenburg Palace, high-end shopping, and museums.

    Culture:

    Berlin has enough museums and art galleries to keep you busy for months on end. Here are some of our favorite museums for art and design lovers. The cultural activities are truly endless, so a brief recommendation of art galleries are HEIDI, Konrad Fischer Galerie, June, and Koenig Galerie.

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    The Gropius-Bau. Photo: Christian Riis Ruggaber

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    A few of the chairs on view at the Museum of Decorative Arts. Photo: Julia H. Montanez

    1. Museum of Decorative Arts

    Matthäikirchplatz
    10785 Berlin, Germany
    View in Maps

    Visit the lower level floor for an excellent collection of chairs and well-written didactics explaining the different eras in design.

    2. Neue Nationalgalerie

    Potsdamer Str. 50
    10785 Berlin, Germany
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    The iconic Mies van der Rohe-designed museum housing European & American 20th-century masterpieces.

    3. Bauhaus Archive

    Klingelhöferstraße 14
    10785 Berlin, Germany
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    Although it is closed for construction, you can still visit to see the exterior of the influential building designed by architect and Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius. The Archive displays works, documents and literature which relate to the short-lived Bauhaus School (1919 - 1933).

    5. Berggruen Museum

    Schloßstraße 1
    14059 Berlin, Germany
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    A charming museum collection of modern art dealer Heinz Berggruen, featuring his early-acquired collection of Art Nouveau and Art Deco pieces.

    6. Braun-Sammlung Ettel Museum für Design

    Elberfelder Str. 37
    10555 Berlin, Germany
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    The ultimate design-nerd destination for an extensive collection of Braun electronics, curated by art educator Werner Ettel.

    7. Alte Nationalgalerie

    Bodestraße 1-3
    10178 Berlin, Germany
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    A stunning collection of romantic and impressionist art in Berlin’s beautiful Museum Island, where five of the city’s renowned museums are located.

    8. Gropius-Bau

    Niederkirchnerstraße 7
    10963 Berlin, Germany
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    Opened in 1881, the Gropius-Bau houses important exhibitions, such as the recent Louise Bourgeois ​​retrospective.

    9. Boros Foundation

    Reinhardtstraße 20
    10117 Berlin, Germany
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    A former bunker housing contemporary works from 1990 to the present. Book in advance

    Where to Eat: Prenzlauer Berg

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    A memorable meal of sea bream and raw fish at NOVEMBER Brasserie. Photo: Julia H. Montanez

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    1. NOVEMBER Brasserie

    Husemannstraße 15
    10435 Berlin, Germany
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    A 10/10 raw fish restaurant on an elegant corner in Prenzlauer Berg. A perfect date spot, with memorable taste and presentation. Highly recommend the sashimi platter and the sea bream.

    2. Mezze Bar by MontRaw

    Straßburger Str. 33
    10405 Berlin, Germany
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    Wine and seasonal Mediterranean shared plates in a homey atmosphere with friendly service.

    Where to Eat: Kreuzberg

    3. Marktlokal

    Pücklerstraße 34
    10997 Berlin, Germany
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    Fantastic farm to table restaurant in a cozy, wood paneled and plant-filled room. Features a great selection of natural wines, hearty dishes, and creative starters. A great place for a Saturday night meal before going out for drinks in the neighborhood.

    4. Café Mugrabi

    Görlitzer Str. 58
    10997 Berlin, Germany
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    A favorite neighborhood spot, especially for brunch. Mugrabi features a modern Levant menu of shakshuka, humous and more.

    5. Lode & Stijn

    Lausitzer Str. 25
    10999 Berlin, Germany
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    A Michelin (and locals) recommended spot, Lode & Stijn features creative, seasonal dishes with wine pairings in a minimalist space.

    6. Kitten Deli

    Friedel Straße 30
    12047 Berlin, Germany
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    Another Levantine restaurant beloved by the locals, Kitten Deli is known for its french toast and brunch.

    7. Gazzo

    Hobrechtstraße 57
    12047 Berlin, Germany
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    Excellent pizza, always busy so book ahead or wait at the wine bar across the street.

    Where to Eat: Mitte

    8. Remi

    Torstraße 48
    10119 Berlin, Germany
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    A tasty and social restaurant where the food is formal and cooked to perfection, but the atmosphere is casual and welcoming.

    9. Iimori Ramen

    Mulackstraße 29
    10119 Berlin, Germany
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    When you inevitably crave ramen in the colder months (or even the warm ones), this is the place to go. Great classic ramen, as well as delicious matcha desserts.

    10. FACTORY GIRL

    Auguststraße 29c
    10119 Berlin, Germany
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    Cute and local breakfast spot with gluten-free and vegan options. Busy on the weekends.

    11. mogg

    Auguststraße 11-13
    10117 Berlin, Germany
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    A well-known Berlin sit-down deli for anyone missing a good pastrami sandwich and New York style cheesecakes.

    12. Restaurant SAN

    Weydingerstraße 22
    10178 Berlin, Germany
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    Excellent quality Japanese sushi and sashimi.

    Coffee & Matcha: Kreuzberg

    1. Bonanza Coffee Roasters

    Adalbertstraße 70
    10999 Berlin, Germany
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    A highly recommended and award-winning coffee shop where you can post up, work, and people watch.

    Coffee & Matcha: Mitte

    2. Green Tea Café MAMECHA

    Mulackstraße 33
    10119 Berlin, Germany
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    Authentic Japanese style cafe with matcha, snacks, and desserts. Hours are a bit random but a very relaxed atmosphere to relax and enjoy a drink.

    3. Happy Matcha

    Torstraße 68
    10119 Berlin, Germany
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    Reliable spot for matcha and matcha treats. Many options for add-ons, and one of the rare places that offers almond milk as a non-dairy option.

    4. Röststätte

    Ackerstraße 173
    10115 Berlin, Germany
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    Buzzy and busy Mitte spot for great coffee, matcha and pastries. Always surprisingly social on weekday mornings.

    Shopping: Kreuzberg

    Kreuzberg has an endless supply of excellent vintage shops. I compiled a long list from local friends, interior designer Amy Brandhorst, Sight Unseen founder Monica Khemsurov, and creative producer Angelique Bogdanos. The long list has been edited to my favorites, but many of the stores listed have more neighboring shops on their streets.

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    Vintage and second-hand designer clothing at Soba32
    Photo: Julia H. Montanez

    1. Neuzwei

    Weserstr. 53
    12045 Berlin, Germany
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    A very curated shop featuring vintage and contemporary designer clothing. You'll find Jil Sander suits, updated Levis, and I even found a Chanel top for 100 euros that I regret not buying. Open Thursday - Sunday.

    2. Kryza

    first floor right, Hermannplatz 8
    10967 Berlin, Germany
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    For the very fashionable and inspired vintage shopper, Kryza features vintage Cavalli, and other super stylish early-aughts style dresses and separates.

    3. Repeater / Vintage Shop

    Pannierstraße 45
    12047 Berlin, Germany
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    A true vintage shop with racks of clothing, including retro items, jean jackets, Converse Chuck Taylors, and Levis.

    4. Sing Blackbird Vintage Shop

    Sanderstraße 11
    12047 Berlin, Germany
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    A little shop of handpicked vintage clothing. A good spot for Prada if you’re lucky.

    5. Soba32

    Flughafenstraße 32
    12053 Berlin, Germany
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    Designer consignment as well as vintage. Great source for Escada, Valentino, and special vintage pieces carefully restored by the owner Ivana.

    Shopping: Prenzlauer Berg

    6. Soeur

    Marienburger Str. 24
    10405 Berlin, Germany
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    For the romantic-leaning woman, Soeur resells a lot of Isabel Marant and other casual yet romantic items.

    Shopping: Charlottenburg

    7. Madonna

    Mommsenstraße 57,
    10629 Berlin, Germany
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    A hidden gem I potentially just ruined, Madonna is a designer consignment shop with a great collection of dresses, shoes, blazers, and more. There are plenty of other consignment shops on the same street, walking back towards central Charlottenburg, which as mentioned, is one of Berlin's more upscale neighborhoods so it's a great place to find high-end second-hand at great prices.

    Nightlife:

    A Berlin guide is incomplete without a list of the best and most iconic nightlife venues. Berlin has something for everyone, with a heavy emphasis on electronic music. Here is a list compiled by dating app entrepreneur Mel Ma for the best places for a debaucherous night (or day) out.

    1. Berghain

    Am Wriezener bhf
    10243 Berlin, Germany
    View in Maps

    Not the easiest place to get into, but it should be attempted, but make sure you’re dressed for the occasion. A fun place to go in the morning to catch up with the all-night partiers who are still dancing. Mel says, "Berlin’s version of church on Sunday, also the best day to go."

    2. KitKatClub

    Köpenicker Straße 76, Brückenstraße 1
    10179 Berlin, Germany
    View in Maps

    Described by Mel as "page 387 of pornhub." Make sure to wear your fetish gear.

    3. Paris Bar

    Kantstraße 152
    10623 Berlin, Germany
    View in Maps

    An old-school Berlin establishment for a cocktail or dinner in an art-filled and checkerboard-floored bistro.

    4. Kreuzkölln

    Kreuzkölln
    Berlin, Germany

    The area between Kreuzberg and Neukölln is home to a great bar scene should you prefer that to the fetish all-nighter club scene. Head here and you’ll surely find a great spot to post up.

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