Berlin Travel Guide

Berlin has an abundance of great restaurants producing cuisine from around the world, reflecting the multikulti character of the city. One of the hidden gems of the city is Le Saint Amour. This cosy French bistro is so tucked away that even if you happened to pass by you might not notice it. Step inside, however, and you’re rewarded with delicious, authentic Lyonnaise cuisine paired with fantastic wines.

For delicious northern Italian cuisine, try Cecconi’s, which you’ll find on the ground floor of Soho House Berlin. The restaurant itself is gorgeous (sumptuous red leather seating, an open plan kitchen, and Art Deco-inspired chandeliers are among its chief highlights), providing a delightful setting in which to enjoy the excellent food.

You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to Berlin points of interest. Designed by acclaimed British architect Norman Foster, the iconic glass dome that sits atop the Reichstag is an incredible feat of design. Visiting requires booking an appointment in advance, but it’s worth it to see the stunning architecture up-close and enjoy 360-degree views of Berlin.

Make time for a day trip to nearby Potsdam and you won’t be disappointed. An idyllic city steeped in history, this former Prussian royal seat is adorned with spectacular gardens and breath-taking palaces, earning it a place on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

When looking to get your culture fix, Museum Island is a good place to start. Here you’ll find five internationally acclaimed museums, including the Alte Nationalgalerie and Pergamon Museum. For something off the tourist trail, you’ll want to check out Sammlung Boros. This private modern art collection is housed within the imposing confines of a former World War II bunker and features works from the likes of Ai Weiwei and Klara Lidén. The only way to see it is by booking a tour (and the waiting list is often weeks-long) but it’s certainly worth the effort.

Those who appreciate photography are well catered for. C/O Berlin delivers first-rate exhibitions, and the Museum of Photography is particularly enjoyable if you appreciate fashion—it houses a vast, permanent collection of Helmut Newton’s work.

Be sure to drop by one of Berlin’s many third wave coffee establishments. Five Elephant roast their own beans for the freshest brew, and are regarded by many as the home of the best cheesecake in Berlin (a reputation that is well deserved). Companion Coffee also ranks highly. It’s situated inside the aforementioned Voo Store and produces a fantastic range of ethical teas. Concierge Coffee is a tiny coffee shop located on the Landwehr Canal, making it ideal for grabbing a coffee zum mitnehmen (take away) and enjoying a stroll along the waterway. If you find yourself in Neukölln, the minimal and airy Dots is an excellent choice. If you seek a more elegant experience, Café Einstein on Kurfürstenstraße is a Viennese-style coffee house where you can expect the highest of quality and service. It’s a great place to have brunch, but be sure to try the apfelstrudel, an Austrian speciality.

Berlin is full of vibrant flohmärkte (flea markets) that take place each weekend. The most well known is the flea market at Mauerpark, and although there’s a lot of junk, those with a keen eye can find some real gems. Adjacent to the market, the hugely popular Bearpit Karaoke takes place. Members of the public perform songs (some superbly, others appallingly) in front of huge crowds, providing great entertainment and the perfect reprieve from navigating the many stalls.

Nowkölln is another excellent flea market, which takes place every other Sunday next to the Landwehr Canal (except in winter). The preferred choice of Berlin’s hipsters, here you can expect to find all manner of objects, ranging from vintage clothing to vinyl. For something more refined, explore the market outside the Bode Museum, or the one on Straße des 17 Juni, which are more geared towards antiques and artwork.