photos: Alicia Kassebohm
Especially when we are overwhelmed with work, when something significant changes in our life, or when we simply leave our usual surroundings to a new place, this is when we notice our most valuable asset: time.
In Friedrichshain you have time to get lost, as well as time to find something you didn’t know you were looking for. It is a place for nostalgia, for living in the moment, but also for seeking the future. It is an unfinished place, where one of time’s most significant effects becomes very obvious: change.
You definitely notice that unfinished character just by walking down Warschauer Straße, seeing all the construction works, graffiti and improvised shops and galleries. It’s always in progress, always changing. But this is what makes it special, what makes all of Berlin special.
The new label Lilienthal Berlin wants to capture exactly this spirit with their brand new watch, representing the individualistic and unique character of the city that is always in between a state of tranquility and movement. The iconic design symbolizes both the diverse history, but also its colorful present and future with subliminal details and aesthetic quotes of the city. With the exchangeable leather wristbands and color options of the body and face, it is adaptable to its wearer as the city itself.
To celebrate the launch of today’s exclusive pre-sale of their first model – the Lilienthal Berlin L1, which comes in a limited edition of 1440, all designed in Berlin and manufactured in Germany – the label sent us on a 24h tour to explore our favorite places in Berlin. We took the watch with us on our way through Friedrichshain, always with the time on our side. Enjoy our highlights after the jump!
11:00
Silo Coffee
We’ll start the tour of our favorite places in Friedrichshain with breakfast at Silo Coffee, one of the hippest cafes in the district, which features a very smart and delicious menu. Its minimal wooden ambiance and the way they serve the popular Berlin-roasted Barn Coffee and thoughtfully-prepared food while you listen to the Cure in the background make for a perfect start of your day.
Silo Coffee, Gabriel-Max-Straße 4, 10245 Berlin
Open Mon-Thu 8:30-17h, Fri 8:30-19h, Sat 9:30-19h, Sun 10-19h
* * *
13:00
Victoria met Albert
After breakfast we’re heading over to our favorite interior and fashion store in Friedrichshain. You can seriously spend hours in here looking at the sweet decorations, arrangements and perfect gifts for your loved ones (and yourself of course). The shop was created by a London trader son and a Berlin graphic designer, which you can totally see in the selection inspired by both cities.
Victoria met Albert, Krossenerstr. 9-10, 10245 Berlin
Open Mon-Sat: 11-20h
* * *
14:00
Shakespeare & Sons
One great place to forget time completely is our next stop: Shakespeare & Sons – our favorite books and bagels shop. Shakespeare would have loved it too, we bet. Besides their well-curated selection of German books, the shop also has a good number of English ones as well as some second-hand books to offer.
Shakespeare & Sons, Warschauer Str. 74, 10245 Berlin
Open Mon-Sat 9-20h, Sun 10-20h
* * *
15:00
Cupcake
Already 3? That means it’s Cupcake o’clock! Whether you want your sweets to be gluten-free, vegan or just in the nicest colors – Cupcake Berlin at Boxi has the perfect variety of sweet treats. You just have to like the American-style frosting on those little pieces of cake-art. Also, the cafe is run by the sweetest people, who will also wrap your order in nice boxes for takeaway.
Cupcake, Krossener Str. 12, 10245 Berlin
Open daily 12-20h
* * *
16:30
RAW Gelände
We are continuing our tour with a place of continual change and exploration – the RAW area (RAW for Reichsbahnausbesserungswerk) at Revaler Straße. There is always some new street art, flea market or cultural project to discover and take photos of. At night the place is full of parties, art openings, concerts and bars, which make this one of the most pulsating nightlife hotspots.
RAW Gelände, Revalerstr. 99, 10245 Berlin
* * *
Urban Spree
The Urban Spree gallery and shop is an atmospheric place for events, concerts, parties, exhibitions, workshops, live paintings and simply to hang out and have a drink. You will see the latest in urban art here and can get your hands on great art books, prints and other street art-themed products.
Urban Spree, Revaler Str. 99/corner of Warschauerstr., 10245 Berlin
* * *
19:00
Transit
Maybe you already know their other restaurant in Mitte at Rosenthaler Platz, but this one is actually the original. We think it has more charm with the bird cages hanging from the ceilings. Transit is a great restaurant that serves super delicious Asian-style tapas. Best is to go in a group and share a number of small bowls with a popular Tiger beer.
Transit, Sonntagstraße 28, 10245 Berlin
Open daily 12-24h
* * *
20:00
Radialsystem V
The Radialsystem V is a wonderful theater and event location. It was co-founded by iconic German choreographer Sasha Waltz, who is also responsible for many shows and contemporary dance pieces on the stage. The industrial design and terrace directly at the Spree are stunning at night.
Radialsysteme V, Holzmarktstr. 33, 10243 Berlin
* * *
22:00
Monster Ronson’s Ichiban Karaoke
Time to get a little louder at Monster Ronson’s right at Ubahnhof Warschauer Straße. If you are really brave you can sing at their main hall on a little stage. Otherwise the little cabins are just fine and fun for small groups. Monday is Open Booth Night, so you can join other groups and make new friends. The proof that it can get a little wilder here too can be seen here (https://www.iheartberlin.de/2014/12/03/10-years-monster-ronsons-party-photos/)
Monster Ronson’s Ichiban Karaoke, Warschauer Str. 34, 10243 Berlin
Open daily from 19h-late
* * *
00:00
Michelberger Hotel Bar “Honolulu”
The Michelberger Hotel has one of the coolest, most original lounges. If they aren’t playing a nice album or mix on their stereo, there is probably a cool DJ spinning or band performing live for you between the couches and books. Besides the usual drinks you can also order the nice “Fountain of Youth” coconut water cans (with a monkey on it) at the Honolulu bar.
Michelberger Hotel, Warschauer Str. 39, 10243 Berlin
* * *
01:00
Bar zum Schmutzigen Hobby
If you missed out on all the Backstreet Boys and Spice Girls songs at Monster Ronson’s, this is your chance to sing even louder and dance to it tonight. The Schmutziges Hobby is my absolute favorite bar at the RAW area – it’s originally a queer bar, but super mixed these days and very inclusive. On the weekends it’s a great place to dance and have fun with your friends, but you can also enjoy theme or movie quiz nights there, watch Germany’s Next Top Model, Tatort or the Eurovision Song Contest.
Schmutziges Hobby, Revaler Str. 99, 10245 Berlin
Open daily from 19h-late
* * *
We hope you enjoyed some of our favorite places in Friedrichshain. Of course there are so many more cool spots to discover here. Let us know in the comments below about your favorite places!
Thanks for the support by Lilienthal Berlin on this tour.
