It’s been a while since we shared a new selection of Berlin bars. But especially for the cold months, being aware of some cozy place that serves nice cocktails and drinks is especially practical. So check out the list below, including recommendations from Prenzlauer Berg, Mitte, and of course Kreuzkölln.
The beloved cozy Christmas atmosphere with all its lights, markets and holiday feels are gone, even the excitement and glitter of New Year’s Eve has faded. The new year leaves us longing for more happy celebrations, but instead, gloomy January has taken their place to spread his dreaded winter blues. I can’t tell you how bad it gets to me, every time. Since I was very quickly over Netflix and couch after the fourth night in the row, I thought about what other activities in Berlin could brighten up this dark January. So this list goes out to everyone suffering from the January blues – let’s get off the couch and have some fun!
photo: Deutsches Weininstitut – Sponsored
Berlin has the fantastic reputation of a multicultural melting pot that is brimming with plentiful international influences in every area of life, from arts and culture to food and drinks. And while we remain grateful to live in a place where authentic alcoholic beverages from all corners of the world are readily available, we’re excited for the “Day of the Open Wine” – a unique occasion to dig into – or maybe rather drain up – a topic that we all might have previously slightly neglected, namely: German wines!
The “Day of the Open Wine” (Tag des offenen Weins) is part of the nationwide event “WeinEntdecker-Wochen” and is coming to Berlin for the very first time on the 22nd of September from 14:00 to 18:00. It’s a real treat for all the wine lovers out there – just for 5 EUR, you’ll be able to discover three different German wines. Over 30 wine shops all over town are participating – and below, you’ll find our curated guide to 6 of them. Call up your buddies and take a relaxing afternoon stroll through Berlin – with such delightful stops along the way, who knows where you might end up?
Berlin wouldn’t be the melting pot brimming with inspiration that we love if it wasn’t for the international influences from expats that never cease to shape the city with their artistic vision. The time has come to highlight the creative masterminds in the Portuguese community in Berlin. Get ready to meet a diverse crew of uninhibited artists – photographers, writers, digital illustrators, musicians – who aren’t afraid to experiment and venture beyond the conventions. By the way, we’ve asked around and got the top recommendations on where to get Portuguese wine and their famous Pastel de Nata – make sure you scroll to the bottom!
photos: Amanda Artiaga
I once described Berlin as an apotheosis of the proverbial sex, drugs, and… well, mostly techno. As a self-confessed Elvis worshipper, I find that last characteristic slightly regrettable. Personally, I try to do my share in maintaining Berlin’s legacy as the erstwhile home to Iggy, Bowie, and Nick Cave – but even cranky me can’t constantly live in the past and/or Johnny Cash lyrics. Saddened by the recent demise of the Bassy Club, we decided to put together a list of joints that still spice up the nightlife with some rock’n’roll spirit, be it punk rock, new wave, post-punk, blues, or whatever else to float your barman’s boat.
photo: Funkhaus Berlin.
In all of the years that I have been living in Berlin the city never ceases to surprise me with new incredible places, no matter if they are incredible buildings, stunning interiors, unusual locations or innovative concepts. When people who are planning to come to Berlin or are already here but want to experience something new, they often ask me about places like that and where they can find them. My first reaction is always that I am missing the right answers because all the places are so familiar to me, after 18 years, what can truly still surprise me. But then I think back to the moments when I first discovered those incredible places, sometimes even before I had seen pictures of them, and how they made me feel. With this memory in mind I curated the following list of amazing places that will take you by surprise when you first visit them. Our readers who are more familiar with the city might know a lot of them already, but maybe we manage to have at least a couple that you don’t know yet.
Oh, Spain…How to describe you? Besides everything, Spain is a country that keeps charming and surprising both its new visitors and its inhabitants. Envied because of the weather, admired for its historical, cultural and artistic legacy and desired for it’s rich, healthy and extremely varied gastronomy, Spain never leaves you indifferent. That’s why if you are a Spaniard like me, you’ll find yourself missing the smells, the flavors and the warmth of the country that you have left behind. So if you are feeling the weight of the nostalgia bringing you down or just asking yourself how did you end up in this cold and rainy (but always amazing) city, here we have put together some great places that will, hopefully, make you feel a little bit like home. And of course, don’t forget to make a toast ¡salud!
Schöneberg, Schöneberg…? Surely, some people who aren’t yet familiar with the city won’t know that Schöneberg is one of Berlin’s neighborhoods because that’s exactly what happened to me. For decades Schöneberg was the epicenter of Berlin’s creative underground, but today you will find Berlin’s interesting, cool, and artsy vibe in most of the Eastern neighborhoods. This unique atmosphere that makes people from all over the globe want to move to the German capital. That way some neighborhoods like Kreuzberg have kept their cool and edgy reputation over the years. But, as you can already imagine, there’s much more than meets the eye in Berlin’s west, especially in Schöneberg. Yes, if you are new in town Schöneberg is still worth a visit and we are going to explore some of its curious locations and little wonders.
FYI: Because Schöneberg is quite an extense neighborhood, I have focused on a specific area which it’s the Akazienkiez and places near The Red Island. In a map, you can see a distinctive triangle-shaped area of Schöneberg bordered by railway lines S1, U7 and the Ringbahn of Berlin. It was called like that due to the left-wing supporters that lived in that specific neighborhood.
photos: Amanda Artiaga
There are so many reasons why we heart Berlin. In a fast-paced city like ours, it’s hard to keep track. People move in and out, places come and go. What one person loves about this city, might be completely unknown to others, and possibly gone before they even find out about it. Every city guide, every restaurant recommendation, list of cafés, clubs or bars can only give little indications and reflect someone else’s love for this city, but in the end why you love Berlin, is your own story.
Those who have been born and raised in Berlin, and, after all these years, still decide to call Berlin their home, have a genuine love story to tell. We asked some of these ‘Ur-Berliners’, with lifelong experience how they would spend a day in Berlin. The results are a collection of hidden gems and nostalgic places that never lose their charm. #whyiheartberlin
photo: Herr Lindemann
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, we came across Zitronenstraße – a project that highlights Berlin’s most romantic spots such as bars, cafes, restaurants and parks on an interactive map. Although the town is full of bars and cafes, sometimes you still end up clueless as to where can you take your date. This is especially common during Winter, when even the most tenacious Berliners have to seek shelter from the cold. We’ve asked Valerio – the creator of the romantic places in Berlin map – to share his 7 favorite bars that he thinks are perfect for a romantic date.