berlin

Here are my personal, constantly updated recommendations for Berlin...
• Executive Summary:
Book a Hotel in Berlins District Mitte (Soho House, Hotel du Rome or Amano), have Breakfast at Cafe Einstein or San Nicci, go shopping at Kurfürstendamm (KaDeWe), Friedrichstraße and small stores around Hackescher Markt, have Dinner at Grill Royal or Pan Asia, go for a drink to Bar Tausend, Trust or Amano, go Clubbing at Cookies, Watergate or maybe Panoramabar - and end the evening in the King Size Bar.
=== General Information ===
• Geographics and where-to-stay:
Berlin is a city with 3.4 million inhabitants (or 4.2 million if you count the suburbs as well) - but it's smaller than you might think: Berlin is separated in the so called "Bezirke" (Districts). There are 12 districts in Berlin and every district is a small city on its own - but usually you only hang out in about 3-4 districts (mostly Mitte, Prenzlauer Berg, Schöneberg, Charlottenburg) at all. Lots of people haven't set a single foot in one of the other districts, as there is mostly no need to do so. :-) Knowing these facts makes Berlin a lot smaller than it may appear.
You may have heard about the Kurfürstendamm, located in the former west part of Berlin, as one of the main streets. That's right, but: Nowadays, most hot spots are located in the districts Mitte and Prenzlauer Berg (both in the former east part of berlin). Especially nearly no hip club is located in the former west part. So try to book a hotel in Mitte.
Berlin has the highest number of 5-star-hotels of all cities in europe, so it's up to you to decide... The legendary Soho House just opened a house in Berlin in an absolutely stunning location. Whether you're a Soho House member or not, booking a room there is definitely highly recommended. If you want a bigger one: Be sure to check out Hotel Du Rome (my absolute favourite luxury hotel in Berlin - great location, great hotel, great service). If you don't like the big ones: Amano has recently opened, is very centrally located, very stylish and quite affordable. Lux11 is a another small luxury one with nice rooms.
Other nice standard-high-class-choices are: Grand Hyatt, Ritz-Carlton, Mandala (all at Potsdamer Platz) or The Regent. For a good value 5-star-hotel try SAS Radisson near the Berliner Dom. Adlon is a bit overrated.
Concorde, Hotel Q and Schlosshotel are good choices in the former west part of Berlin. Schlosshotel is really lovely, cosy and small - but really located a bit outside (perhaps rather suitable for honeymooners).
Check www.hrs.de for good rates.
If you are tight on budget: Künstlerheim Luise (www.luise-berlin.com), Hotel Honigmond (really small, great location and very charming - www.honigmond-berlin.de) or Hotel Ibis at Alexanderplatz. Or go for an apartment at www.schoenhouse.de.
• Areas of interest:
As a former-divided-city, Berlin has two city centres, one in the former west part and one in the former east part. Going from one part to another is quite a ride, it's at least 15-20 minutes with a cab - so you should plan in advance.
Most hot spots in the former east part are located in Mitte around Hackescher Markt: from Rosenthaler Platz, Alte Schönhauser Straße to Oranienburger Straße there are lots of stores, restaurants, bars, etc. - don't miss smaller streets around. Avoid most locations in Oranienburger Straße itself, nowadays there are only horrible tourist restaurants around there. When walking through Prenzlauer Berg, head to Kastanienallee, Kollwitzplatz and Helmholtzplatz - there are lots of lovely places (restaurants, etc.) in a very cosy setting. There is a nice market on the Kollwitzplatz every saturday which is worth a visit.
Regarding the former west part, there are lots of beautiful streets in Charlottenburg around the famous Kurfürstendamm, mostly located between Adenauerplatz and Joachimstaler Straße, especially the Savignyplatz is especially nice. You'll find also quite a lot bars around Pariser Straße / Ludwigkirchplatz. In Schöneberg you should check out the so called Winterfeldplatz.
If you're interested in the more alternative side on Berlin, head to Kreuzberg (especially around Paul-Lincke-Ufer, Bergmannstraße and Oranienstraße). It isn't anymore a party hotspot as it used to be before the wall came down, but because of its unique atmosphere and its muticultural flavour.
• Eating out:
A reservation for most restaurants in Berlin is recommended at least on weekends - be warned: there are still a lot of restaurants which don't accept credit cards! Especially bars and clubs will most likely only accept cash. But you'll find ATMs everywhere in the city. And, another plus: Most people will find Berlin *very* cheap compared to other big cities like London, Paris, etc.
You don't need to have dinner early, most restaurants offer their menu until midnight, nearly every restaurant until 23h. There are also quite a few restaurants where you get something to eat nearly all through the night. Usually people meet up for dinner somewhen around 8pm-9:30pm. In most casual restaurants you may sit whereever you like, in more upscale places you'll be seated. Tipping is not required but very usual, about 10% is okay.
All restaurants have non-smoking policies by law since the beginning of 2008. You may find quite a few places who don't enforce that law, but most of them are rather enforcing it.
Getting a snack like a turkish Döner, an arabian Falafel or a Berliner Currywurst with french fries is definitely possible all night long. Yes, even at 5:20am :-) Where? See below.
• Party:
You may have heard about Berlins famous nightlife - and be assured, mostly everything what you've heard is true. Berlin has no closing hours by law which means most bars and clubs are open from dusk till dawn. But: Parties tend to start very late, definitely not before 23-0h. Please note that Berlin isn't a posh city - wearing an expensive suit and a tie or waving your black AmEx Centurion Card most likely won't help you to get into cool clubs. Rather dress relaxed and stylish. Also unlike other bigger cities: your name doesn't need to be on any guestlist - all relevant clubs in Berlin are non-member clubs, so you'll get in if the bouncer likes you. If he asks you something about your name on the guestlist, the bouncer DOESN'T like you. :-) Of course there ARE guestlists, but that just means you'll get in for free. The other typical rules do apply: No large men groups, have a nice woman on your side, smile, behave nicely when waiting in line. Another notice: You can't reserve a table in most (interesting and hip) clubs. For exceptions see below.
• Security and transportation:
Berlin is a safe city (talking about the inner districts). The Cabs (yellow color) are reliable and safe, even if the drivers may be a bit rude sometimes (that's called "Berliner Schnauze"). There are no black cabs, so you can grab any cab you see on the street with the yelow "Taxi" sign (as usual: a lit sign means free). A reliable number for cab calls in Berlin is Quality Taxi 0-800-2630000 (www.taxi263000.de) - advantage: you can pay using a credit card in all their cabs, which is definitely not always the case in Berlins cabs! If you grab a cab from the street (not from a taxi stand!) and only need to go a few blocks, request a "Kurzstrecke" BEFORE starting the ride (!), then it's only 4 EUR for two km - perfect for club hopping! There's also a great iPhone app where you can order a cab online and track when it's coming and where it is (http://bit.ly/g3Z05z).
In the summer season you can explore Berlin by bike (which I'd recommended). You can rent a bicycles from the german train operator Deutsche Bahn - you'll find these bikes nearly everywhere in the city. It's a rental system with check-in/out by using your mobile phone - go to www.callabike.de for more details.
There is also an excellent train and nightbus system. For public transport check out www.bvg.de: you may download maps and timetables there as well. It helps to have a print-out of the document "Network Map of S- and U-Bahn" with you. An online planner for Berlins public transportation system is available at www.fahrinfo-berlin.de or mobile via mobil.bvg.de. If you're completely lost: The BVG offers a 24/7 call center at 030-19449. There's also a nice free iPhone App called "Fahr-Info" which includes GPS locating, timetables and all the maps (http://bit.ly/gUpXc6).
By the way, the international dial prefix for germany is +49, the area code for Berlin is 30. Dial +49-30-TheNumber from outside Germany and 030-TheNumber within Germany.
=== Drinks and Bars ===
Berlins Bars are not that famous, so the ones listed here are rather the top-of-the-top. I'd recommend first to try these ones instead of other bars, if you don't wanna be bothered by bad drinks and horrible service. One of the buzzing hotspots is definitely the Bar at Soho House, but unfortuneately you have to be a member to get in, that's why I haven't listed it here. If you have the opportunity to go there: Do it.
• King Size Bar, Friedrichstraße 112b, facebook.com/pages/Berlin-Germany/King-Size/137011199666489
King Size opened a few months ago and is run by the owners of the Grill Royal. Don't be fooled by the DDR style exterior - it's currently one of THE bar hotspots every weekend. Not because of the drinks or the rough interior, but because of the people. Only about 50 people do tighly fit in here, but they dance and party all the night until dawn. Often cool DJs like Oskar Melzer (owner of the weekend club) are playing here. Usually all people get together here around 2-3 am - often after Soho House closes down. You'll definitely leave the bar AFTER sunrise. They always have a bouncer - if you're lucky it's Franky, who's known in Berlins Nightlife since Berlin Nightlife exists. :-) Getting in may be a bit difficult (because it's just so tiny and they have to refuse all the tourists) - especially without any girls. Opened Wed-Sat from 21:00.
• Trust, Torstraße 72, foursquare.com/venue/10733723
This one just opened a few weeks ago. It's run by Cookie and by Marcus Trojan who runs the weekend as well. It's like King Size in large ... the funny thing is, you can only buy bottles of alcolhol like vodka and no beer. So you're forced to share if you're there in a smaller group, which can be a lot of fun. The opening party was a big bust, let's see how this one develops in the next weeks. But for sure one of the new hot spots in Berlin. Getting in will be hard with a guys-only-group. Opened Di-Sat from 20:00.
• Tausend, Schiffbauer Damm 11, http://tausendberlin.com/programm.html
Still one of the hippest bars in Berlin. There is no sign at the door, but after you passed through the door, you feel like being in the roaring 20'ies. Often there is a live band playing (mostly jazz, swing, rare grooves, ...). This bar has a ubercool interior and usually a really cool good-looking crowd. The entrance is hidden, head to Schiffbauer Damm corner to Albrechtstr. (yeah, just 2 minutes away from the Grill Royal) and look for a steel door, located directly under the railway bridge. They do have a quite strict door and a dresscode. No sneakers, no jeans, no large groups - otherwise the bouncer most probably won't like you. Unlike other locations in Berlin: Looking stylish is a big plus. The door policy seems to relax a bit, but it's often annoying A short, polite chat with the bouncer will most likely get you in. Opened Tue-Sat from 9pm. It helps beeing there early, between 23:00 and 01:00am it's really crowded. Saturdays is usually REALLY packed in there but usually also the funnies evenings. On weekdays it's a lot more relaxed there. Entrance fee is 10 EUR. Bar Tausend also recently opened a Restaurant called "Tausend Cantina", where you can get "Fine Asian & Ibero-American Food". Small menu, small restaurant, food is ok but not stunning. I'd rather go there for a small snack. It may be a good choice if you want to be sure to get in to Tausend with a larger group without any hassle at the door. Reservations at             +49-30-27582070       or via e-mail to [email protected]. Usually opened Tue-Sat from 22:00.
• Hotel/Bar Amano, Auguststraße 43, www.hotel-amano.com, Fon: 8094150
Amano is a recently opened Hotel. It features a really nice stylish bar, which seems to establish amongst the berlin crowd as a good alternative for Bar Tausend (the bar manager is the same as Bar Tausends by the way). On weekends it's usually crowded, sometimes there's a DJ playing (Wednesdays is a good day as well). Definitely worth checking out, especially because it's so centrally located. Lovely ASW member Ester Bruzkus has designed this bar, so give it a try before or after dinner. The only disadvantage is really bad air due to heavy smoking ...
• Solar, Stresemannstr. 76, www.solarberlin.com
Fabulous bar in a penthouse, stunning view. They also offer food at their restaurant, but on weekends you have to book weeks in advance (            +49-163-7652700      )- and the food quality varies from time to time, currently it seems to be quite good again. But you may also have dinner somewhere else and drop by for a drink or two. It's a bit tricky to find: The reception and elevator to the bar is located in the backyard. Good idea for a romantic sundowner.
• Qiu at Mandala Hotel, Potsdamer Platz, www.qiu.de
Small bar, cosy, quiet, a bit posh, high quality drinks. A perfect place after a romantic dinner - or before having dinner.
• Al Contadino Sotto Le Stelle Enoteca, Gormannstr. 10, Fon: 27592102
Don't mix that one up with the restaurant of the same name in the Auguststraße, which I rather tend to avoid (see below)! This one is a authentic italian enoteca - and it is really worth a visit. They offer tasty antipasti, lots of nice wines and a really nice service in a charming, relaxed atmosphere which feels like Italy. If you're looking for a nice, romantic glas of wine, be sure to check this one out!
• Shochu at Hotel Adlon, www.ma-restaurants.de
The bar of the haute cuisine restaurants ma/uma. Really lovely-stunning interior, not that crowded, great and unusual drinks. A perfect choice for a romantic pre-dinner drink.
• Lining Bar, Tucholskystr. 34, www.lining-bar.de
A nice bar, good drinks but not too exciting, often live DJ - meet there with other people and start the evening. Mostly overcrowded on weekends, from 22h to 1h it's REALLY full there.
• Rumtrader, Fasanenstraße 40, Fon: 8811428
Either you love it or you hate it ... Perhaps the most ... extreme and exceptional bar in Berlin. It's run by the owner named Mr. Gregor Scholl, and he's VERY special. The bar is really really tiny (about 15-20 people max.), and you can't avoid a conversation with Mr. Scholl - so be prepared don't go there if you want to have a romantic evening. You won't get a drink menu, so usualy his first question is: "Sour or sweet" - and so he'll tailor a drink specialized for your needs - and to your personal alcolhol tolerance level. The bar has quite a bit of history, it was founded in the 70'ies by a guy called Mr. Schröder, who learned after the war at the Trader Vics in SF, where he met Ian Flemming (yeah, the James Bond author). It is said, that this bar was Ian Flemmings favorite Bar in Berlin - because of the martinis, and there is a reference to this Bar in James Bonds "Octopussy".
• What else?
The Ritz-Carlton and the Hotel Du Rome also have nice hotel bars. Especially the Bar of the Hotel Du Rome has great cocktails and a really nice atmosphere - I know quite a lot of Berlinners - including me - who frequently go there for having a nice drink to start the evening. The Hotel Du Rome has also a REALLY STUNNING roof deck. Just walk to to the concierge and ask for the elevator to the roof deck. Be sure to don't miss it, it's really a great setting in a warm summer night!
Avoid at any cost: Trompete, Green Door, Bar am Lützowplatz, Dantes and all other bars directly at Hackescher Markt. The Puro Sklounge and 40 Seconds have a nice view, but often attract really awful visitors.
=== Dining ===
Berlin has lots of great restaurants and you'll most likely get good food for reasonable prices. But dining in a nice and cool atmosphere is maybe not that easy to find. So I'll focus on my favorites here which I really recommend, both from an atmosphere and food quality point of view. When planning dinner, definitely consider also the Clubrestaurants (dining and dancing) - especially Cookies Cream, listed under the Clubs and Nightlife Section. In most restaurants it's sufficient to make a reservation one day in advance, only Grill Royal and Borchardt on Weekends can get a bit tricky.
• Grill Royal, Friedrichstr. 105b, www.grillroyal.com, Fon: 28879288
"The Grill" (as it's called by its frequent guests) features a stunning location directly at the spree river and a real cosy, warm and stylish interior. The menu consist mostly of steak and seafood - the name says it all. The steak is maybe the best you can get in Berlin. The Grill restaurant features always a stylish crowd and is definitely worth a visit. Early reservation recommended, they're always fully booked on weekends. Try to get a table in the middle or at the windows, the tables for two are sometimes not that great, so always reserve for at least 3-4 people. aSW Member Boris Radczun is one of the owners, Igor Paasch is one of the night managers at the Grill.
• Pan Asia, Rosenthaler Str. 38 www.panasia.de, Fon 27908811
Pan-Asian cuisine, best for sushi - but it's not only about the food, it's about the people and the hip interior (be sure check the restrooms as well) and even the music they're playing. You'll always have fun there, especially with a bigger group. Strong Advice: Don't choose a table on your own, wait to be seated! The lounge area on the left is more cosy - and usually reserved for frequent guests - whereas the party zone is on the right hand side. Be there before 8pm as it gets really packed afterwards - and dress a bit stylish, then Tina, the lovely Manager, will give you a nice table. Don't take photos there, they don't like that.
• HBC, Karl-Liebknecht-Strasse 9, Fon 24342920, www.hbc-berlin.de
HBC is actualy a club/cinema/concert/exhibition-space, which opened a few months ago. It's located in the "Haus Ungarn" which hosts a hugarian cultural instutute since the early 70'es and played an important role during the fall of the wall as a melting point for intellectuals and people opponing against the system. The interior is actually very much left intact, so it has really this former-east-flair. They recently opened a restaurant, which is really worth a visit. The food quality is really stunning for ridiculously low prices (check their menu on the web-site). So if you want a bit of a underground-rough-berlin-experience, go there. You won't be disappointed.
• Borchardt, Französische Str. 47, Fon: 81886262
One of the well known seen-and-to-be-seen-Restaurants in Berlin, austrian/french upper-class-bistro-style cuisine, service ok (used to be better), even if it's not really cosy - don't expect a romantic dinner place. Try the Wiener Schnitzel. Nice terrace in the summer. Tip: Strictly avoid a table in the basement - if they want to bring you downstairs, refuse! This is the room for the B-guests, and it's horrible. Also notice that the service at Borchardt can be quite bad if there's a big event like Berlinale in town. Reservations can be _very_ problematic at these times - and sometimes on weekends as well-, you may find yourself waiting for an hour or two for a table - rather go to the Grill then.
• Delizie d'Italia, Kollwitzstr. 100, Fon 48494977
A hidden, cosy gem in Prenzlauer Berg - a really lovely italian restaurant with original italian cuisine (a nice couple, Rita and Antonino do run the restaurant), lovely waiters and hand-made pasta. Lots of celebrities drop by there - and get served as everyone else would be served. A really nice and romantic place, completely unexceited, but you'll love it. Really typical italian.
• White Trash Fast Food, Schönhauser Allee 6/7, Fon 50348668 www.whitetrashfastfood.com
The White Trash is ... different. It features a really rock-trashy and "kitschig" interior by intention - and it's great fun to be there. Most waiters don't speak german at all. But they've got lovely steaks and maybe the best burgers in town (also Veggie burgers!). Mostly there's also a weird live band playing. A really unique experience. Reservation strongly recommended on weekends.
• Good Time, Hausvoigteiplatz or Chausseestr. 1, www.goodtime-berlin.de, Fon 20074870
Best Thai food in town. The food is just outstanding - and without any additives. They offer also lots of vegetarian dishes. The one at Hausvoigteiplatz is bigger, but not that cosy. It's relaxed there, you just go there for the food, not for watching people. Reservation recommended at least on weekends.
• Cochon Bourgeois, Fichtestr. 24, Fon 6930101 www.lecochon.de
The Cochon Bourgeois is a nice and cosy one, located a bit offside in Kreuzberg. It's rather an apartment in an old building than a restaurant featuring authentic but innovative french cuisine (a bit pricey, but still okay). Every night there is a piano player playing, the staff is usually a bit distinguished but very attentive. The food is really delicious, but it's perhaps not a good choice to go there with a vegetarian. Great for a romantic dinner. No credit cards accepted, reservation strictly recommended!
• Mondo Pazzo, Schlüterstr. 52, 8851121, www.mondo-pazzo.de
Nice italian restaurant in the former west part with tasty food, nice interior, good service - and you can sit outside in the summer. Perfect for lunch.
• Brechts, Schiffbauerdamm 6, www.brechts.de, Fon 28598585
A lovely austrian restaurant. Always good and reasonable priced food, lots of space to sit outside in the summer season, friendly staff. Completely unexcited, but a kind of a nice gem. Perfect for lunch in Mitte after shopping.
• Best choices for haute cuisine:

- Vau at Jägerstr. (maybe the most relaxed top-restaurant in Berlin, not that stiff service, innovative menus. Also great for lunch - they've got a really good value lunch menu every day),
- Facil at Potsdamer Platz (small and cosy, but closed on weekends),
- Ana e Bruno (very cosy and small, family style: Ana and Bruno are running the restaurant since years - you gotta go there because you love the food and not because of going to a stylish restaurant),
Definitely avoid Margaux, disappointing price/value ratio.
• Other short recommendations:

- Orient Lounge @ Rote Harfe (really nice arabian food, down to earth, you may sit in separate cosy lounges or on huge sofas, nice if you'd like to explore the more alternative part of Berlin)
- 12 Apostel at Savignyplatz (huge quality pizzas, near Friedrichstr and Savignyplatz, food ALL thorugh the night!)
- Gugelhof at Kollwitzstraße (good alsatian-french food in Prenzlauer Berg, Bill Clinton once ate there).
- Restaurant im Brecht-Haus (Authentic austrian cuisine in the former home of Berthold Brecht, cosy and small)
• What else?
You may also head to Oranienstraße in Kreuzberg, where you'll find lots of multicultural restaurants, everything from indish, turkish to arabian - like the Orient Lounge mentioned above. It's not posh there, but it's fun.
Avoid at any cost: Paris Bar (out since 15 years), Al Contadino Sotto Le Stelle (yes, even if Brad eats there - BAD service, overpriced food), Due Forni (rude service).
=== Quick Lunch ===
• Monsieur Vuong, Alte Schönhauser Str. 46, www.monsieurvuong.de
Great for a quick lunch while shopping around hackescher markt/höfe area. Fabulous vietnamese food - they usually offer only two or three dishes, but you HAVE to try it! No reservations, can be quite packed during lunch time, but usually you'll get a table within 10 minutes.
• Petrocelli, Savignyplatz, www.petrocelli-berlin.de
Lovely and cosy italian restaurant with tasty italian food. Perfect for lunch (until 4pm!). They've also got a branch at Kurfürstendamm which is more busy whereas Savignyplatz is more relaxed.
• Kuchi, Kantstr. 30 and Gipsstr. 3, www.kuchi.de
Kuchi is great for sushi and asian food. The interior is quite ... boring, so I'd rather recommend it for lunch. They have two restaurants, one near Kurfürstendamm (Kantstr.) and one near Alexanderplatz (Gipsstr.).
• Si An, Rykestr. 36
Like Monsieur Vuong in Prenzlauer Berg. Very cosy. No reservations.
• KaDeWe:
See below.
• The best places to get a real Berliner Currywurst with french fries are:

- Konopke Imbiß, U Eberswalder Straße: Located on the median under the underground station U Eberswalder Straße (yes, the underground is aboveground there, I know, that's weird :-). One of the eldest and most famous places to get a currywurst in Berlin
- Curry 195, Kurfürstendamm 195: Most famous in the former west part. Open nearly all night long. Great experience: You can even order a bottle of Dom Perignon or Veuve Cliquot there. You often meet cool people there in the middle of the night, after leaving boring first-class-parties. They've got also a branch at the train station Bahnhof Friedrichstraße.
• For turkish food like Döner and arabian Food like Falafel head to:

- Dada Falafel (Linienstraße 132 in Mitte - a really nice place with tasty falafel)
- Falafel Daye (Danziger Str. 24, near U Eberswalder Straße in Prenzlauer Berg, open at least until 4am
- Imbiß at Yorckstr (directly located near U Mehringdamm, don't be scared, the Döner is great)
- and mostly all other places in Kreuzberg as well.
=== Clubs and Nightlife ===
As you may have heard, Berlin is really famous for its nightlife. :-) Clubs are often and constantly changing, but this selection should match aSW taste. But that list may be outdated in about 1-2 years. As already mentioned, you can't reserve a table in most cool clubs - the ones where you can are usually not that typical berlin-style and attract rather a boring crowd.
• Cookies, Friedrichstraße / Corner to Unter den Linden at Westin Grand Hotel
Open on tuesdays and thursdays only, in my opinion still THE hippest club of Berlin. Features a nice crowd (20-35 y/o), different kinds of music but mostly electronic, also often a strict door - give Smiley, the bouncer, a nice smile. The club is definitely a must-see. Once inside, it's usually relaxed and you'll meet lots of nice and interesting people. They also open sometimes on Saturdays (it's called "Crush" on Saturdays), but the entrance is located deep in the backyard of the Hotel Westin Grand in the Behrenstraße. Check their website before about their dates - but try to go there on Thursday. Cookies also hosts since a few months a vegetarian restaurant called "Cookies Cream". It has definitely good food and features really unique berlin-style atmosphere. Having dinner there means also free access to the party afterwards - so book on Tue/Thu/Sat. Reservation in advance strongly recommended. For restaurant reservations call             +49 30 27492940      .
• Asphalt, Mohrenstr. 30 www.asphalt-berlin.com, Fon 20234716
This one opened a few weeks ago and is run by Daniel Höferlin (former head of Felix club) and Roland Mary (owner of Borchardt, Pan Asia, Cafe am Neuen See, ...). Lots of people didn't expect too much from this new club, but indeed they really did a extraordinary good job. The club - located in the basement of Hotel Hiton at Gendarmenmarkt - is very stylish and warm and attracts a nice crowd so far. They've had a really good DJ booking in thir first weeks with some cool parties, so this is definitely a new location to visit. They also offer a small restaurant with an international menu, which seems to be worth a visit as well, even though I haven't ate there yet. aSW member Friederike Werner is the Door-Mistress on Saturdays.
• Watergate, Falckensteinstr. 49, www.water-gate.de
Located directly at Spree river, really (!) stunning view over the waterline on two floors. One of the most beautiful clubs in Berlin. Parties there tend to start very late and dancing until sunrise is not unusual. Style: Electro, Tech House, sometimes Drum&Bass. Check out the line-up before. Sometimes strict door, avoid large groups without women (as usual)...
• Panorama Bar/Berghain, Am Wriezener Bahnhof, www.berghain.de
One of the hardest but coolest clubs, style: hard electro and techno. It's just about party there! The Berghain club on the lower floor often hosts (hardcore) gay parties. The Panoramabar on the upper floor is more relaxed. The bouncer looks scarier than he really is - but: Really strict door, dress cool. Very berlin style. Partytime there tends to to start REALLY REALLY late. Go there around 1-3am in the morning. If you go too early, you may find yourself waiting in a looong queue. The club is a bit hidden - ask the taxi driver for the exact location, he'll know.
• Felix, Behrenstr. 72 near Hotel Adlon, www.felix-clubrestaurant.de
Good looking girls (and boys), sometimes good house music, but unfortuneately also often very mainstream (people and music). Rather check out the after work parties on thursdays. It's possible to book a table there which you can keep all night long. Perhaps the club where most people from other big cities will feel "like home", but also the most not-typical Club in Berlin. If you know the other clubs in Berlin, you may find it boring there. Maybe great for guys night out, not that great for a romantic evening for a couple. Dress Code (chic recommended, but it's not too strict) on weekends.
• Tape Club, Heidestraße 14, www.myspace.com/tapeberlin
Quite new, located in an old industry building (a bit tricky to find, but not too hard). Really stylish interior, not too big, nice people - but the music is often quite unpredictable. Also the clubbers there tend to be quite young. Open on fridays and saturdays.
• Weekend, Alexanderplatz 5, www.week-end-berlin.de
Located on the 12.th floor, wonderful view (stay there until sunrise). Style: electro, minimal, great lineups (if you like the style), sometimes annoying door especially when arriving with a bunch of guys. It used to be one of Berlins hippest clubs, it's now rather transforming in a tourist place. Anyway, the view and the lineups makes it still sometimes worth a visit. They've opened also recently a great roof deck at the 15.th floor offering great views over Berlin while chilling out. The roof-deck is open only in the summer. The owners (Oskar Melzer, Marcus Trojan) are aSW members.
• Spindler und Klatt, Köpenicker Straße 16/17 (backyard), www.spindlerklatt.de
Clubbing and dining (food quality differs from time to time and is often quite horrible - rather go for standards if eating there at all) in huge lounge beds. Check the line-up before. Also features a nice summer terrace with a view to the Spree river.
• What else?
You may have heard about the reopened famous Tresor Club - but most probably you won't like it (even the location is very nice) - lots of 18 y/o suburb people are hanging out there. One of the few house clubs in the west is the Maxxim, which has a nice interior and usually good-to-great line-ups, but often a really young and annoying crowd.
Avoid at any cost: Adagio, Matrix, First - and generally speaking all clubs in the former west part. You'll most likely be disappointed.
=== Breakfast ===
You can get breakfast in Berlin nearly everywhere and nearly at anytime. Most Cafes have breakfast at least until 2-4pm. Here are my favorites:
• Soho House, Torstraße 1, www.sohohouseberlin.com, Fon 4050440
Currently THE place to be in Berlin where the cool kids hang out. People tend to hang out the whole day at the lovely roof deck of Soho House, have a dip in the pool and have fun with the people there. You'll only get in if you are a Soho House member, if stay in their hotels room (you booked a room at Soho as I told you above, did you?) or if you know someone who is a member and can put you on his guestlist. If so, don't miss it. It's gorgeous.
• San Nicci, Friedrichstr. 101, www.san-nicci.de, Fon 306454980
Quite new, usually a italian restaurant, not as hip as Grill or Pan Asia, rather quiet and relaxed. Unfortuneately the food quality differs a lot, but it's rather a good choice for breakfast (only on weekends, very tasty!). Be sure to try the "Frutta" breakfast, their homemade marmelade and biscuits!
• Cafe Anna Blume, Kollwitzstr. 83, www.cafe-anna-blume.de
Huge and tasty breakfast, nice terrace, reservation recommended on weekends.
• Cafe Sowohl Als Auch, Kollwitzstr. 88, www.tortenundkuchen.de
Right across the street from Anna Blume, same owner. Try the cakes! You gonna love it.
• Keyser Soze, Tucholskystr. / Corner to Augustr., www.keyser-soze.de
Near the jewish synagogue in Mitte. A bit rough, but good breakfast and a nice crowd hanging out there.
• Schwarzes Cafe, Kantstr. 148
One of THE classic cafes in the former west part. Open 24 hours, you'll get breakfast and everything else there all day and night long. Always worth a visit - for breakfast or when leaving a club and you don't want to go home.
• Cafe Einstein, Kurfürstenstr. 58, www.cafeeinstein.com - typical
See below. Lovely austrian-style breakfast location. They've got also a branch at "Unter den Linden", which is not that cosy but nevertheless a great choice for having a quick lunch or a great breakfast. Unter den Linden is more a meeting point for german politicians.
=== Coffee / Tea Time ===
• Cafe Einstein, Kurfürstenstr. 58, www.cafeeinstein.com
Typical Vienna-styled cafe, have a coffee there after shopping at KaDeWe. Great homemade cakes. Garden openend in summer. Having breakfast there is also very recommended. They also have a branch at Unter den Linden.
• Cafe im Literaturhaus, Fasenenstr. 23
near to Kurfürstendamm, nice and cosy for after-shopping-coffee.
• Tajikistan Tea-House, Am Festungsgraben 1
A hidden gem: an original tea-house from Tajikistan, a bit hard to find. Go into the "Palais am Festungsgraben", go upstairs, turn left and that's it. You have to take your shoes off, sit relaxed and enjoy lovely russian tee ceremonies. Reservation (1 day before!) strongly recommended on weekends.
=== Shopping ===
• General infomation:
The main shopping streets are Friedrichstraße in Mitte (former east part) or Kurfürstendamm in Charlottenburg (former west part). You'll find most luxury labels like Gucci, Boss + Co. on Kurfürstendamm, also in the KaDeWe - and mostly also have a dependence at Friedrichstraße and/or at Galleries Lafayette. Rather avoid the big shopping centres like the one at Potsdamer Platz, it's just boring.
• Kurfürstendamm:
- KaDeWe (www.kadewe-berlin.de)
THE famous Harrods-like department store in Berlin! They have nearly everything, from fine clothing to nice gifts. Must see: The food section. You may also have lunch there which I'd really recommend, you may taste nearly every delicacy they have. So it's also a great place to have lunch. Or just have a glass of champagne there. It's usually very very busy there, especially on weekends, so try to go on weekdays. You should definitely taste one of the great cakes there, my favorite is the strawberry cake. Have a glass of champagne with it at the Veuve Cliquot booth right around the corner (you can take the cake with you). The oyster bar is nice as well!

• Friedrichstraße:
- Quartier 206 (www.quartier206.com): exclusive designer fashion
- Corner Store (www.thecornerberlin.de): exclusive designer fashion
- Galleries Lafayette (www.lafayette-berlin.de): The pendant to KaDeWe - very much smaller, but also a bit more relaxed atmosphere, especially when shopping for fashion. They also have a nice relax champagne bar in the food section.
For small Berlin designer labels check out streets around the area at Hackescher Markt (Alte Schönhauser Str., Münzstr., Rosenthalerstr.) and Kastanienallee in Prenzlauer Berg. There is also a recently-opened Wunderkind Store (made by Wolfgang Joop) where they sell "vintage" dresses, mostly worn only once on the catwalk.
=== Exhibitions ===
• Photo exhibits: www.photography-now.com
• Museums: Lots of and worth a visit! Really. Jewish museum,
Neue Nationalgallerie, Alte Nationalgallery, Egypt, etc. ... check out the "Tip" Magazine (www.tip-berlin.de) for up-to-date museum and exhibition information and special exhibitions (and addresses)
• Galleries: Most galleries are located around Linienstraße / Auguststraße.
=== Small tips / What else? ===
If you want to see typical "tourist attractions" you shouldn't miss at least: Brandenburg Gate (and the jewish memorial besides it), Potsdamer Platz, Gendarmenmarkt, Museumsinsel and Berliner Dom and the Reichstag. Regarding Reichstag and avoiding to wait in line: If you want to, try to book a table in the Restaurant "Käfer" in the Reichstag, which will avoid the wait. The Fernsehturm is a typical tourist attraction, great view on a sunny day - drop in a coffee there, don't have dinner or lunch there. If you do a table reservation, you don't have to wait in line.
If you are looking for the Berlin Wall, there are not too many left-overs. You may visit Checkpoint Charlie (which isn't too exciting), but rather head to Bernauer Straße (a bit offsite), where the largest part still-existing of the wall is located, besides a memorial and a museum. The largest part of the wall still existing is at East Side Gallery (between train station Ostbahnhof and Oberbaumbrücke).
Also there are lots (!) of other museums, not enough room here to mention them all - take a look at www.smb.spk-berlin.de. Also there are at least three major opera houses, be sure to check the Staatsoper with Daniel Barenboim (rather avoid Komische Oper, unless you like very modern productions).
There is lots of jewish culture in Berlin: The jewish synagogue in Mitte is definitely a must-see (check opening time before), I already mentioned the jewish memorial above. Also the jewish museum is really great.
There is also a good montly english language magazine about Berlin, called the "Exberliner" (www.exberliner.com).
If you can afford the time and the weather is nice, do an one-hour-boat tour through Berlin Mitte! Even you'll find only tourists on the boat, the trip is REALLY worth doing it. There are lots of landing stages for the boats in the city, e. g. at the Museumsinsel.
Berlin features also two Zoos (Zoologischer Garten in the former west part and Tierpark in the former east part). Tierpark is a bit nicer, whereas Zoo features the sweet-and-fabolus Ice-Bear "Knut". Besides the Zoo there is the Aquarium, which has one of the biggest collections of marine animals in the world.
On sundays there are also lots of nice fleamarkets, the biggest one is at 17. Juni. Check the "Tip" Magazine for more information.
A bit tired after walking through the city? Maybe head to a day spa. The Adlon Day Spa (located in Hotel Adlon, www.adlon-day-spa.de) is just great and simply beautiful. If you prefer a Thai massage, go to "Yi Day Spa" (www.yi-spa.com) in Mitte, Monbijouplatz 3a. Of course, both of them require a reservation in advance.
Need a make-up or your hair should look great for the big night? Write an e-mail to Kristina ([email protected]). She's a professional hair and make-up artist. She'll visit your in your hotel room and makes you look even greater than you already do. She's also available for personal shopping. Reservation required in advance.
If you have even more time for a relaxing-nature-escape: A nice bet as well is having a walk around the Schlachtensee (directly opposite to the S-Bahn station of the same name). There's a really lovely restaurant called "Fischerhütte" (www.fischerhuette-berlin.de) Fon 80498310, where you can get really good food and have a nice view over the lake. If you really want to see the green-and-park-side of Berlin, don't miss the Schlachtensee. Lots of Berlinners tend to go there on sundays.
Another possibility is to visit Potsdam near Berlin for having a walk through the really nice Schloßpark.
Even more time? Get a rental car, get up early and do a one-day-trip to the baltic sea - Warnemünde is the place where you should head to. It's just about a two-hours-drive (you can go by train as well) and it's great to sunshine-relax at the beach. If you want to spend one or two nights at the baltic sea, definitely go to Grand Hotel Heiligendamm which is really stunning.