Local: Berlin

Berlin is all about history and different forms of art. Considering its turbulent past, it is quite remarkable to see Berlin became one of the coolest spots in Europe, in such a short period of time. With its impressive amounts of museums, galleries, iconic sites and a buzzing nightlife, Berlin attracts a large crowd of people looking for culture, food and fun. Whether you stay… Read more »

Forget about the usual way of thinking of a museum, the DDR is an entirely different and captivating experience. Intending to show everyday life in the Socialist era, the museum innovates by bringing an immersive experience of the former East German days. It is divided into areas that depict life “behind the walls”, with descriptions of how people lived, played sports, went to school, took… Read more »

Did you ever think about going around Berlin on a Segway? Perhaps not, but this is how we rolled and we loved it! Taking a Segway tour is an exciting, fun, entertaining and informative way to visit many of Berlin´s landmarks and attractions alongside experienced tour guides. Segways are easy to use and after about three minutes you almost have the feeling it is easier… Read more »

Another unique museum, it is actually more of a documentary showcase focused on the Nazi’s rise to power. The museum is on the site where some of the Nazi agencies were once headquartered, and one of the weakest points of the fortified wall that divided the city between east and west, and its different ideologies. There are many pictures, videos and reproductions of newspaper articles,… Read more »

It is quite fun to ride around Berlin, especially if you have friendly knowledgeable local guides. This tour is truly interesting and takes you places not usually on Berlin visitors’ list, such as spots in town where key historical events took place and information on some unknown details or peculiarities of Hitler’s regime. Berlin is a landmark in the history of humankind and the local… Read more »

Considered the best restaurant in town, with renowned chef Michael Kempf and two Michelin stars, we highly recommend you try it. The elegant yet casual restaurant is conveniently located by Postdamer Platz at Mandala Hotel. An inner court garden and dim lighting make for a pleasant atmosphere in which delicious meals are served by friendly staff, devoid of any unnecessarily posh demeanor. A Chef’s Special… Read more »

There is more than one branch in town, but if you are looking for authentic German (and Austrian) food, we suggest you go to the original one located on the beautiful Gendarmenmarkt square. It is a full service restaurant, not a beer hall, and attracts a very faithful clientele. It tends to get busy so best to book a table. One of its main specialties,… Read more »

In the Ku’damm region the Mondo Pazzo was recommended by the hotel concierge as the best Italian in town, inexpensive and with great food, if a little noisy. We found the atmosphere to be quite pleasant and comforting, not noisy at all, and the food indeed excellent. Start with the Carpaccio, the meat was thinly sliced to perfection and served with delicious parmesan. For the… Read more »

If you are looking for a typical German beer hall, this is the place to go in Berlin. It is located on beautiful Gendarmenmarkt Square, which is worth visiting in its own right, with its historical French and German churches and the Konzerthaus. One of the best-known and traditional breweries in München’s Oktober Fest, Augustiner is originally from the Bavarian region and has been operating… Read more »

Conveniently located in the Mitte, mid-way between Hackerscher market and Rosenthaler Platz, this is the Amano Group’s flagship property. Hotel Amano is a larger hotel for the regions’ standard of boutique properties, yet still succeeds in maintaining its personal charm. Guests are welcomed into a large beautiful dimly lit lobby, luxuriously decorated with very modern pieces, velvet seats and artsy objects. The hotel is also… Read more »

Located right on Rosenthaler Platz and a fifteen minute walk to Museum Island, this is an interesting property which attracts a hip, cool and young crowd. There is a charming cheerfully decorated lobby, and a café and restaurant which are open to the public, as are the communal tables and bookshelves. Some days it has live music or DJs late in the afternoon, so if… Read more »

This lovely boutique hotel is targeted at a young hip crowd. The Mitte location is excellent, blocks away from Hackerscher market and Rosenthal Platz and a 10 minute walk to Museum Island. The region is considered quite modern and vibrant, with plenty of bars, restaurants, cafés and charming shops. The interior design is minimalist with hipster touches. The moderately sized rooms are quite comfortable, with… Read more »

Only two blocks from Ku’damm, western Berlin’s most famous region, and with two train and subway stations within a five minute walk, the H10 is well located and an excellent option for those who prefer a traditional style of hotel. There are rooms, suites and also fabulous small apartments, called lofts. These high ceiling accommodations have small kitchens, which can be quite convenient for larger… Read more »

A  boutique hotel with very cool design and décor, right on Kantstrasse and just one block from quiet Bleibtreustrasse with its small shops, charming cafés and restaurants. We have also stayed at Sir Albert hotel in Amsterdam, owned by the same group, and quite enjoyed it as well. The staff at the Savigny is really friendly and attentive, which will likely make you feel most… Read more »

This über cool and trendy hotel, with remarkable reception and lobby areas, is located at Kurfürstendamm, amidst the elegant establishments of western Berlin. A nearby subway station or a short taxi ride can easily take you to Brandenburg Gate and other city landmarks and attractions. We love that the hotel owners restored the private residence of an affluent family and creatively and elegantly transformed it… Read more »

A more traditional property in West Berlin, with many rooms yet a quiet atmosphere. It is located by the small and peaceful Steinplatzright, by the Art University, and a short stroll to Ku’damm, the zoo, Tiergarten, as well as local transportation. It has good restaurants, bars and a pleasant large central courtyard perfect to be enjoyed when the weather is nice. The staff is very… Read more »

In Potsdamer Platz, conveniently located in the Mitte and a ten min walk to most of Berlin’s attractions and handy subway stations, yet still quite close to the vibrant Ku’damm region. Hotel Mandala is a designer hotel with contemporary décor, a cool atmosphere and efficient staff. There is the relaxing Ono Spa on the top floor and the modern Qiu bar and restaurant, where breakfast… Read more »