BERLIN: Part II
Here are another nine picks for Berlin, a vibrant city where history meets contemporary counterculture. Read part one of our suggestions here.
Restaurant: Restaurant Tim Raue
A standout of Berlin’s fine dining scene, Michelin-starred Restaurant Tim Raue offers a surprisingly successful fusion of German and Asian cooking in the heart of Kreuzberg. The food is delicate and inventive, and the setting is minimalist and elegant.
Bar: Klunkerkranich
Berlin’s nightlife goes far beyond techno clubs. On a summer evening, head to Klunkerkranich to watch the sunset over Neukölln. The uber-casual location, hiding on the top floor of a car park, is complemented by a laid-back vibe and live DJs.
Live Venue: Astra Kulturhaus
Head for this live music venue to hear the latest of Berlin’s indie-rock/pop scene. Astra Kulturhaus combines a dive bar and a concert hall in an old World War II bunker, embodying Berlin’s grungy chic essence.
Hotel: Das Stue
Berlin Hotels are known for embracing art and culture, and Das Stue is no different. This stylish boutique hotel, located in the old Danish embassy, has beautiful art-déco architecture and outstanding views of the Tiergarten.
Gallery: Berlinische Gallerie
Although Mitte is known to be the museum area, head to Kreuzberg for this staple of German contemporary art, photography and architecture. Located in a renovated former glass warehouse, Berlinische Gallerie focuses on interactive exhibits and local artists.
Film Festival: Berlinale
This world-famous film festival has been going strong for 70 years. The Berlinale is typically held in February and welcomes directors and actors from all over the world to the German capital. In 2019, the jury was presided by Jeremy Irons, Bérénice Béjo and Luca Marinelli. Public tickets for screenings are available one day in advance.
Music Festival: Nation of Godwana
Berlin wouldn’t be Berlin without its underground club culture, but in the summer, it transforms into a lively festival culture. Nation of Godwana is an intimate EDM festival on a small beach that spills into the water, resulting in a night you can swim or dance away.
Experience: Liquidrom
For a complete change of pace, this futuristic spa allows you to float in a pool of salt water while techno plays underwater – a genuinely unique Berlin experience. Bathing suits are mandatory in the pool but optional in the sauna. If you want to expand your horizons and relax simultaneously, Liquidrom is your place.
Concert: Berliner Philharmonie
Down the road from the Tiergarten, this concert hall holds free lunchtime concerts every Tuesday. Take the opportunity to drink in the quirky 1960s architecture of the Berliner Philarmonie, which replaced the previous building that was destroyed during the war.
