Summer in Berlin = concrete paradise, sweaty nights, absurdly good food. The city flips a switch: Berliner Schnauze softens into big grins, kiosk runs turn into long goodbyes, and the dance floors do what they do best.
It’s also a city that holds multitudes: culturally rich, diverse, and endlessly layered. You feel it in the parks, on the lakes, in late-night conversations, in the galleries, and most importantly, on the streets.
We finally put our loves in one place: where to eat, shop, stay, and wonder. From long lunches that turn into early evenings, to spontaneous gallery detours, this is our living guide to the German capital: equal parts practical and romantic.
Save our Google Maps list, send us your hidden gems, and check back as we keep adding more.
Pack light, plan loosely, and let the city set the pace.
Tschüss.
EAT
Otto
If you’re looking for a dinner that feels both effortless and really special, Otto is it. Located in Prenzlauer Berg, this small, low-lit spot serves shareable plates rooted in local Brandenburg produce, from foraged herbs to smoked trout, crafted with precision but never pretension. Fair warning: tables disappear fast, so reserve ahead unless you’re up for a full-on FOMO meltdown.
Trio
We love a good dose of Hausmannskost (don’t knock it till you try it), and Trio nails it. Tucked away in Mitte, it’s the perfect comfort food spot: think German pickles, potato salad, fried fish, and an unexpectedly great drinks list. Stepping inside feels like walking into a Hopper painting, only everyone’s German, cool, and you leave feeling happier than when you came in.
Stoke
Stoke is all fire and flavor, literally. Everything hits the wood grill, from smoky veg to perfectly charred fish, making it the kind of place you leave smelling faintly of smoke and very, very happy.
Ita Bistro
ITA is a wood-fire bistro in Prenzlauer Berg that feels like a cozy, flavor-forward hug. Think seasonal Latin American plates, tlayudas, grilled corn ravioli, and miso corn butter, all served in a warm space you somehow don’t want to leave. I can’t stop thinking about my dinner there, especially that corn ice cream dessert (yes, corn ice cream), it’s playful comfort with a wink.
Pinci
People-watching is probably one of life’s greatest pleasures, especially when the crowd is hot and the atmosphere is too. Pinci’s terrace gives you just that. Set on a lively corner, the modern Italian serves aperitivo and shareable plates, fitting right into Mitte’s scene-y charm. A personal favourite is the grilled artichoke with mint.
Onette
Onette is the kind of lunch spot that makes you want to linger. Perfect for a midday reset, preferably with a glass of wine you’ll justify as ‘just because’.
Dashi Diner
We <3 a diner just as much as the next person… Going to DASHI feels like eating cartoon food in the best way possible.
Senegambia African Imbiss
The joy about Berlin, you can chase any cuisine, and this place keeps me coming back. Senegambia is a cozy, cash-only West African gem in Kreuzberg where the jollof and sticky-on-the-outside African donuts feel like a warm, familiar hug.
Basmah
A MUST! I frequented Basmah many times during my stay in Berlin, with friends, on a date and solo. They offer traditional Sudanese food that’s both comforting and delicious. They have an amazing tofu pita sandwich with peanut sauce for 5 euro and it’s also open late.
Aleppo Supper Club
Aleppo Supper Club is a Syrian spot in Friedrichshain with homey and gorgeous interiors (pioneered the ‘supper club’)? The mezze and hummus is incredible here and don’t skip the baklava!
Rüyam Kebab
A Döner Kebab in Berlin.
Goldadelux
I got Goldadelux recommended to me by a Berliner I met, and I was truly impressed. It’s a vegetarian snack spot, they serve fresh pita with marinated egg and veggies, among many other tasty things like French toast. It’s an easy spot near Kreuzberg with very friendly staff, too!
Ma-Makan
Ma-Makan brings me right back to the flavors of Singaporean food courts. The Chicken Rice tastes like home—fragrant, comforting, and full of soul. The Kaya Toast is perfectly crisp with that nostalgic sweet pandan spread, and the Lychee Lime Fizz is a refreshing dream. The vibe is super laid-back and unpretentious, with warm service and a simple interior that lets the food do the talking. A real hidden gem in Berlin for Singaporean & Malaysian comfort food.
Saveur de Báhn Mí
Saveur de Bánh Mì was first recommended to me by a friend whose brother worked in the kitchen, and it did not disappoint. The menu keeps it simple: classic Bánh Mì or a vegetarian version. The baguette is perfectly crisp on the outside, warm and soft inside, and packed with flavorful protein and vibrant, fresh herbs. It’s my go-to spot for a quick, satisfying lunch or snack that always hits the spot.
Hamy Cafe
A neighbourhood spot in between Kreuzberg and Neukölln serving up deliciously generous Vietnamese food. The service is fast and great value for the food.
Saigon New
One of Berlin’s true delights is its vast range of authentic cuisine; Indonesian, Turkish, Lebanese, Thai. You name it, and it’s there. Stumbling upon this unassuming Vietnamese eatery by chance, we had the most delicious lunch, for just about €6.00 a dish! The Spring Rolls and Mango Glass-noodle salad were chefs-kiss.
DRINK
Der Reblauser
Some days call for an intimate bar, others for a drink in the park. Der Reblauser offers the best of both. Officially a wine store, they sell bottles at shop prices for you to take home, but also hand you glasses to enjoy right outside, whether that be on their terrace or across the street in the park. Perfect on any occasion, but especially when you’re not sure what the night holds.
SWAY
A bar in Neukölln with an impressive selection of natural wine and delicious snacks. SWAY also prioritises music and sound by showcasing local talent from DJs with great speakers. The atmosphere and interiors are also very cosy and cute.
Villa Neukölln
A great drink spot with more of a casual vibe and great people watching. Villa Neukölln is great for any night of the week and is open late. It also has a great drink selection and live music.
Café Luiza
Dark, sexy, and brutalist, this candle-lit bar is the quintessence of Berlin cool. The cocktails are some of the city’s finest – particularly the gin-basil smash, which is divine. A perfect bar to chill with friends, or impress on a date 😉
Wax On Bar
Such a fun bar!! If you haven’t tried the Miso Sour, you are missing out big time.
Honey Lou Bar
Best described as smooth, warm, and welcoming. Go for the drinks, stay for the people.
Pluto
As they put it: a place to eat and drink from the heart.
PARTY
Berghain/Panorama Bar
We’ll leave it at that.
CAFÉS | BRUNCH
La Maison
Taking over Berlin with already three locations, La Maison is one of those bakeries beloved by many, and understandably so! The staff is friendly, the pastries are delicious (especially the quiche), and the vibe is hot!
Two Trick Pony
Two Trick Pony is simply the perfect brunch spot to go to on a sunny Sunday. Their menu is bright, creative, and so, so comforting. The chargrilled hispi cabbage on toast is to die for! Generous portions, so would recommend sharing (then you can try more of the menu).
Sorrel
Located in Neukölln, Sorrel is an amazing all-day spot for great coffee and brunch with a creative twist. The intimate, stylish interior pairs greatly with a lovely outdoor seating area, ideal for any mood or season (which, as we know, is important given Berlin’s unpredictable weather!).
Albatross
All things bread done right. From beautiful cinnamon buns to soft, doughy focaccia and irressibly tangy sourdough, Albatross is a down-to-earth bakery that never disappoints. I recommend visiting on a sunny day, grabbing both sweet and savory pastries, then taking a lovely stroll through Hasenheide Park all the way to Tempelhofer Feld.
SHOPS
Archangels
My go-to for selected vintage designer clothing in Berlin. It’s small, but expertly curated and is always stocked with amazing pieces. It’s a bit further out of the city but worth the visit. Check their Instagram for their new arrivals!
Ironic Gallery
In the middle of Neukölln, Ironic Gallery is another fabulous shop. This store is like sifting through a friend’s closet with an amazing vintage designer collection. Ironic Gallery is also online and new items are posted on their story, so keep an eye out!
Final Layer
Final Layer is a curated vintage store in Prenzlauer Berg. It’s very sleek and minimalist and also has a great book selection. Their pieces are reasonably priced but the store is worth checking out even to just admire their collection.
Bildband Berlin
Bildband is an independent bookstore also in Prenzlauer Berg that has been running for 10 years. The shop specialises in photography books – you could spend hours in here.
Sing Blackbird
My favorite consignment vintage store in Berlin and an absolute must every time I’m in the city. Sing Blackbird has the sickest curation: think Helmut Lang, Plein Sud, Ann Demeulemeester – but they mix in more affordable gems too. This store perfectly captures Berlin’s effortlessly cool & messy style.
Kryza
Curated vintage in Neukölln, Kryza kills it with their selection. I always seem to score the cutest 2000s pieces whenever I visit, and it’s just tucked into a charming area with lots of cafés and independent shops nearby, making it fabulous for vintage-hopping.
Andreas Murkudis
This concept store feels like a gallery in itself: clean, classy, and sophisticated. Andreas Murkudis blends fashion, fragrance, furniture, and design objects in a beautifully minimalistic space. I like to stop by after visiting the nearby galleries – it’s the perfect way to end a visually inspiring day.
Voo
A cult-favourite concept store with a great section! P.S. Treat yourself to a little pick me up at their café.
HARDT
Think racks on racks of 90s–00s gems. With an abundance of clean tailoring, great denim, and statement leather.
SLINA
Another amazing vintage store…
STAYS
Michelberger
Sexy, bold, and pulsing with life; The very same spirit of Friedrichshain courses through the walls of Michelberger, the hotel at its beating heart.
The glowing neon sign reads as a daring invitation. Come sink into the low-slung lobby cushions, grab a book from the metal shelves, or just stay for the night (or two). It’s clear that designers Sigurd Larsen and Jonathan Tuckey revamped it with a playful eye for detail, whilst preserving the original charm of what used to be an old factory.
With its quarterly newspaper, newly opened cinema, and a courtyard that feels more like your coolest friends’ garden, Michelberger is the kind of place where you come for a bed, and stay for the soul.
Telegraphenamt
Ever wanted to feel like royalty? Checking into Telegraphenamt is about as close as it gets. With its soaring ceilings, grand dining hall, and stately stone facades, the Hotel channels the same energy as its surrounding landmarks—so much so it could easily be mistaken for one of them.
The former post-office stands proudly in the historic centre, just a stone’s throw away from Berlin’s museum island, KW institute, and Monbijoupark.
Once inside, you get greeted with kindness and comfort. The rooms are moody,the king size bed is plush, and the rainfall shower makes even the quickest rinse feel like a spa sesh. For a moment, you’re not just visiting Berlin. You’re part of it.
CULTURE
Boros Collection
Built to provide shelter during WWII, later transformed into a nightclub, and now home to contemporary art, ’Boros Collection’ is arguably one of the most unique and historically rich spaces of Berlin’s vivid art scene. The intimate, appointment-only tour shows you around the building and its current exhibition, whilst simultaneously serving as a history lesson about the city’s turbulent past— which ranges, truly, from parties- to politics.
Botanical Garden
Berlin and its partyscene have a way of pulling you into long nights, making wholesome day trips all the more essential. Introduced to me by my dear friend Eliza and just a 20-minute drive from the city centre, Berlin’s Botanical Garden was the perfect retreat! The garden’s stunning Greenhouse is home to 20,000 plant species, and the surrounding garden covers a whopping 42 hectares of vegetation from all around the world. Perfect to reconnect with nature after a heavy night out! (as in my case).
Gropius Bau
Dedicated solely to temporary exhibitions, Gropius Bau sets itself apart as one of Berlin’s leading art institutions without having a permanent collection.
The building itself is considered one of germany’s most beautiful historic buildings, and has hosted works by Louise Bourgeois, Ai Weiwei, and Anish Kapoor.
Neue Nationalgalerie
Neue Nationalgalerie opened in 1968 and is a contemporary art museum exhibiting 20th-century works with a very interesting history. The architecture of the building itself warrants a visit. Neue Nationalgalerie has rotating exhibitions but also a very amazing permanent collection.
James Turrell Chapel
Immersive, transient, and meditative is the only way to put it. Go.
Galerie Max Hetzler Tiergarten
A high-ceilinged space flooded with natural light, this Tiergarten outpost of Galerie Max Hetzler showcases contemporary art in a setting that feels more like a museum than a traditional gallery. The minimal, industrial architecture gives each exhibition room to breathe, elevating both German avant-garde and international artists.
See you in the next city!
Xx Aa
