Travel

Ah, Berlin—a city where history whispers from every cobblestone, art is a way of life, and the culinary scene is as dynamic as its storied past. It's a place that effortlessly blends the old with the new, offering a tapestry of experiences that are both rich and diverse. So, let's embark on a journey through this vibrant metropolis, savouring its finest offerings with a touch of that signature Jonathon Hawes wit.

Berlin is the cool girl of Europe—effortlessly stylish, endlessly interesting, and completely unbothered by what anyone else is doing. It’s a city that doesn’t just welcome individuality—it demands it. One moment, you’re in a centuries-old beer hall, and the next, you’re in a techno club that doesn’t even have a sign. It’s a place where history isn’t tucked away in museums, but part of everyday life, and where luxury isn’t about five-star hotels (though, of course, they exist), but about finding beauty in the unexpected.And if you leave Berlin feeling like you’ve only scratched the surface? You have. But that just means you’ll have to come back.

Where to Stay: 5 Exceptional Hotels

Waldorf Astoria Berlin – Fans of the flagship Waldorf Astoria New York will feel right at home in this Berlin outpost, set in an elegant skyscraper in City West and just around the corner from the exclusive shopping boulevard Kurfürstendamm (Ku’damm). Rooms are seriously big—starting at 452 square feet—and large marble bathrooms have separate tubs and showers in every category.
Chateau Royal Berlin – Located in the heart of the city’s central Mitte district, just steps from the Brandenburg Gate, Chateau Royal offers intimate proportions and a contemporary sensibility.
KPM Hotel & Residences – This hotel offers a blend of modern design and comfort, providing a serene retreat amidst the city’s hustle and bustle.
Sir Savigny Hotel – Nestled in the artistic neighbourhood of Charlottenburg, this boutique hotel exudes a bohemian charm, with individually designed rooms and a cozy library bar.
Hotel Oderberger – Housed in a historic building with a stunning indoor pool, this hotel combines architectural beauty with modern amenities, making it a unique choice for travellers.

Where to Shop: Premier Shopping Areas

Berlin offers a plethora of shopping experiences, from luxury boutiques to vintage treasures:

Kurfürstendamm (Ku’damm): Often dubbed the “Champs-Élysées of Berlin,” this boulevard is lined with high-end stores, designer boutiques, and department stores.
Friedrichstraße: A blend of luxury and tradition, this street offers a mix of upscale shops and historic landmarks.
Hackescher Market: Located in the Mitte district, this area is known for its independent boutiques, local designers, and vibrant street art.
Mauerpark Flea Market: For those seeking vintage finds and unique souvenirs, this Sunday market is a treasure trove.
Bikini Berlin: A concept mall that combines shopping with art installations, offering a curated selection of brands and pop-up stores.

Where to Eat: 5 Quintessential German Restaurants

To truly savor Berlin, one must indulge in its traditional German cuisine. Here are five establishments that offer an authentic taste of Germany:

Maximilians Berlin – Located near Friedrichstraße, this restaurant offers Bavarian specialties in a cozy, rustic setting.
Zur Letzten Instanz – Established in 1621, it’s Berlin’s oldest restaurant, serving classic dishes like Eisbein (pork knuckle) and Sauerbraten.
Marjellchen – Specializing in East Prussian cuisine, this family-run establishment offers hearty dishes in a warm, nostalgic atmosphere.
Engelbecken – Known for its organic ingredients, this restaurant serves traditional German fare with a modern twist.
Weihenstephaner Berlin – Offering Bavarian dishes and beers from the world’s oldest brewery, it’s a must-visit for those seeking an authentic experience.

Best Beer Halls

No visit to Berlin is complete without experiencing its legendary beer culture. Here are some top beer halls to raise a stein:

Hofbräu Berlin – A slice of Munich in the capital, this expansive hall offers traditional Bavarian brews, hearty dishes, and live music.
Prater Garten – Established in 1837, it’s Berlin’s oldest beer garden, offering a serene outdoor setting under chestnut trees.
Brauhaus Lemke – With multiple locations, this brewery offers a variety of craft beers brewed on-site, paired with German pub fare.
Vagabund Brauerei – A microbrewery in the Wedding district, known for its innovative brews and cozy atmosphere.
Eschenbräu – Tucked away in a residential area, this brewery offers a range of beers and a charming beer garden.

Best Nightlife Spots

Berlin’s nightlife is legendary, offering something for every nocturnal adventurer:

Berghain/Panorama Bar – Often hailed as the world’s best nightclub, it’s a techno mecca with an unparalleled sound system.
Watergate – Located along the Spree River, this club boasts floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views and a lineup of top DJs.
Clärchens Ballhaus – A historic dance hall offering live music, dance lessons, and a nostalgic ambiance.
Sisyphos – An eclectic club with a festival-like atmosphere, featuring multiple dance floors and outdoor spaces.
Kater Blau – A riverside club known for its whimsical decor and diverse music selection.

Top Bakeries

Start your day with freshly baked delights from some of Berlin’s finest bakeries:

Zeit für Brot – Renowned for its cinnamon rolls and organic bread, this bakery is a favorite among locals.
Bäckerei Siebert -Berlin’s oldest bakery, in operation since 1906, and still churning out some of the best loaves and pastries in the city
Konditorei Buchwald – Famous for its Baumkuchen (a layered “tree cake” that’s a German specialty), this family-run bakery has been perfecting its craft since 1852.
Albatross Bakery – A hip Neukölln favorite, blending French pastry techniques with German ingredients. Their croissants? Sublime.
Bekarei – A little slice of heaven for lovers of traditional German baked goods, including pretzels, strudels, and Berliner Pfannkuchen (yes, the doughnut JFK famously mispronounced).

5-Day Berlin Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Classic Berlin

Check into Waldorf Astoria or Chateau Royal.
Wander the historic streets of Mitte, stopping for coffee at The Barn.
Visit Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag Building (book a tour for the glass dome!).
Dinner at Zur Letzten Instanz—because your first meal in Berlin must be classic German.
Nightcap at Hemingway Bar, because why not start with a sophisticated cocktail?

Day 2: Museums & Shopping

Breakfast at Zeit für Brot—order everything.
Spend the morning on Museum Island, taking in the Pergamon and Neues Museum.
Head to Friedrichstraße and Kurfürstendamm for shopping (or just some window-browsing and espresso stops).
Lunch at Maximilians Berlin—because if you haven’t had pork knuckle yet, now’s the time.
Cocktails at Monkey Bar, watching the sun set over the Berlin Zoo.
Dinner at Kantýna, where you’ll experience some of the best grilled meats in Berlin.

Day 3: Art, Charlottenburg & Beer Halls

Morning stroll in Charlottenburg, coffee at Albatross Bakery.
Visit Charlottenburg Palace, Berlin’s most opulent royal residence.
Lunch at Engelbecken, because classic German comfort food just hits differently after a morning of history.
An afternoon spent gallery-hopping in Kreuzberg, with a stop at Berlinische Galerie.
A beer (or three) at Prater Garten—a must for anyone wanting the true beer hall experience.
Dinner at Weihenstephaner Berlin, because what pairs better with a full-bodied Bavarian beer than bratwurst?

Day 4: Alternative Berlin & Nightlife

Breakfast at Bekarei, because one more pastry can’t hurt.
Explore East Side Gallery, the longest remaining stretch of the Berlin Wall, now covered in murals.
Check out the boutiques and vintage shops in Hackescher Markt.
Lunch at Eschenbräu, with a proper German beer to accompany it.
An afternoon in Kreuzberg, visiting Markthalle Neun for gourmet street food and shopping for Berlin-made goods.
Dinner at KRO Kitchen, a little modern, a little rustic, and very delicious.
Head to Berghain (if you can get in) or Watergate for a night of electronic music and pure Berlin energy.

Day 5: Relax & Indulge

Slow breakfast at Konditorei Buchwald, because a slice of Baumkuchen is an acceptable way to start the day.
A leisurely stroll through Tiergarten, Berlin’s most beautiful park.
One last meal at Marjellchen, savoring every last bite of classic Prussian cuisine.
Final drink at Sisyphos, or, if you’d rather keep it chic, The Curtain Club at the Ritz-Carlton.