Berlin is a city where grit and elegance live side by side; the past and future coexist in every corner. Between minimalist cafés and historic cobblestones, between raw studios and polished galleries, Berlin is a city of contradictions that somehow feel effortless together.
It’s a place that rewards curiosity. A walk through its streets reveals design studios tucked behind courtyards, independent roasters beside century-old bakeries, and creative spaces that blur the line between art and everyday life. This City Guide gathers the places that reflect Berlin’s spirit: authentic, original, and undeniably Berlin.
Neue Nationalgalerie
Potsdamer Straße 50 – Tiergarten
Mies van der Rohe’s modernist masterpiece. The architecture alone is worth the visit, a study in proportion, light, and simplicity.
König Galerie
Alexandrinenstraße 118–121 – Kreuzberg
A converted Brutalist church turned gallery, housing contemporary art and cultural events that capture Berlin’s creative pulse.
C/O Berlin
Hardenbergstraße 22–24 – Charlottenburg
A temple for photography and visual culture. From icons to emerging talent, it’s where Berlin’s visual identity continues to evolve.
Sohnemann Bar
Niederbarnimstraße 23 – Friedrichshain
A neighbourhood gem with understated charm. Sohnemann Bar crafts cocktails with unexpected ingredients, infusions of herbs, seasonal fruits, and house-made syrups that balance precision with creativity. Dim lights, good music, and a quiet confidence make it the perfect spot to end an evening in Friedrichshain.
Orangerie Neukölln
Schierker Straße 8 – Neukölln
A hidden gem surrounded by greenery and soft light. Orangerie Neukölln serves botanical cocktails made with citrus, herbs, and seasonal ingredients in a calm, design-led setting. The atmosphere feels effortlessly balanced — relaxed, refined, and quietly creative.
EKŌ Bar
Wühlischstraße 28 – Friedrichshain
A sleek yet welcoming cocktail bar with a Japanese influence. EKŌ focuses on precision — from carefully balanced flavour profiles to minimalist presentation. Ingredients are fresh, techniques exact, and every drink feels quietly considered. A calm refuge for those who appreciate craftsmanship over noise.
Coccodrillo
Veteranenstraße 9 – Mitte
A bold mix of 80s nostalgia and modern Italian flair. Coccodrillo feels like a scene straight out of Milan — colourful, playful, and full of energy. Expect perfectly al dente pasta, vibrant cocktails, and a lively crowd that lingers long after dinner.
Paolo Pinkel
Karl-Marx-Straße 55 – Neukölln
Part art space, part restaurant, and entirely Berlin. Paolo Pinkel brings together a rotating lineup of chefs serving global street food in an industrial setting filled with art, neon, and character. Eclectic yet effortless — the kind of place where dinner naturally turns into drinks and conversation stretches late into the night.
Tucker Brunch Bar
Wühlischstraße 1 – Friedrichshain
A laid-back Australian-style brunch spot that captures Berlin’s slow weekend rhythm. Bright interiors, friendly service, and a menu built around seasonal produce and bold flavours; from avocado toast to shakshuka and signature flat whites.
