Europe's second-largest city can be found in Germany: Berlin it is! A major cultural city, the metropolis is known for its highly developed museums and art exhibitions and lends itself perfectly to a city trip. As far as we are concerned, no European city is as diverse as Berlin, which is why Bazaar shares the most special museums, restaurants, hotels and sights for a successful trip east.
Berlin hotspots
Soho House Berlin - a private member's club, hotel, spa, restaurant and gym all in one - is located in Mitte. The eight-storey Bauhaus building houses sixty hotel rooms and twenty flats, all uniquely decorated in the Neue Sachlichkeit (New Objectivity) style by architects Georg Bauer and Siegfried Friedlander. Not to mention the rooftop terrace, equipped with a beautiful pool with volcanic stone and insane views.
The lofts are suitable for long and short stays, and suitable for throwing a party - the DJ decks are ready. And if that's not enough, you'll feast your eyes throughout Soho House Berlin thanks to the extraordinary art collection - including works by Damien Hirst, Claudia Comte,Kimberly Klauss, Nicole Wermers and many others. In short: this is where you want to go.
Even as a non-member, you can book a room.
If you love Thai as well as haute cuisine, Kin Dee is the right place. The food is sustainable, beautifully served, and contains flavours you have never tasted before. The Financial Times has declared this restaurant a must-visit in Berlin, and you know it: reservations are a must.
The interior is beautiful and the food is delicious at restaurant Reinstoff. There is a choice of two menus: regionally inspired dishes or an international menu. Top chef Daniel Achilles conjures it up in front of you, but whatever you choose: the food is heavenly.
The historic Art Nouveau buildings housing theatres, fashion houses and a cinema are the ideal starting point on a rainy day. Add to that the terraces (on a sunny day) of the catering establishments in the courtyards and you'll easily entertain yourself for an afternoon.
This hotel is so beautiful that it is almost a sin to go outside and explore the city. Designer Werner Aisslinger was inspired by the jungle and it shows in every room. The literal highlight is the Monkey Bar on the top floor with a 360-degree roof terrace.
On weekdays and Saturdays, the park is not much, but on Sundays the Mauerpark turns into a flea market during the day and a festival ground at night. Score the best bargains and hidden gems at one of the stalls: vintage furniture, second-hand clothes or a good old LP.
Near the Mauerpark you will find Café Krone: the ultimate place to take a break after scoring vintage treasures. A good cappuccino and a richly filled sandwich so you can move on afterwards.
The big park in the heart of Berlin: Tiergarten Park. The park lends itself perfectly to a cycling or walking tour for those who have had enough of the hustle and bustle of a big city. Combine a visit to Tiergarten Park with one of the many sights around the park, such as Potsdamer Platz. Or stroll from the famous shopping street Friedrichstraße along the Spree to the park.
Typical Berlin, that Monbijou Park. This is mainly because of its relaxed atmosphere: everywhere through the park you can sit on beach chairs or bring your own rug. Buskers, beers and boats full of tourists cruising the Spree: that's all you need for a pleasant summer afternoon.
This haute cuisine restaurant combines good food with good music. Every Friday and Saturday night, a DJ comes to play and takes your dinner to the next level.
No need to leave your hotel: organic meals with fresh local ingredients are prepared in Michelberger Hotel's own restaurant, the interior is modern and creative and when you are ready to relax, feel free to grab a book in the café-bar. Live music? Check. Good location? Check, near the East Side Gallery after all.
Whether you like museums or not, the Museumsinsel with its imposing buildings is definitely worth a visit. But of course the real aficionado simply visits one of the five museums: Alte Nationalgalerie, Altes Museum, Bode-Museum, Neues Museum and Pergamonmuseum. Besides these museums, Berlin Cathedral is also located on Museum Island.