24 hours in Berlin: the best tips
Berlin in 24 hours? Almost impossible. After all, the German capital is full of hip restaurants, cool bars, a gigantic cultural offer, great celebration locations and plenty of hotspots. That said, we've taken a foray into the capital city: we're giving business travelers who have 24 hours left in the most beautiful of capitals a few tips on how to make their time in Berlin extra special…
Hotel – Unconventional Perfection
Admittedly: In Berlin, outstanding hotels are lined up one after the other. Nevertheless, it is not difficult to highlight one in particular among them. We are talking about Das Stue. In the former Danish embassy, the guest now resides in the midst of the unconventional and at the same time coherent concept. From the elegant, neoclassical entrance hall to exquisite artwork and fluffy long-pile carpets in the rooms, everything fits together perfectly here. We visited the design hotel at the Tiergarten not far from the zoo – and got a little goosebumps. Whether hipster, banker, tourist, business traveler or state guest, guests rarely say a bad word about the boutique hotel and unanimously praise its high-class interior. In addition, the hotel has an excellent restaurant and one of the best day spas in Berlin.
The Stue. Address: Drakestraße 1, 10787 Berlin. Tel.: 0049 30 3117220
Restaurant – Brutally local in Berlin
“Brutally local” – that's the motto of the Michelin-starred restaurant Nobelhart& Dirty. It is one of the best restaurants in Berlin and for good reason: owner Billy Wagner created together with Chef de Cuisine Micha Schäfer a restaurant that is unparalleled in Berlin. There are no tables in the classic sense, instead guests gather around the kitchen at a large wooden counter. If you like, you can bring your own wine (better choice: get advice from Wagner's 600 lots). It may be dined with the hands, but not chosen: Because the ten-course menu is set in advance (unless you're vegetarian or vegan, in which case the guest should indicate this in advance when making the reservation). So: In the Nobelhart& Dirty is eaten, what comes on the table – or rather – what comes on the counter. And it tastes very good!
Nobelhart& Dirty. Address: Friedrichstraße 218, 10969 Berlin, Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 18:30. Tel.: 030 25940610
Bar – High drinking culture in Tiergarten
In the Victoria Bar, for a change, a woman proves that the bar trade is not only in men's hands. Beate Hindemann – the “first lady of the Berlin bar scene” – opened her famous retro-style lounge bar together with Stefan Weber in early 2000. Since then, exceptionally good cocktails are served in the Victoria Bar. Loyal regulars stop in here as well as many curious first-time visitors. Even the New York Times praised it: “Looks like a setting for Mad Men – but it's a real place by real bartenders for real drinkers!” We have nothing to add to this.
Victoria Bar. Address: Potsdamer Strasse 102, 10785 Berlin, Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday: 18:30 to 03:00, Friday& Saturday: 18:30 until 04:00.
© House of Weekend
Celebrate – Above the rooftops of the city
Located directly on Alexanderplatz and therefore a popular destination for tourists, the House of Weekend club on the top floors of the Haus der Reisen has more to offer than just its central location: not only since the major renovation in 2014 and the reopening in a modern design, the House of Weekend presents itself as a somewhat chicer and more sedate alternative to the many charmingly grungy underground clubs in the city – and the roof terrace alone, 60 meters above the ground, is worth a visit.
House of Weekend. Address: Alexanderstraße 7, 10178 Berlin, Opening hours: Friday to Sunday: 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m
Shopping – Double shopping happiness
Prêt-à-porter, macarons and champagne: the unbeatably elegant Galeries Lafayette, whose German offshoot is located on the Friedrichstrasse promenade, has been a magnet for tourists and Berliners alike since it opened in 1996. The major French and international brands can be found here on the various floors. The centerpiece of the department store is a glass funnel that peaks in the basement and opens wide to the first floor. Especially impressive: A large selection of cheeses, macarons, quiche, baguettes, wine and other delicacies await the visitor. And: by the way, here you can also get the best sushi in the city! So if you ever want to take a quick lunch break in the shopping frenzy…
Galeries Lafayette. Address: Französische Straße 23, 10117 Berlin
Originally, the Bikini Haus next to the Zoo-Palast cinema was a lackluster building built in the 1950s, which in recent decades more and more decayed and housed only a few snack bars and junk stores. Now the concept shopping mall brings a lot of coolness to the city west. Urban and hip brands like Mykita, Makrönchen, Samsøe& Samsøe, BAM Berlin and Groove Fashion have their stores here. Visitors can also buy goodies from Kusmi Tea or Lakrids here.
Bikini Berlin. Address: Budapester Str. 38-50, 10787 Berlin
Art& History – Walking along the Wall
In spring 1990, shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall, over 100 international artists painted this section of the Wall. 106 paintings and the East Side Gallery were created. By the way, it is a listed building, which nevertheless didn't stop many people from scribbling personal dedications on the pictures and keeps them from doing so. How the Berliner keeps it: Get a drink and a snack at the nearest “Späti” and just go for a walk or take a seat on the lawn at the riverside, with the East Side Gallery behind you – with a view of the Oberbaum Bridge.
Address: Muhlenstrasse, 10243 Berlin
For free – relax in the Tiergarten or karaoke in Mauerpark
What Central Park is to New Yorkers, Tiergarten is to Berliners. Three kilometers wide and one kilometer deep, the Tiergarten looks like a small island. It can be jogged, skated, grilled or simply relaxed.
Address: Street of the 17. June 31, 10785 Berlin
In good weather, over 1000 music enthusiasts gather every Sunday from 2 p.m. for a little karaoke in Mauerpark. The event is organized by karaoke nomad Joe Hatchiban – a spontaneous idea finally turned into a tradition that is more than just well received. Especially the pleasant and relaxed atmosphere ensures that the park is always well filled on Sunday afternoons.
Address: Gleimstraße 55, 10437 Berlin
Must-Do – Experience Berlin by water
Who would have thought it: Berlin has more bridges than Venice. Also, because the Spree with its many water arms winds through every part of the city. And so there are all kinds of boat rentals in the capital. But perhaps the most beautiful way to experience Berlin by water is by Venetian boat limousine, called Bellini. Up to ten people can sit on it. But the most romantic is to experience the exploration tour in a Bellini boat privately as a couple. The most diverse tours through the capital are offered here. Drinks and snacks are also on board. And with a glass of champagne, Berlin is a great place to be on the water.
Further information under Schoeneschiffe.Berlin. Tel.: 0049 30 6109 6002
Insider Tip in Summer – Regent Summer Lounge Orange
The Regent is without question one of the finest business hotels in Berlin. But what many (including Berliners) do not know: In summer, the venerable hotel transforms into a small, secret in-location. Once you have crossed the lobby, the tasteful Summer Lounge Orange opens up in the courtyard. Surrounded by palm trees, orange trees and lavender bushes, guests can refresh themselves with an outstanding cocktail or a homemade iced tea. Wonderful!