Berlin is a city with a rich political history that is reflected in its infrastructure, architecture, and overall vibe. When the Berlin Wall came down in 1989, an explosion of art, music, and culture emerged during the reunification of East and West creating the Berlin that so many people love today. A Berlin where anything goes, the 24-hour nightlife is the norm, and an alternative, anarchist, creative spirit fills every street corner. Fun fact: Berlin is also the city Hilah lived in when she dreamed up the idea of Spoak.
Essentially, Berlin is a place that contains multitudes. It’s a place that is continually growing and evolving, and new places are always opening up. It’s up to you to choose your own adventure when you visit — but here are a few recommendations to start you off.
A hip jungle-themed hotel with a wide range of room types (and rates). It's got hostel vibes without being a hostel. There are lots of common spaces great for co-working and a rooftop restaurant and bar. And yes, that is indeed an indoor hammock.
Have you ever wanted to cross off “stay in an architecture museum” from your list? Well, now you can! Designed by Bruno Taut, this rentable museum gives you a glimpse into true 1920s design history.
If you’re looking for a bit more of a grown-up place to stay, try Orania. It’s a luxury boutique hotel in Kreuzberg with a popular restaurant (one person I know called it “the best meal she’d had in continental Europe”) and live music.
Ora has an undeniable charm. Located in a former pharmacy, the restaurant maintained many of the original characteristics of the building, including walls full of pharmacy cabinets and antique lighting fixtures. Worth stopping in for a drink at the cocktail bar just to see the interior.
The pastries and bread are some of the best in the city and super emblematic of a certain type of fermented sourdough bread you’ll find throughout Berlin — but be forewarned, they only have drip coffee. No espresso drinks in sight.
A small plates restaurant and wine bar, and my go-to for a date night. Be sure to reserve in advance — the place is small, and reservations fill up quickly!
A market hall originally built in 1891 (!) that’s been in continuous operation for over a decade. This is perfect for first-time visitors to Berlin who want to get a feel for the local food scene.
Brutalism at its finest, from architect and urban development visionary, Arno Brandlhuber.
The literal architecture of this building is a work of art in and of itself, but wait until you see the inside.
For lovers of European & American 20th-century art. Pro-tip: Don't skip out on the sculpture garden.
On Sundays, most stores in Berlin are closed, but Berlin is FULL of great flea markets that operate on Sundays. This market has great vintage clothes, furniture, home goods, vinyl, books, and other odds and ends.
One of the Spoakier places in Berlin, you can shop and eat at Hallesches Haus. The General Store has a curated selection of home goods that make for perfect gifts or souvenirs. You decide!
Great place to head after grabbing a pastry at SOFI. Full of indie magazines and coffee-table books (dream!).
Walking in here feels like entering a museum. They embrace the industrial interior design choices you’ll find throughout Berlin. The prices are high, but the merch is stunning.
If we could have a uniform to wear forever, we'd choose it from NEUZWEI. And when you check out their inventory, you'll see why.
The Good Store focuses on high-end secondhand clothing. It's highly curated and one of our favorite vintage shops in Berlin for finding brands like Acne Studios, Dries van Noten, Supreme, and more.
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