Maybe you just moved to Berlin and are now looking for less touristy things to do, or maybe you can’t stand techno and clubbing and are at a loss of how to spend your time in the gray drab city, or maybe, just maybe, you moved here a while ago but have since grown disenchanted with all that Berlin supposedly has to offer; Festival of Lights? Been there, done that. East Side Gallery? Yawn. Brandenburger Tor? Big deal. Mustafa’s Kebab? Overrated.
If any of that painfully resonated with you, the following list will hopefully serve as a reminder that Berlin still has PLENTY of amazing offerings regardless of your hobbies or interests, (yes, even if you happen to hate techno and/or wearing leather collars.) Word of caution though – due to the volatility of any capital city, especially one as flaky as Berlin, the following suggestions are subject to change at a moment’s notice.. Make sure you double check opening times with a local or *gasp* even call the place yourself and make sure they are still thriving before you show up.
Berlin Foodies
Everyone who moves here from another country loves to complain about how Berlin lacks a decent restaurant from their home city/country. I am guilty of this exact thing. When I first moved to Berlin I used to complain often about how Berlin was seriously lacking decent tacos, and I tried many. The wet tortilla would collapse before I had a chance to stuff the soupy vegan taco into my mouth. FAIL.
On the plus side I learned how to make pretty decent Mexican food on my own (Shoutout to Mira, the Latin American grocery store in Kreuzberg). Since the 9 years I’ve been here though, there have been a few Mexican places that are worthy of mentioning (that or my tastebuds are just desperate for flavor of any kind.) Either way, I will share them below as well as a few other cuisines that were given the stamp of approval from a real live person hailing from that country.
Mexican Taco
Oh La Queca in Neukölln is the closest thing I’ve gotten to delicioso Mexican food in Berlin. I am from Arizona which means I am used to Sonoran style comida, but this restaurant that serves Mexico City style fare usually does the trick when I’m missing home.
Honorable mentions
The tacos at Taquería El Oso in Prenzlauer Berg pack a good punch. I’m a big fan of their tortilla chips as well.
Spanish Tapas
According to a real live Spanish person, the most authentic Spanish Tapas place is El Pepe in Wedding. Apparently this place feels like it was made for Spanish people living in Berlin and not for Germans who go to Mallorca on vacation. Try the croquetas!
Honorable mentions
el Borriquito in Charlottenburg which is more of a restaurant than a Tapas Bar, but apparently the prices are fair and the atmosphere is cozy. They are also open very late (5am on the weekends, 3am weekdays).
Alaska Bar -though not “authentic” this tapas bar is a great choice for the Vegans in the crowd as all the dishes are plant based.
Brazilian Black Bean Stew
Craving some Feijoada (or Black Bean Stew), Brazilians? Apparently you have to head to either Tapiocaria or Cafe Mori (although a few people said Tapiocaria is slightly overpriced.) If you are in the “poor but sexy” category head to Cafe Mori instead.
Honorable mention
There is a monthly one at Raum Schwalbe that people are raving about. Let us know in the comments if it’s worth a trip.
Turkish Kumpir
One of my absolute favorite places to eat in Berlin is Çarik Kuruyemiş. I have to be honest, I’ve neer been to Turkey and have no idea how it compares to a traditional kumpir (large baked potato piled with a variety of toppings) but this one is so delicious and fairly priced. You also get to put as many toppings as you want without any additional charge. If you are vegan or lactose intolerant make sure to ask for a vegan potato as they typically mix the potato with cheese before asking what toppings you like. They have plenty of vegan friendly toppings as well.
Tamales
Tamales are hard to come by in Berlin, but if you are craving a masa masterpiece, the tamales at Varadero, a dive bar/Cuban restaurant in Schöneberg, are top notch. The beans and yucca are also yummy and worth ordering.
Berlin Bookworms
If books are your thing, you are going to LOVE this city.
To borrow:
The libraries are plentiful and it only costs ~10 Euros per year to be a member which allows you to check out books from all the libraries as well as access their huge digital library through the Libby app. On the Libby app you can also check out magazines, audiobooks, eBooks, and even text books.
To buy:
The bookshop Another Country is not only a magical store but also a library! Most books can be «purchased» for a small cost. Afterward, you can then return the book and get most of that cost back, or you can keep it, of course. Another Country also acts as a community center and regularly hosts events and activities.
Honorable Mentions:
- St George English bookshop in Pberg is another bookstore that allows you to sell back your purchased books once you’ve finished.
- SheSaid is a bookstore for female and queer authors. They also have a cozy cafe in the shop and regularly host community events.
- Keep a look out for Bücherboxes aka telephone booths piled with books aka mini libraries scattered throughout the city. Like what you see? Take a book. Making space for more room on your shelf? Leave a book.
Sporty Berliners
Self-defense
Want to learn how to kick some A#$? Pretty Deadly Self Defense will teach you all you need to know and then some. The moves are paired with easy to remember phrases like “cup of coffee” so you can easily recall them should you ever need to defend yourself from a controller on the U8 (kidding of course!)
https://prettydeadlyselfdefense.com/
Surfing
When you tell your roommates you are going surfing in Berlin they will probably assume you’re going to some pick up bar for the evening and tell you to use protection. Little do most Berliners know however, that there is an actual facility where you can learn to surf in water in the city limits and it’s called Wellenwerk. I haven’t been there myself but it looks fun as heck!
https://wellenwerk-berlin.de/en/
Dose of Pleasure
This is another fun activity to name drop because your roommates will assume you are on your way to a fetish party and might even ask to join. During the pandemic when clubs were closed, Alvin Collantes a trained Gaga dancer, accidentally started a “movement” movement when he began throwing popup dance parties in Tempelhofer Feld as a way to breathe some fresh air and share the magic of a dancefloor with his dance loving peers. Since then it’s gained a lot more followers, and is now a kooky sober dance floor movement, meditation activation and one of my favorite activities to do in Berlin. Alvin usually hosts monthly events indoors during the colder months but the absolute best ones are on the Feld in the summer!! Don’t miss out.
https://www.instagram.com/dose.of.pleasure/
Honorable Mentions
Drag Energy Workshops of Fitness classes – Curious about how to walk in high heels? Interested in burning some calories while simultaneously building a natural looking BBL? Check out Jay Barry Matthews AKA JAZBAZMAZ’s wide array of drag empowerment workshops. Depending on the workshop, catwalk, or fitness class, Jay usually has a variety of high heels in a variety of sizes that you can borrow, or you can bring some of your own. He’s been a drag queen for 27 years so trust that he knows a thing or two about slinging some sass, sweetie.
https://www.instagram.com/jazbazmaz/?hl=en
https://www.dragenergy.com/
Live Music Lovers
Jazz lovers unite
Donau115 is a cozy jazz bar in Neukölln that delivers a wide variety of live jazz acts in an intimate setting. When you first enter (especially if you arrive during a set) it sort of feels like you’ve awkwardly wandered into a friend of a friend’s crowded living room and there is nowhere to sit but before you can start planning your exit, the avant garde sounds start tickling your earbuds and distract you from any social anxiety that had been previously brewing. You soon find your way to the bar, order a bier vom fass, and dreamily get lost in the music in the best possible way.
https://www.instagram.com/donau115/?hl=en
Classical music enthusiasts
Are you a fan of classical music but not a fan of the high ticket prices? Between September and June, the Philharmonie offers free lunchtime classical music concerts every Wednesday. Yes, you read that right, it is FREE. Experienced musicians will perform 30-40 minute sets to classy Berliners on a budget. Info:
https://www.berliner-philharmoniker.de/en/concerts/lunch-concerts/
Sauna
Berlin is typically cold and gray so it makes sense that one of Berliners’ favorite pastimes is stripping down naked and sweating together in a cramped hot space, especially when that space smells like Eucalyptus Aufguss. If you’ve been in Berlin more than a week you’ve probably heard of Vabali and LiquidRom, but you might not have heard of Sweet and Sweat yet, a yurt sauna tucked away in Kreuzkölln. I highly recommend checking it out while you can – there are rumors it won’t be allowed to exist much longer.
Honorable mentions:
Badedampfer has created a genius company where you can float in a tub with your friends down the Spree. I haven’t tried it yet, but it’s got to be the best way to impress your latest Bumble match I can imagine.
In conclusion
Berlin, often renowned for its mainstream attractions, offers a treasure trove of experiences beyond the typical tourist hotspots. Whether you’re a culinary explorer seeking diverse flavors, a bookworm delving into the city’s literary wonders, a sporty adventurer embracing unique activities, or a lover of live music and cultural experiences, Berlin has something for everyone.
For the Berlin foodies, the city surprises with authentic Mexican delights at Oh La Queca in Neukölln, Spanish tapas perfection at El Pepe in Wedding, Brazilian black bean stew at Tapiocaria or Cafe Mori, Turkish kumpir excellence at Çarik Kuruyemiş, and top-notch tamales at Varadero in Schöneberg.
Bookworms will find solace in Berlin’s rich literary scene, with affordable library memberships granting access to a vast array of books through libraries and digital platforms like Libby. Unique bookshops like Another Country and St George English Bookshop offer a magical experience, allowing readers to purchase and return books while fostering a sense of community.
Sporty Berliners can explore self-defense with Pretty Deadly Self Defense, catch a wave at Wellenwerk for surfing enthusiasts, or experience the eccentric Dose of Pleasure movement meditation activation by Alvin Collantes on Tempelhofer Feld. Honorable mentions include Drag Energy workshops and fitness classes led by Jay Barry Matthews.
Live music lovers can revel in the cozy jazz ambiance at Donau115 in Neukölln or enjoy free lunchtime classical music concerts at the Philharmonie from September to June. For those seeking warmth in Berlin’s chilly climate, Sweet and Sweat, a yurt sauna in Kreuzkölln, provides a unique and cozy experience, complemented by Badedampfer’s floating tubs on the Spree.
However, it’s crucial to note the dynamic nature of Berlin’s offerings, with recommendations subject to change. So, whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned resident, embrace the vibrant and ever-evolving facets of Berlin beyond the well-trodden paths, and you’ll discover the city’s true charm.
