Berlin is a city famed for its edgy vibes, underground sub-cultures, and quirky energy. However, Germany’s capital still possesses a wealth of cultural richness and historic classicism to remind us of the city as it was centuries ago.
In this Culture & Classics Weekend Travel Guide to Berlin, I focus on places in Berlin that still offer a sense of classic European grandeur reminiscent of pre-war times. Below you will find a range of ideas and suggestions for a weekend in the city, with history, culture, and quality at the forefront of my requirements for recommendation. Scroll down for my detailed list on where to stay, what to do, and where to drink and dine. For each recommendation, I have included links to both the establishments’ website and google maps. I hope you enjoy Berlin!
– Where To Stay In Berlin –
Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin
Waking up at the Adlon, a glimmering view of the Brandenburg Gate just outside your window, is like waking up in the midst of history itself. Standing at the edge of Pariser Platz, the Hotel Adlon is at the heart of Berlin. Since first opening it’s doors in the early 1900’s, the Adlon became renown as ‘one of the most beautiful hotels in the world’ – a place where Europe’s high-society went to meet and be seen. The original Hotel Adlon was destroyed shortly after WWII, and wasn’t rebuilt until after the fall of the Berlin Wall many years later. Today, the hotel welcomes guests travelling from all parts of the world, who share an appreciation for quality hospitality and historic grandeur.
Read the full blogpost about our visit to the Hotel Adlon Kempinski [hosted stay]
Hotel Adlon Kempinski — Unter den Linden 77
– What To Do In Berlin –
Stroll Down Unter den Linden Avenue
This magnificent boulevard runs 1.5 kilometers through Berlin Mitte’s most grandiose quarter. Stretching between the Brandenburg Gate and Schlossbrücke, Unter den Linden Avenue is lined by some of the city’s most iconic institutions such as the Hotel Adlon, State Opera, Humboldt University, Neue Wache Memorial, Zeughaus, and many other noteworthy addresses.
Unter den Linden — Unter den Linden Avenue
Walk Through Nikolaiviertel – Berlin’s Old Town
Nikolaiviertel is an idyllic quarter in Berlin Mitte with history dating back to medieval times. During the middle ages, the area was a residential district for tradesmen and merchants because of it’s central location along the Spree. In this small quarter, you can see some of the city’s oldest architecture and buildings, such as St. Nicholas Church. During the Second World War, the area was mostly destroyed but has since been rebuilt in its original style.
Nikolaiviertel — Nikolaikirchplatz
Explore Museum Island
Home to the city’s Lustgarten, Berliner Dom, Altes Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie, Neues Museum, Vorderasiatisches Museum, Pergamonmuseum, Bode Museum, and soon-to-open Humboldt Forum (Berliner Schloss), Museumsinsel is not to be missed. Before setting-off into one of the island’s famous museums, spend a bit of time exploring the grounds and gardens while admiring the interesting mix of classic and contemporary architecture.
If you’re interested in spending a day discovering the history and art inside the island’s 5 art museums, I would recommend purchasing a Museum Island Day-Pass. Adult entrance costs 18 euro, and entrance for those under the age of 18 is free. You can purchase the day-pass online or at one of the museums.
Museum Island Day-Pass
Museumsinsel — Museum Island
Visit The Gemäldegalerie
Away from Museum Island, but only a short distance from Potsdamer Platz is the Gemäldegalerie. Here, you will discover a wonderous painting collection, with over 1500 masterpieces from the 13th to 18th century. Works from Giotto, Botticelli, Raphael, Caravaggio, Vermeer, Rembrandt, Rubens, Van Eyck, and many more masters of European painting are there to be observed in a beautiful sequence of well organized galleries. I highly recommend spending a peaceful afternoon at the Gemäldegalerie, drifting from room to room while soaking in the impressive mastery and diversity of this historic collection.
Read the full blogpost about our visit to the Gemäldegalerie
Gemäldegalerie — Matthäikirchplatz
– Cafés, Bars & Fine Dining In Berlin –
GROSZ Kaffeehaus
If you’re looking for a café that offers decadent vibes and old-world feelings, be sure to pay a visit to GROSZ. This coffeehouse, restaurant, and bar is situated on the city’s premier shopping boulevard, Kurfürstendamm Avenue, and is housed inside a century old building that was originally designed to serve as a luxury apartment hotel. After being renovated in 2010 as a heritage site, GROSZ opened with a menu and interior inspired by the buildings lavish history.
GROSZ Kaffeehaus — Kurfürstendamm 193
Café im Literaturhaus – Wintergarten
Tucked away in a hedge-lined garden off Kurfürstendamm Avenue, you’ll find the neighborhood’s best kept secret, Café im Literaturhaus. This café/bookstore is set in a beautiful and historic 19th century Wilhelminian villa, and is the perfect retreat from the bustling streets beyond. Sven and I have come here many times to enjoy a glass of wine, or cup of coffee in the peaceful garden or airy atrium – places where time seems to move a little slower.
Café im Literaturhaus — Fasanenstraße 23
Käfer – The Reichstag Rooftop Restaurant
Käfer is located atop Germany’s parliament building – offering sweeping views of the city and a delicious assortment of desserts and drinks. Because of this restaurant’s high-security location, dining here requires a bit more planning in advanced. In order to visit, you must make an online reservation, confirm your reservation and DOB via email, and passthrough the official security at the Reichstag’s entrance. Don’t forget to bring your official government issue ID! When you arrive at the foot of the Reichstag, simply tell the security that you are there to visit Käfer and they will direct you to the correct entrance.
Käfer — Platz der Republik 1
ORA Restaurant and Bar
This 19th century pharmacy-turned-restaurant and bar has an unforgettable ambiance that will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Formerly the Oranien-Apotheke, ORA is now a stylish yet classic destination for dining and drinks. Many of the interior fixtures are in their original status, such as the carved wood medicine cabinets and lovely tile floors. The exterior neon sign is also original to the pharmacy, and tells the story of how this charming restaurant earned its name – O, R, and A are the only letters that remain illuminated.
ORA — Oranienplatz 14
Einsunternull Restaurant
A visit to Restaurant Einsunternull in Berlin Mitte goes far beyond an experience in fine dining. It is a harmonious ensemble of culinary creativity, and Berlin’s warmest hospitality. Since opening in a historic house on Hannoversche Str. in 2015, Einsunternull has quickly become a part of Berlin’s elevated restaurant scene, earning one Michelin star and gaining a spot amongst the capital’s top ten destinations for gourmet dining. Here, you can experience creative interpretations of traditional dishes that are inspired by Berlin’s vibrant, international, and diverse history.
Read the full blogpost about our visit to Einsunternull [hosted dinner]
Einsunternull — Hannoversche Str. 1
GOLVET Restaurant and Bar
Situated 32 meters high in the Berlin skyline near Potsdamer Platz, GOLVET is a Michelin starred destination for dining and drinks inspired by the rich diversity of the city. While the interior here is certainly a contemporary experience, chef Björn Swanson focuses on creating traditional European dishes that have been reimagined in the most Berlin-like manner. The GOLVET menu, which is structured in 7 and 4 course offerings, is divided by “the present” and “the future”, while “the past” menu favorites can be ordered à la carte.
[hosted dinner]
GOLVET — Potsdamer Str. 58
