Brimming with lush green expanses, lively plazas, and vibrant street art, this world-renowned party city has much more to offer than a diverse and energetic nightlife—although it has that, too. Your personal guide to the best eats, streets and greets of Germany’s capital city - Wilkommen In Berlin!

1. Front cover designed by Nikolett Balazs
Layout by Nikolett Balazs, Holly Hatfield
download full E-Book: http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/hallo-berlin/14916743

2. Introduction
Accomodation
Introduction
Outdoors
Eating out
Sights & Monuments
Bars & Clubs
Entertainment & Culture
Shopping
Museums & Galleries

3. INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION6 7
photographed building is as alternative as the city itself: the infamous
balcony Michael Jackson hung his baby over.
Flights,trains,andbusesareinfamouslyinexpensivetoandfromBerlin,
as are living costs, making it ideal for backpackers. Berlin’s primary
industry is the high-tech sector, with Turkish kebabs also drawing in a
high profit margin. Although thousands of tourists enjoy taking in the
sights, visitors aren’t hemmed into claustrophobic areas. This is because
the population only amounts to three and a half million people, in a
city built for five million. Quiet spots are easy to find amongst the most
busy of squares, such as the river-bank of Alexanderplatz, which enjoys
a temperate climate all year.
Fromthescrawled-uponBerlinWalltothemoreprestigious,informative
courtyards of Museum Island, Berlin’s streets breathe creativity. The
city’s coat of arms of a bear dancing freely can be seen everywhere,
amongst the classic and contemporary architecture. As nostalgic as
it is artistic, historical monuments such as the saddening Holocaust
Memorial and the Memorial to the Persecution of Homosexuals
warn of Berlin’s bloody past. However, by admitting, recognizing, and
repenting its history, Berlin remains staunchly against ever repeating it.
This guide will take you on a journey to Berlin’s iconic monuments,
allow you to discover its hidden gems, and probe you to enjoy its
notorious nightlife. Ready to explore? Let’s go!
Wilkommen In Berlin!
Your personal guide to the best eats, streets and greets of Germany’s
capital city
Brimming with lush green expanses, lively plazas, and vibrant street
art, this world-renowned party city has much more to offer than a
diverse and energetic nightlife—although it has that, too.
Berlinhasmanagedtobloomintobeautyoutofahistorysaturatedwith
destruction. Abandoned buildings serve as canvases for graffiti, or are
recycled into underground clubs for people to still be partying at 7am.
Open air festivals overtake the summers, and Berlin’s bohemian culture
thrives despite, or perhaps due to, its recent dark history, during which
propaganda and censorship forced creativity into secrecy. Literary
coffee-houses and book-shops are in abundance, and if aspiring writers
and artists can’t find inspiration in the limitless museums and galleries,
no doubt they will at poetry readings found in dimly-lit bars. Liberal,
diverse Berlin is a far cry from the oppressed Cold War hotbed it was
only forty years ago.
This artistic, literary city has produced many innovative thinkers, once
being home to the sociologist Georg Simmel, actress Marlene Dietrich,
and writer Jacob Grimm. The visiting writer Fyodor Dostoevsky, a
pioneer in Russian literature, was inspired by the city too, and its most

4. INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION8 9
from ticket offices situated in the bigger S-Bahn stations. Buying a ticket for Zones
A & B will get you around the entire city, and if you want to go a little further, say
to Potsdam Palace or Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, you’ll have to top up
your ticket, or buy an ABC Zone ticket at the start of your travels.
It is a myth that all Berliner’s travel for free all day long around the city. Yes, there
aren’t any ticket gates to stop you hopping on a tram or train, but there are ticket
officers. Plain-clothes officers will board the underground and trams and they know
what they’re doing; they can spot a passenger trying to slyly leave the train from a
mile off. Don’t believe me? Let’s just say a ‘friend’ of mine managed to accumulate
€80 worth of train fines from BVG (Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe – the main public
transport provider) in just 4 days whilst in Berlin.
If you do get caught, or you’ve forgotten your ticket or pass, then you have the
choice of either paying the on-the-spot fine of €40 or they will take your details
from a form of ID and give you a ticket, which you then have to pay at a later date.
Prices for passes aren’t that expensive, especially in comparison to cities such as
London, and the quality of service provided is much higher, so it is not worth
taking the risk. And you will get caught.
Lauren Heraty
Public Transport
So you’ve spent about 10 minutes scanning the tube map, changed trains five times,
got your backpack stuck in the closing doors, been squished against the wall by a
man playing an accordion and now everyone’s waving something in the air to a
man with some form of handheld machine…
This is how not to ride Berlin’s extensive public transport system. German Efficiency
is something famed and pretty damn real. It’s possible to navigate yourself to
within walking distance of anything listed in our guide from an underground or
overground station. And if you’re venturing a little further afield, the city’s network
of trams and buses will get you there.
During the daytime, all trams and trains run very frequently. The U-Bahn is perhaps
the quickest form of transport, with trains at least every ten minutes, and trams
run just as frequently. However, after around 9pm the frequency decreases, and
some tram lines will stop around 11.30pm, so check the times if you’re planning on
staying out late. At the weekends, you’ll find more late-night services are available,
ready to serve Berlin’s all-night revelers.
If you’re in the city for a few days then you’re better off buying a daily ticket each
morning, which will cover you until 3am the next day. Tickets can be purchased
at the ticket machines positioned on nearly every platform and on board trams, or

5. 10 11
May the Battle of Berlin ends, and marks the end of WWII. Berlin is divided into four
sectors: the American, British and French in the West and the Soviet in the East.
1948 The Berlin Blockade begins- one of the biggest events of the Cold War. The Soviet
Union tried to force the Western Allies out of Berlin by taking over the supply of resources
to the city. In response British and American forces airlifted supplies into Berlin for the
allies.
1949 Germany is divided, when the Federal Republic of Germany in the West and the
German Democratic Republic in the East are founded, and Berlin is divided in half.
1961 Borders between East and West Berlin are closed and construction of the wall begins
on 13th August by GDR forces.
1963 On 26th June, US president J.F. Kennedy makes his famous “Ich bin ein Berliner”
speech (which, due to a grammatical error, humorously translates to “I am a jelly donut”
instead of the intended “I am a Berliner”.) This speech underlined the US’s support for
West Berlin.
1986 On 5th April, La Belle discothèque, a venue which was commonly frequented by US
soldiers, was bombed in West Berlin, killing three people and injuring around 230.
1987 During his visit to Berlin, US President Ronald Reagan urges Soviet leader Mikhail
Gorbachev to tear down the Berlin Wall.
1989 On 9th Novemember, borders are opened and dismantling of the Berlin Wall begins.
1990 On 3rd October Germany is reunified
Present Day Berlin is a city built for 5 million people but with a population of 3.4 million, so
it feels less crowded than other European cities. Berlin's mayor Klaus Wowereit described
the city as “poor, but sexy,” highlighting the cheap living costs and the young, attractive
arty types that are attracted to this dynamic and vibrant city.
Jade Corbett
Berlin
A Short History
13th Century
1237 This is the earliest mention of Berlin in documentation, however due to a huge fire
in the city centre in 1380 a lot of historical documents were destroyed and historians
generally agree that Berlin is older than this.
18th Century
1701 Berlin becomes the capital of the Kingdom of Prussia, which existed until 1901.
1714 Berlin merges with Cölln, Dorotheenstadt, Friedrichstadt and Friedrichswerfer and
the city grows in size and population.
19th Century
1806 Napoleon and his army seize Berlin and take control of Prussia. In this year he also
created the Berlin decree, which put a trade blockade on Great Britain.
1810 University of Berlin (now called Humboldt University) founded by liberal Prussian
education reformist, Wilhelm Von Humboldt, whose university model has greatly
influenced other universities in Europe and the Western world.
1871 Berlin becomes capital of newly unified German Empire
1894 Reichstag building constructed, which housed the German Parliament and shared
legislative powers with the Bundesrat, which is represented by each of the Länder (federal
states) of Germany.
20th Century
1902 U-bahn starts operating. It’s the 5th oldest in Europe after London, Budapest,
Glasgow and Paris.
1933 On the 27th February a fire was started in the Reichstag, of which the origins are
unclear. The Chancellor of Germany, Adolf Hitler blamed this on Communists, giving him
the power to dissolve the Government on emergency constitutional measures and start his
dictatorship.
1936 The Summer Olympics are held in Berlin, allowing the Nazi party to create a false
image of a peaceful, tolerant Germany to the World media.
1940 The Bombing of Berlin in WWII begins, and the British RAF are sent to bomb
Tempelhof Airport, and while the 81 bombs caused minimal physical damage on the city,
the psychological effects on Hitler were greater.
1945 The Battle of Berlin, fought in April and May, was a turning point for the end of the
war. On 30th April Hitler, foreseeing his imminent defeat, commits suicide with his wife
Eva in the Fürherbunker, him by shooting himself and her by ingesting cyanide. On 2nd

6. Eating out
Food, glorious food! You’re anxious
to try it – whether you’re looking for
a place for a quick stop before you carry
on your merry way, or are longing for the
chance to put down your backpack and gush
about your latest adventure over a long lunch.
Street food is huge here, and often cheap –
sample specialities like currywurst, pretzels or
Hoppelpoppel (a combination of leftover meat,
onions, potatoes and eggs), or try something with
an international flair from one of Berlin’s many
Italian, Mexican and Turkish food outlets such as
golden falafel or creamy Nutella crepes. Many places
are open until the early hours, so whatever time you
pour out of the club, your fast food craving will be
satisfied in Berlin.
If eating on the go isn’t your thing, relax and
partake in Berlin’s booming café culture. The city
boasts a wide variety of cafes where the baristas
are welcoming and the cake comes cheap.
Vegetarians and vegans aren’t forgotten
either, as a wealth of specialist restaurants
and cafes can be found in Berlin. So
whether you’re looking for gourmet
dining,afillingburritooramessy
kebab, Berlin has something
for everyone.

7. EATING OUT EATING OUT14 15
Curry 36
Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg
Mehringdamm 36, 10961 Berlin
U7 Mehringdamm
Daily: 9:00am – 5:00pm
www.curry36.de
You will recognise it by its ketchup-red writing
and the simple sausage logo. Curry 36 is the
most popular name in the currywurst business,
as evident by the ever present queues of
customers, all of them hoping to satisfy their
craving for the salty meat dish.
If you’re looking for something that is cheap,
but extremely nourishing, look no further
than Berlin’s signature fast food, currywurst.
Conveniently located right outside the
Mehringdamm U-Bahn station, Curry 36 is the
perfect place to make a pit stop for food before
exploring the city some more or heading back
to your hostel at the end of the day.
No meat-lover will be able to refuse this jumbo-
sized pork sausage snack. It is steamed and
then fried before being cut into chunks and
served with ketchup and, of course, the fabled
curry powder. One sausage will set you back
a mere €1.60. Currywurst, however, is best
devoured with a side of chips with lashings of
mayonnaise and even more ketchup. Satisfying
your hunger at this famous eatery will cost you
a grand total of... €3.30. Try it once and you will
understand this perfect combination of quality
and simplicity.
Sara Morrison-Jacobo
Goodies
Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg
Warschauer Straße 33, 10243 Berlin
M10 Warschauer Straße
Mon-Fri: 8am-8pm, Sat: 9am-8pm, Sun: 10am-
6pm
www.goodies-berlin.de
Travelling to Berlin might be considered risky
business for a vegan. Fortunately, there is hope;
‘Goodies’, a brilliant snack bar located just
steps from Warschauer Straße station. Upon
entering Warschauer Straße, you will notice the
percentage of hippy folk in the crowd rise. This
is a good sign for anyone after vegan grub. You
can be sure that where there are hippies, there
are vegans. You may feel overwhelmed by the
incredible choice of food at ‘Goodies’, which
ranges from tofu bagels and banana smoothies
to bulgar wheat salads and dairy-free ice cream.
Prices range between €4-€7 for a meal. There’s
so much wonderful and surprisingly cheap
food here that as soon as you leave, you will
already be planning your next visit for round
two. Whether you’re a health food junkie
craving your next fix of quinoa, interested in
discovering animal-free cuisine, or simply after
a good old-fashioned slice of cake, this is the
place for you. The strawberry and cream cake
is an absolute treat. Eat outside, watching the
busy trams and energetic street-life, as your
decadent dishes make passers-by go green (as
green as your revitalising super food smoothie)
with envy.
Hazel Kitson
Mustafa’s Gemüsekebap
Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg
Mehringdamm 32, 10961 Berlin
U6, U7 Mehringdamn
10am-2pm
www.mustafas.de
A trip to Berlin is incomplete without sampling
its staple street meat: the Döner Kebab.
Introduced to Berlin by the large Turkish
community after WWII, the infamous kebab
always seems to appear wherever masses of
drunken tourists congregate.
For the highest rated and arguably best döner
in the city, look no further than Mustafa’s
Gemüsekebap. The small serving station
perchesontheMehringdammUBahnentrance.
Serving starving Berliners until 2:00, Mustafa’s
employees dish out döners to a never-ending
line. Expect to wait at least 30 minutes for your
food; during main meal times the line stretches
at least 1000 meters down the street.
If part of Mustafa’s goal is to grow customers
hunger while they wait, their plan works
perfectly. Hoards of foodies endure rain
showers and relentless sun in wait of their
favourite kebab. The €4.30 Dürüm wrap and
€3.20 original Gemüse are stacked with fresh
veggies, three different sauces, fried veggies,
and perfectly seasoned chicken meat. Although
there are vegetarian options, there is no falafel
or substitute meat - making Mustafa’s a prime
place for carnivores. Regulars return for their
fix every week, and the delicious aroma pulls
in passers-by. Though kebabs are hailed as fast
food, this is one messy creation that is worth the
wait.
Alison Karlene Hodgins
Prinzessinnengärten
Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg
Prinzenstraße 35, 12105 Berlin
U8 Moritzplatz
Daily: 11am-11pm
www.prinzessinnengarten.net
Concealed by trees is an Eden called
Prinzessinnengärten- an urban garden and
café-bar, where visitors can take a break from
city life, swap the sound of traffic for birdsong
and take part in workshops from “Beekeeping
in the city” to growing potatoes. In the Garden
Café all the ingredients are either grown in
the gardens or bought from local, organic or
fair trade producers and profits go towards
supporting the project. The menu consists of
a €6 special, which changes daily, but is always
a plate of mouth-watering vegetarian goodies,
guaranteed to satisfy your belly and your
conscience. Place your food order at the bar and
chose from the selection of drinks, including
nettle beer and elderflower tea (€1.20-3). Then
take a seat at a communal picnic bench and
strike up a conversation while you wait for your
food to be called. It’s advisable to brush up on
German numbers, as they call out the numbers
at a rapid fire pace, although the staff are very
accommodating and willing to translate for the
linguistically challenged among us. After lunch
support this worthwhile project some more by
buying produce to take home or by sponsoring
a garden bed.
Jade Corbett

8. EATING OUT EATING OUT16 17
Baraka
Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg
U1 Görlitzer Bahnhof
Lausitzer Platz 6, 10997 Berlin
www.baraka-berlin.de
On the corner of Lausitzer Platz in Kreuzberg
sits the quirky and colourful Baraka: a
restaurant cum lounge that serves a mix of
Moroccan and Lebanese tapas. For as little
as €7 for a platter, you can enjoy a feast of
miniature dishes including: hummus, falafel
and halloumi, rich tagine with chicken or veal
or rice fish balls - even fragrant couscous with
chicken, veal or vegetables. There are also some
more unusual dishes with a Lebanese twist, but
it’s hard to decipher the menu unless you’re
fluent in German.
The staff are incredibly attentive and give a level
of service that outstrips the modest price of the
dishes. Alcohol is not on Baraka’s menu, but
you can choose from a wide range of specialist
teas and authentic Moroccan fruit and yoghurt
smoothies.
Multicoloured tables are arranged outside the
restaurant, whilst inside the Moroccan roots of
the restaurant are clear: low velvet sofas, tiled
walls and decorative tables and chairs fill the
dimly lit, airy rooms. The restaurant also has
a take-out section: a must when searching for
a quick snack a little later in the evening, the
restaurant even stays open past midnight.
Lauren Heraty
Markthalle Neun /
Markethall Nine
Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg
Eisenbahnstraβe 42/43, 10997 Berlin
U1 Görlitzer Bahnhof
Thu: 5pm-10pm, Fri,Sat: 10am-6pm
www.markthalleneun.de
Once one of 14 market halls in Berlin that
supplied the city, this is the only one that
hasn’t fallen prey to the ravages of time or
been converted into a commercial building.
Although abandoned for a period of time
during WWII, plans for renovation began in
2009 and its doors are now open once again.
On Friday and Saturday the hall houses the
buzzing Wochenmarkt - a weekly farmers
market. However the star attraction is the
Street Food Thursday market. The food on
offer reflects the blend of clientele that mix
here- an agglomeration of languages, styles and
nationalities. From fragrant Thai curry to sun-
dried tomato and olive tapas, tangy kimchi to
freshly baked, fluffy focaccia drizzled with olive
oil- there’s something to tickle everyone’s taste
buds. As for drinks there is a wine bar with an
extensive offering, renowned Heiden Peters’
local handcrafted beer and even a stand selling
fresh coconuts, but be aware that you will be
charged a deposit for glasses. Wander around
the whole market taking in all the aromas and
sights before choosing what cuisine to sample,
then perch on the grandstand for the perfect
view for people watching while you munch.
Jade Corbett
Maria Bonita
Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg
Danziger Straße 33, 10435 Berlin
M10 Husemann Straße, U2 Eberswalder Straße
Mon-Sat: 12pm-11pm
Sun: 12pm-10pm
www.mariabonitaberlin.wordpress.com
In 2009 Texan, Thomas Wright, decided to
open a Mexican bistro in Berlin after gaining
some experience working in Mexican kitchens.
He brings us authentic dishes such as burritos
de puerco especial (grilled pork), tacos de
tinga (juicy chicken stewed in chipotle sauce)
and rajas con queso (roasted green chilies
and peppers stuffed with cheese). Served
with a variety of salsas and a refreshingly cold
margarita, these king-sized portions are so
delicious that you will be licking your fingers
long after you’ve devoured the contents of your
plate. At only €6 per dish you definitely get your
money’s worth and leave with a full stomach.
The bistro is also decorated to honour its
Mexican roots – skeletons used in Day of the
Dead festivals adorn the walls, wrestling masks
are displayed above the kitchen bar and the
background music alternates between gentle
mariachi music and upbeat Mexican rap. The
cantina itself is cosy and has a relaxed, homely
feel with friendly and hardworking staff. Maria
Bonita is the perfect stop for lunch or dinner.
Follow their motto and ‘Eat More Tacos!’
Sara Morrison-Jacobo
Hotel Café Sarotti-Höfe
Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg
Mehringdamm 57, 10961 Berlin
U7 Mehringdamm
Daily 7am – midnight
www.cafe-sarottihoefe.de
You don’t have to be a guest at this five-star
hotel to enjoy the guilty pleasures of the Sarotti
Schokolade café. This quiet, classy place is
decorated with crystal chandeliers, cherubs
painted on the ceiling and dark wood panelling
as dark as the chocolate brownies on display in
the glass cases. It’s perfect for anyone seeking
refuge from the weather or taking a much-
needed break from exploring the city. Indulge
in a relaxing mug of hot chocolate, served with
whipped cream and a little biscuit. If you want
something a little stronger, order your drink
with Bailey’s or a shot of chilli syrup that will
tickle your throat on the way down.
The absolute highlight of the café is the cake.
Although there is a more extensive menu for
those who want a full meal, the cakes are a
perfect stand-alone treat to compliment your
beverage.
The Sarotti chocolate pie is a delicious cake
drizzled with white, dark and milk chocolate. Its
exterior is cooled until the icing has hardened,
while the spongy interior remains soft and
moist. Take a few hours to savour this sinfully
sweet dessert.
Sara Morrison-Jacobo

9. EATING OUT EATING OUT18 19
Café Village Voice
Mitte
Ackerstraße 1A, 10115 Berlin
U8 Rosenthaler Platz
12pm - late
www.villagevoice.de
Listen to the myths surrounding literary Ber-
lin, and you will most likely hear of a quiet
addition to the community - the Village Voice,
once renowned for being a bookshop and ho-
sting writing events. It lies amongst a cluster of
coffee-houses on a side-street, just far enough
from the centre of Rosenthaler Platz to be quiet,
and a thirty-second walk from a picturesque
public garden. Its intrigue? What it used to be
may still remain.
The gentle-natured dog, Lissie, is the first to
greet you. Inside are canvases of local art, and
service is sporadic, although the owner is frien-
dly. Back-packers wander in because prices are
very reasonable, at €1.60 for a tee and biscu-
it. But ask any questions about the bookshop’s
whereabouts and it’s dismissed as “closed now”
(even though a sign outside disputes this).
Puzzlingly, if you go there on a Tuesday after
6.p.m, you will be asked to sit outside while a
‘meeting’ takes place. What’s more, the ceiling
stage lights appear to still be in use. Whether or
not it’s an elitist, secret literary meeting place...
You can sit in this puzzling, beguiling ghost-
town with Wi-Fi, nobody bothering you, and a
dog lying at your feet.
Elizabeth Gough
La Pausa Pizzeria
Mitte
U8, M8 Rosenthaler Platz
Daily: 12pm-10pm
www.lapausa.de
Pizza, pasta and salad. Three little words that
are an instant reminder of homemade, hearty
portions that leave you satisfied, whilst also
wanting more. This is exactly what you get
from La Cantina Pizzeria, which is located
perfectly on the crossroads at Rosenthaler Platz.
Although it’s in a busy area, the atmosphere
and homey-touches in this moderately sized
restaurant detract from the fast-paced city
decorum, which is emulated in the streets of
Rosenthaler Platz. There are hand-written notes
from very satisfied customers on the pillars and
some of the walls expressing their gratitude,
which is certainly reassuring and also adds to
the welcoming essence of this restaurant.
Why not try a Hirten salat (a delicious salad
with a range of tasty tomato and an assortment
of cheeses), or some traditional Spaghetti
Bolognaise to truly tingle your taste buds.
You’re able to sit back and relax and even watch
the chef specially prepare your chosen cuisine,
pronto. The plentiful portions along with the
budget friendly means you’re able to fuel up for
the day and enjoy the rest of what Berlin has
to offer, or relax here at night over a candle-lit
meal planning your next sight to see.
Nathalie Davies
Katz and Maus Café Bar
Mitte
Mon-Sun: 8am-2am
Weinbergsweg 1a, 10119 Berlin
U8, M1, M8, M12 Rosenthaler Platz
www.circus-berlin.de
Located next door and attached to the heavily
popular Circus Hostel, Katz and Maus casually
beckons in the likes of cross-country travelers
to inner-city commuters. Healthy but filling
food is the focus here; no doubt the perfect
combination for the young backpacker. If
the bright blue walls and disco ball above the
staircase don’t emphasise this café’s personality,
then surely the contemporary mix of light
rap and finger-tapping beats will do the trick.
Menu options adorn several walls, so choosing
what to have involves some head turning. Rest
assured, the staff is friendly and willing to offer
suggestions. For the German palate, there’s
everything from the “Made in Germany” drinks
section to Abendbrot breads with meat and
cheese. Each day from 8am to 1pm, an all-you-
can-eat breakfast buffet, which includes a cup of
coffee or orange juice, is offered for €5. Evening
optionspresentamoremodernchoiceofvarious
sandwiches and burgers which, although
slightly pricier at €7.40, give the American
burger a run for its money. Combining a fresh
crowd of worldly personalities with the familiar
comfort of a new-classic coffee shop, Katz and
Maus is another hit for Rosenthaler Platz.
Andrew Harper
Konditorei & Café
G. Buchwald /
G. Buchwald Confectionery and Café
Mitte
Bartningallee 29, 10557 Berlin
S5, S7, S75 Bellevue
Mon-Sat: 9am-6pm, Sun: 10am-6pm
www.konditorei-buchwald.de
Delicious handmade cake can make your
day, and people at Konditorei & Café G.
Buchwald know that. This café serves a
wonderful, finely layered butter cake, called the
baumkuchen (treecake), whose name refers to
the characteristic tree-like rings that appear
when cut. The Buchwald family has been
making baumkuchen using an original family
recipe for more than 150 years. There are a few
recommended specialties, such as the classic,
the chocolate covered, the one with strawberry
cream, starting from €3.20. There are also
many other kinds of cakes you could choose
from, ranging from strawberry shortcake to
chocolate cream tart. Luckily, English-speaking
waitresses are very willing to help you choose
from the overwhelming display. After you have
finally decided, sit out in the sun in the outdoor
seating area overlooking the Spree River, or
inside the cafe’s nicely furnished interior. Your
choice of coffee, starting at €1.80, is the perfect
complement to this rich desert, as its smooth
texture and well-balanced sweetness melts in
your mouth. Buy one to take-away with you to
eat outside at a park or at home.
Midoriko Kitagaki

10. EATING OUT EATING OUT20 21
The Coffee Ape
Neukölln
Sonnenallee 51, 12045 Berlin
U8 Hermannplatz
Mon-Fri: 8am – 6pm, Sat: 9am-4pm
Step out onto the sunny plaza at Hermannplatz
and treat yourself to the best, cheapest cup
of coffee in Berlin. The Italian baristas at The
Coffee Ape have been serving frothy lattes and
smooth Americanos to a diverse crowd for the
past 3 years. Recent immigrants enjoy coffee
next to toothless, wrinkled men on the two
picnic benches that perch next to the red canvas
stall, where coffee is passed across a quaint
wooden platform. The hum of grinding espresso
floats across the square, creating a strange
but pleasant combination as it mixes with the
aromas of hot falafel and fresh-squeezed juice
from the nearby stands.
A warm, indulgent latte costs €2, while a
robust espresso is only €1.20. Customers
can add a range of flavours to their coffees:
Hazelnut, Vanilla, Amaretto, Macadamia Nut,
and Carmel. The syrups are perfectly situated
outside of the espresso machine, allowing
customers to pump the exact amount of desired
sweetness into their cup. There are also a variety
of teas, including several types of Chai powder.
The quality of the beverages speaks for itself in
the buzz of caffeine-addicts that hover around
Hermannplatz with dreamy, satisfied smiles.
Alison Karlene Hodgins
Burrito Baby
Neukölln
Pflügerstraße 11, 12047 Berlin
U8 Schönleinstraße
Wed-Fri: 1pm-10pm, Sat: 3pm-10pm,
Sun: 3pm-9pm
www.burritobaby.de
This bare-walled vegetarian restaurant may be
small and understated, but don’t let that fool
you - the food is not. Missing ‘Burrito Baby’ v–
although easily done – would be a mistake. For
just €4-7 you can get yourself a colossal burrito.
The portions are so large that you should bring
a friend along to help you out. If you don’t have
any friends, make some quickly, because you
don’t want to be tackling this alone. Despite the
misleading name, this place certainly isn’t for
babies. Fortunately, the size is not compensation
for lack of flavour – you will definitely find your
taste buds satisfied. Share a mountain of nachos
for €6, or indulge in a creamy quesadilla for just
€4. You can “go naked” and eat gluten free, and
almost everything can be made vegan. If you’re
scared of spice don’t cower away. The flavours
are intense but certainly not overpowering. If,
on the other hand, you want to feel the burn,
then try out some of the hot sauces. This is a
small place with so much to offer. Pop in to
sit back and relax to Motown as you devour
tantalising tacos and sip on fresh homemade
lemonade.
Hazel Kitson
Aapka
Mitte
Kastanienallee 50, 10119 Berlin
U2 Senefelderplatz
Mon-Sat: 12pm-1am, Sun: 11am-1am
www.aapka.de
Glowing lanterns and trees dotted with lights
welcome customers to Aapka, an indoor/outdo-
or Indian restaurant and lounge bar. This restau-
rant offers traditional Indian cuisine alongside
the busy Kastanienallee, with a feel of western
influence in the “happy hour all day every day”
drinks menu which range from Mai-Tais to
Swimming Pools, all for €4.50. The entrees are
filling and relatively inexpensive, with items like
spice-encrusted Tandoori Chicken for €8.50 or
savoury Chicken Curry for just €7.50. The other
half of the menu provides a seemingly endless
list of cocktails that aren’t included in the happy
hour, and while the cheap pricing seems que-
stionable, the drinks pass the taste test with
flying colours. Enjoy a refreshing Tequila Sunri-
se for €4.90 or a tropical Daiquiri for only €5.50.
Ambiance is another strong point for Aapka, as
the walls are lined with warm orange sconces
and every table in the outdoor area comes with
cushions and blankets for those nippy Berlin
nights. Your dinner is sure to be vibrant, be it
in the mass variety of spices in the dishes or in
the bright coloured drinks, napkins and décor.
This will undoubtedly become a frequent stop
for the budgeted travellers.
Andrew Harper
Sankt Oberholz
Mitte
Rosenthaler Strasse 72a, 10119 Berlin
U8 Rosenthaler Platz
Mon–Fri: 8am-midnight,
Sat–Sun: 9am-midnight
www.sanktoberholz.de
Essential needs with a bit of extra. St Oberholz,
café is a spacious and cool meeting point for the
so-called “digital hippies” and everyone else on
Rosenthaler Platz.
This easy-to-access but fairly unknown café
needs to be discovered by newbie Berlin visitors.
Both travellers and locals turn up with their be-
loved laptops and other devices to finally get
some Internet signal. Others are just chilling
out with friends, sipping a beer or a well-
appreciated cup of coffee. A selection of tasty
homemade sandwiches, cakes and even some
gluten-free options are also on the shelves.
In this historical building simple furniture,
unfinished surfaces and airy interior has got
some quirky elements that give the place an
arty and home-like atmosphere. The spacious
upstairs area welcomes large groups as well.
The windows upstairs are padded with comfy
cushions, making it a perfect place to hide
yourself from the world with a favourite book.
Nikolett Balazs