Mitte Berlin – All our local tips

All tips by our Berlin locals in the Mitte area. To narrow down further select an activity (bars, restaurants, etc) on the left (‘Spots – by area’)

Admiralspalast Berlin (by Bassma Fattal)

Throughout its life  (opened in 1873) the Admiralspalast theatre has had an idiosyncratic history. During the 1920’s and 30’s it was a pleasure palace of sorts, hosting in it’s parameters a bath house, restaurant, a speak easy, the worlds first indoor ice skating revue show, as well as the grandiose Art Deco theatre which houses up to 1700 people at a time.

At one point it even housed a DDR “Press Café” at the front of the building where  subversive bohemians would meet.  After years of closure the Admiralspalast was recently revamped and reopened in August 2006.

There are various types of productions staged here, from My Fair Lady to Brechts 3-Penny Opera, to live performances from De La Soul.

My favourite event is their regular quarterly swing dance/music party,  hosted in the main theatre and themed differently each time yet always dedicated solely to swing music, high fashion and old school sophistication. Recently headling the part was an exclusive Berlin performance by sibling trio ‘Kitty, Daisy and Lewis’.

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Admiralspalast | Art & culture, Bars, Music, Theaters | Ticket +/- € 22.00
Friedrichstrasse 101 | Mitte | +493032533144
Mon – Sat 12:00 – 19:00, Sun 12:00 – 17:00

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Aufsturz Berlin (by Sarah Curth )

Aufsturz means more than 100 sorts of beer and a big choice of food. The place is always full of people trying to test every beer once. But the choice is difficult: Banana beer or smoked beer (Rauchbier)? German beer or Mexican beer? Don’t worry: The waiters are patient and helpful.

The interior of the Restaurant/Pub is simple but comfortable. Since 1994 the Aufsturz has exhibitions of sculptures, paintings, photography, installations and collages. There is also a club area where they present concerts (Pop, Rock, Jazz), performances, workshops and other events weekly.

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Aufsturz | Art & culture, Bars, Music, Restaurants (International) | Beer € 2.00
Oranienburger Straße 67 | Mitte | +493028047409
12:00 – 02:00 daily

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Babylon: Mitte Berlin (by Herrmann Königs)

I challenge you to find a better cinema in Berlin when it comes down to variety and internationality. It never stops surprising me with what they come up and where the hell they get it from…

Starts off with dozens of annual film festivals and regular programmes they run over the year. Often several different ones at the same time. Most international movies are shown in original version and subtitled. Here a few examples:

- Cine En Español: Regular Monday movies in Spanish

- CinemAperitivo: Regular Sunday (16:00) Italian movies, with Italian aperitif afterwards

- New German Cinema: every Thursday

Special events can be seen on either our Events Calendar or on the website of Babylon.

Sometimes the Babylon is also used for other events such as Readings, cabaret or concerts. Which is not really surprising: The huge main hall still keeps the air from 1929, when the cinema opened first. Furthermore, keeping its history in mind, they screen silent films with live piano music.

The two smaller showrooms in the back of the building are spots of movies only and, as I can confirm, really cosy. Gives you the feeling of non-mainstreamism, which I love.

Be aware that there exist two Babylons in Berlin (both are cinemas!). Which is why both cinemas need to index themselves with the district: Mitte or Kreuzberg. This article deals with the one in Mitte.

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Babylon: Mitte | Cinemas | Normal admission € 6.50
Rosa-Luxemburg-Str. 30 | Mitte | +49302425969
Daily (times see website)

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Bassy Cowboy Club Berlin (by Bassma Fattal)

If took a wrong turn and made it to Berlin instead of Nashville and your heart yearns to hear a bit of Hank Williams, Johnny Cash and Loretta Lynne then make your way to Bassy Cowboy Club in Mitte,This is by no means fancy dress up club, where you are expected to waltz in with a Stetson and cowboy boots, though some do. However a certain level of effort and style is expected and will ensure easier entry. Turn up with trainers, sweatshirt and fanny pack and you are guaranteed a date with the sidewalk.Once you get past the style police at the door, you can listen to live country and blues bands from Berlin and abroad, as well DJ’s guiding you into the early hours. Fear not, Bassy’s musical catalogue is not just limited to Country music but a host of other genres are also played here from 50’s surf tunes, garage, rockabilly and Rock n’ Roll. They sometimes host performances from a range of local and national Burlesque acts like Tallulah Freeway and The Teaserettes. Bassy is in a prime location just off on the Schönhauserallee (Torstrasse side) underneath the Pfefferberg cultural complex, so you can also enjoy the delights of their beer garden in the summer months and then venture down to Bassy for a for a drink and dance.

It’s free entry if you come before 23:00, and if you don’t feel like dancing there is always the kicker table to play with till the wee hours of the morning.

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Bassy Cowboy Club | Bars, Music | Entry from € 5.00
Schönhauser allee 176a | Mitte
22:00 – late daily

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Berliner backyards Berlin (by Herrmann Koenigs )

“For me Berliner backyards are like surprises. You never know what’s waiting for you behind the gate.”

On one hand the way apartment buildings were built during the so called “Gründerzeit” (time around 1870-1914) produced the typical apartment blocks in Berlin, now known as “Altbauten” (old buildings) or “Mietskasernen” (tenements). On the other hand it gave Berlin those backyards everywhere.

In a particular area called “Scheunenviertel” (Barn Quarter) you can find a couple of very interesting “Hinterhöfe” where life seems to be hidden. Enjoy theatres, cinemas, galleries, museums, shops, cafes, bars, restaurants and other surprises there!

Except for “Hackesche Höfe“, now a tourist magnet and the most prominent complex of backyards, tourists and even Berliners don’t visit them. That is very unfortunate. And you will understand that if you go out to discover the following backyards:
– Backyard of Haus Schwarzenberg (see the Haus Schwarzenberg article)
- Heckmannhöfe (see the Heckmanhoefe article)
- Hackesche Höfe: a complex of 8 backyards
Rosenthaler Straße 40/41 & Sophienstraße 6
- Kunsthof, contains very nice hospitality and quality galleries
Oranienburger Strasse 27
- Sophie-Gips-Höfe, contains the Hoffmann Collection (see the Hoffmann collection article) Sophienstraße 21
- Rosenhöfe, Rosenthaler Strasse 36
- Panasia/Gallerie Cicero, Rosenthaler Strasse 38

Also, I’d like to encourage you to keep your eyes open for many other backyards in this area and not to be shy to enter them. With a bit of luck you can find real jewels of cultural & night life in them!

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Berliner backyards | Art & culture, Bars, Cinemas, Coffee & tea, Shopping, Theaters, Restaurants
Different locations | Mitte
Various opening times

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Bflat Jazzclub Berlin (by Natalia Irina Roman )

I dropped by Bflat, for the first time, by coincidence on a lazy Wednesday evening. I set down in a corner and leaned on one of the big windows. While I was happily entertained by a Hefeweizen (in case you don’t know, make sure you will get to know this special German beer), I started wondering whether the piano and saxophone players were improvising or not. It was pretty good jazz. The answer came two minutes later when somebody from the audience asked the piano player for his seat and got it.

I go back to Bflat every now and then, on Wednesdays, when they have their free entrance jam sessions, starting with 9pm. Bflat is close to Hackescher Markt, has a mixed public and great acoustics.

Tip: They charge around 10 Euro for concerts during other evenings.

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Bflat Jazzclub | Bars, Relaxing | Beck’s € 2.60
Rosenthaler Strasse 13 | Mitte | +493028386835
Almost daily from 21:00

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Black Roses Berlin Berlin (by Bassma Fattal)

I am a devoted lover of shoes! I worship at the altar of the high heel with back breaking, blister ensuing fervour and martyrdom, in search of the perfect pump.  There is nothing that excites me more than a beautifully sleek, playful peep toe that raises my 164cm frame to a nice 174cm long legged line.

Unfortunately my humble purse strings do not stretch to purchase a pair of my dream Louboutin Mary-Janes, so i have to get a more reasonably priced (though no less stylish) shoe fix at Black Roses Berlin, on the popular Alte Schönhauser Strasse.

Whether your are looking for vintage inspired footwear, stripper style heels or chic day to day apparel, Black Roses have a wide range of peep toes, pumps, sandals, boots and pom pom mules to satisfy most tastes and fancies.

The shop is a mix of Gothic chic and 50’s style pin up girl boudoir, with art work from local Berlin photographers and painters displayed on the black walls (available to purchase).  Let the enthusiastic and equally shoe obsessed staff guide you through your purchase with their top notch recommendations.

If you are daring enough or looking for the ultimate high heel challenge, then check out their pink stripper glow in the dark 15cm high potentially ankle breaking wedges. Even a heel aficionado would advise caution.

PLease note that Black Roses will be closing at the end of March 2010.

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Black Roses Berlin | Shopping | Pair of pumps from € 80.00
Alte Schönhauserstr.39 | Mitte | +4930123456
Mon – Sat 12:00 – 20:00

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Boros Sammlung Berlin (by Adela Coman)

The bunker found in Reinhardtstrasse in Mitte is quiet an unusual location among art spaces in Berlin. The bunker was built above the earth and it currently belongs to Christian Boros, who shows his art collection here on a rotation basis.

Before the bunker became a venue for an art collection, it used to host illegal parties and incognito encounters. Traces of graffiti and paint from those times can still be seen today on the interior walls. One can only visit the collection during the weekend and in a guided group. The guide will provide plenty of information on the history of the venue and on the exhibition per se.

Mr Boros has a weekend apartment on top of the bunker. The temporary home brings the bunker closer to the Hoffmann Collection (check the Hoffmann Collection article) from a conceptual point of view – very interesting mixture of private and public space.

At the time being, the visitor can see the sculptural part of the Boros collection and artists such as Olafur Eliason and Sarah Lucas. The taming of the bunker with art is definitely worth seeing, even though the space still requires art to obey.

Tip: One has to make an online reservation prior to the visit through their website. The time I went to see it, autumn 2008, I needed to make a reservation two months in advance for an English tour.

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Boros Sammlung | Art & culture | Entrance € 10.00
Reinhardtstr 20, | Mitte | +4903027594065
Sat – Sun, online registration required

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c/o Gallery Berlin (by Sarah Curth )

The old building which houses the c/o Gallery since 2000 is the ancient imperial post office. Especially at night the big illuminated entrance impresses the passerby.
Founded by a designer, a photographer and an architect the gallery became one of the biggest private art institutions in Berlin.

Temporary exhibitions present the artworks of upcoming and famous photographers. The specific of the location is that the showrooms and the halls aren’t renovated so the rooms contrast with the exhibit. Take a look at the bathrooms in the first floor where old and new design collides in a very interesting way. Antique Columns in the hall and an ornate tiled floor are special details which make this gallery so like-able.

Special exhibitions until 28th February 2010:

Don McCullin – The impossible Peace

Jonas Bendiksen – The Places we live

We Love Hair (until 17th January)

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c/o Gallery | Art & culture | From € 5.00
Oranienburger Straße/Tucholskystraße | Mitte | +493028091925
11:00 – 20:00 daily

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Café Fleury Berlin (by cafe-fleury)

Most mornings as I merrily make my way down from Prenzlauerberg to bustling Mitte, I’m lucky enough to pass by the Café Fleury.

On entering the cosy interior with its eclectic blue/white furnishings and wicker chairs, you are immediately accosted with a mouth-watering rustic bouquet of fresh coffee, bread and melted cheese.  Scattered on the walls are little B&W portraits of ‘Nouvelle Vague’ legends Catherine DeNeuve, Jean Paul Belmondo and Romy Schneider to name a few.

This little gem luckily manages to avoid succumbing to the cliché ‘Allo Allo‘ style café.  Saying that, it seems to play with as well as pay homage to this very notion of ‘French-ness’

If you fancy kicking back with a sizeable bowl of Café au Lait (yes a bowl), then you can choose from a selection of French and German lifestyle magazines on offer to accompany you on a leisurely afternoon of lounging.

The menu has a reasonable choice of baguettes, quiches to breakfasts on offer throughout the day.  The ‘Croque Monsieur’ is to die for, it’s the best I’ve eaten outside of Paris. Being a sucker for tiny details, the accompanying edible condiment cups holding marmalade, cream, honey etc. (which are effectively the cut off bottoms of ice cream cones) are delightful.

If you’re more of a sweet tooth, Fleury offers a small selection of delicious homemade cakes and biscuits, naturellement.  Be warned, I’m not the only one who is enchanted by this bijou hotspot, it is regularly busy, but the short wait for a table is, in my humble opinion, is always worth it.

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Café Fleury | Bars, Coffee & tea, Snacks, Restaurants (French) | Lunch € 6.00
Weinbergsweg 20 | Mitte | +493044034144
Mon – Fri 08:00 – 22:00, Sat – Sun 10:00 – 22:00

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Cafe Sankt Oberholz Berlin (by Sarah Curth)

The first thing that comes to your mind when you enter Sankt Oberholz is: Is this an office or a cafe? People staring at and typing on their computers can be seen everywhere. From time to time, they take a sip of their Latte Macchiato, watching who enters the room while chatting with their neighbor. The secret ingredient at Sankt Oberholz is simple: Wireless Internet. This is no new concept for cafes in Berlin but somehow this one has become the preferred hotspot for laptop owners and wireless nomads.

But don’t worry, pixel lovers aren’t the only ones welcome here. There are some more things that make St. Oberholz such a special place to visit. For example, lots of interesting, creative and international people frequent the cafe, located in Berlin’s trendy Mitte District.

So it wouldn’t be out of the ordinary if the fashionable Asian girl in the corner is a successful media artist, the nerdy boy at the next chair the leader of an electro band, and if you look closer, the gonzo guy buying a fresh-made peppermint tea could be the author of a popular controversial coming-of-age novel. Or maybe they are just normal students like me.

In any case, it’s not just the people that usually frequent St. Oberholz that are unique, it’s also the cafe itself. Don’t just limit yourself to the ground floor where the self-service bar is situated. Be sure to go upstairs to the first floor and try to find a seat next to the huge windows. There you’ll have a great view over bustling Rosenthaler Platz – that means more people to watch plus the beautiful light of the sunset in the evening.

By the way, the self-service bar in the cafe offers a huge plate of delicious Spaghetti Bolognese for € 5.00! For smaller appetites you can chose from cakes, sandwiches, bagels and soups.

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Cafe Sankt Oberholz | Bars, Coffee & tea, Music, Snacks, Restaurants (intern.)
Rosenthaler Straße 72a | Mitte | +493024085586
Mon – Fri 08:00 – 00:00, Sat – Sun 09:00 – 00:00

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Cafe Solvey Berlin (by Sarah Curth)

Cafe Solvey is an exception in Berlin’s cafe scenery. This place is designed and furnished with a special love of details. A lot of people are taking a look in the showcase while I am sitting inside with a cup of coffee and a piece of self made apple pie.

Somehow Solvey doesn’t fit in this demure neighborhood; maybe because of all the flowers, the pillows with pink roses on it, the pale green walls, and the lovely selected furniture. It reminds you of the perfectly composed gardens pictured in perfect garden magazines, but more individually.

In another room you’ll find a whole children’s paradise which is also interesting for bigger children like us: furniture for doll houses, wooden toys, and a lot more bibelot for children and grownups. A bookshelf with books and magazines is accessible for everyone. The cafe integrates also a small delicatessen and gift shop where you can buy chocolate truffle, self made marmalade, make-up like lip gloss in the form of tiny cakes, jewelry, books and more gadgets. So this spot is a lovely created garden which makes you feel like in summer while it rains outside.

The café offers Wireless Internet too and it is possible to rent the location for events. From time to time Solvey also presents readings.

Solvey also has a daily lunch special which is made of ecological and/or own cultivation.

Every Friday they offer an English Teatime from 17:00 with Kusmi Tea, Muffins and English live music.

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Cafe Solvey | Coffee & tea, Music, Snacks | white coffee € 2.30
Invalidenstraße 150 | Mitte | +493099271751
Tue – Fri 11:00 – 18:00, Sat – Sun 10:00 – 18:00

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Central Berlin (by Herrmann Koenigs)

To find the cinema “Central”, you first have to point out Haus Schwarzenberg (see the Haus Schwartzenberg article). Go through to the end of the backyard and find the actual cinema on the right.

Their programme of movies makes this little cinema one of my favorites. It is nothing of the big commercial cinemas that (only) screen mainstream films from Hollywood. People on the search for interesting, independent and international films are right here. Usually they play films in their original language and have subtitles in English or German, respectively.

The chairs in the two show rooms are extremely comfortable; the Central’s website is really user-friendly and partly in English (sometimes descriptions of movies are not in English). So check the programme!

A movie that I can totally recommend is “Berlin Calling“. It runs successfully here for more than a year, letting the audience dive into the Berlin world of Techno. Paul Kalkbrenner, a famous Berliner DJ, plays the main character – a DJ who has to go for a withdrawal treatment after a drug overdose. Great & famous soundtrack included! Everyone with a taste for underground music should watch this!

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Central | Cinemas | admission from € 5.50
Rosenthaler Strasse 39 | Mitte | +493028599973
first movie 15:00 – last movie 00:15

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Clärchens Ballhaus Berlin (by Bassma Fattal)

Over its 90-year history, this dance venue come restaurant, is pure vintage heaven oozing Weimar Republic chic. The restaurant circles the large dance floor where couples tango and swing dance the night away.  If you don’t fancy joining in you can always watch, whilst digging into traditional German fare like Bulette or Schnitzel.

Clärchens, as its fondly referred to, attracts a wonderfully eclectic crowd of vintage lovers, Rockabilly’s, artists, musicians and regular local elderly couples who come for the inviting atmosphere and varied music on offer.

This is one of my favourite weekday hangouts, especially on Wednesday evening.  Novices like my friends and myself, enjoy making spectacles of ourselves at the beginners swing dance class, as we clumsily sashay across the dance floor, imagining we are extras on the set of ‘Mambo Kings’ as more experienced dancers glide by us effortlessly.

No need for embarrassment, it is a thoroughly democratic affair at Clärchens – whether you are a beginner or the proverbial Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers; maybe you’re in the mood to throw on a posh frock/suit or keep it casual in jeans and trainers, emphasis is on having a good time…no judgement passed here.

During more temperate months, you can dine outside on the romantic garden terrace surrounded by winding vines, illuminated by fairy lights and tea candles come dark.

Between April – June take advantage of the ‘Spargel Menu’ with a variety of dishes tailored around the famed Beelitzer Asparagus, on offer in most restaurants/café’s in and across Germany.

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Clärchens Ballhaus | Art & culture, Music, Restaurants (German) | Free
Auguststr. 24 | Mitte | +49302829295
12:00 – open end daily

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CUE Berlin Berlin (by Natalia Irina Roman)

CUE is a mobile and open platform where one can improvise, meet other artists or just have a drink and watch the work of others. Interdisciplinary jam session is an improvisation of video, sound, light and performance. Imagine visuals projected over a musician playing the saxophone and an actress performing a pantomime. One is free to add to the composition. Every square of the location can become a stage. And it does.

These improvisations take place every first Friday of the month and the location differs: during summer CUE happens also outdoors, but this is an exception. Generally, one can count on an indoor location, with some video equipment and many visual artists, actors, and musicians. Best is to bring your own equipment and to be spontaneous.

Last year CUE took place a couple of times in Tacheles (check the Tacheles article) as well, the graffiti art house in Oranienburgerstr. The platform could not have been a better choice, the whole art house is an improvisation of its own.

If you are curious, take a look at the CUE website for a video featuring the mixture of music, visuals and people. Keep in mind that CUE is a jam session, and like all improvisations, it can always be different – this time, it depends on you!

TIP: Next CUE – 5th of February 2010, in Schwelle7 (UFERSTR. 6, back house, 1st Floor, 13357 Berlin, U8 Pankstr / U9 Nauener Platz / Sbahn Gesundbrunnen)

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CUE Berlin | Art & culture, Festivals & events | Free
Adress varies | Mitte
Every 1st Friday of the month, starting time see website

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Erdbeer Bar Berlin (by Sarah Curth )

Erdbeer means strawberry and the name is not a coincidental one. Situated at the corner of a graffiti decorated house the bar is befogged in red light. Many young people rather lie on the chairs than sit. Red walls and candlelight make you feel like being inside of a strawberry. The atmosphere is relaxed and the DJ puts some spherical music on. The Erdbeer Bar is comfortable and not overcrowded, at least on weekdays.

The most popular and common ingredient of Cocktails is (surprise!) the strawberry. The list of beverages offers not only many Cocktails and Long drinks but also different kinds of non-alcohol smoothies – mostly made with strawberries.

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Erdbeer Bar | Bars, Music | Cocktails from € 4.00
Max-Beer-Straße 56 | Mitte
18:00 – open end daily

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Eschschloraque Rümschrüp Berlin (by Herrmann Koenigs)

Now, what a bar this is! Though, it’s a bit strange to purely call it a bar. From 2 pm it is open every day. Then, it’s called “Kaffe Kaschemme” – being a cafe. That includes nice coffees, cakes and more plus a seating area outside in the backyard (check the backyard article) of Haus Schwarzenberg (check the Haus Schwarzenberg article) where you are surrounded by a funny metal frog-sculpture and lots of cool street art on the walls.

From 20:00 onwards the cafe is “turned” into the bar “Eschschloraque Rümschrüp”. (If you wonder about the names: they don’t mean anything in German but sound funny, crazy and strange.) All that changes now is the name, the fact that you’ll get cocktails next to the usual menu and that there is some sort of musical act.

And it’s a bit of a surprising gambling, concerning the music (unless you check the website). Either DJs play rarely heard music or you’ll get any sort of live experience: Folk, Pop, electronic, singer-songwriter,… anything, really!

Oh, and did I mention the interior? Green, blue and red lights and alien-sculptures make this place deserve the synonym “The Alien-Bar”, as a friend of mine called it recently. And by the way, the waitresses are always nice and friendly.

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Eschschloraque Rümschrüp | Bars, Coffee & tea | Beer 0.33 l € 2.60
Rosenthaler Straße 39 | Mitte
14:00 – open end daily

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Frau Tonis Parfums Berlin (by Frau Toni Parfums Berlin)

There is something quite remarkable about the power that a simple fragrance can provoke. Marylin Monroe once said that the only thing she wore in bed was Chanel N°5 and Marcel Proust devoted pages upon pages in ‘Swann’s Way’ to the magical experience of odor-evoked memory.

If like me, you are inspired by perfume and fancy yourself a bit of an olfactory connoisseur, then take the time to visit Frau Toni’s Parfumerie. This newly opened boutique in Mitte (run by Frau Toni’s great grand daughter herself) has over 35 locally produced pure perfumes and absolutes on offer.  In contrast to the mass produced fragrances churned out by the big ‘luxury’ brands, at Frau Toni’s you can select scents that are suited to you as an individual.

With the expert guidance of their staff, you have the chance to to compose arrangements with such wonderful high grade ingredients from Moroccan rose to tulip to red poppy seed. All scents are then presented in refillable flacons. This is certainly not solely a female affair, as there is also a range of Colognes and aftershaves on offer for the male of the species.

If you are in Berlin for a little while longer, then you can also take advantagee of  special tasting evenings, where you and a small group of friends can book an evening of testing and composing fragrances  after shop hours, accompanied by champagne and pralines.

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Frau Tonis Parfums | Shopping | 50ml (non spray) € 45
Alte Schönhauser Str. 50 | Mitte | +493020215310
Mon – Fri 12:00 – 20:00, Sat 11:00 – 19:00

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Gianni's Pasta Bar Berlin (by Herrmann Königs)

“Prego signore!” is what I first heard at Gianni’s Pasta Bar – and of course ever on. Today I’m convinced that to here is where Gianni brought his home – Italy.

This place is at half a source for any Italian food you wanna buy (wine, pasta (-sauces), cheese, meat, marinated veggies, sweets, etc.). On the other half – and here comes my recommendation – I love it for the weekly changing lunch menu and the best coffee I found in town (and it’s more than reasonably priced – cappuccino € 1.30). Oh, and I should not forget to mention their yummy ciabattas (€ 2.10 – 2.90) in four different varieties which I prefer to take away.

But the actual star of the Pasta Bar are the lovely staff: Gianni Gillone – the always charming owner and workaholic and, of course, the very nice and friendly girls whom one quickly takes to one’s heart.

Being a regular here, I keep seeing new faces as well as many daily guests – and they can’t be wrong! It’s simply a great place to read newspaper or just to chat with friends.

I recently took a couple of friends from Italy here. And they proved this place as “Italian”; they loved the coffee (that’s means something!) and liked the variety of Gianni’s goods.

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Gianni’s Pasta Bar | Coffee & tea, Snacks, Restaurants (Italian) | Pasta € 4.30
Schönhauser Allee 186A | Mitte | +493044323830
Mon – Sat 08:00 – 21:00

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Gorki Park Berlin (by Bassma Fattal)

Evidenced by the growing number of articles I’ve penned for this site on cafes & bars, you may get the idea that all I do in Berlin is booze and drink coffee – and you would be correct!

With that in mind, there is nothing like a shot of vodka and a good ole coffee,  preferably all in the same place.  As I’m too lazy to go bar hopping, Gorki Park is literally right up my alley.

It’s a great place to hang out with mates or sit down with your laptop and work, with the added bonus of delicious Russian dishes like  pelmini, blini and borsch.  There is nothing like a Soljanka soup to warm you up on one of those often dour and cold Berlin winter days. Lactose intolerant beware, sour cream is served with practically everything. Yum.

Enjoy the many flavoured vodkas on offer, with a backdrop of vintage Soviet propaganda posters and pictures of Yuri Gagarin decorating the walls. Smokers you’re in luck, as Gorki Park has a comfortable smokers room/section; so you do not have to be subjected to smoking outside in freezing temperatures or relegated to the back of the building like naughty school children, as is the case in many establishments.

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Gorki Park | Bars, Coffee & tea, Snacks, Restaurants (Russian) | Breakfast € 8.00
Weinbergsweg 25 | Mitte | +49304487286
09:30 – 02:00 daily

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Hamburger Bahnhof Berlin (by Natalia Roman)

Arts and trains haven’t seized to come across each other. Be it trains threatening to come out of Lumiere Brothers’ film at the end of the 19th century, be it locomotives entering the Nave of the Grand Palais in 2007, part of the L’Art Entre La Gare exhibition celebrating the 70th year of France’s national rail operator, trains continue to inspire.

Hamburger Bahnhof transformed from a terminal station of the railway net into a museum and is since 1996 a venue for Contemporary Art. There aren’t any more train tracks. However, the ephemeral element of a train station is fuelled by the ever changing exhibitions (Felix Gonzalez – Torres, Shirin Neshat, Robert Rauschenberg and Janet Cardiff are just a few of the artists shown here) and by the (more than) 250 000 visitors a year. In 2008 Hamburger Bahnhof also took part in the Cult of the Artist Exhibition organized by the state museums in Berlin, with a show on Joseph Beuys, while the New National Gallery celebrated Paul Klee and Jeff Koons.

One can find this museum across the street from the Berlin main train station, in Moabit. All the borders of Moabit district are water. Moabit is just another type of island in Mitte, more quiet and cosy. Do stop by. It will be a story of trains of the past and art of the present.

Tip: The museum has free entrance on Thursdays, between 14:00 – 18:00.

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Hamburger Bahnhof | Art & culture, Relaxing | Entrance € 8.00
Invalidenstraße 50-51 | Mitte | +493039783411
Tue – Fri 10:00 – 18:00, Sat 11:00 – 20:00, Sun 11:00 – 18:00

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Haus Schwarzenberg Berlin (by Herrmann Koenigs )

My favorite backyard (see the Backyards article): Haus Schwarzenberg.

One could say there are two cafes/bars, two shops, a gallery, a cinema, a museum…But that wouldn’t be enough to describe the importance of Haus Schwarzenberg. For getting a proper feeling of the cultural Berlin you have to go there.

Here is where Otto Weidt saved lives of deaf and blind Jewish workers from Holocaust in his broom and brush workshop. Find out more about this historical place in the “Museum Blindenwerkstatt Otto Weidt“.

The memorial “Stille Helden” honors and commemorates those people who, like Otto Weidt, risked their own lives to rescue prosecuted Jewish people from assured death.

Go further through to the second backyard. Here’s the lovely cinema “Central” (see this article). Also, you have the café “Kaschemme” which is “turned” into a bar and renamed “Eschschloraque” at 20:00 (see this article), a place with an alien-like decoration and really friendly staff.

Above the “Eschschloraque” is the “Neurotitan” – an extremely unique shop and gallery that sells, supports and exhibits all kinds of works of local artists, be it paintings/drawings, CDs/records or t-shirts/tops, books or other stuff.

Other places in Haus Schwarzenberg that are also worth going to are the “Anne-Frank-Zentrum” – an exhibition about the life of the Jewish girl whose diary became so famous and the lovely “Café Cinema”.

Finally, take some time to look at the walls. Most of Berlin’s famous street artists, such as Alias, El Bocho, Karl Toon or Vectorian, are present here.

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Haus Schwarzenberg | Art & culture, Bars, Cinemas, Coffee & tea, Music, Shopping
Rosenthaler Strasse 39 | Mitte
Daily

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Heckmannhoefe Berlin (by Herrmann Koenigs)

Located next to the New Jewish Synagogue, the trio of backyards (see the Backyard article) “Heckmannhoefe” are really worth discovering.

Entering from Oranienburger Strasse, the first backyard contains a little bookshop and a candy-making shop in the basement, the “Bonbonmacherei” where you can watch Katja and Hjalmar produce traditional sweets with antique equipments.

In the second backyard, the main one of the three, you’ll see why this is certainly one of the nicest backyards complexes in Scheunenviertel. It houses a little theater, boutiques, cafes, restaurants and even a hairdresser’s shop. The surrounding ivy clad buildings invite you to take a seat on a bench next to a lovely little fountain.

In the third backyard which you can also enter from Auguststrasse there isn’t that much special stuff going on – except for the impression you’ll get when you see how residents have improved their homes with a nice little gazebo structure in their own backyard – that is the real Berliner backyard culture (see the Backyard article)!

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Heckmannhoefe | Art & culture, Relaxing, Shopping, Theaters
Oranienburger Strasse 32 | Mitte
Daily

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Herr Von Eden Berlin (by Bassma Fattal)

For those with a penchant for old school finesse and looking for exquisitely tailored ensembles, this is the place for you.

HvE designs are a nod to 20th century sophistication with 30’s style glamour with some Beatlesque 60’s cuts – contemporary twists on old classics. Accompanying the wide range of suits, tuxedos, skirts and blazers on offer, are a selection of dainty matching accessories such as trilby’s, top hats, cuff-links and pocket watches.

The HvE boutique is a sleek and modern affair, with accents of vintage chic alluded to but never overt, allowing the garments to stand out and speak for themselves.

Herr Von Eden himself, owner and designer Bent A. Jensen, literally embodies the spirit of his brand from top to toe.  Always immaculately turned out and never seen dressed in anything but his own designs, as well as featuring in his own campaigns.

The friendly and informed staff can put together a great look to suit your type or needs, matching fabrics / colours in the blink of an eye.  If you’re leaving town and need your purchase adjusted, they will happily modify the garment for free then post it onto you at a minimal cost, arriving freshly pressed at your doorstep.

I’m convinced that my Viennese boyfriend uses me as a thinly veiled excuse to come to Berlin and buy his Herr Von Eden suits.

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Herr Von Eden | Shopping | Average suit € 550.00
Alte Schönhauser Str 14 | Mitte
Mon – Fri 10:30 – 20:00, Sat 10:30 – 18:00

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Hoffmann Collection Berlin (by Hoffmann Sammlung)

The Hoffmann private collection, from Sophienstr, offers an interesting alternative to the big public museums from Berlin. The Hoffmann family opens their collection for small guided group visits every Saturday, between 11:00 and 16:00. Prior reservations are required.

The venue is an interesting red brick construction, which used to be a factory. What makes it particularly worth looking at, besides many great collected pieces, is the mixture of private and public space. One stumbles upon every day objects during his visit, which look as if the owners have just dropped them there a few minutes before. If the Hoffmanns actually live there or not, brings no detriment to this spectacle.

I picked up a Felix Gonzalez Torres poster from their living room before I left, sometime ago. Showing such an artist could not have fit better the idea of the venue. His installations are many times meant to be shared, consumed by the viewers (e.g. he designed carpets of candies, or this type of piles of posters). I’ll stop the story about his work here, and leave to you the discovery of the ideas behind such inviting installations.

By the way, the Hoffmann collection changes every summer, so might be just time to go back.

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Hoffmann Collection | Art & culture | Entrance fee € 8.00
Sophienstr. 21 | Mitte | +493028499121
Sat 11:00 – 16:00

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Ishin Berlin (by Bassma Fattal)

If you are looking for affordable, tasty and healthy food, then you should pass by Ishin Japanese deli with two locations in Mitte, one in Steglitz and one in Wilmersdorf.  When I used to work in Mitte, I would have lunch at Ishin nearly every day, sushi is one of those treats I rarely get bored of and equally never feel guilty about over indulging in. That being the case, I would alternate my visits evenly between to the branches on Mittelstrasse and Charlottenstrasse, to avoid the embarrassment of seeming to turning up every day at the same branch.

Ishin offer a wide variety of freshly prepared sushi, sashimi and steamed dishes; all reasonably priced. On arrival you are offered free green tea, and if you keep hold of you tea bag, you have unlimited green tea refills with the hot water canister on offer (This all depends very much on the stamina of your tea bag).  Take advantage of Happy Hour, where they offer reductions on many set menus until 16:00 and on Weds and Saturday it’s Happy Day, where as the title suggests, deals are on offer all day.

It’s not a place where you can while away the time comfortably, it is a deli in every sense of the word, service is fast and customer traffic even faster, so be prepared to squeeze in next to someone at peak time. If you like it a little quieter and more intimate then I would recommend the branch on Charlottenstrasse, as it is considerably smaller, service is friendlier and more personable.

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Ishin | Snacks, Restaurants (Japanese) | Ume Menu € 7.00
Mittelstraße 24 | Mitte | +493020674829
Mon – Sat 11:00 – 22:00 (Mittelstraße)

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Kaffee Burger Berlin (by Sarah Curth )

Russians know how to party. One of the most famous ones in Germany is the writer Wladimir Kaminer. He came to Berlin in 1990 and started a Russian Disco at the Kaffee Burger near Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz 8 years ago.

It didn’t take a long time until the Russendisko turned into a real Berliner institution. The two DJs, Kaminer and Yuriy present famous Russian Pop, Hip Hop, Rock, Ska and Reggae twice a month on Saturday.

Thanks to Kaffee Burger, which used to be frequented by actors, authors and singers in the 70’s, the atmosphere is authentic. Old velour wallpaper, dark wooden chairs, leather lounges and dim light make this place perfect for Russian parties where Vodka flows freely and the joint is always jumping. An old GDR-list of beverages on the wall and the huge soldier’s head next to the checkroom remind you of times when one part of Germany was run by a socialist regime.

But anyway, nostalgia fits the Russian mentality, so the Kaffee and the Russendisko go perfectly together. The place’s popularity proves it: people from all over the world dance together to the beat on the rather small dance floor. Hot air and lots of romping people create a frenetic party atmosphere that generally gets started around midnight and lasts until 4 or 5 in the morning.

Aside from Russendisko on Saturday nights, it’s also worth it to visit Kaffee Burger for other events. Almost every day they offer readings, live music, movies or parties. Kaffee Burger Bar itself is always open on Friday and Saturday evening.

The next Russendisko dates you will find here.

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Kaffee Burger | Bars, Coffee & tea, Music | Entry fee € 5.00
Torstraße 60 | Mitte | +493028046495
Fri – Sat 22:00 – open end, Sun – Thu open during events

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KW Berlin (by Rainer Jordan 2004)

KW Institute is a spacious and modern venue for art, with a charming inner yard and many floors, right in gallery-packed Auguststrasse. While sipping a coffee in the yard, the glass cube will throw your image right back at you, and catch you wondering about the elephant-trumpet-looking-horn hanging above the entrance.

KW was built on the site of a margarine factory, and it was founded in the 1990. The Institute is the main venue of the Berlin Biennial. Besides hosting interdisciplinary exhibitions on rotation, KW also has an art residence project and offers working space to invited artists.

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KW | Art & culture | Admission € 6.00
Auguststraße 69 | Mitte | +49302434590
Tue – Wed & Fri – Sun 12:00 – 19:00, Thu 12:00 – 21:00

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Made in Berlin Berlin (by Sarah Curth)

Fashion for Nerds, fashion for brave hearts and fashion for fashion victims – there is no limit for craziness, colorfulness and extravagance.

The shop in the stylish heart of Mitte answers the question where all the clothes from the last 3 decades went. Made in Berlin is one of three secondhand shops (Colours: Bergmannstr. 102; Garage (see the Garage article): Ahornstr. 2) which offers selected and definitely trend-setting clothes for girls and boys. On two floors you will find fancy accessories like hats and shoes, strange dresses, cute shirts and blouses and many more things letting hearts of fashion addicted bloom.

As a special for bargain hunters: Every Tuesday from 12:00 – 15:00 you get 20 % discount on everything.

By the way don’t be put off by the shop’s fusty smell. I don’t know why secondhand always has the same unpleasant smell. But be sure in this fashion paradise the visual will detract your nose!

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Made in Berlin | Shopping | shirts from € 5.00
Neue Schönhauser Straße 19 | Mitte | +493021230601
Mon – Sat 12:00 – 20:00

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Martin Gropius Bau Berlin (by Natalia Irina Roman)

Martin Gropius Bau was built in 1881 as Museum for applied arts and reopened after the renovation of war demolitions in 1981. Since 2001 it is one of the projects of the Berliner Festspiele cultural organization. It is located in the heart of Berlin, close to Potsdamer Platz and it is an imposing building. The venue welcomes the viewer with a mixture of elegance, comfort and good art.

MGB is a distinctive and established art space which finds itself in between a museum (as it does not have a permanent own collection) and a gallery (as it does not sell works of art).

It is a venue for many international exhibitions (covering photography, archaeology, art history and contemporary arts) and its profile makes it comparable with the Grand Palais in Paris and Royal Academy of Arts in London. All in all, Martin Gropius Bau is a must.

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Martin Gropius Bau | Art & culture, Bars | On average € 6.00
Niederkirchnerstraße 7 | Mitte | +4930254860
Wed – Mon 10:00 – 20:00

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Ramones Museum Berlin Berlin (by Bassma Fattal)

If there is any place in Berlin that exemplifies the love and dedication of a group of fans for a band, it is in this the small museum dedicated solely to Queens finest – The Ramones. After a short closure and hiatus period, The Ramones Museum (which is the first and only museum of it’s kind in the world) has reopened after upping sticks from their original Kreuzberg location to Mitte.

This ‘Klein aber fein’ homage to the punk’s godfathers, offers fans the chance to see original and rare band memorabilia. Everything from Johnny Ramones iconic white/black Mosrite guitar, to his ripped jeans or rare childhood photos and school reports. You can also watch footage from their earlier gigs in the 70’s, read the original scribbled texts to songs like ‘I wanna be your boyfriend’ or “Judy is a Punk’. Even Marky Ramones signed drumsticks and Chucks are lovingly displayed in a glass case.

What I like about this place is that most everything that is exhibited are donations from die hard fans, whether it be old set lists ripped of the stage after a gig, signed tickets by the band or an old water bottle Joey Ramone threw into the audience during a show.

Afterwards you can chill out have a coffee and a slice of cake whilst chatting to other fellow Ramones fans in the café or buy some branded merchandise like the iconic Ramones logo T-shirt, buttons and a host of other paraphernalia.

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Ramones Museum Berlin | Art & culture, Coffee & tea, Music, Snacks | Entry € 3.50
Krausnickstr.23 | Mitte
Mon – Thu 08:00 – 18:00, Fri 08:00 – 22:00, Sat 10:00 – 22:00, Sun 12:00 – 18:00

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Road Runners Paradise Berlin (by Bassma Fattal)

Calling all urban cowboys, Rock n Rollers and 50’s enthusiasts, Roadrunners Paradise is the place to be. This gig venue is where it’s at, if you’re looking for quality live classic Rock n’ Roll, Bluegrass, Country or Rockabilly music. You need not dress like or be a vintage enthusiast to feel at home (though it does help), as there is something very welcoming about roadrunners. Perhaps due its location, hidden away from passing traffic, it creates the feeling of an exclusive and friendly members club, feels like a bit of an insiders secret tip.

Located just off Saarbrücker Strasse in Mitte, tucked away at the back of commercial courtyard right next to an Alpha Romeo car workshop. You realise you’re there once you see the impressive variety of classic American cars parked outside, from Chevrolets to Cadillac’s.

This place has great acoustics and hosts both national and international acts; I recently saw a great Bluegrass band from Memphis perform here, as well as a rockabilly quartet from Hanover and Miss. Mospy a local Berlin Burlesque performer.

It’s charm also lies in the stylishly quaint decorative touches, like a vintage Harley Davidson mounted on the wall, pictures of Elvis, Herb Ritts and Charles Bukowski in classic gilded frames.

As Roadrunners hasn’t got fixed opening times, it is worth checking the website to see the concert schedule, generally it is always open Saturdays and costs 10 euros entry for enjoyable night of 50’s era inspired bands and DJ’s.

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Road Runners Paradise | Bars, Music | Entry € 10.00
Saarbrückerstr. 24 | Mitte
Check website for opening times

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Sage Club Berlin (by Sarah Curth )

On weekends you can party everywhere else, but Thursday night belongs to Sage Club. For some people it’s their after-work relaxing zone, for others it’s better than Saturday because the club gets crowded early. Every Thursday Sage Club, located inside the U-Bahnhof Heinrich-Heine-Straße, turns into a music fest for finest Indie rock, Alternative and Metal.  But not only DJs reign this three floor venue.

The main floor is dedicated to live upcoming bands. After that Britpop, Indierock and All time favorites can be heard in the hall. The so-called Dragonfloor satisfies those addicted to a harder pace.  Here Metal, Hardrock and Hardcore are the DJ’s specialties. Downstairs you’ll find a smaller booth where Classics and Alternative music are played. But you better keep track of yourself and your friends: Sage Club is quite big and it’s not unusual for you or your friends to get lost in the crowd.

The interior of the Sage is reminiscent of a dominatrix studio. Every Friday and Saturday the club hosts KitKat, a techno-party that’s geared for anyone who dresses up in leather, latex, glitter, glamour and extravagant clothes (or no clothes at all). But of course this special interior fits well for Rock’n'Roll too.

The special attraction of the Sage Club is the swimming pool in the smoking/lounge area. Unfortunately a big sign forbids you to get in but the view into the deep blue water helps you come down after excessive dancing.

Make sure to get to the club before 22:00 for free entry (and don’t be put off by a possible long queue), after 22:00 you have to pay 6 € to get in.

If you need some great food on the next day keep in mind that Sage has also a restaurant. It doesn’t remind you at all on the dirty Rock Club. This place is rather chic, stylish and a little expensive – a hanseatic dream in white. But have a look at the wSage restaurant website and be sure to book before you come.

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Sage Club | Bars, Music, Restaurants | after 22:00 € 6.00
Köpenicker Straße 76 | Mitte | +49302789830
Thu 19:00 – open end

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St. Elisabeth-Kirche Berlin (by Sarah Curth)

Many times I passed by this building which fascinated me at first sight. Generally I am not that interested in churches but this one is not a common church: no spire, no nave and no bell.

The story of St. Elisabeth-Kirche, built in 1835, is a long one. The famous Prussian architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel designed the church which is a special example of neo-classical architecture.

Until 1945 it played an important role in church and urban history. But then it was destroyed in World War II except the perimeter walls. So the church was a ruin for more than 40 years. Only 1991 it was possible to protect the building by specialists. Until today they were able to rebuild the structure with the help of Berlin’s government and different organizations. But they still need financial support for the interior.

The church is currently used for cultural events, especially concerts and exhibitions. But his winter they will do more interior work so that the church can be opened for public soon. Sometimes the door just stands open so try your luck to catch a glimpse of the inside. (There is also a rotating view online)

The German Federal President Horst Koehler paid tribute to this place when he held his second “Berliner Rede” (Berlin speech) on the 24th of March 2009 at the Elisabeth-Kirche.

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St. Elisabeth-Kirche | Art & culture, Relaxing | Free
Invalidenstraße 3 | Mitte | +493031808770
Open during events

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Stattbad Wedding Berlin (by Stattbad Wedding)

Stattbad Wedding was a public swimming pool complex, but the story here is about what it is today. A place for site-specifc installations. A place for parties. A place for performances. A place for filming. A place for what you can imagine building there. Because the managers of the space are open for your suggestions.

Of this assured me Jochen Küpper, cultural manager at Stattbad Wedding. The first time I met him was for a short interview, or better say, he answered a curiosity call. We set down on a couch by the swimming pool. The light was warm and we were surrounded by fishing nets, which managed to provide intimacy to the conversation, despite the constant movement around us. The place was getting ready for a weekend event. Jochen works around the clock for the Stattbad, no wonder he has nights catching him sleeping there.

Stattbad Wedding is a contemporary cultural centre, so its definition remains open. There is however a focus on urban arts. One of the first exhibition openings I have attended there was a urban affairs show spread throghout the swimming pool and the lockers. Alive butterflies were flying everywhere. Incredibly cruel and beautiful. The second time I’ve been to the Stattbad was an underground experience – we were literally under the swimming pool. Imagine pipes everywhere, video installations, bars and music which lasted til the morning. The space does offer unfolding possibilities.

Go there to be surprised. Or to surprise.

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Stattbad Wedding | Art & culture, Bars, Music, Relaxing, Festivals & events | Ticket +/- € 4
Gerichtstrasse 65 | Mitte
Please make sure to check the website

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Stolpersteine Berlin (by Herrmann Koenigs)

Everywhere you walk through Berlin you should pay attention to these brazen little bricks in the ground: “Hier wohnte…” (”Here lived…”) is written on each of the “Stolpersteine” (English: “Stumble Stones”) to commemorate a person who was deported by the Nazis and killed in a concentration camp.

In order to create a stone people, businesses, authorities or even schools that now reside in the last homes of the victim have to research the name, dates of birth & death and what exactly happened to the victim. Also, they have to donate money to fund the stone. Then, the stone will be produced by artist Gunter Demnig who came up with the idea in 1993. Finally the stone will be inserted into the footpath.

As you can find thousands of these “Stolpersteine” pretty much everywhere throughout Germany (and even in the Netherlands, Austria & Hungary) it proofs very well that the Germans have not forgotten about the Holocaust.

The project “Stolpersteine” became a huge success after it was illegal in the beginning. Now it’s very well known in Germany. The website gives more information, though in German only.

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Stolpersteine | Art & culture | Free
Everywhere | Mitte
24 hours daily

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Tacheles Berlin (by Herrmann Koenigs)

Go to Kunsthaus Tacheles! If I was to recommend you one place in Berlin to go to – it would be the Tacheles!

This ruin is basically the rest of a 1909 shopping mall. The rest of it which still exists today has survived bomb hits in WW II and plans of blasting. That could be avoided in 1990 by an initiative of artists, called “Tacheles”. As time passed it became a place full of life and a very important Berlin art center.

You should check out the Kunsthaus (= art house) Tacheles for many reasons:
- an extremely special, creative, alternative and lively place
- galleries and studios of at least 50 here working artists
- the wide range of their interesting art: paintings, sculptures, photos, collages, installations, videos
- High End 54 – a bar and cinema screening non-mainstream movies (program)
- the “panorama bar” on the top floor and the Café Zapata downstairs
- the “Goldener Saal” (”Golden Hall”): a huge and flexible hall for any sort of performing arts
- the backyard with the beer garden: full of interesting details such as sculptures and installations
- the architecture of the building (protected as a monument)
- here you can really feel the way the city of Berlin ticks
- uniqueness, independence from money

The website of Tacheles is partly in English, German and Spanish; other languages appear out of the blue. Though without structure about the languages, you’ll get on with the site to find out more about Tacheles.

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Tacheles | Art & culture, Bars, Cinemas, Theaters
Oranienburger Str. 54-56a | Mitte | +49302826185
Daily

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Tadshikische Teestube Berlin (by Jens Schmidt)

Close your eyes and imagine Sheherezade and her 1001 stories. Imagine her in an interior with tall walls, diffuse light, columns, cushions on the floor and exotic aromas.

The good part about this imagined place is that it has a physical address in the middle of Berlin, Im Palais, next to Unter den Linden. It is a hidden tea room with small tables and places to sit on the floor. Each tea has its own story.

Do not be afraid to enter the palace-looking-like house. You will find the tea room on the first floor, where the white-marble-building will open into a comfortable and warm space. You’ll get a feeling of crossing over.

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Tadshikische Teestube | Coffee & tea, Relaxing | Herb tea € 2.80
Am Festungsgraben 1 | Mitte | +49302041112
Mon – Fri 17:00 – 00:00, Sat – Sun 15:00 – 00:00

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Volksbuehne Berlin (by Jens Schmidt )

One play I have seen there some time ago was a jam session and had an improvised open ending, which slowly transformed into a competition: who will last longer? The actors improvising on the stage, or the spectators invited already to leave? It was not until after midnight that the curtain was down.

Volksbuehne is an experimental theatre. Like any experimental endeavor, it is not for everybody. Expect most of the times live filming, simultaneous video projections and loud music.

The theatre has another small stage in Kastanienallee, the Volksbuehne im Prater. This is right next to the Prater beer garden, which is a delight during warm days. Besides the great plays, there is a wonderful gigantic wooden table next to the bar in the Volksbuehne im Prater. While waiting to enter the play, the spectators can sipp a drink around this table – this circle gives an uncanny warm feeling and it creates a familiarity among people who haven’t met before.

Note: The plays are in German.

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Volksbuehne | Bars, Relaxing, Theaters | Students € 3.50
Linienstraße 227 | Mitte | +4930240655
Plays almost every day of the week

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White Trash Berlin (by Bassma Fattal)

Looking for a night out with the accompanying two fingers up at the establishment attitude? This is your bar. Local and International rock/electro/punk/country bands perform here making White Trash a multi-faceted package deal.

It’s safe to say this place is a regular haunt of mine and it’s not uncommon that my friends have more than once found me asleep in the restrooms after a drink or two.

White Trash also hosts the weekly Smoking Cinema, an evening featuring underground films and old time classics, where despite the recent smoking ban, you can light up a cigarette or two whilst watching cult classics. Sprinkle on top tarot readers, burlesque dancers, extroverts galore and waiters with attitude, the result is a pretty eventful night out.

Be warned! It’s crazy packed on Saturdays, which may have something to do with the pole dancers in the street windows they have now employed to entice you in for their White Noise evening. On Sunday you can enjoy live Jazz and experimenta  music on ‘Last Exit Sunday’. Here you can find manager and Proustian disciple Wolfgang Sinhart (great last name right?) in his beautifully tailored suits as he hosts the evening while you chomp away on your Elvis burger.

My top tip is Friday evenings in the Diamond Lounge, where you can catch DJ Anita Drink make you shake your moneymakers to best of punk, rock and pop. Oh and she happens to be a rather frightening drag act as well.

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White Trash | Cinemas, Restaurants (Fast Food) | Entry from € 2.00
Schönhauseralle 6-7 | Mitte | +493050348668
18:00 – till late daily

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Zosch Berlin (by Sarah Curth)

The alternative look of the Zosch’s façade seems not to belong in the tidy area of Oranienburger Straße. You could imagine it in Friedrichshain or Kreuzberg but Mitte has turned more or less into the home of fancy chic in the last years. The Zosch is one of the survivors of the first pubs that established itself after the political turnaround in 1989. And it still remains true to itself. The staff and the people are down-to-earth and the interior is rustic. But the attention belongs to the music.

Downstairs in the cozy cellar which reminds you of an old larder in a medieval castle, mostly every night jazz bands or songwriters play. The atmosphere is familiar even if the pub is full of people. The big wooden tables and benches almost fill out the whole room and the place is quickly crowded.

Especially on Wednesday evening when the Goethe Institute of Berlin holds its student’s regulars’ table in the pub. But normally Zosch is a place where you find a lot of native people. It’s not overcrowded by tourists and most of the bands playing here are from Berlin. The Zosch is always trying to satisfy different tastes of music. Not only jazz but also songwriters, blues or gypsy bands enter the small stage.

Every Wednesday the band La Foot Creole which is committed to New Orleans Jazz plays in the Zosch’s catacomb.

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Zosch | Bars, Music, Snacks | Beer € 2.00
Tucholskystraße 30 | Mitte | +49302807664
16:00 – open end daily

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