Kreuzberg does not lack good secondhand bookstores, but what makes Berliner Büchertisch different is that it is a registered association that gives each child a book for free! “Ein Kind, ein Buch”! As an obsessed book collector, for me, Germany’s printing history is an impressive one and this also reflects on its children's books. From there I got some very precious children's books printed in the very German Fraktur or Sütterlin scripts. Founded in 2004, the association supports not only Berlin kindergarten and school reading and libraries, but occasionally also foreign organizations and schools. They have also organized initiatives to help libraries in refugee organisations or prisons.
As a fan of Reclam’s little yellow books and Kauderwelsch’s pockets language guides (equivalent to Lonely Planet's phrasebooks or Assimil’s guides de conversation), I've got far more than just books in German here: some Jane-Austens, a Chomsky, a Murakami in English, a Nietzsche in Turkish or a Tolstoy in French. There are also books in Italian, Latin, Spanish, and historical Old and Middle German among their collection at Büchertisch’s Kreuzberg store. A very reasonably wide range of reading and musical interests is covered, with a cozy reading place exclusively for children! The Büchertisch’s staff, who sometimes use Berlin regionalisms while talking German, are happy to receive children's books as gifts, in all world languages!
Find your way with 208 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Bob Murphy may be a mystery, but his coffee is top-notch. Served from a small window on a quiet street, it’s a hidden café in the sun with a loyal crowd.
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"She Said" in Berlin features books by female and queer authors only - it's the kind of bookstore that was still missing from our diverse city!
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What makes them even more special is their friendly nature. On most days, you might run into their owner Jonathan, the heart and soul of the café. SPRO would not shine the same way without his thoughtfulness.
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They take the traditional döner in Berlin and transform it into a borderline art form. With flavorful sauces, meat, vegetables, spices, herbs, bread, and cheese, there's no wonder each bite tastes better than the last.
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Heard of a croffle? What about an egg drop sandwich? Well, let me introduce you to your new favourite brunch food. Even if you've heard of these two before, you must try Puffle Bees.
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For €2, you can enjoy their falafel, shawarma, or kafta wrap. Their falafel wrap can be fully plant-based, too, just let them know, so they omit some sauces. They're better off as a snack because they're a bit on the smaller side.
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Gözleme is a savoury doughy Turkish bread, somewhat similar to a turnover or quesadilla. This stuffed flatbread can be filled with all sorts of ingredients, most commonly meat, cheese, or vegetables.
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I'm here to introduce you to one of the best vegan restaurants in Berlin: Alaska Bar. Everything is great at Alaska Bar, which works out wonderfully because they are a tapas restaurant!
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This restaurant will have you double-checking with the waiter if the food is genuinely vegan. This is part of what makes this place so special: its authentic and inventive nature.
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This small bakery located in the neighbourhood of Graefekiez, Kreuzberg may seem unassuming at first, but step inside and you'll see the magic this little shop brings to this kiez.
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Their Sabich includes delicious eggplant, potato, tomato salsa, egg, pickled red onion, fresh herbs, tahini, Iraqi curry, harissa, and salted lemon. All of it is served inside a fluffy, freshly baked pita.
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Zagros, a new Berlin favorite, serves up quality kebabs with fresh bread, flavorful fillings, and free tea. For me, they're winning the fierce competition!
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208 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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