Who doesn't dislike malls, especially in Berlin, where too many are popping up and weirdly close to one another? In that sense, Bikini Berlin is a real exception.
Almost delicately, this concept mall sits right between the Berlin Zoo and the half bombed memorial church, offering incredible views over both (especially from the rooftop terrace and the neighboring 25hours Hotel). The architecture, since the estate has been listed as protected monument, is almost unobtrusive -- typical Berliner industrial chic -- with space for a few carefully selected shops (such as the Japanese store Chaya with an exceptional selection of tea and the Berlin boutique LNFA supporting young, local and sustainable designers) among galleries, cafés and restaurants.
The food court Kantini is a assembly of pop-up food stands from Currywurst to clean food. Sounds pretentious to you? Maybe a little bit. But if you come by for the art installations and workshops of Bikini, which frequently take place in their ample entrance area, you can just forget that you are in a mall and enjoy one of Berlin’s most recent efforts to not start looking like any other big city.
Find your way with 215 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Maxim Gorki Theater" in Berlin is one of a kind. It's the smallest one but its plays are always thoughtful and I love eating leisurely at the cafeteria...
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"PalaisPopulaire" in Berlin hosts the art collection of Deutsche Bank, often in cooperation with intern. museums. Check out the "I like Mondays" tours.
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"Rises Delicacies" is a homey Greek restaurant in Berlin that gives you the sensation that you're in Greece sharing a table w/ a family! Amazing moussaka.
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"Neuzwei Vintage Store" is a very refreshing escape from ordinary second-hand vintage shops in Berlin-Neukölln. It's like a small, unobtrusive boutique...
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"Shakespeare and Sons Bookstore" in Berlin is one of my favorites for Sunday morning. I love their jazz music and Jewish pastries, such as the Rugelach...
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Steglitz-Zehlendorf in Berlin is full with "Tree Stumps with Faces"! It's a great specimen of street art, and there are more than 500 in the neighborhood!
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The decorated "Mosaic Seats" in Berlin's Neukölln are located in a beautiful residential area. I like coming to rest my feet here if I'm in the area...
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"Geist im Glas" Berlin really is the best of both worlds: a bar at night and a fabulous brunch place on the weekends! I always ask about the new cocktails.
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"Andraschko" in Berlin and their 'Wiener Kaffeehaus Mischung' Espresso blend is the roastery/shop that actually made me like coffee in the first place...
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"Kranoldplatz Market": a small market in Berlin. What I love about it, apart from the potato stall, is the flatbread and cream cheese for a quick lunch!
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"Toms Kaffeerösterei" is one of my favourite spots in south-west Berlin. It's an artisanal, owner-managed coffee shop that gives great advice for blends!
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215 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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