In 2018, Korean visual anthropologist Yoonha Kim brought me here. Since then, Handbestand has become my official meeting point with friends in Mitte. The most important thing about is that this secondhand bookstore café is open on Sundays! It smells of old books, literally: although mostly in German (and some are even in German dialects), the everyday-open café offers a museum-like range of secondhand books, and of course, good coffee and cakes made by its very friendly German owner, Thomas, who has given me a friendly discount for several beautifully printed books. Few English, Polish, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish books are among its beautiful collection.
Some of its highlights include children's books and philosophical œuvres printed in the German Reich period through the East German regime up until some more recent times. An Irish coffee or a made-in-Berlin Milchkaffee only make this cultural café even cozier: either for a short stopover refreshment or a longer temporary working place. The most famous Berlin flea markets at Mauer Park or Alexander Platz are a few minutes away by tram or metro (UBahn) from here, but don’t forget its Bernauer Straße UBahn station! Handbestand is just in front of one of the two entrances/exits of this mythical station: trains from the West were not allowed to stop here, but they did go through this station when Berlin was still divided into two different worlds.
Find your way with 215 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Neue Nationalgalerie" is THE museum for modern art in Berlin, it is simply a must-go. Recently renovated with more to come, it's an absolute must-visit!
by
The farmer's market on Karl-Marx-Platz in Rixdorf, Berlin is one of my favorite markets and a favorite of tourists & locals alike! Great street food, too.
by
Few places in Berlin are as extravagant in style as "Tadijk Tearoom". One thing's for sure: you'll be leaving Mitte at the doorstep!
by
"Mamecha" could be one of the most authentic yet affordable Japanese food places in Berlin. You can even order its tea & cakes online!
by
The "Hoffmann Collection" in Berlin is an ever-changing gallery that's actually the collector's own home. The experience was better that I'd imagined...
by
Sometimes I just have a craving for sushi, and most people agree that "The Catch" is one of the best places in Berlin to indulge in fresh fish...
by
"Galander Bar" is one of those hidden gems of ex-West Berlin. A long time ago, it was known as Mon Cheri, a brothel well known for its raucous parties...
by
You could have lived in Berlin all of your life and easily missed "Klosterruine" right next to Alexanderplatz in the center of the city, just like I had...
by
"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...
by
"PalaisPopulaire" in Berlin hosts the art collection of Deutsche Bank, often in cooperation with intern. museums. Check out the "I like Mondays" tours.
by
"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...
by
"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.
by
215 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 215 Insider Tips