You could have lived in Berlin all of your life and easily missed this monument right next to Alexanderplatz in the center of the city, just like I have. The Klosterruine is what is left of a Franciscan minster and probably the very last remains of medieval cloister culture in Berlin. It was also the first building completely constructed using bricks and seeing some of the walls still standing is truly awe-inspiring.
What else is there to see than Berlin's history of decay and reconstruction? Art! Since the 80s, contemporary artists have regularly been exhibiting their work in the outdoors. As the roof is missing, the artworks undergo a very particular process depending on the weather. In the winter months (October to April), the site remains closed but can still be marveled at from outside. In the summer months (May to September, 10:00 - 18:00), you can walk into the minister and imagine it in all of its glory looking up the remaining walls.
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One word to describe Macondo? Bustling! It's not the place if you need a quiet space to work, but it's nice if you want to have it all: work, play, wine, and coffee.
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I suggest stopping by the Berlin Art Market by the Zeughaus to pick up a locally created art piece. Since the market is located in the center of Museum Island it's easy to reach.
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Heisser Hobel stands out through their use of quality ingredients. Their dairy ingredients are collected from an organic family-run dairy farm, and their noodles are made in their stall throughout the day.
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Baked goods are made with ingredients made in-house or purchased from local suppliers. All food waste and single-use items (ie recycled compostable napkins) are turned into soil with their Gersi composting machine.
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"Idealpassage" in Berlin takes you on a historic walk - this passage reveals a complex from a century ago that served as a model for 'social housing'...
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"Oxfam Schöneberg" in Berlin deals in second-hand books! It offers a surprisingly interesting variety of international books...
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"Unterwegs" is a magnificent antiquarian bookstore specialised in architecture, photography, Berlin-Brandenburg and travel. Very aesthetically pleasing!
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"Buchhandlung Moritzplatz" in Berlin is hosted by Aufbau Verlag, once the biggest belles-lettres publisher in Easy Germany and still one of my favorites!
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"Mauerpark’s Books" in Berlin is perfect for old book lovers - and people who like bargaining for the best price!
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"Troika" is a nice little bookshop among the Prenzlauer Berg bars and restaurants. It's a little nostalgic treasure - you're lucky if you find it open!
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"Prior & Mumpitz" in Berlin is a tiny bookstore next to a ping pong table area specialized in children books - they even have a children's book club!
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217 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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