Being a local or an outsider, a resident or a tourist can be just a matter of attitude. Sometimes I do consider myself a constant tourist, or a voyager, and always feel the need to explore the “foreign concessions” across Berlin, even Mauerpark, and the disappeared border between Prenzlauer Berg and Wedding, East and West.
So is Mauerpark also a border between two definitions of a flea market for “locals” or “tourists.” For old book lovers, I still recommend Mauerpark’s secondhand book stands. The fact that one has to ask for price instead of knowing it beforehand can make some feel uncomfortable - it feels somehow like being judged by one’s appearance. After all, it is a flea market, not a bookstore. So there you will have your chance to test your bargaining skills.
The most important thing is: one shall not give up any chance to find what might be otherwise hard to be found in normal bookstores. Personally, besides some German and Swiss fairy tale books, I have found a baby photo album from '60s East Germany.
Find your way with 215 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"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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"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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"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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"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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"Bikini Berlin" is not your typical mall. Looking over the Zoo and the memorial church, with just some carefully chosen shops, it's in the right direction.
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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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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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"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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215 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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