No trip to Berlin is complete without taking a photo at one of the iconic Photoautomats. Scattered throughout the city, these analog photo booths are the brainchild of two friends who decided to restore old, out-of-use photo cabins they found across Europe and give them a new life in Berlin. With around 35 booths in key locations – outside bars, nightclubs, museums and busy areas – they’re recognisable by their big red letters and are available for use at any time of day or night.
In the era of smartphones and selfies, these analog portraits offer a nostalgic trip to the past, providing a physical photo you can actually hold. Once inside the vintage booth, you draw the little curtain, adjust the seat, drop in 3€, and strike a pose. Then another, and another, and another. Four flashes later, your photo shoot is complete. Now, all you have to do is wait the five minutes it takes for the photo to develop. Once ready, the machine spits it out, still wet from the developing chemicals – your one-of-a-kind Berlin souvenir.
These photo strips can be found in nearly every home in Berlin, hanging on walls, pinned to fridges, or glued to mirrors. It’s become almost a tradition, with people using them to immortalize birthday celebrations, wild nights out with friends, visits from family, or just because – moments of your Berlin life, forever captured in black and white.
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!
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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.
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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!
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"Mamecha" could be one of the most authentic yet affordable Japanese food places in Berlin. You can even order its tea & cakes online!
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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...
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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...
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"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...
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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...
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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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"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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215 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
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