I have always loved peeking into the universities of the cities I visit. If Berlin was still new to me, I wish I'd stumble across the enchanted art school Universität der Künste (UdK) in Charlottenburg. The place is simply magic: the historical building with its big courtyard, the wild ivy, the many hidden passages – and the promising œuvre of young artists which make you want to start your art collection right away.
One of my favorite art events of the year is the "UdK Rundgang", when the art school has two open days on a weekend during the summer and also at their other locations in the city. All the workshops are open and the master classes display their final works. The opening night in Charlottenburg has turned into somewhat of a legend and recently became a private event because of the overwhelming number of visitors – but you can find ways to get in if you know some art people in the city (and there are many in Berlin)...
If you are visiting the classy district of Charlottenburg and are close to the Zoo, Kantstraße and Kurfürstendamm, pay a visit to the holy halls of Udk; their doors are always open and you might stumble across one interesting student project or another, or you can simply marvel at the architecture.
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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"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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"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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215 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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