Hotels Above Par Founder Bradnon Berkson here. There’s no city like Berlin. You tour its nefarious, poignant historical vestiges during the day, then by night, you dance until morning at its famous techno clubs. An abundance of trendy restaurants, coffee shops, and boutique hotels now populate its streets. Repurposed institutions give you goosebumps, from erstwhile Stasi headquarters that are now interactive museums to recreational parks that used to be Nazi training grounds (and, in one case, a former airport for the tainted cause). The resilient city now brims with a free-spirited ethos, a confounding, ironic personality trait that juxtaposes the authoritarian intolerance for which it was most known last century. Anyway, it’s a heavy yet lively place with skeletons in the closet—and that’s probably what fascinates me so much about it. So, without further ado, here’s my pocket guide to Berlin.
Sir Savigny Hotel
The Sir Savigny Hotel is my absolute favorite place to stay in Berlin. Nestled in the charming Literary Quarter of Charlottenburg, it’s perfectly situated. I love the 44 guestrooms, which feature high ceilings that add an airy feel. The lobby library is filled with international books, making it a cozy spot to unwind. In the summer, the hotel’s backyard is ideal for sipping an iced coffee while diving into a good novel. Oh—and it doesn’t ‘break the bank.’
Coccodrillo
If I’m craving Italian cuisine in the heart of Berlin, Coccodrillo is my go-to spot. The pasta is simply mouthwatering—seriously, the truffle dish here is exceedingly delicious. With its vibrant red décor, the restaurant is a feast for the eyes as much as it is for the palate. It’s truly a carb lover’s paradise.
A Never Ever Ending Love Story
Brunch is my favorite meal, full stop. Sunday mornings are best spent here—ordering any of the pancakes are a great decision.
Dance the night away at Berghain or KitKatClub:
Ready to dance the night away in one of the world’s craziest nightclubs? Berghain is your electronic music destination. With its legendary parties that are the antithesis of the word ‘prudish,’ strict door policy, and world-class DJs, this club is not for the faint of heart. If you don’t get in, it’s not the end of the world—the iconic KitKatClub is another techno-filled option in Berlin (again, don’t go here if you’re looking for an innocent night out on the town).
Topography of Terror
Berlin is steeped in dark history, and I find it compelling to explore its more somber past. The Topography of Terror is a striking reminder of that history, located on the site of the former Gestapo and SS headquarters. The permanent exhibit here documents the horrific years of Nazi persecution against minorities, including Jews, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with disabilities.
Judisches Museum Berlin (Jewish Museum)
The Jewish Museum Berlin is a must-visit for anyone interested in Germany’s rich Jewish history. It focuses significantly on Ashkenazi Jewry and the Holocaust. One of the most poignant experiences I’ve had there was walking through the Shalekhet (Falling Leaves) installation. I won’t spoil it for you, but just know that you walk on over 10,000 iron plates shaped like faces with open mouths—to say it is harrowing would be an understatement.
East Side Gallery
The East Side Gallery is a stunning 1.3-kilometer-long stretch of the Berlin Wall along the Spree River. It’s both a historical landmark and an outdoor art gallery, showcasing a roster of eye-popping murals. The ‘Fraternal Kiss’ mural is particularly famous—if you ask me, nothing screams ‘I’m in Berlin’ more than capturing a photo here.
