Berlin – a 15-stop tour of the world
- TEXT MIMI STAVE, AILEEN TIEDEMANN
With a population encompassing 190 different nations, Berlin is regarded as Germany’s most international city.
Nearly as many guest countries are expected at this year’s International Tourism Trade Fair ITB, which first opened its doors in 1996 in what was then a divided city and with only five nations represented. “Travel was largely pre-organized in the 1960s”, says Messe Berlin CEO Dr. Christian Göke, “but today, we travel to every corner of the world as we please. And there’s more change to come: Flying cabs and hyperloops are not far off.” In Berlin, though, it’s still possible to tour the world on the local S-Bahn train network.
1
New York Eggs
Good morning, Berlin! The Benedict café in Wilmersdorf is run by Israelis, but serves American breakfasts. Our tip: eggs Benedict, the classic poached egg specialty followed by a Morning Martini at the bar.
2
African Art
What do Congolese “power figures” have in common with sculptures of Italy’s patron saints? Find out at in an exhibition at the Bode Museum entitled Beyond Compare: Art from Africa.
3
Korean Clothing
K-Fashion is big, also in Berlin. A concept store in Kreuzberg caries only Korean labels, such as Rocket X Lunch and In Silence – Asian avant-garde for every day.
4
Inspirational Shop
Print is very much alive and kicking – at the legendary mag and newspaper store in Berlin Mitte at least. It even stocks rare and intriguing titles, like Eaten and Little White Lies.
5
Indian Cuisine
Chef Manish Bahukhandi prepares delicious meals in a tandoor oven at Berlin’s top address for Indian food, which you will find on the back of the Adlon hotel.
6
Mexican Kitsch
Who really needs a Frida Kahlo shrine or a Mexican voodoo set? No one, you would think, but at this colorful shop in Kreuzberg, they’re impossible to resist. You’ll end up redecorating the minute you get home.
7
Japanese Touch
This café in Mitte is like an urban greenhouse. After the obligatory Instagram photo of the spiral staircase, you walk up it to the café proper and the Japanese-inspired treats it holds in store.
8
Thai With A Twist
Whoever heard of replacing papaya with kohlrabi? In Berlin Tiergarten, former model Dalad Kambhu creates Thai food using ingredients from the local farmer’s market. Artistic and delicious!
9
Danish Brews
The design of the cans and bottles from this Danish microbrewery in Mitte district is as experimental as the beer itself. Microbrews, such as Salty Surprise and Milk Stout, taste as good as they sound.
10
Argentine Tango
Did you know that Berlin had the world’s second-biggest tango community after Buenos Aires? So why not dance the night away in this charming decorated old factory building in Wedding.
11
Asian Influence
Sino-German designer William Fan takes inspiration from Asia. The result is a feast for the eyes. Smartphones are frowned on his new store in Mitte, but customers are treated to a fresh brewed cup of tea.
12
Israeli Import
Shani Ahiel, the owner of this restaurant in Berlin Kreuzberg chose the name for a reason: “Shishi” is the Hebrew for Friday, and stands for Mediterranean hospitality – first food, then fun!
13
Brazilian Mood
At her cooking studio in Schöneberg, Sabine Hueck prepares specialties from her native Brazil to bossa nova sounds. The atmosphere is intimate since the colorfully decorated kitchen only holds 20 guests.
14
Parisian Boudoir
The design hotel near Ku’damm pays tribute to the Golden Twenties in Paris. Immerse yourself in the bygone glamour of red velvet and boudoir chic!
15
Balinese Retreat
Relax after your world tour at this 20 000-square-meter spa reminiscent of Balinese village. You’ll soon forget Berlin’s central train station is just around the corner.
Getting There
Lufthansa flies several times daily from Frankfurt (FRA) and Munich (MUC) to Berlin-Tegel (TXL) in March. lufthansa.com