Museum Island in Berlin
Credit: Tomas Sereda
KEEPING COOL IN
B E R L I N
BY NADJA SAYEJ
November 9, 2019 marks the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, which began the German capital’s transformation
from a divided city into a thriving cultural hub. No longer is the city known as East or West Berlin, but rather a mecca for
creatives and artists the world over.
Today, this cosmopolitan city of three and a half million enjoys a reputation as “the New York of Europe,” with the style and
snap that comes with the moniker, particularly in its cutting-edge galleries and world-renowned street art. Savor some of the
largest doses of Berlin cool in these four neighborhoods. From Prussian palaces, scenic rooftop bars, and cozy restaurants to
that old haunt where David Bowie used to hang out, here is one local’s guide to the best of Berlin.
MITTE
This is the downtown core of Berlin and home to the landmark 1965
Berlin TV Tower, which looms over the skyline. Visit Museum Island,
which boasts five historic museums all within walking distance from
each other, including the Bode Museum, famous for its collection
of Byzantine art along with hundreds of Renaissance, Gothic, and
Prussian masterpieces in bronze, marble, and porcelain.
Also fantastic is the Boros Collection, a former bunker built during the
Second World War. After becoming a nightclub in the 1990s, it was
bought by German art collector Christian Boros in 2003 to show his
modern art collection.
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For many, the best part of Mitte is Torstrasse, a lively street that’s
home to the city’s best pizza parlor, La Pausa, and quaint cocktail bars
like Barry Bar. If seeking the perfect nook for an afternoon coffee
while soaking up street art, aim for Hackescher Höfe — a complex of
bars, restaurants, clubs, and cafes with an Art Nouveau flavor.
KREUZBERG
South of Mitte is the district of Kreuzberg, a magnet for the
20-something crowd. Along Kottbusser Damm through to Görlitzer
Park, expect to see the streets lined with graffiti, indie bookshops, as
well as hybrid bars and restaurants like Vögelchen, which serves slices
of Black Forest cake alongside classy cocktails and sets by local DJs.