Berlin is a city with a rich political history that is reflected in its infrastructure, architecture, and overall vibe. When the Berlin Wall came down in 1989, an explosion of art, music, and culture emerged during the reunification of East and West creating the Berlin that so many people love today. A Berlin where anything goes, the 24-hour nightlife is the norm, and an alternative, anarchist, creative spirit fills every street corner. Fun fact: Berlin is also the city Hilah lived in when she dreamed up the idea of Spoak.
Essentially, Berlin is a place that contains multitudes. It’s a place that is continually growing and evolving, and new places are always opening up. It’s up to you to choose your own adventure when you visit — but here are a few recommendations to start you off.
A hip jungle-themed hotel with a wide range of room types (and rates). It's got hostel vibes without being a hostel. There are lots of common spaces great for co-working and a rooftop restaurant and bar. And yes, that is indeed an indoor hammock.
Have you ever wanted to cross off “stay in an architecture museum” from your list? Well, now you can! Designed by Bruno Taut, this rentable museum gives you a glimpse into true 1920s design history.
If you’re looking for a bit more of a grown-up place to stay, try Orania. It’s a luxury boutique hotel in Kreuzberg with a popular restaurant (one person I know called it “the best meal she’d had in continental Europe”) and live music.
Located in an old brick brewery, this spot is great for an intimate dinner setting with amazing food and natural wine. Pro-Tip: Ask to see their board game selection for an extra fun night.
Mediterranean restaurant and sister bar overlooking the Tiergarten and Berlin city skyline (with a prime view of the monkeys at the Berlin Zoo, hence the name).
The best Thai food festival, only open April-October. If you're in Berlin in the summer, this is a fun foodie activity.
You have to get a German bagel here, which is unexpectedly delicious.
If you need fresh juice or a salad after days of unhealthy eating, you won't regret visiting Daluma.
The coziest atmosphere (seriously) and very delicious wine... or should we say, wein!
It sounds crazy, and it kind of is! A legendary live karaoke event that happens in Mauerpark every Sunday from April-October.
Despite its reputation for blocky Soviet-style architecture and gray skies, Berlin is actually a pretty green city, and Berlin's botanical garden is a must-see.
For your dose of contemporary art. This place feels like walking through a magical garden meets museum.
On Sundays, most stores in Berlin are closed, but Berlin is FULL of great flea markets that operate on Sundays. This market has great vintage clothes, furniture, home goods, vinyl, books, and other odds and ends.
One of the Spoakier places in Berlin, you can shop and eat at Hallesches Haus. The General Store has a curated selection of home goods that make for perfect gifts or souvenirs. You decide!
Great place to head after grabbing a pastry at SOFI. Full of indie magazines and coffee-table books (dream!).
Walking in here feels like entering a museum. They embrace the industrial interior design choices you’ll find throughout Berlin. The prices are high, but the merch is stunning.
If we could have a uniform to wear forever, we'd choose it from NEUZWEI. And when you check out their inventory, you'll see why.
The Good Store focuses on high-end secondhand clothing. It's highly curated and one of our favorite vintage shops in Berlin for finding brands like Acne Studios, Dries van Noten, Supreme, and more.
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