Berlin Like A Local

Whether you’re a fan of opera or electronica, you’ll find plenty of places in Berlin to take in a show. André recommends attending a concert at the Pierre Boulez Saal (33d Französische Straße; +49-30-4799-7411), an architectural masterpiece with 360˚ seating located near the hotel in Mitte. Opened in 2017, the concert hall was designed by Frank Gehry, a close friend of world-famous composer, Daniel Barenboim, who founded the Barenboim-Said Akademie, which houses the concert hall. “The idea is on one side to give students the opportunity to learn about music, and on the other, for all kinds of music to be played in this very special oval-shaped hall,” André explains.

“As a photo addict I love the changing photo exhibitions at C/O Berlin Foundation (22-24 Hardenbergstraße; +49-30-2844-4160),” André says. This nonprofit gallery is located in the former Amerika Haus, which was built in 1957 and served as the cultural and information center of the United States until 2006. Now, it organizes solo and group exhibitions—as many as twenty per year—by a roster of internationally acclaimed photographers, including Annie Liebovitz, Nan Goldin, Anton Corbijn, Peter Lindbergh, Stephen Shore, and Irving Penn.
“To see a different side of Berlin I would suggest a private bike tour with one of our amazing guides on the theme of street art,” André continues. “This will take you to Kreuzberg and Mitte discovering art in hidden courtyards and ateliers.” Anyone can visit the East Side Gallery to admire the murals on the remains of the Berlin Wall, but street art fans who want to go deeper can have André organize a tour.

“Transformed market halls from the late 1800s are now the next big thing to visit; they show you the variety of cuisine Berlin has to offer,” André says. “Following the mainstream will lead you to the Markthalle Neun ( 42-43 Eisenbahnstraße; +49-30-6107-3473), which became famous for its Slow Food Thursday once a week from 5 pm to 10 pm. Taking a different direction will lead you to my favorite, the Arminiusmarkthalle (2-4 Arminiusstraße; +49-15-1153-07908).” Opened in 1891, this covered market was heavily damaged during WWII and rebuilt during the 1950s. Now a protected landmark, it’s still a lively market where locals shop for food and enjoy dining in the restaurants.

André’s personal favorite is heimlichTreu (38 Anklamer Straße; +49-30-4849-4599), a cozy spot set in the courtyard of office buildings. “No signage, only knowledge can lead you there,” he says. “Maik and his team create a very homey atmosphere and amazing food creations, which are presented to be shared.”

André recommends a behind the scenes tour of KaDeWe (21-24 Tauentzienstraße; +49-30-21210), Berlin’s largest and most famous department store. “Our guide will give you the lowdown on the architecture of this beautiful building, which opened its doors for the first time in 1907, and will link it with the history of the city of Berlin.” Short for Kaufhaus des Westerns, KaDeWe was damaged during WWII and lost many of its customers when Berlin was divided, but flourished again after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas began a multi-year restoration of the store’s interiors in 2016. Today it’s known for its unbeatable collection of German and international designer goods and exclusive offerings as well as its massive gourmet food hall.

For a different, more tranquil side of Berlin, André suggests exploring the borough of Weißensee, about 20 minutes from the city center. There you will find the largest Jewish cemetery in Europe, Jüdischer Friedhof Weißensee (31 Herbert-Baumstraße; +49-30-925-3330), and the composers’ district, a beautiful residential area where all the streets bear the names of well-known classical composers. André recommends capping the visit off with a stroll around Weißensee lake, where you’ll find Milchhäuschen (33A Parkstraße;+49-30-927-1144), a beautiful coffee house from the late ‘70s. Berliners love to visit the lake in summer.