a day in BERLIN
DINE
JULIUS ERNST
Cute neighbourhood cafe, been popular for a while now. Only open for breakfast on the weekends, but dinner is available all week long - sister restaurant to Ernst the Michelin restaurant. Food is expectedly good, interior and cutlery choices are better. Designed by Gonzalez Haase, the designer of Balenciaga stores in the early Demna era in 2017, it is exactly how my dream dining room/kitchen would be. The mixed use of stoneware, china and glassware looks gorgeous on table.I’ve seen mixed comments online but still would recommend a visit for its space deisgn. Also theyve really nailed the best, most tasteful social channels in the food industry imo (insatgram and web).
If you happen to come in the evening, make sure to stop by next door at migas, a listening bar for wine and music!
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VISIT
HANSAVIERTEL
Another of my favourite Brutalist housing complexes, second to London Barbican. A result of the 1957 Interbau, when West Belin invited an all-star line up of modernist architects including Walter Groupius (founder of Bauhaus), Alvar Aalto (designed the iconic Artek stools), Oscar Niemeyer (designer of THE Headquater of French Communist Party in Paris) and the alike - the met gala of architects of the time for real.Worth a visit in person. Please be mindful when visiting as residents live on site.
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VISIT
HANSABIBLIOTHEK
A community library within the Hansaviertel complex. Open to public.Impressive mid-century style building, with a central reading garden that looks soo comfy for hot summer days.
Other than books there are also CDs/DVDs to borrow. The children’s reading area is extremely cute completed with mini Artek stools. Would have been a perfect community spot to spend an afternoon if you are not rushing through like us.
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SHOP
HARIBO SHOP BERLIN
The only souvenir shop needed if you are buying gifts. We were just there looking for transparent bear magnets and key chains, and endded up also buying Quaxi Frog gummies for our frog phobia friend, as well as the cutest Valentine’s edition with bears holding hands. <3Map
SHOP
VOO STORE
Almost cliche but still THE concept store to visit in Berlin, especially love to see their selection for perfume and gadgets. i find new brands and new things every time.Last time I was here was years ago. It’s so interesting to find out that they are now exploring merchandise of their own. Concept stores dropping merch is no news (higher margin, you have too), but Voo store did not release a fashion label or slogan tees. They really tapped into the lifestyle sector and curated this Berlin city guide with an inspiring graphic layout that tells you 100 things to do in Berlin, and had also produced incence, wine, with the cutest packaging that i really would love to try the next time.
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Web
DINE
ANNELIES
The menu is small, go for the burger if you prefer something savoury or the buttermilk pancakes if you need sweet. Great coffee and drinks too!Make sure to go during off-peak hours to avoid the wait. Especially over the weekend.
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SHOP
TRENDY ARMY STORE ARMY GOODS
An interesting find. Wide range of products and very good prices. A lot of the pieces reminds me of old Junya, Vetements, Balenciaga but priced at from 10 euros up to 40 euros. There are also militant knifes and gadgets if you are a collector.Map
SHOP
MOTTO BERLIN
Independent publisher that holds great archival fashion zines, artist booklets, vynls etc that cannot be found elsewhere. But Motto is now widely exposed to have not been paying artists they work with and refusing to return property of their works - its a good place as a source of inspiration but to each’s own judement if you still feel comfortable supporting the business.Map
VISIT
JAMES TURRELL LITCHTINSTALLATION
This is the puprose of my entire visit. A James Turrel immersive experience inside a church. Must book tickets in advance, the starting time varies depending on weather, as it’s always 30min before sunset.It’s experience begins with a 30min guide on James’ works, and the signature light performance is for another 30min. There’s 0 sound throughout the experience, it’s very meditative but not everyone’s cup of tea. i’d personally very much prefer wearing earphones for some sound and music.
Understandably no photos are allowed during the experience but you can take them freely when standing outside of the glassdoor at enatrance.
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