Berlin like a local.

A major place of the alternative district of Friedrichshain. Raw-Gelände is a vast cultural center located on an industrial zone gathering art galleries, tattoo shops, skateparks, bars, sport classes, clubs to rythm your nights and even a flee market every sunday to sober up while making bargains. An excellent first step in your trip to directly immerse yourself in the living and creative lifestyle of Berlin. Explore the premises, make your way along the countless works of street art, refresh yourself on a deckchair at the bar Urban Spree at the entry, or put a 2 € coin in the Teledisko, the green booth you'll find on the spot : this is the smallest nightclub in the world ! Choose your song, close the door and enjoy 5 minutes of intense self-party. There is always something to do or see in RAW-Gelände. For me an absolute must-do : a collaborative space and a place of infinite creativity that everyone can reclaim in its own way. Open 24/7

A floating club with a quintessentially Berlin feel, where you can have a drink and watch the sun go down while dancing on the banks of the Spree. Just writing this makes me want to be there again! The setting, combining open air, river bank, wooden terrace and sound between neon lights and weeping willows, is extremely pleasant. The program is essentially techno, quite chill and accessible for amateurs as for laypersons. You can get drinks and food at different corners of the spot, settle down at the water's edge or join the dancing crowd in front of the covered stage. An intimate, chill and electric atmosphere, ideal to spend your first night and set the scene for the rest of your stay. Entrance fee : 5 €

A really good Turkish restaurant, without manners or pretension, offering delicious and hearty typical dishes for a very affordable price. Its name Gozleme comes from a speciality to be tasted on the spot: a kind of filled pancake that can contain minced meat, vegetables, cheese... Other must-taste: manti, traditional Turkish and Anatolian handmade ravioli served with a yoghurt sauce and spiced butter coulis. Clearly not light, but excellent. Swap a euro for a glass of mint tea to round off your lunch. I've been there on both my trips and will definitely return. Gozleme is an opportunity to taste the authentic Turkish cuisine that is omnipresent in Berlin, but also to stroll along Karl-Marx-Straße in the Neukölln district, more popular and probably the most international of the city. Once you've had your fill, take a stroll through the small shops¨ and bustling little streets, or go bargain hunting at the local Humanas, a major second-hand fashion chain: the prices of items here are much more attractive than in other districts such as Friedrichshain. A culinary alternative that's all the more immersive if you want to taste a bit of Turkey, feel a change of scenery and do your own purchases like a resident : drop by the Turkish market! Located right here → Maybachufer, 12047 Berlin Gozleme : Monday → 11:00AM-9:30PM Tuesday → 11:00AM-9:30PM Wednesday → Closed Thursday → 11:00AM-9:30PM Friday → 11:00AM-9:30PM Saturday → 11:00AM-9:30PM Sunday → 12:00AM-9:30PM Turkish Market : Every Tuesday and Friday → 11:00AM - 6:30PM

Emblematic club in the Kreuzberg district since the 70s. Strongly politically committed, successively dedicated to the punk, new wave and electronic scenes, it's a mecca for Berlin nightlife. I particulary enjoyed the spot and the global mood : People around give it their all without taking themselves too seriously and contribute to a great atmosphere that turns quickly boosted. According to me, no matter your music tastes, you usually feel quite fast you belong here! However, you should be aware that the program is extremely diverse. If you don't want to take any risks, find out about the line-up beforehand. When I went there on my first trip, I went in blind and came across the "Diskoteka Balkanska" evening, traditional Balkan music remixed with punk, electronic and swing beats... Surprising at first, but really catchy. A cool and authentic place to let loose with a glass of berliner luft, local mint-flavored liquor.

A surprising fusion of sport and clubbing. Back to Raw Gelände in the morning that you now know to join Club Athleten. I discovered this place by chance on my second visit : located in the cultural zone, the club offers a variety of sports classes in an unusual setting where punching balls meet neon lights and the breath of athletes mixes with music (techno, disco, it depends!). Some travelers like me follow a one-time class but most people are locals and year subscribers. All levels mingle. The program varies according to the day and time: fighting sport, fitness... The day after my discovery, I personally took part in a class entitled "Club Boxing, Disco Dojo" alternating boxing technique and HIIT training, supervised by a coach and former boxer. You’ll have a lot of fun but you’ll also really sweat cause it is very intense. Although I am quite athletic, I was dead by the end of the class. I can only recommend it : the mood is really nice, the concept original and the atmosphere very representative of the Berlin spirit! The class lasts 45 minutes and costs €15. To take part, you'll need boxing gloves and handwraps. No panic if you don't have any, you can buy handwraps for 3€ and rent the gloves for 10€ on the spot.

In my experience, the best value for money to have a generous and various breakfast in Berlin, or a brunch on the week-end. Brunch is buffet-style, with a wide choice of sweet and savory foods. Beverages are à la carte. You'll be greeted with a warm welcome in a simple, charming setting, with small tables where you can envjoy your meal by candlelight. There's also a terrace where you can enjoy lunch in the sunny days. Initially really cheap, the price increased these last years and is nowadays around 12 € - 15 € the brunch excluding drinks but remains super attractive. Monday → 09:00AM – 01:00AM Tuesday → 09:00AM – 01:00AM Wednesday → 09:00AM – 01:00AM Thursday → 09:00AM – 01:00AM Friday → 09:00AM – 01:00AM Saturday → 10:00AM – 03:00AM Sunday → 10:00AM – 03:00AM

A popular queer bar in Kreuzberg, located in the lively cosmopolitan Kotbusser Tor district. Dedicated primarily to lesbians on Tuesdays, gays on Thursdays and transgenders on Fridays, Möbel Olfe remains open to all profiles, gender identities and orientations. I've frequented it with queer and non-queer friends, and everyone mingles effortlessly in a good mood. It's a safe, supportive, cosy and trendy place to toast while soaking up Berlin's diversity. Monday → Closed Tuesday → 06:00PM - 04:00AM Wednesday → 06:00PM - 04:00AM Thursday → 06:00PM - 04:00AM Friday → 06:00PM - 05:00AM Saturday → 06:00PM - 05:00AM Sunday → 06:00PM - 02:00AM

You've probably already seen pictures of the place without knowing the name: in the center of Berlin lies an illustrious establishment, the Cafe Cinema. Opened in 1990, just a few hours before the official demise of the GDR and the proclamation of a reunited Germany, this café was one of the first meeting places for East and West Germans. Both trendy and timeless, it's definitely worth a visit for its symbolic character, its small cinema hidden away at the far end of the premises, which screens films in their original version, and its hidden backyard featuring multicolored banners and walls overloaded with graffiti, stickers and street art. Step by step, you will explore its countless works of art and enjoy your drink on the outdoor benches, among the passing strollers, in this courtyard that seems secret and confidential. The Cafe Cinema attracts locals and travelers alike, who are won over by its aesthetics, yet it retains an undeniable charm and, above all, a real soul. Perfect for a break as you wander through Mitte. Opening hours : every day from 12:00AM to 02:00AM

Another unusual venue steeped in history in the heart of Mitte, to step back in the time for an evening. Clärchens Ballhaus is a magnificent century-old building and one of the city's last remarkably preserved 20th-century ballrooms. It's still a living place where people go out, eat and dance! For over 100 years, dancing and partying have taken place in its two halls, the Spiegelsaal and the Ballroom: one historically dedicated to high society, the other one to the rest of Berliners. Today, swing classes are held in the Spiegelsaal and Argentine tango classes in the ballroom. You can take part in these classes yourself, whatever your level! However, a partner is required. Otherwise, you will not be allowed to participate. If you don't have a partner, or don't really feel like dancing, I honestly think the place is worth a visit anyway, to soak up this out-of-time atmosphere, enjoy an Apfelstrudel in the restaurant's little courtyard, or watch the careful couples stringing together dance steps in this enchanting retro setting. Tango class (10€) : Every sunday → 6:00PM - 7:00PM Swing class (10€) : Every tuesday → 6:00PM - 7:00PM Restaurant : Monday → Closed Tuesday → 05:00PM – 10:00AM Wednesday→ 05:00PM – 10:00AM Thursday → 05:00PM – 10:00AM Friday → 05:00PM – 10:00AM Saturday → 12:00PM – 09:30AM Sunday →12:00PM – 10:00AM Ballroom : Monday → Closed Tuesday →05:00PM – 11:00AM Wednesday →05:00PM – 11:00AM Thursday →05:00PM – 11:00AM Friday →05:00PM – 11:00AM Saturday→02:00PM – 11:00AM Sunday →02:00PM – 11:00AM

Off the beaten tracks, the Schwules Museum (or Gay Museum) is well worth a visit, not only to learn about the culture and history of the LGBT community in Germany and its capital (one of the most gay-friendly cities in Europe), but also and above all for its temporary exhibitions, which highlight international queer artists through artworks, photographs, videos on the themes of gender, activism, sexuality and more. I personally saw the 2022 exhibition "Encantadas" by a Brazilian artist, which tackled questions of gender and queer identity, as well as other subjects such as spirituality, colonialism... A fascinating and very diverse exhibition. I definitely suggest the place. Audioguide available. Regular price : 9 € Reduced price : 3 €

If you've heard of the Berghain, the city's most mythical club renowned for its legendary ambience and ruthless bouncers, About Blank is considered its best alternative: less uncompromising and selective, with impeccable programming, it's a benchmark club for techno fans, keeping its strong identity and which is the ideal place to experience true Berlin techno and let loose among the locals. The club has different rooms with different DJ sets, as well as a large open-air space to take a breather between two stages and settling down in the middle of the garden, armchairs and neon lights. Very industrial and creative, it gives you the surprising feeling to be part in a big gathering of friends in an intimate and hidden spot. The mood is warm and quite unreal. Like its big brother the Berghain, your phone's camera will be masked at the entrance: no photos allowed. Therefore, even by searching, you won't find many pictures of the club : to give you an idea of the place, you'll have to make up your mind on the spot and see for yourself. So far, this is the best club I've tried in Berlin. Opening hours : Monday : Closed Tuesday : Closed Wednesday : Closed Friday → 11:30PM – 09:00AM Saturday → 11:30PM – 09:00AM Sunday → 12:00AM – 11:00PM Do not hesitate to come early. Lines can turn very long very fast and the entrance fee can double ! I recommend to go around midnight, not after. Personally, the line was super short and the entrance costed 10 €. Friends of mine arrived around 2AM, waited for an hour and paid 20 €.