Next up in our series of insider city guides is Berlin, home to our Spacebase office. Berliner Bianca gives us her top tips.
Bianca, Accounting Team Manager
My name is Bianca and I was born right here in Berlin! Although it can be grey in winter (which is a good reason for the Christmas markets), the long, hot summer makes up for it (if you don’t mind the sweat).
Neighbourhoods
- Kreuzberg is world famous for its radical spirit, for cheap international food and for the buzzing bars and underground clubs. An eclectic crowd comes here to work and play. But there are also so many cultural events to check out, like art exhibitions, museums, theatres and public lectures. It’s definitely worth exploring for yourself, day or night.
- To the south-east of Berlin, you’ll find Köpenick tucked between the green forests and vibrant blue of Müggelsee. To me it feels like its own little town and is perfect for chilling out! There’s also a beautiful old palace (the Schloss Köpenick) and the football stadium for local club, 1. FC Union Berlin.
Going out
- Freischwimmer and Katerschmaus are both fantastic restaurants with terraces overlooking the river Spree. These are the perfect spot for sunset dining or a pre-party pick-me-up. I also really like the all-vegan menu at Good Morning Vietnam in gorgeous Bergmannkiez, where you can sit outside and watch the streetlife.
- For drinks, try Birgit&Bier in Kreuzberg and Klunkerkranich in Neukölln. For clubbing, there are (of course) too many options but to start with: Sisyphos has one of the biggest and best outside areas; Kater Blau is right by the water’s edge and pulls in a fun local crowd; and KitKat might not be for everyone but is for sure a place you won’t find in other cities. Then there’s Berghain. Google it.
Things to do
- Get to know the city’s history. Walk down the East Side Gallery to see the iconic street art of the Berlin Wall, then cross Oberbaum Brücke for a burger at Burgermeister at Schlesisches Tor. Or join a free tour at the Stasi Museum, which is in an old Eastern German prison.
- I really love Berlin’s green spaces. Britzer Garten or Gärten der Welt in Marzahn are both family friendly, with playgrounds for kids, and plenty of space for a walk. Or take a barbecue and some friends to the Volkspark Friedrichshain. It’s really sociable there, people bring music and play volleyball. Mini-golf on Tempelhofer Feld is also really fun: the course has been really creatively designed, using junk material. Or go to swim in one of the many lakes around the city: most of them are free, and some have naked areas (so no tan lines).
- Recover from a night of partying with a döner and a football match. Union Berlin have been promoted to the top tier Bundesliga, which means we’ll have, for the firs time ever, a historic 1. Liga derby between Union and Hertha, Berlin’s other major team. Fans like me can’t wait – pick your colours, red or blue, and join in!
Top spaces
Try this beautiful seminar room in Bergmankiez. It features a rooftop terrace and fireside break-out room.
For bigger events, this is a unique rooftop in the bustling west of the city.
Welcome to the jungle. This large, airy space uses chlorophyll to power your meeting and get ideas flowing.
A bright, clean multi-purpose workshop space that features custom-designed furniture and plenty of natural light.
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