Oh Berlin. I’ve been to Berlin a few times now but it never felt like i really experienced the city with all it’s spell, flaws and myriad places. This time was different -probably because I had some more days and lots of time to let myself drift. There are still so many corners, dispersed streets, cafes or bars I haven’t seen and so much I missed. Nevertheless, I’ve seen a lot and this blog post is about what I recommend when you’re planning to see this city.

On our first day we went to have some burritos after we arrived. The restaurant is called ‘No Hablo Español’ (Kopernikusstraße 22) and the food was really tasty! Then we took a walk around our neighborhood ‘Friedrichshain’ and came by a gallery (Helsingforser Platz 1) exhibiting photos of Frank Gaudlitz, a german photographer. You should definitely go there if you’re interested in photography because exhibitions are free and they offer vernissages in the evening as well. We had some coffee at a cute cafe called ‘Eliza’ (Sorauer Str. 6) and ate mango, blueberry and white chocolate cake – delicious! A bar I can recommend is ‘Ratzeputz’ (Weserstraße 182) located in the district ‘Neukölln’. You have to try ginger schnapps there!

Friday was a relaxed sunny day, we woke up late and had breakfast at ‘Wahrhaft Nahrhaft'(Revaler Str. 16) – they have healthy delicate food like bagels and salad, a bit expensive but absolutely worth it.

On Saturday we had coffee at our Air Bnb flat. We stayed in a beautiful light- flooded apartment with Katharina, our host, and her dog Kalle. If you are interested in art and design here is a must-do when you’re in Berlin: ‘Aufbau Haus’ (Prinzenstraße 85) is located  next to ‘Moritzplatz’ and contains a creative shop with a huge range of art supplies – and as well offers vernissages and exhibitions.

What else can you do? Shopping! As I am not a huge fan of big cheap brands like Primark or H&M (well, sometimes I buy some stuff there too I have to admit), we went to see some second hand shops. Here are some of them: ‘Made in Berlin’ (Neue Schönhauser Str. 19), ‘pick n weight’ (Alte Schönhauser Str. 30), ‘Humana’ (Frankfurter Tor 3 or Alexanderstraße 7) and my favorite shop ‘Pauls boutique’ in Prenzlauer Berg (Oderberger Str. 47).

My friends left on Sunday and I stayed for another week in Berlin. It actually was the first time for me being on my own for a couple of days, I always travelled with friends or family – but I really enjoyed it! I’m going to spend one semester of studying abroad in the USA and therefor I had to take an English exam at the end of the week. The weather was nice, time passed by while I was sitting in cafes studying for my test. Here are some of the prettiest coffee places where you also have the opportunity to work: ‘Shakespeare and sons’ (Warschauer Str. 74), ‘Cuccuma’ (Zossener Str. 34) and ‘Roamers’ (Pannierstraße 64). For delicious and cheap indian food I can recommend ‘Naan’ at Prenzlauer Berg (Oderberger Str. 49) – main dishes for about 6 Euros!

I had a great time in Berlin strolling around experiencing the city – I think this is the best way to do it. I didn’t go sightseeing, on the one hand because I’ve seen all the sights some years ago, on the other hand because in my belief tourist attractions are not what identifies a city. Its a hidden place, a rooftop at nighttime, ice-cream next to the river, a night out with people you rarely even know, just small things that make you smile and remember – I won’t forget this trip to Berlin and I’m sure I’ll come back soon!