3 Days in Berlin: Curated by Local Fashion Insider Rimon Balamuth

WHERE TO STAY

Soho House Berlin

When it comes to Soho Houses worldwide, Berlin's location is one of the most integral to its city. The rooms start small, but the hotel's central spot, rooftop pool, city view, and social energy make it an ideal base. My husband and I had our wedding guests stay there so they could be right in the heart of things!

DAY 1

Sant Buena · Berlin

Sant Buena

Start your morning at this sunny cafe on a corner in Mitte with a great selection of juices, coffee, and light bites. The owners also have a beautiful selection of flowers at their shop Flatmakers, next door.

Garments Vintage · Berlin

Garments Vintage

Spend the late morning vintage shopping. Start at Garments Vintage, known for its playful costume jewelry, bold wearable prints, Hermès scarves, and standout pieces from labels like Yves Saint Laurent.

The New Black · Berlin

Das Neue Schwarz (The New Black)

Next, hit one of Berlin’s best vintage shops for rare designer pieces from the 1990s and 2000s. With brands like Margiela, Comme des Garçons, and Yohji, it’s the kind of place where you’ll spot something special and want to come back for it later.

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe · Berlin

Holocaust Memorial

In the afternoon, walk through the Holocaust Memorial, which is made up of hundreds of concrete slabs near Brandenburg Gate. The experience is disorienting, quiet, and invites reflection. The museum underneath adds important context, and is worth visiting after spending time above ground.

Stolpersteine (Stumbling Stones)

Be sure to look out for the Stolpersteine across the city. These are small brass memorials set into sidewalks across Berlin, marking the names, birthdates, and fates of Holocaust victims, placed outside of the homes they were taken from. You pass them on the way to the U-Bahn, to dinner, or to meet friends. That’s what makes them hit hardest; they’re part of the city and serve as a reminder of the history that happened right here.

Hackbarth’s · Berlin

Hackbarth’s

Grab a drink or post up for a while at Hackbarth’s. The moment the sun comes out, this corner of Auguststrasse fills up. We’ve celebrated birthdays here, introduced parents to friends, and spotted more than one dating app match IRL. Cool parents perch on the ledge while their kids run wild in the skate park behind them.

Al Contadino Mozzarella Bar & Bottega · Berlin

Mozzarella Bar

Across the street from Hackbarth’s, Mozzarella Bar is one of my go-tos for a late lunch, dinner, or charcuterie and focaccia to go—and it’s also ideal for a sunny-day hang. Grab an Aperol, find a spot on the ledge, and settle into the scene. The pasta is delicious, they take reservations, and it works equally well for a casual meal or a light bite while people-watching.

Heideglühen · Berlin

Heideglühen

Then, head to Heideglühen, which feels like a secret club in the woods with a friendly but cool crowd and great energy. The music leans techno and house, and the quirky outfits—glitter, fur, and florals—add to the atmosphere. The door can be unpredictable, so come early, know someone, or just give it a try. If you get in, it will be a night to remember.

St. Bart · Berlin

St. Bart

Or, try St. Bart for dinner. Tucked into Graefekiez, this British-style pub serves up wine, cocktails, and hearty, unpretentious food—with a vibe that’s just as good inside as it is out.

Nathanja & Heinrich Café / Bar Neukölln · Berlin

Nathanja & Heinrich

Then, head to this intimate, laid-back, and hipster-y bar in Neukölln with vintage furniture, candles, and a crowd that builds as the night goes on.

Süss War Gestern · Berlin

Süss War Gestern

If you're in the mood to dance, go to Süss War Gestern. It's a silly, non-Berlin-type club that plays Top 40 hits. Everyone knows the words to the music and actually dances-it's an easy place to keep the night going.

DAY 2

La Maison Berlin · Berlin

La Maison

Start your day with brunch at this laid-back spot by the canal. Even when it looks packed, you can usually find a seat and add chairs as friends show up. Staples include coffee, croissants, grilled cheese, and Aperol spritzes. It’s the kind of place where you can settle in and hang out for a while.

Two Trick Pony · Berlin

Two Trick Pony

Or, grab brunch at this reliable, low-key favorite along the Kreuzberg/Neukölln border with lots of outdoor tables. Two Trick Pony has big windows, strong coffee, and reliable plates like eggs, pancakes, and breakfast sandwiches.

Voo Store · Berlin

Voo Store

Spend the afternoon shopping, starting at Voo Store. This quintessential Berlin concept shop carries the essentials for a high-end Berlin creative: a wall of Tabi shoes, Prada, Salomon sneakers, emerging designers, niche magazines and perfumes, and treats from the café. The mix of streetwear and minimal staples always feels a little ahead of the curve.

Andreas Murkudis · Berlin

Andreas Murkudis

Don’t miss a visit to Andreas Murkudis, which feels like a mix between a gallery and a concept store. In the low-key, calm space, browse homewares and fashion from designers like The Row and Dries van Noten. I always discover new names when I’m here.

Mimi · Berlin

Mimi

Next, stop into this vintage textile and clothing shop in Schöneberg. Mimi is focused on historic garments, some made in-house from original patterns. There's a connection to theater and costume, with pieces that feel archival but still wearable.

New National Gallery · Berlin

Neue Nationalgalerie

Take a moment for art at the Neue Nationalgalerie, set in a stunning Mies van der Rohe building that's worth a visit for the architecture alone. The museum always has interesting shows inside.

Paris Bar · Berlin

Paris Bar

For dinner, go to this West Berlin classic with steak frites, martinis, and excellent people-watching. Paris Bar has been an institution since the 1960s—David Bowie and other artists were regulars—and its walls are covered in art and a lively mix of characters.

Grill Royal · Berlin

Grill Royal

Or, make a reservation at Grill Royal—my number 1 spot in Berlin for service, food, and drinks. The space is well-lit and feels like a grown-up place, but draws a mix of creatives, elegant older couples, and rowdy groups celebrating something. My order on repeat: espresso martini or mezcal Negroni(s) and wine, grilled shrimp, butter lettuce salad, entrecôte medium rare, French fries, potato mousseline, and crème brûlée. And then more drinks.

Victoria Bar · Berlin

Victoria Bar

End the night at this smoky, sexy, and very Berlin bar. Everyone chain-smokes after 11pm. The door can be tricky, but that keeps the place feeling intimate—it’s a great place for cocktails and conversations.

KINK Bar & Restaurant · Berlin

Kink

If Victoria doesn’t work out, head to Kink, a spacious bar in Prenzlauer Berg with a long counter, strong drinks, and buzzy crowd.

Georgia Bar · Berlin

Georgia Bar

Or, if you're in the mood for late-night fun and dancing, head to Georgia Bar, a small (also very smoky) spot with a disco ball and naughty wallpapered bathrooms. If the DJ and crowd are right, it can be a blast, though some nights fall flat. Going before midnight helps with getting in, especially with a bigger group. It's currently closed for renovations after a fire, but I’m sure it’ll come back in full force.

DAY 3

Berghain-Panorama Bar · Berlin

Berghain

If Berghain is your one must-hit spot, go on a Sunday during the day, ideally after brunch. Dress in dark, minimal clothes and boots or sturdy sneakers (yes, even in summer). It’s Berlin’s most iconic club, so forget the rest of your Sunday plans... and maybe even your Monday flight.

Café am Neuen See · Berlin

Café am Neuen See

Otherwise, start with a slow morning. If you didn't make it to La Maison yesterday, go today, or try Café am Neuen See. The lakeside beer garden in Tiergarten offers rowboats for rent on the lake, and long wooden tables with plenty of space for groups. With a variety of food and drinks, it's a lovely place to relax with a book or spend a sunny Sunday with friends.

Flohmarkt am Mauerpark · Berlin

Mauerpark Flea Market

In the afternoon, explore this Sunday flea market filled with vintage goods and food trucks. You'll find an intriguing mix—you might walk away with a cool blazer or side table, or just laugh at piles of scratched CDs and DVDs. The lawn next to the market fills with people having picnics and listening to karaoke in the amphitheater.

Il Glaciale · Berlin

Il Glaciale

Before dinner, treat yourself to a Spaghettieis at this old-fashioned ice cream parlor on a beautiful street in Kollwitzkiez. It’s a German kid classic made to look like spaghetti, and the high-quality gelato comes in creative, rotating flavors. It’s cash only, of course.

Gasthaus Alt Wien, Berlin · Berlin

Gasthaus Alt Wien

End the trip with dinner at this traditional pub with the best schnitzel in Berlin. If you call ahead, they can also make a gluten-free version. Get the Kaiserschmarrn for dessert.

BONUS RECS

Spindler · Berlin

Spindler

For a long brunch or cocktails that turn into dinner, go to Spindler. It’s located right on the canal and has a terrace that’s perfect in warm weather. It offers a classic French menu, with steak frites, oysters, and spritzes, plus a fun, stylish crowd.