Live Like A Local: a guide to all the Berlin hotspots

With Berlin’s bustling hub of creativity, vibrant nightlife, abundance of restaurants and Soho House Berlin, it’s the perfect spot for an end-of-summer city break.  

Whether you’re looking to head there solo or with a group, you’ll want to go armed with some suggestions from someone who knows their way around the city. Local resident and dermatologist Dr Timm Golueke is best known for his purist skincare brand Royal Fern, with a clinic on the prestigious Maximilianstrasse in Munich. He is also a Founder member of Soho House Berlin, so we caught with him to get an idea of his favourite places in the city for coffee, dinner, downtime, and more. 

Read on to add his recommendations to your own list. 

For dinner… 
‘Trio in Berlin Mitte is one of my go-tos, which is set in a sleek 1920s building. The New York Times called it “a stylish take on the German pub” – and I agree. I also like Le Petit Royal in west Berlin – the little sister of Grill Royal – which serves delicious food surrounded by contemporary art. Or, try Heimlich Treu in a hidden backyard in Berlin Mitte.’
 
For drinks… 
‘My favourite bar is the hotel one at Château Royal, adjacent to the Nordic restaurant Dóttir. For late-night drinks and dancing, head to Georgia Bar by the legendary Frank Künster. Or, try Troya Bar in the heart of Berlin Mitte with its signature racing green and gold interiors.’
 
For culture…
‘The Julia Stoschek Foundation, a non-profit public exhibition space in the former Czech Cultural Centre in east Berlin, is one of world’s most comprehensive collections of time-based media art (that reflects the time in which it was created). Neue Nationalgalerie, in a striking building designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, is great for those who love architecture and modern art. Also, rent an e-bike, and stroll around Tiergarten, the Brandenburg Gate and the flea market on Strasse des 17. Juni.’
 
For downtime…
‘Hotel Oderberger’s pool is beautiful and historic, and is located in the Prenzlauer Berg district. I’d recommend booking the private midnight swim. Or, visit the Cowshed spa at Soho House Berlin – definitely the best one in town. I love the Deep Tissue Massage.’ 

For coffee… 
‘Check out Literaturhaus for coffee and lectures. Distrikt Coffee in Mitte also has great coffee from various European roasteries and is a great lunch spot. And try Canal for artisanal pastries – delicious eclairs.’

For shopping… 
‘Visit Studio Christoph Niemann, an artist and graphic designer who’s famous for his New Yorker covers, beautiful drawings and prints. Next on the list is KaDeWe, Germany’s iconic department store. Don’t miss the Rem Koolhaas staircase and the famous food department on the top floor while you’re there. Finally, Brutto Gusto in Charlottenburg has a unique combination of contemporary ceramics and beautiful flowers.’

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