Berlin is the best fucking city in Europe. I have always fantasized about living there but I want to keep it special, like a sanctuary. Recently I stayed in my favorite neighborhood Kreuzberg (in the house of my good friends Jon John and Pindar). I love it there: it is so calm, arty and full of interesting characters and fantastic cafes, restaurants and art galleries. These days, nearby neighbourhood Neukölln has taken over as the hip place to be but Kreuzberg will always be my favourite, as will the city. Here are my personal tips on what to see and do in Berlin
Shopping
I’m a sucker for flea markets, and the one in Mauerpark every Sunday morning is incredible (highly recommended if you are not still clubbing). This is a great place to eat, drink, find some rare vintage pieces, browse trough junk or enjoy some live karaoke with a German twist (I know it sounds weird but its GENIUS).
If you have some Euros to burn, the Comme des Garçons Black Store in Berlin Mitte always has great clothes and holds very interesting in-store art exhibitions. I was lucky enough to see the installation by British artist Leo Babsky. Totally blown away.
If you want something that is truly Berlin I LOVE a German fashion brand called SAVE FASHION, which has some great T-shirts and tote bags. You will see other djs and music lovers all around town wearing them. You can also find them in the record store Rotation Records.
Eating out
White Trash Fast Food
Well, this is funny considering I’m writing for an American audience but I’m going to recommend a diner-style restaurant that couldn’t be more rock and roll. An American diner built inside an old Chinese restaurant with live music and the coolest menu I have ever seen. Order the octopus burger – ACE!! If you go there ask for Joniffer and give him the biggest tip ever— he will make your evening very enjoyable!
Markthalle in Kreuzberg
Traditional German restaurant with a twist and some very dark artwork on the walls. Don’t forget to have some Jägermeister shots after dinner to make sure you get in the mood for partying, natch.
Drinking
Ok it is time to start partying Berlin-style so get your “bier” on…
Roses in Kreuzberg
If I would have to describe the interiors of this bar with one word I would say the pink furry pussy of a tranny…. Just go for a drink and I guess you will agree with me.
If you like it arty ,trendy and sleazy (yeah you are not fooling anybody, you):
Pork@ fikken 3000 (only on Sundays). This night curated by an American DJ that dresses like a pig is epic. I had the pleasure to DJ there while I was visiting. Upstairs is the bar with a very sexy, mixed crowd … and downstairs there’s darkrooms… so you can imagine what happens at the end.
If you like a bit of pop, electronic music and some damn fine tunes, grab some drinks at Schwuz, one of the oldest gay bars in Berlin and hopefully the night “lady cab driver “ will be on. This party promoted by my good friend DJ SNAX is off the fucking chain. This man is a force of nature and can sing, DJ, dance .. a natural born entertainer who will keep you dancing all night long!
Partying like its 1999, or even 2012
Berlin’s the mecca of electronic music..and you know you will sleep on your plane back so put on your comfiest dancing shoes, a trashy tanktop and get your ass down to the clubs! Everybody goes to berghain …the temple of music …but these two below really encapsulate the spirit of Berlin.
Homopatik
I had the pleasure to be there on their birthday and it was seriously epic. The promoter and DJ Francesco—aka Mr Ties—plays some amazing tunes. This party usually starts on Friday night and goes on till Saturday night. I turned up on Saturday lunchtime and it was completely packed.
Cocktail d’amour
This party does not happen every weekend and changes location. It is masterminded by the discodromo boys and DJ Boris, one of the residents of berghain/panorama bar. Expect the best music on the planet and the most up-for-it crowd. Highly recommended.
There is endless other clubs but trust me these two are something else.
Chillin’ out
So you left the club, you wreak of sweat, tequila and hopefully sex and you need some time in the sunshine… well get down to:
Badeschiff
A swimmingpool floating in the middle of the river with live music and a fake beach
It’s the best place to relax and have a cocktail while admiring the local talent.
Prinzenstraße public swimming pool
This one I discovered through my friend Rossa and I absolutely loved it. It’s a neighbourhood open air swimming pool with lots of space to lay down and sunbathe and a killer olympic-sized pool.
You will feel so much better after a bit of relaxation but if you are still in need for something to calm you down…
Total relaxation
Liquidrom
This is like an architectural valium. A spa that plays classical music under the water while you float in an indoor swimming pool…for me it was the closest I have ever been to being back in my mothers womb… I dint want to leave.
