Discover the unknown, the unique and the utterly iconic in the buzzing metropolis that is Berlin.

Discover Local in Berlin

Urban art has shaped Berlin in recent decades and, among other things, has ensured that the city is perceived as an international art metropolis. The Urban Nation Museum for Urban Contemporary Art promotes creative exchange between artists and Berliners, and supports integration and participation through cultural education programs in Berlin’s neighbourhoods. Surround yourself with street art and urban photography in this dynamic museum, or visit one of our favourite exhibitions: “The power of art as a social architect”. This exhibition shows works of art by more than fifty artists from the Urban Nation Museum collection whilst interactively tracing the genesis of urban art. This place will definitely spark your creativity.

Visit the Urban Nation Museum for Urban Contemporary Art

We will not argue with the Berliner taxi drivers, because with them, numerous locals, and also Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks are big fans of the no-nonsense snack bar, especially the one on Mehringdamm. Hanks visited the place and then let the world know he wanted to spend more time in Berlin, preferably with his own apartment to go to, nearby Curry 36. They even sell some merchandise like hats and hoodies. The staff serving the sausages are Berliners through and through, in the nicest possible way. You can choose from a regular curry sausage, a bio sausage or a vegan version, that’s it. They like to keep it simple, but so, so good.

Do as taxi drivers do: go to Curry 36

At 1316 metres long, the open-air art gallery on the banks of the river Spree in Friedrichshain is the longest continuous section of the Berlin Wall still in existence. Immediately after the wall came down, 118 artists from 21 countries began painting the stretch of stones and concrete, and it officially opened as a gallery in 1990. We love to just take a stroll alongside the Wall to discover the art since each painting is an expression of hope for change. No wonder East Side Gallery is considered an international memorial to peace. In 2009 the Gallery was renovated and today the site is under the care of the city council and historic preservation of Berlin. This is a must-see in our opinion.

Admire artwork at East Side Gallery

You’ll find the striking white building on Invalidenstrasse in the Moabit district. Hamburger Bahnhof – Museum für Gegenwart exhibits one of the largest and most significant public collections of contemporary art in the world and is part of the Berlin National Gallery. We especially like the works of Joseph Beuys of the Marx Collection in the west wing of the museum. In this permanent exhibition, major works by Beuys are on display, including “The End of the 20th Century”, “Tallow”, and “Directional Forces of a New Society”. This is a one-of-a-kind presentation of large-scale sculptures by the German artist.

Admire contemporary art at the Hamburger Bahnhof

The church was built by Franz Schwechten between 1891 and 1895, with bells that were the second biggest in Germany at the time. When the church was inaugurated, the five bells rang so loud that the wolves in the zoo started howling. Sadly the structure was severely damaged during the Second World War and the bells were melted down for munitions. Today, it’s our memorial against war and destruction symbolized by the damaged tower. But, as much as we respect our history, we also look to the future and celebrate the freedom we have today. That’s why several events are planned in and around the church which reflect modern times. Like one of our favourites, the In Spirit Series in summer, where well-known jazz musicians play during a summer night jazz experience.

Appreciate peace at the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church

The Hasir restaurants are a traditional Berlin brand, born in 1970 in Kreuzberg. From that moment, the journey of the company started to unfold resulting in six locations spread across Berlin. You can visit a Hasir in Kreuzberg, Mitte, Charlottenburg, Schöneberg and Spandau. The passion of the Aygün family for good Turkish food is still deeply rooted in all of the six restaurants and it’s the reason the restaurants are always packed. We always order the Saksuka, made of lightly roasted baby eggplant, fried potatoes, peppers, tomatoes and garlic. Also, the Halep Kebap is to die for. The sliced ​​lamb, eggplant, yoghurt and garlic just melt in your mouth. Don’t forget to end your dinner with a good old raki.

Hamburger Bahnhof - Museum für Gegenwart