We’re bringing you the best local secrets with some of the world’s top bloggers, influencers, and travel journalists in our new City Insider series. From where to find the perfect brew to that little-known bar that plays the best tunes, vintage record stores and green outdoor spaces, consider this your checklist for an amazing city break in Berlin. Â
We’re diving into all the best spots in Berlin, with a quick-fire interview with Karina Saba, a travel and lifestyle blogger, telling you her favourite places and expert tips.
Karina is a twenty-something-year-old curious traveler, mental health advocate, and all-round creative, currently based in Berlin. She aims to express the freedom of travel, beauty of nature, and the multi-cultural lifestyle she has through her page @flightoclock. As a travel enthusiast, she collects memories and experiences while constantly trying to push herself out of her comfort zone, with a strong belief that you don’t grow when you’re comfortable.
Best of Berlin: Ultimate Insider’s Guide with Karina Saba
1. Favourite Overall Restaurant?
‘One and Only’ in Schöneberg.
2. Best Restaurant for Date Night?
‘Katz Orange’ in Rosenthaler Platz.
3. Local Foodie Secret?
‘SaigonToday’ – amazing food. I recommend ordering a bunch of their little tapas-style plates to taste everything. Delicious!
4. Best Burger?
‘The Butcher Berlin’, they also have the best boozy milkshakes!
5. Best Place for Coffee?
‘Impala Coffee’, I always pair my coffee with their delicious carrot cake!
6. Best Pizza?
‘Pizza Nostra’, mmmm.
7. Best Place for Vegetarian/Vegan Food?
‘Kanaan Berlin’, not only is the food amazing but they also employ refugees from the MENA region which is a great initiative.
8. Best Place for Brunch?
You haven’t had brunch ‘til you try ‘Benedict’. They’re open 24/7 – talk about all day breakfast. Yum!
9. Where to Get an Amazing Budget-Meal?
‘Refueat’ does delicious Arabic-inspired street food in generous quantities.
10. Bar for Drinks with Friends?
Nothing beats the rooftop bar ‘Klunkerkranich’ – I recommend going just before sunset to witness the whole atmosphere!
11. Best Cocktail Bar?
‘Monkey Bar’ – can’t go wrong with their tasty cocktails mixed with a great view.
12. Bar/Club for a Big Night Out?
Depends on your music taste but ‘Süß War Gestern’ has a great mixture of styles, and ‘House of Weekend’ is always a good idea!
13. Unmissable Thing to Do in the City?
Two things: beer garden, any beer garden. And East Side Gallery for unlimited ‘gram backdrops, haha.
14. Best Place for a Sweet Treat?
‘Brammibal’s Donuts’ – they’re 100% Vegan, too!
15. Favourite Place for a Staycation?
Black Forest, Baden Baden – after a nice day exploring, try the famous thermal springs. wow. A great hotel nearby is ‘Brenners Park-Hotel/Spa’.
16. Favourite Outdoor Space for Chilling Out?
17. How to get Around the City Like a Local?
My tip is to take the bus 100, it takes you to all the cool spots in Berlin from Alexanderplatz, through Museum Island, the Reichstag, and more! All for a fraction of the price of a tour bus.
18. Best Market in the City?
Flea market at Mauerpark, and the food market at ThaiPark.
19. Top Workout in the City?
I love ‘FitX’ classes – there’s something for everyone.
20. Must-Visit Independent Store?
‘House of Small Wonder’ – adorable vibe and great atmosphere.
21. Best Things to do with Kids in the City?
‘Paint Your Style’ in Charlottenburg – could spend all day there, and I don’t even have kids!
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