Front cover designed by Nikolett BalazsLayout by Nikolett Balazs, Holly Hatfield

Introduction

Accomodation

Introduction

Outdoors

Eating out

Sights & Monuments

Bars & Clubs

Entertainment & Culture

Shopping

Museums & Galleries

INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION6 7

photographed building is as alternative as the city itself: the infamous balcony Michael Jackson hung his baby over. Flights, trains, and buses are infamously inexpensive to and from Berlin, as are living costs, making it ideal for backpackers. Berlin’s primary industry is the high-tech sector, with Turkish kebabs also drawing in a high profit margin. Although thousands of tourists enjoy taking in the sights, visitors aren’t hemmed into claustrophobic areas. This is because the population only amounts to three and a half million people, in a city built for five million. Quiet spots are easy to find amongst the most busy of squares, such as the river-bank of Alexanderplatz, which enjoys a temperate climate all year.

From the scrawled-upon Berlin Wall to the more prestigious, informative courtyards of Museum Island, Berlin’s streets breathe creativity. The city’s coat of arms of a bear dancing freely can be seen everywhere, amongst the classic and contemporary architecture. As nostalgic as it is artistic, historical monuments such as the saddening Holocaust Memorial and the Memorial to the Persecution of Homosexuals warn of Berlin’s bloody past. However, by admitting, recognizing, and repenting its history, Berlin remains staunchly against ever repeating it. This guide will take you on a journey to Berlin’s iconic monuments, allow you to discover its hidden gems, and probe you to enjoy its notorious nightlife. Ready to explore? Let’s go!

Wilkommen In Berlin!Your personal guide to the best eats, streets and greets of Germany’s

capital city

Brimming with lush green expanses, lively plazas, and vibrant street art, this world-renowned party city has much more to offer than a diverse and energetic nightlife—although it has that, too. Berlin has managed to bloom into beauty out of a history saturated with destruction. Abandoned buildings serve as canvases for graffiti, or are recycled into underground clubs for people to still be partying at 7am. Open air festivals overtake the summers, and Berlin’s bohemian culture thrives despite, or perhaps due to, its recent dark history, during which propaganda and censorship forced creativity into secrecy. Literary coffee-houses and book-shops are in abundance, and if aspiring writers and artists can’t find inspiration in the limitless museums and galleries, no doubt they will at poetry readings found in dimly-lit bars. Liberal, diverse Berlin is a far cry from the oppressed Cold War hotbed it was only forty years ago. This artistic, literary city has produced many innovative thinkers, once being home to the sociologist Georg Simmel, actress Marlene Dietrich, and writer Jacob Grimm. The visiting writer Fyodor Dostoevsky, a pioneer in Russian literature, was inspired by the city too, and its most

INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION8 9

from ticket offices situated in the bigger S-Bahn stations. Buying a ticket for Zones A & B will get you around the entire city, and if you want to go a little further, say to Potsdam Palace or Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, you’ll have to top up your ticket, or buy an ABC Zone ticket at the start of your travels.

It is a myth that all Berliner’s travel for free all day long around the city. Yes, there aren’t any ticket gates to stop you hopping on a tram or train, but there are ticket officers. Plain-clothes officers will board the underground and trams and they know what they’re doing; they can spot a passenger trying to slyly leave the train from a mile off. Don’t believe me? Let’s just say a ‘friend’ of mine managed to accumulate €80 worth of train fines from BVG (Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe – the main public transport provider) in just 4 days whilst in Berlin.

If you do get caught, or you’ve forgotten your ticket or pass, then you have the choice of either paying the on-the-spot fine of €40 or they will take your details from a form of ID and give you a ticket, which you then have to pay at a later date. Prices for passes aren’t that expensive, especially in comparison to cities such as London, and the quality of service provided is much higher, so it is not worth taking the risk. And you will get caught.

Lauren Heraty

Public TransportSo you’ve spent about 10 minutes scanning the tube map, changed trains five times, got your backpack stuck in the closing doors, been squished against the wall by a man playing an accordion and now everyone’s waving something in the air to a man with some form of handheld machine…

This is how not to ride Berlin’s extensive public transport system. German Efficiency is something famed and pretty damn real. It’s possible to navigate yourself to within walking distance of anything listed in our guide from an underground or overground station. And if you’re venturing a little further afield, the city’s network of trams and buses will get you there.

During the daytime, all trams and trains run very frequently. The U-Bahn is perhaps the quickest form of transport, with trains at least every ten minutes, and trams run just as frequently. However, after around 9pm the frequency decreases, and some tram lines will stop around 11.30pm, so check the times if you’re planning on staying out late. At the weekends, you’ll find more late-night services are available, ready to serve Berlin’s all-night revelers. If you’re in the city for a few days then you’re better off buying a daily ticket each morning, which will cover you until 3am the next day. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket machines positioned on nearly every platform and on board trams, or

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May the Battle of Berlin ends, and marks the end of WWII. Berlin is divided into four sectors: the American, British and French in the West and the Soviet in the East.

1948 The Berlin Blockade begins- one of the biggest events of the Cold War. The Soviet Union tried to force the Western Allies out of Berlin by taking over the supply of resources to the city. In response British and American forces airlifted supplies into Berlin for the allies.

1949 Germany is divided, when the Federal Republic of Germany in the West and the German Democratic Republic in the East are founded, and Berlin is divided in half.1961 Borders between East and West Berlin are closed and construction of the wall begins on 13th August by GDR forces.1963 On 26th June, US president J.F. Kennedy makes his famous “Ich bin ein Berliner” speech (which, due to a grammatical error, humorously translates to “I am a jelly donut” instead of the intended “I am a Berliner”.) This speech underlined the US’s support for West Berlin.

1986 On 5th April, La Belle discothèque, a venue which was commonly frequented by US soldiers, was bombed in West Berlin, killing three people and injuring around 230.

1987 During his visit to Berlin, US President Ronald Reagan urges Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to tear down the Berlin Wall.

1989 On 9th Novemember, borders are opened and dismantling of the Berlin Wall begins.

1990 On 3rd October Germany is reunified

Present Day Berlin is a city built for 5 million people but with a population of 3.4 million, so it feels less crowded than other European cities. Berlin's mayor Klaus Wowereit described the city as “poor, but sexy,” highlighting the cheap living costs and the young, attractive arty types that are attracted to this dynamic and vibrant city.Jade Corbett

BerlinA Short History

13th Century1237 This is the earliest mention of Berlin in documentation, however due to a huge fire in the city centre in 1380 a lot of historical documents were destroyed and historians generally agree that Berlin is older than this.

18th Century1701 Berlin becomes the capital of the Kingdom of Prussia, which existed until 1901.1714 Berlin merges with Cölln, Dorotheenstadt, Friedrichstadt and Friedrichswerfer and the city grows in size and population.

19th Century1806 Napoleon and his army seize Berlin and take control of Prussia. In this year he also created the Berlin decree, which put a trade blockade on Great Britain.1810 University of Berlin (now called Humboldt University) founded by liberal Prussian education reformist, Wilhelm Von Humboldt, whose university model has greatly influenced other universities in Europe and the Western world.1871 Berlin becomes capital of newly unified German Empire1894 Reichstag building constructed, which housed the German Parliament and shared legislative powers with the Bundesrat, which is represented by each of the Länder (federal states) of Germany.

20th Century1902 U-bahn starts operating. It’s the 5th oldest in Europe after London, Budapest, Glasgow and Paris.1933 On the 27th February a fire was started in the Reichstag, of which the origins are unclear. The Chancellor of Germany, Adolf Hitler blamed this on Communists, giving him the power to dissolve the Government on emergency constitutional measures and start his dictatorship.1936 The Summer Olympics are held in Berlin, allowing the Nazi party to create a false image of a peaceful, tolerant Germany to the World media.1940 The Bombing of Berlin in WWII begins, and the British RAF are sent to bomb Tempelhof Airport, and while the 81 bombs caused minimal physical damage on the city, the psychological effects on Hitler were greater.1945 The Battle of Berlin, fought in April and May, was a turning point for the end of the war. On 30th April Hitler, foreseeing his imminent defeat, commits suicide with his wife Eva in the Fürherbunker, him by shooting himself and her by ingesting cyanide. On 2nd

Eating out

Food, glorious food! You’re anxious to try it – whether you’re looking for a place for a quick stop before you carry on your merry way, or are longing for the chance to put down your backpack and gush

about your latest adventure over a long lunch.Street food is huge here, and often cheap – sample specialities like currywurst, pretzels or Hoppelpoppel (a combination of leftover meat, onions, potatoes and eggs), or try something with an international flair from one of Berlin’s many Italian, Mexican and Turkish food outlets such as golden falafel or creamy Nutella crepes. Many places are open until the early hours, so whatever time you pour out of the club, your fast food craving will be

satisfied in Berlin. If eating on the go isn’t your thing, relax and partake in Berlin’s booming café culture. The city boasts a wide variety of cafes where the baristas are welcoming and the cake comes cheap. Vegetarians and vegans aren’t forgotten either, as a wealth of specialist restaurants and cafes can be found in Berlin. So whether you’re looking for gourmet dining, a filling burrito or a messy kebab, Berlin has something

for everyone.

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Curry 36Friedrichshain-KreuzbergMehringdamm 36, 10961 Berlin U7 MehringdammDaily: 9:00am – 5:00pmwww.curry36.deYou will recognise it by its ketchup-red writing and the simple sausage logo. Curry 36 is the most popular name in the currywurst business, as evident by the ever present queues of customers, all of them hoping to satisfy their craving for the salty meat dish. If you’re looking for something that is cheap, but extremely nourishing, look no further than Berlin’s signature fast food, currywurst. Conveniently located right outside the Mehringdamm U-Bahn station, Curry 36 is the perfect place to make a pit stop for food before exploring the city some more or heading back to your hostel at the end of the day. No meat-lover will be able to refuse this jumbo-sized pork sausage snack. It is steamed and then fried before being cut into chunks and served with ketchup and, of course, the fabled curry powder. One sausage will set you back a mere €1.60. Currywurst, however, is best devoured with a side of chips with lashings of mayonnaise and even more ketchup. Satisfying your hunger at this famous eatery will cost you a grand total of... €3.30. Try it once and you will understand this perfect combination of quality and simplicity.Sara Morrison-Jacobo

GoodiesFriedrichshain-KreuzbergWarschauer Straße 33, 10243 BerlinM10 Warschauer StraßeMon-Fri: 8am-8pm, Sat: 9am-8pm, Sun: 10am-6pmwww.goodies-berlin.deTravelling to Berlin might be considered risky business for a vegan. Fortunately, there is hope; ‘Goodies’, a brilliant snack bar located just steps from Warschauer Straße station. Upon entering Warschauer Straße, you will notice the percentage of hippy folk in the crowd rise. This is a good sign for anyone after vegan grub. You can be sure that where there are hippies, there are vegans. You may feel overwhelmed by the incredible choice of food at ‘Goodies’, which ranges from tofu bagels and banana smoothies to bulgar wheat salads and dairy-free ice cream. Prices range between €4-€7 for a meal. There’s so much wonderful and surprisingly cheap food here that as soon as you leave, you will already be planning your next visit for round two. Whether you’re a health food junkie craving your next fix of quinoa, interested in discovering animal-free cuisine, or simply after a good old-fashioned slice of cake, this is the place for you. The strawberry and cream cake is an absolute treat. Eat outside, watching the busy trams and energetic street-life, as your decadent dishes make passers-by go green (as green as your revitalising super food smoothie) with envy.Hazel Kitson

Mustafa’s GemüsekebapFriedrichshain-KreuzbergMehringdamm 32, 10961 BerlinU6, U7 Mehringdamn10am-2pmwww.mustafas.deA trip to Berlin is incomplete without sampling its staple street meat: the Döner Kebab. Introduced to Berlin by the large Turkish community after WWII, the infamous kebab always seems to appear wherever masses of drunken tourists congregate. For the highest rated and arguably best döner in the city, look no further than Mustafa’s Gemüsekebap. The small serving station perches on the Mehringdamm U Bahn entrance. Serving starving Berliners until 2:00, Mustafa’s employees dish out döners to a never-ending line. Expect to wait at least 30 minutes for your food; during main meal times the line stretches at least 1000 meters down the street.If part of Mustafa’s goal is to grow customers hunger while they wait, their plan works perfectly. Hoards of foodies endure rain showers and relentless sun in wait of their favourite kebab. The €4.30 Dürüm wrap and €3.20 original Gemüse are stacked with fresh veggies, three different sauces, fried veggies, and perfectly seasoned chicken meat. Although there are vegetarian options, there is no falafel or substitute meat - making Mustafa’s a prime place for carnivores. Regulars return for their fix every week, and the delicious aroma pulls in passers-by. Though kebabs are hailed as fast food, this is one messy creation that is worth the wait.Alison Karlene Hodgins

PrinzessinnengärtenFriedrichshain-KreuzbergPrinzenstraße 35, 12105 BerlinU8 MoritzplatzDaily: 11am-11pmwww.prinzessinnengarten.netConcealed by trees is an Eden called Prinzessinnengärten- an urban garden and café-bar, where visitors can take a break from city life, swap the sound of traffic for birdsong and take part in workshops from “Beekeeping in the city” to growing potatoes. In the Garden Café all the ingredients are either grown in the gardens or bought from local, organic or fair trade producers and profits go towards supporting the project. The menu consists of a €6 special, which changes daily, but is always a plate of mouth-watering vegetarian goodies, guaranteed to satisfy your belly and your conscience. Place your food order at the bar and chose from the selection of drinks, including nettle beer and elderflower tea (€1.20-3). Then take a seat at a communal picnic bench and strike up a conversation while you wait for your food to be called. It’s advisable to brush up on German numbers, as they call out the numbers at a rapid fire pace, although the staff are very accommodating and willing to translate for the linguistically challenged among us. After lunch support this worthwhile project some more by buying produce to take home or by sponsoring a garden bed.Jade Corbett

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BarakaFriedrichshain-KreuzbergU1 Görlitzer BahnhofLausitzer Platz 6, 10997 Berlinwww.baraka-berlin.deOn the corner of Lausitzer Platz in Kreuzberg sits the quirky and colourful Baraka: a restaurant cum lounge that serves a mix of Moroccan and Lebanese tapas. For as little as €7 for a platter, you can enjoy a feast of miniature dishes including: hummus, falafel and halloumi, rich tagine with chicken or veal or rice fish balls - even fragrant couscous with chicken, veal or vegetables. There are also some more unusual dishes with a Lebanese twist, but it’s hard to decipher the menu unless you’re fluent in German. The staff are incredibly attentive and give a level of service that outstrips the modest price of the dishes. Alcohol is not on Baraka’s menu, but you can choose from a wide range of specialist teas and authentic Moroccan fruit and yoghurt smoothies. Multicoloured tables are arranged outside the restaurant, whilst inside the Moroccan roots of the restaurant are clear: low velvet sofas, tiled walls and decorative tables and chairs fill the dimly lit, airy rooms. The restaurant also has a take-out section: a must when searching for a quick snack a little later in the evening, the restaurant even stays open past midnight.Lauren Heraty

Markthalle Neun / Markethall NineFriedrichshain-KreuzbergEisenbahnstraβe 42/43, 10997 BerlinU1 Görlitzer BahnhofThu: 5pm-10pm, Fri,Sat: 10am-6pmwww.markthalleneun.deOnce one of 14 market halls in Berlin that supplied the city, this is the only one that hasn’t fallen prey to the ravages of time or been converted into a commercial building. Although abandoned for a period of time during WWII, plans for renovation began in 2009 and its doors are now open once again. On Friday and Saturday the hall houses the buzzing Wochenmarkt - a weekly farmers market. However the star attraction is the Street Food Thursday market. The food on offer reflects the blend of clientele that mix here- an agglomeration of languages, styles and nationalities. From fragrant Thai curry to sun-dried tomato and olive tapas, tangy kimchi to freshly baked, fluffy focaccia drizzled with olive oil- there’s something to tickle everyone’s taste buds. As for drinks there is a wine bar with an extensive offering, renowned Heiden Peters’ local handcrafted beer and even a stand selling fresh coconuts, but be aware that you will be charged a deposit for glasses. Wander around the whole market taking in all the aromas and sights before choosing what cuisine to sample, then perch on the grandstand for the perfect view for people watching while you munch.Jade Corbett

Maria BonitaFriedrichshain-KreuzbergDanziger Straße 33, 10435 BerlinM10 Husemann Straße, U2 Eberswalder StraßeMon-Sat: 12pm-11pm Sun: 12pm-10pmwww.mariabonitaberlin.wordpress.comIn 2009 Texan, Thomas Wright, decided to open a Mexican bistro in Berlin after gaining some experience working in Mexican kitchens. He brings us authentic dishes such as burritos de puerco especial (grilled pork), tacos de tinga (juicy chicken stewed in chipotle sauce) and rajas con queso (roasted green chilies and peppers stuffed with cheese). Served with a variety of salsas and a refreshingly cold margarita, these king-sized portions are so delicious that you will be licking your fingers long after you’ve devoured the contents of your plate. At only €6 per dish you definitely get your money’s worth and leave with a full stomach. The bistro is also decorated to honour its Mexican roots – skeletons used in Day of the Dead festivals adorn the walls, wrestling masks are displayed above the kitchen bar and the background music alternates between gentle mariachi music and upbeat Mexican rap. The cantina itself is cosy and has a relaxed, homely feel with friendly and hardworking staff. Maria Bonita is the perfect stop for lunch or dinner. Follow their motto and ‘Eat More Tacos!’Sara Morrison-Jacobo

Hotel Café Sarotti-HöfeFriedrichshain-KreuzbergMehringdamm 57, 10961 BerlinU7 MehringdammDaily 7am – midnightwww.cafe-sarottihoefe.deYou don’t have to be a guest at this five-star hotel to enjoy the guilty pleasures of the Sarotti Schokolade café. This quiet, classy place is decorated with crystal chandeliers, cherubs painted on the ceiling and dark wood panelling as dark as the chocolate brownies on display in the glass cases. It’s perfect for anyone seeking refuge from the weather or taking a much-needed break from exploring the city. Indulge in a relaxing mug of hot chocolate, served with whipped cream and a little biscuit. If you want something a little stronger, order your drink with Bailey’s or a shot of chilli syrup that will tickle your throat on the way down. The absolute highlight of the café is the cake. Although there is a more extensive menu for those who want a full meal, the cakes are a perfect stand-alone treat to compliment your beverage. The Sarotti chocolate pie is a delicious cake drizzled with white, dark and milk chocolate. Its exterior is cooled until the icing has hardened, while the spongy interior remains soft and moist. Take a few hours to savour this sinfully sweet dessert.Sara Morrison-Jacobo

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Café Village Voice MitteAckerstraße 1A, 10115 BerlinU8 Rosenthaler Platz 12pm - late www.villagevoice.deListen to the myths surrounding literary Ber-lin, and you will most likely hear of a quiet addition to the community - the Village Voice, once renowned for being a bookshop and ho-sting writing events. It lies amongst a cluster of coffee-houses on a side-street, just far enough from the centre of Rosenthaler Platz to be quiet, and a thirty-second walk from a picturesque public garden. Its intrigue? What it used to be may still remain.The gentle-natured dog, Lissie, is the first to greet you. Inside are canvases of local art, and service is sporadic, although the owner is frien-dly. Back-packers wander in because prices are very reasonable, at €1.60 for a tee and biscu-it. But ask any questions about the bookshop’s whereabouts and it’s dismissed as “closed now” (even though a sign outside disputes this). Puzzlingly, if you go there on a Tuesday after 6.p.m, you will be asked to sit outside while a ‘meeting’ takes place. What’s more, the ceiling stage lights appear to still be in use. Whether or not it’s an elitist, secret literary meeting place... You can sit in this puzzling, beguiling ghost-town with Wi-Fi, nobody bothering you, and a dog lying at your feet. Elizabeth Gough

La Pausa PizzeriaMitteU8, M8 Rosenthaler PlatzDaily: 12pm-10pmwww.lapausa.dePizza, pasta and salad. Three little words that are an instant reminder of homemade, hearty portions that leave you satisfied, whilst also wanting more. This is exactly what you get from La Cantina Pizzeria, which is located perfectly on the crossroads at Rosenthaler Platz. Although it’s in a busy area, the atmosphere and homey-touches in this moderately sized restaurant detract from the fast-paced city decorum, which is emulated in the streets of Rosenthaler Platz. There are hand-written notes from very satisfied customers on the pillars and some of the walls expressing their gratitude, which is certainly reassuring and also adds to the welcoming essence of this restaurant.Why not try a Hirten salat (a delicious salad with a range of tasty tomato and an assortment of cheeses), or some traditional Spaghetti Bolognaise to truly tingle your taste buds.You’re able to sit back and relax and even watch the chef specially prepare your chosen cuisine, pronto. The plentiful portions along with the budget friendly means you’re able to fuel up for the day and enjoy the rest of what Berlin has to offer, or relax here at night over a candle-lit meal planning your next sight to see.Nathalie Davies

Katz and Maus Café BarMitteMon-Sun: 8am-2amWeinbergsweg 1a, 10119 BerlinU8, M1, M8, M12 Rosenthaler Platzwww.circus-berlin.deLocated next door and attached to the heavily popular Circus Hostel, Katz and Maus casually beckons in the likes of cross-country travelers to inner-city commuters. Healthy but filling food is the focus here; no doubt the perfect combination for the young backpacker. If the bright blue walls and disco ball above the staircase don’t emphasise this café’s personality, then surely the contemporary mix of light rap and finger-tapping beats will do the trick. Menu options adorn several walls, so choosing what to have involves some head turning. Rest assured, the staff is friendly and willing to offer suggestions. For the German palate, there’s everything from the “Made in Germany” drinks section to Abendbrot breads with meat and cheese. Each day from 8am to 1pm, an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet, which includes a cup of coffee or orange juice, is offered for €5. Evening options present a more modern choice of various sandwiches and burgers which, although slightly pricier at €7.40, give the American burger a run for its money. Combining a fresh crowd of worldly personalities with the familiar comfort of a new-classic coffee shop, Katz and Maus is another hit for Rosenthaler Platz.Andrew Harper

Konditorei & Café G. Buchwald /G. Buchwald Confectionery and CaféMitteBartningallee 29, 10557 BerlinS5, S7, S75 BellevueMon-Sat: 9am-6pm, Sun: 10am-6pmwww.konditorei-buchwald.deDelicious handmade cake can make your day, and people at Konditorei & Café G. Buchwald know that. This café serves a wonderful, finely layered butter cake, called the baumkuchen (treecake), whose name refers to the characteristic tree-like rings that appear when cut. The Buchwald family has been making baumkuchen using an original family recipe for more than 150 years. There are a few recommended specialties, such as the classic, the chocolate covered, the one with strawberry cream, starting from €3.20. There are also many other kinds of cakes you could choose from, ranging from strawberry shortcake to chocolate cream tart. Luckily, English-speaking waitresses are very willing to help you choose from the overwhelming display. After you have finally decided, sit out in the sun in the outdoor seating area overlooking the Spree River, or inside the cafe’s nicely furnished interior. Your choice of coffee, starting at €1.80, is the perfect complement to this rich desert, as its smooth texture and well-balanced sweetness melts in your mouth. Buy one to take-away with you to eat outside at a park or at home.Midoriko Kitagaki

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The Coffee ApeNeuköllnSonnenallee 51, 12045 BerlinU8 HermannplatzMon-Fri: 8am – 6pm, Sat: 9am-4pmStep out onto the sunny plaza at Hermannplatz and treat yourself to the best, cheapest cup of coffee in Berlin. The Italian baristas at The Coffee Ape have been serving frothy lattes and smooth Americanos to a diverse crowd for the past 3 years. Recent immigrants enjoy coffee next to toothless, wrinkled men on the two picnic benches that perch next to the red canvas stall, where coffee is passed across a quaint wooden platform. The hum of grinding espresso floats across the square, creating a strange but pleasant combination as it mixes with the aromas of hot falafel and fresh-squeezed juice from the nearby stands.A warm, indulgent latte costs €2, while a robust espresso is only €1.20. Customers can add a range of flavours to their coffees: Hazelnut, Vanilla, Amaretto, Macadamia Nut, and Carmel. The syrups are perfectly situated outside of the espresso machine, allowing customers to pump the exact amount of desired sweetness into their cup. There are also a variety of teas, including several types of Chai powder. The quality of the beverages speaks for itself in the buzz of caffeine-addicts that hover around Hermannplatz with dreamy, satisfied smiles.Alison Karlene Hodgins

Burrito BabyNeuköllnPflügerstraße 11, 12047 BerlinU8 SchönleinstraßeWed-Fri: 1pm-10pm, Sat: 3pm-10pm, Sun: 3pm-9pmwww.burritobaby.deThis bare-walled vegetarian restaurant may be small and understated, but don’t let that fool you - the food is not. Missing ‘Burrito Baby’ v– although easily done – would be a mistake. For just €4-7 you can get yourself a colossal burrito. The portions are so large that you should bring a friend along to help you out. If you don’t have any friends, make some quickly, because you don’t want to be tackling this alone. Despite the misleading name, this place certainly isn’t for babies. Fortunately, the size is not compensation for lack of flavour – you will definitely find your taste buds satisfied. Share a mountain of nachos for €6, or indulge in a creamy quesadilla for just €4. You can “go naked” and eat gluten free, and almost everything can be made vegan. If you’re scared of spice don’t cower away. The flavours are intense but certainly not overpowering. If, on the other hand, you want to feel the burn, then try out some of the hot sauces. This is a small place with so much to offer. Pop in to sit back and relax to Motown as you devour tantalising tacos and sip on fresh homemade lemonade.Hazel Kitson

AapkaMitteKastanienallee 50, 10119 BerlinU2 SenefelderplatzMon-Sat: 12pm-1am, Sun: 11am-1amwww.aapka.deGlowing lanterns and trees dotted with lights welcome customers to Aapka, an indoor/outdo-or Indian restaurant and lounge bar. This restau-rant offers traditional Indian cuisine alongside the busy Kastanienallee, with a feel of western influence in the “happy hour all day every day” drinks menu which range from Mai-Tais to Swimming Pools, all for €4.50. The entrees are filling and relatively inexpensive, with items like spice-encrusted Tandoori Chicken for €8.50 or savoury Chicken Curry for just €7.50. The other half of the menu provides a seemingly endless list of cocktails that aren’t included in the happy hour, and while the cheap pricing seems que-stionable, the drinks pass the taste test with flying colours. Enjoy a refreshing Tequila Sunri-se for €4.90 or a tropical Daiquiri for only €5.50. Ambiance is another strong point for Aapka, as the walls are lined with warm orange sconces and every table in the outdoor area comes with cushions and blankets for those nippy Berlin nights. Your dinner is sure to be vibrant, be it in the mass variety of spices in the dishes or in the bright coloured drinks, napkins and décor. This will undoubtedly become a frequent stop for the budgeted travellers.Andrew Harper

Sankt Oberholz MitteRosenthaler Strasse 72a, 10119 BerlinU8 Rosenthaler PlatzMon–Fri: 8am-midnight,Sat–Sun: 9am-midnightwww.sanktoberholz.deEssential needs with a bit of extra. St Oberholz, café is a spacious and cool meeting point for the so-called “digital hippies” and everyone else on Rosenthaler Platz.This easy-to-access but fairly unknown café needs to be discovered by newbie Berlin visitors. Both travellers and locals turn up with their be-loved laptops and other devices to finally get some Internet signal. Others are just chilling out with friends, sipping a beer or a well-appreciated cup of coffee. A selection of tasty homemade sandwiches, cakes and even some gluten-free options are also on the shelves.In this historical building simple furniture, unfinished surfaces and airy interior has got some quirky elements that give the place an arty and home-like atmosphere. The spacious upstairs area welcomes large groups as well. The windows upstairs are padded with comfy cushions, making it a perfect place to hide yourself from the world with a favourite book.Nikolett Balazs