The Harrod's of Berlin is all about the food hall. A respectable currywurst with a great view of the city and some amazing snacks and treats to ogle.
A small contemporary museum in the shadow of Potsdamer Platz so very exhibit-dependent, but a great example of Mies van der Rohe's architecture in Berlin.
You could spend a year here and not see everything; best to follow the colour coded signage to the time periods you want to focus on; and the I.M. Pei addition is worth a stroll.
Make make reservations online in advance--it's quite simple and ensures you a space. Save a good bit of time for this: the architecture and the views are stunning and you'll want to linger.
More of a shopping and transit hub, Potsdamer Platz is pretty spectacular as the sun goes down and the lights give the architecture a wonderful sparkle.
Michelin-starred, but not fussy. Delicious, quirky, and fun eating in a space filled with history. If you've got time to linger through a meal and euros to spend, Pauly Saal is a breathtaking meal.
An unassuming classic in Mitte, serving a really delicious breakfast. Perfect for a lox and bagel before tearing up some museums.
This is a serious German breakfast with the quirks and hipness that comes with the Prenzlauer Berg neighbourhood. It's always packed, the coffee is strong, and the food is plentiful.
This is a great, clean, modern take on German breakfast. This is the bakery/cafe version of the nearby restaurant. Delicious breads, beautiful butter, pretzels, salumi and cheese.
It goes without much saying. The Barn is really coffee king in Berlin. I might only add that filter/brewed coffee is their strength. They make a nice cappuccino, but the filtered coffee is the star.
A design-minded bookshop right next door to The Barn. Lots of international journals, coffee table books, and gorgeous magazines (all mostly in English).
Noto is a neighbourhood restaurant, a cozy place in trendy and spendy Mitte. The food bends Italian but with decidedly German takes--think homemade pasta with venison and Brussel sprouts.
If you happen to be in Berlin on a Thursday, this is a must. A carnival of food from spaetzle to sushi. Off the beaten path a bit, but a massive food party worth any trekking.
Not the best coffee in Berlin though overstuffed with history, but the prime location on the Linden makes for great people watching and regrouping before hitting up all the attractions close by.
Drinking and people watching at this hip hotel is a must. The Michelberger is less a hotel and more a living room for cool Berlin. Make a point to enjoy some food, music and cocktails here.
A delicious Kosher-style deli with massive sandwiches and snappy, garlicky pickles sharing space in a former girl's school with Pauly Saal.
They call their food Iberian-Pacific--what you end up with funky takes on ramen and Asian pantry items against European meats and starches. It's a critical success, but some dishes fail in execution.
I know, pizza in Berlin?! You might have a craving--and if you do, sit outside at this waterfront spot and enjoy fantastic pies and beer. Then walk it off along the canal.
