The iconic Rigaer Straße was the last stronghold in East Berlin, where "rebels without a cause" started occupying buildings in the 90s, that had been abandoned to live and promote an alternative lifestyle.
Gradually, the occupants were forced to regularise their situation by entering the system and paying normal rents. Today, only one housing project and a few community centres and bars remain, keeping the spirit of the time alive.
In the same vein, but without going as far as anarchism, Astral Junction, is an innovation hub that offers a unique experience combining sustainability, upcycling, slow fashion, underground music and contemporary art, where you could even enjoy homemade vegan snacks and bio smoothies, milkshakes and lemonades.
The shop is not only a commercial space but also a meeting place for the art alternative community. They host weekly workshops, art and music events, promoting social interaction and philosophical discussions. For instance, on Wednesdays at 20h they host a walk in cinema to unwind, meeting people and watch an epic movie, on donation-based basis.
Find your way with 215 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Away from the hustle and bustle of Mitte, you enter a lush and leafy world, full of bistros. In the midst of all that magic, you will find Capvin...
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"Balaram" in Berlin is a vegan ice cream shop. They have 12 varieties and extra toppings are free! It's very good, it doesn't taste like ice or sherbet...
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The best part? Every plant is available for purchase so you can take a bit of the café home with you! From seedlings and succulents to plants that may require a little extra help to get out of the coffee shop.
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A classic slice of pepperoni or truffle mushroom is the way to go here, although they offer other great toppings like olive, ricotta, salsiccia, and even vegan butternut squash.
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My favorite thing to order might just be their #17 plate which comes with stewed vegetables, fresh salad, butter-simmered chicken, chickpeas, lean beef, and collared greens.
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I am a big fan of their pistachio maritozzo which is a soft Roman bun filled with cream and topped with crushed pistachios. It's absolutely amazing, and not overwhelmingly sweet.
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One word to describe Macondo? Bustling! It's not the place if you need a quiet space to work, but it's nice if you want to have it all: work, play, wine, and coffee.
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Heisser Hobel stands out through their use of quality ingredients. Their dairy ingredients are collected from an organic family-run dairy farm, and their noodles are made in their stall throughout the day.
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I suggest stopping by the Berlin Art Market by the Zeughaus to pick up a locally created art piece. Since the market is located in the center of Museum Island it's easy to reach.
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Baked goods are made with ingredients made in-house or purchased from local suppliers. All food waste and single-use items (ie recycled compostable napkins) are turned into soil with their Gersi composting machine.
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"Idealpassage" in Berlin takes you on a historic walk - this passage reveals a complex from a century ago that served as a model for 'social housing'...
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215 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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