No trip to Berlin is complete without taking a photo at one of the iconic Photoautomats. Scattered throughout the city, these analog photo booths are the brainchild of two friends who decided to restore old, out-of-use photo cabins they found across Europe and give them a new life in Berlin. With around 35 booths in key locations – outside bars, nightclubs, museums and busy areas – they’re recognisable by their big red letters and are available for use at any time of day or night.
In the era of smartphones and selfies, these analog portraits offer a nostalgic trip to the past, providing a physical photo you can actually hold. Once inside the vintage booth, you draw the little curtain, adjust the seat, drop in 3€, and strike a pose. Then another, and another, and another. Four flashes later, your photo shoot is complete. Now, all you have to do is wait the five minutes it takes for the photo to develop. Once ready, the machine spits it out, still wet from the developing chemicals – your one-of-a-kind Berlin souvenir.
These photo strips can be found in nearly every home in Berlin, hanging on walls, pinned to fridges, or glued to mirrors. It’s become almost a tradition, with people using them to immortalize birthday celebrations, wild nights out with friends, visits from family, or just because – moments of your Berlin life, forever captured in black and white.
Find your way with 215 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
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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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