I have always loved peeking into the universities of the cities I visit. If Berlin was still new to me, I wish I'd stumble across the enchanted art school Universität der Künste (UdK) in Charlottenburg. The place is simply magic: the historical building with its big courtyard, the wild ivy, the many hidden passages – and the promising œuvre of young artists which make you want to start your art collection right away.
One of my favorite art events of the year is the "UdK Rundgang", when the art school has two open days on a weekend during the summer and also at their other locations in the city. All the workshops are open and the master classes display their final works. The opening night in Charlottenburg has turned into somewhat of a legend and recently became a private event because of the overwhelming number of visitors – but you can find ways to get in if you know some art people in the city (and there are many in Berlin)...
If you are visiting the classy district of Charlottenburg and are close to the Zoo, Kantstraße and Kurfürstendamm, pay a visit to the holy halls of Udk; their doors are always open and you might stumble across one interesting student project or another, or you can simply marvel at the architecture.
Find your way with 215 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
My favorite item they offer has to be their potato gözleme: it's a generous portion that's rich, flavorful, and both crispy and soft.
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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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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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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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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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215 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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