Follow Benny in Berlin
Sprawling, convenient and dripping in artistry, Berlin is a great city to explore without a plan. It also makes a great stop for the first episode of your new travel series which makes a great companion to this guide of a vibrant and historic city. I was fortunate enough to have a local guide, my friend Wolfgang who is as original and alternative as the city he calls home. Follow in the rogue footsteps of Wolfie and myself and you’ll fall in love with this grungy, punk city just as much as I did.
Stop 1: Populus Coffee
Caffeinate at Populus Coffee.
Where: Oranienstraße 162, 10969 Berlin, Germany
What: Sleek coffee shop sitting along the river Spree.
Why: To meet up with a local guide to show you, THEIR Berlin. Be warned – this cafe is anti-computer (socialising and reading books is their vibe), and you are expected to return your own dirty dishes. My German friends insist on tipping here but rounding up to the nearest Euro is fine as you’re doing everything else yourself. Lots of vegan and vego options.
Stop 2: Admiral’s Kiosk
Pick up a roadie from Admiral’s Kiosk.
Where: Admiralstraße 15-23, 10999 Berlin, Germany
What: One of the thousands of Spätis around Berlin where you can buy beer to drink right on the street.
Why: To buy beer to drink right on the street. There’s also at least two different types of nicotine and 30 different types of junk food so hopefully you at something healthy before.
Stop 3: Mc Kebap
Grab another roadie from Mc Kebap.
Where: 12099, Tempelhofer Damm, 12099 Berlin, Germany
What: Another Späti.
Why: Another beer on the go. Maybe a side of kebab if you’re feeling up to it.
Stop 4: Tempelhofer Feld
Spread out and relax at Tempelhofer Feld.
Where: Tempelhofer Damm, 12101 Berlin, Germany
What: Reclaimed green space formally an airfield, which played an integral role in supplying goods during the cold war.
Why: To learn about modern history in Berlin, and to highlight the city’s dedication to green initiatives. In this massive grassy expanse with sealed paths winding about, you can bring your skates, karts, kites – anything you could think of take advantage of the ground below and the sky above. Like most of Berlin, it’s a little worse for wear but still manages to make you feel quite at home.
Stop 5: Lake Wannsee
Go for a dip in Lake Wannsee.
Where: Wannsee, Berlin
What: One of Berlin’s great lakes.
Why: Swimming, hiking, and generally enjoying the great outdoors. The lake features many areas to picnic and swim, as well as see wildlife and immerse yourself in the natural side of Berlin. A splash in the chilly water will align you beautifully with your surrounds. Just be mindful of the odd boat, and remember that in much of Germany, swimming costumes are optional.
Stop 6: Sahara Imbiss
Rub shoulders with hoards of hungry locals at Sahara Imbiss.
Where: Wildenbruchstr. 85, 12045 Berlin, Germany
What: Vegetarian/Vegan Sudanese takeaway chain throughout Berlin.
Why: Delicious, authentic food in venues buzzing with locals. This is not the type of place you can expect to find influencers and vloggers shooting their food before indulging in its spicy glory. For perspective, our local friends had already eaten there three times in the fortnight leading up to our visit. Good place to experience unenthusiastic Berlin service at it’s best.
Stop 7: Poropati
Check out local art with your local beer at Poropati.
Where: Weserstr. 79, 12059 Berlin, Germany
What: Lively venue that showcases local artists with regular installations.
Why: A fun place to experience the nightlife of the creative Berlin locals. Live music & DJs can be found some nights, and in the dark, smoky backroom you can find excitable locals playing foosball and drinking into the wee hours. This is a place where you come to be silly, get odd and have fun.
Overall, this day with Wolfgang is one I look back on incredibly fondly. Later in the week we hung out again and he took us clubbing which I can really recommend, even if I never do it at home. The clubbing atmosphere is vibrant, considerate and feels extremely cutting edge, even if you’re at the daggy club that doesn’t reject people becaused you’re not dressed cool enough (and that’s why you went there).
It was a winning day for team rogue but it was an incredibly close competition! Check out Katie’s awesome planned day if you don’t believe me.
