Berlin’s edgy mix of glamour and grit creates a captivating ‘city of cool.’ Germany’s vibrant capital with its renowned spirit of openness, individuality and creativity, has become a paradigm of the art, fashion and music worlds. And oh that fabulous nightlife!

In Berlin, the past is always present. Strolling the streets, you’re bound to pass sights that go back to the Nazi-era, the Cold War or Reunification - at every turn. The city’s tangible history as a political and cultural center is on full display at the many out-door museums including iconic murals and fabled graffiti. The stirring Wall Memorial at Bernauer Strasse, a chilling exhibition of survivors and those who failed to escape from the East to the West of Germany, is a testament to the fierce courage of Berliners.

The East Side Gallery, the famous remaining stretch of the Wall, an embodiment of Berlin’s grit and guts, is the longest open-air art gallery in the world. More than one hundred striking satirical and political murals by street artists have become a symbol of hope, creativity and resilience.

The landmark Brandenburg Gate, a sign of division during the Cold War with the Berlin Wall right behind it, now epitomizes German reunification and peace and is the site of concerts and World Cup soccer public viewing parties.

While meandering the alluring city, check out the eight connected courtyards at Hackesche Höfe, bustling with voguish boutiques, cafes, bars, galleries and restaurants. This lively area is one of the coolest spots to go at night.

Culture vultures love Berlin’s vibrant art scene. Visit at least one of the five museums that make up Museum Island like the notable Neues with its coveted bust of Queen Nefertiti. Don’t miss the popular interactive DDR Museum, which provides an unsettling experience of daily life in the former East.

Other favorites include the edgy Fotografiska Berlin, Museum of Photography’s impressive Helmut Newton Collection, and the hidden world of underground art at Kunsthaus Tacheles and Urban Spree.

Berlin’s legendary nightlife has long been a top attraction with dusk to dawn dance parties, nightclubs like world famous Berghain and hedonist dens like erotica-themed KitKatClub. Recently a slew of innovative chefs crafting inspired cuisine have made Berlin a foodie haven. Combine both dining and clubbing for a perfect evening with Berlin’s top guide, Henrik Tidefjärd, owner of acclaimed life style agency Berlinagenten. Henrik offers exceptional customized tours such as the popular ‘Gastro Rallye’, the creative scene, infamous venues, hotspots, and provides insider VIP access to the most sought after places. He has worked with celebrities including Tara Reid, Heidi Klum and Adele, trendsetters, CEO’s and individual travelers seeking The Best of Berlin.

Some Highlights of My ‘Memorable Nighttime Crawl’

My evening began at hidden gem Holly Gastropub where guests enjoy creative specialties using French cooking techniques and the best local, seasonal ingredients. French-born chef Simon Guitard turns out dishes like pork belly with leeks and pickled onions that dance on your palate

Next: Berta - Michelin chef Assaf Granit’s latest star in addition to his acclaimed eateries in Jerusalem, Telaviv, London and Paris. Named after his grandmother, the cuisine at this sceney hotspot is an inventive combo of secret family recipes from Jerusalem and culinary delights of modern Berlin.

Onto: Papillon, Berlin’s newest A list ‘in’ club where the fashionable and fabulous dine on chef Nadav Kundel's Mediterranean specialties like caviar rigatoni, drink champagne and dance the night away.

Then: Bellboy Bar, tricked out in fanciful décor and called by its creators ‘ a theme park for adults’. This outpost of the original hit in Tel Aviv, offers luscious libations delivered by bellboy bartenders in whimsical vessels like ball gowns turned into goblets.

Did I mention, anything you want – you’ll find in Berlin?

A nondescript door with a simple plaque opens to Prinzipal, an atmospheric speakeasy with serious cocktails where famed Burlesque dancer Anja Pavlova dazzles with her titillating show!

After a long night out, you’ll want a comfy haven as you drift off to dreamland. Two hotels with restaurant connections recently opened. Château Royal, centrally located and part of the team behind celeb haunt Grill Royale, features an impressive collection of over 100 pieces of original art in the stylish bar, small lobby and in each of the individually designed 93-rooms and suites.

Many guests breakfast at Einstein café, just next door, on the most tantalizing apple strudel ever. This charming Austrian eatery, a hangout for the creative set, serves up exceptional boiled beef with apple horseradish and standout Viennese goulash with dumplings for lunch.

The other new property, Telegraphenamt, a luxe hotel and members club by the owners of esteemed dining establishment Borchardt, situated next to Museum Island - makes a lovely retreat in the heart of Berlin. This former elaborate postal building has been handsomely restored with 97 spacious, stylish rooms, maisonettes and suites. Original elements such as historic columns, capped ceilings and exposed brick walls have been meticulously integrated into the interior design.

The snazzy bar and inviting plant filled open lobby provide a lively and fashionable meeting place for locals and international guests. Root Restaurant, beautifully accented with lighted globes overhead, serves a delicious breakfast as well as International Cuisine.

Dining at Borchardt, the place to see and be seen since 1853 amid politicians, movie stars and other glitterati, on tastiest pumpkin soup and melt in your mouth tuna steak with wakame, sesame and teriyaki ju – was simply divine.

The ever prestigious Adlon, first opened in 1907 by Kaiser Wilhelm II, is the city’s most opulent hotel, famed for its front-row-center view of the Brandenburg Gate and it’s storied history. This 5-star stunner with always bustling grand lobby, sumptuous furnishings and elegant décor, features 307 luxurious rooms, 78 posh suites, 3 top restaurants and wellness spa - perfect for elite travelers.

See Exciting Berlin in New York and Prepare for your Trip…

Don’t miss Carnegie Hall’s Festival “ Fall Of The Weimar Republic/ Dancing On The Precipice ” in New York, February – May 2024. More than thirty stirring concerts and events at the Hall and in other venues across the city showcase Berlin’s bold, innovative culture and decadent nightlife as escapism from the struggles of daily life in the 1920’s and 30’s. Burlesque dancers disrobing on Berlin’s stages, were part of the scene that inspired the musical Cabaret. Some highlights of this festival include:

Acclaimed Actress and Sexy Chanteuse Ute Lemper explores the music of Weimar Berlin and after the Exodus using her signature dramatic flair and bitingly sharp satire with Weill, Brecht, Hollaender and others. Friday, February 9, 7:30 pm

“Comedienne extraordinaire, International Siren and Creator of beautiful Mayhem,” Meow Meow salutes the Weimar Republic’s notable Wild Women with her distinct blend of entertainment and social commentary. Saturday, March 23, 7:30 pm

The irreverent, swinging Hot Sardines, with Alan Cummings, Tony award winner for his role as the Emcee in Cabaret on Broadway, invoke Berlin in the 1920’s. During this period, provocative cabaret and jazz were viewed as liberation to some and dangerous to others. Friday April 19, 7:30 pm

Lavender Songs - A Queer Weimar Berlin Cabaret, Walter Hawkes’s Weill Style, Valerie Coleman’s woodwind quintet - Portraits of Josephine Baker and the documentary Walter Ruttman’s Berlin, are just a few of the fantastic offerings – many are free.