Coordinates

Coordinates: Berlin

September 5, 2018

Described by David Bowie as, “the greatest cultural extravaganza one could imagine,” the German capital is a leading travel destination that serves as a hub for modern arts, music and culture, with numerous historic and contemporary attractions to experience and enjoy. While visiting Berlin to exhibit at the consumer electronics show IFA, the 10,000 documented a few of our absolute favorite things to do and see, plus a few places to eat and stay.

Upon Arrival: Long trips can be draining. Aside from the typical in-flight tips that help fight jet lag, nothing proves more effective and revitalizing than an afternoon spent relaxing. We loved recuperating at Liquidorm, a modern spa that features multiple saunas and a saltwater plunge pool. Be sure to listen to music playing from the pools’ underwater speakers.

Stay: Berlin offers a wide range of accommodations to suit all kinds of budgets. For something cosy and convenient, choose to stay at The Gorki, where classic apartments have been thoughtfully converted into suites (think boutique hotel meets home). For anyone looking to lap in unadulterated luxury, Hotel Adlon Kempinski is your best bet. Beautifully situated in the heart of Berlin, Adlon’s age-old history and tradition of impeccable service ensures a seamless stay.

All images courtesy of Chris Martin Scholl, shot exclusively for Master & Dyanmic.

Explore: Marked by its incredibly diverse history and geographic location at the nexus of Eastern and Western Europe, Berlin boasts a variety of cultural hotspots and historic sites that should not be missed. Visit the Reichstag Building to tour Norman Foster’s innovative glass dome before learning more about Germany’s political past and future. Afterwards, take a stroll on Unter den Linden through the Brandenburg Gate and up to Museum Island. Here six separate museums offer an array of exhibits and installations ranging from contemporary arts to natural history and classic portraiture. Another must is The Holocaust Memorial. Designed by Peter Eisenman and engineered by Buro Happold, the Memorial is a place to reflect and remember, covering a 4.7 acre site marked with 2,711 slabs of concrete to commemorate Jewish Holocaust victims.

Shop: Shopping is serious sport in Berlin. For a typical selection of luxury boutiques including German staples like Hugo Boss and Rimowa, head to KaDeWe and stroll along Kurfurstendamm. For avid treasure hunters, go to the Mauerpark Flea Market where private vendors sell everything from knick knacks and rare vinyls to antique instruments and bicycles.

Dine: Berlin’s age-old tradition of gastro culture is a definite highlight when visiting. We especially enjoyed the veal goulash served with homemade Swabian butter noodles at Lutter & Wegner, a classic dining choice for those after a typical German experience. For something truly mind-blowing try Facil. With two Michelin stars and a particularly well-rounded wine list, Facil’s light and breezy setting delivers on every front, including tone, taste, ambience and exceptional service.

A visit to Berlin would be incomplete without a tour of the infamous Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie (52.5074° N, 13.3904° E). Used as a popular crossing point between East and West Berlin during the Cold War, Checkpoint Charlie now serves as a primary Cold War-era attraction, offering tourists a glimpse into what life was like in the German capital during the ‘Deep Freeze.’

Caffeine Fix: Berlin’s coffee scene is one for the books. We love Bonanza, if only for their speciality roast which is sourced direct from select, sustainable farms (their very-Instagrammable location is an added perk).