What I did + wore in Berlin, Germany

What I did, where I stayed, & what I wore (along with some carry-on packing tips)

This post is filled with recommendations from Berlin but it ended up being a tad too long for emails. I’d recommend heading over to your Substack app or reading this in your browser!

The ‘Going’ section on this publication was starting to feel a little empty and with no trips planned this year while I go through my European visa process, let’s reminisce on one of my favorite trips of 2024.

The entirety of my September in Europe consisted of 4 cities in total but I couldn’t help but start at my favorite part of the trip—Berlin! Oh how this city captured my heart. The first time I went to Berlin, I went with my ex who was (is, but he’s dead to me) a huge history/war buff. I was still very much so in my people-pleasing era (still working on this tbh) so we pretty much spent all of our time visiting war attractions and memorials.

Now don’t get me wrong, I love a good museum and learning something know. However, two underground bunkers back-to-back on the gloomiest, rainiest day of our trip, after spending the afternoon at the Museum of Murdered Jews was not how I wanted to vacation.

Despite low moods and feeling like I had to cater to what he wanted to do, Berlin still left such a strong impression in my head. I knew I had to come back with the right companion.

Fast forward several years, Janice and I decided to plan a Europe trip around visiting cities we might potentially want to live in. Berlin has always been a close second for me (with Milan being in spot #1) and I had a feeling she would love it too.

A quick prelude on travel companions

I don't subscribe to too many aphorisms, but one I wholeheartedly believe is "if you can't travel together, you shouldn't be together." This has been proven in my own life time and time again, and Europe with my ex was one of those specific occasions.

The issue wasn't the museums but his disregard for my preferences. Despite my clear requests to explore cafes, vintage shops, and recommended restaurants, these activities were ignored if they didn't fit his museum schedule. Travel reveals relationship dynamics. And I'm sorry to say: if you can't figure it out while you're both stress-free on vacation, how are you supposed to be partners when you're in your own city carrying the weight of all life's other stressors?

I'm now highly selective about travel companions. I only travel alone or with people I know I'll travel well with. Fortunately, my close friends are perfect companions—easy-going and considerate. We align expectations beforehand, look out for each other, and ensure everyone's priorities are met. (God, I love them so much).

In my early twenties, I would say yes to every random group trip that had been thrown together haphazardly for the sake of going somewhere. Nowadays, I say no to most trip invites. If the group is too large, if the vibes aren't right, or if I know I have different traveling habits and interests than the rest of the group, I'd rather save the time and funds for something more fulfilling.

Would love to hear your thoughts on what you look for in a travel companion!

Overview

Here are all the spots we checked out on the Berlin leg of our trip:

Shopping

• Yummy Vintage - Cute vintage store near Erchy's

• Necklayz - Custom necklace shop for personalized jewelry

• R.S.V.P. Papier - Charming stationery store with local and international brands

• Sing Blackbird - Standout vintage shop with a stylish owner

• Kryza - Archival designer vintage store with Chanel and Gucci

• Not Too Sweet - Youth-oriented vintage store with affordable prices

Dining

• Five Rivers Restaurant - Contemporary Japanese and Vietnamese fusion

• PHO noodle bar - Vietnamese cuisine before nightlife

• La Maison - Popular café and bakery in Kreuzberg

• Pizzeria Marienkäfer - Casual Italian for a night in

• Sasaya - Excellent Japanese restaurant with affordable Omakase

• No Bananas - Great cocktails and Middle Eastern-inspired menu

• Erchy's - Hip brunch spot on the border of Mitte and Prenzlauer Berg

• 44 Brekkie - Instagram-worthy egg sandwiches

Cafes

• Atlas Cafè - Great spot for remote work

• Cafè Bravo - Outdoor cafè connected to KW Institute for Contemporary Art

Other spots

• ELSE - Club venue with a no-photos policy that encourages living in the moment

• Urban Spree - Alternative venue with gothic themes (brief visit)

• Nowkölln Flowmarkt - Popular flea market in Kreuzberg

• KaDeWa - Department store for Rimowa luggage shopping

Itinerary

Day 1

Janice and I landed in Berlin in the afternoon and took the U Bahn straight to our Airbnb. After you figure out how to use the German U Bahn system it’s actually super easy to get around. I definitely struggled figuring out the lines and what ticket to buy but thankfully a kind stranger gave us some tips (thank you sir!)

Our Airbnb was situated in Mitte, the same neighbourhood I stayed in the last time I visited. I found this neighbourhood to be a good blend of restaurants, cafes, exhibits, and attractions. It’s considered a “central” part of Berlin (although I have also heard some people think it lacks culture and excitement). Picking where to stay in Berlin depends on what you’re looking for in the city.

Below the paywall you’ll find

• my full day-to-day itinerary of my Berlin trip

• locals guide to the neighbourhoods of Berlin

• what I wore on each day of my trip

• tips for packing light (even for a month-long trip)

• my entire packing list for Berlin