Experience Berlin like a local

Wild and polished, chaotic and composed – Berlin is a collage of histories, subcultures and reinventions. To truly understand it, you have to go beyond the landmarks and let its people guide you. Read on as three Berliners from the iconic Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin show us their city: the spaces that inspire them, the memories that shape them, and the contradictions they’ve learned to love.

MITTE: HISTORY & CULTURE

Every discussion of Berlin must begin with Mitte. It’s the heart of the capital. For Wolfgang, Assistant Pastry Chef at Hotel Adlon Kempinski, it's the central part that he loves best. Around Augustrasse, you’ll find contemporary art galleries and up-to- the-minute fashion stores. Here, Wolfgang invites us to visit the Samurai Museum, an astonishing place. “Japanese culture has always fascinated me. The eternal pursuit of perfection in even the simplest things is deeply inspiring. The Samurai Museum manages to bring these traditions to life by combining history with modern technology, and if you're a history buff, the Berlin Wall tours or guided visits through Berlin's underworlds are also truly fascinating." 

As a parent of a young child, Wolfgang knows firsthand which attractions in Berlin are popular with families. “The Berlin TV Tower or the Natural History Museum are great places to go with families, and Pariser Platz is one of the most symbolic places in Berlin. At the heart is the Brandenburg Gate, with its political and historical legacy and, on the other side, the equally enigmatic Hotel Adlon Kempinski. For me, this square is a snapshot of humanity, because it attracts people from all over the world for diverse occasions and events. A personal highlight is the annual Berlin Marathon, which goes right through the square, past the Adlon.”

Feeling inspired? Check the hotel’s current offers.

KREUZBERG: MUSIC & OPEN SPACES

Berlin-born Dana is part of the hotel's behind-the-scenes culinary team, but when she’s off duty, you’ll find her in Kreuzberg, a former working-class suburb in the southeast of the city that has become a hotspot for trendy Berlin. Rock, punk, electro, new wave – Kreuzberg has long been at the heart of the music and underground movements that define this city. “Kreuzberg is where culture, art and a vibrant sense of life come together – you can feel it in the open-minded locals, the colourful graffiti and the creative street art that give it its unique character,” enthuses Dana. 

In the evenings, she loves spending time with her friends in lively places such as Birgit, an open-air beer garden by the River Spree. For Dana, Berlin also encourages a laidback lifestyle where you can take time out in one of the city’s many parks. She especially likes strolling around Treptower Park, a stone’s throw from Kreuzberg. As soon as you enter, you’re surrounded by nature on the banks of the Spree. "This is where I had a first date with the man who is now my fiancé. Since then, it’s become our little ritual – spending time here, having picnics on the grass or taking a pedalo out onto the water." A little further on, Berliners get active on the abandoned runways of Tempelhofer Feld. The airport closed in 2008, before being converted into a vast, one-of-a-kind public park. Dana remembers: “I grew up and went to school in the southern part of Tempelhof. Located away from the bustle of the city centre, I was fascinated by the old Tempelhof Airport and the story of the Berlin Airlift. I’ve seen many stunning places around the world, but I’m constantly reminded of how special this city is. It’s an energetic metropolis where I can still find quiet corners to recharge my batteries and feel at home.”

PRENZLAUER BERG: SHOPS & STREET FOOD

Later, Sebastian, the hotel’s Head Doorman, takes us to Prenzlauer Berg in the north of the city. He’s the first contact with the hotel, greeting guests with a broad smile. Exploring Prenzlauer Berg, it's clear that following the large-scale renovation of the district’s apartment blocks, low-rent housing has given way to more upscale accommodation, along with organic food shops and vintage stores catering for the hipster families who now live here. Sebastian takes us to Prater Garten, a relaxed space surrounded by chestnut trees that is the oldest beer garden in Berlin. 

Beer gardens are a long-standing tradition in this city that reflect Berlin's social culture: open, communal and unpretentious. “I like Prater Garten because people come together outdoors to enjoy simple food, good beer and conversation, which fits the Berlin lifestyle perfectly. And just around the corner, you’ll find another beer story: Kulturbrauerei. It used to be a brewery in the 19th century, and today it’s a large cultural complex. It has cinemas, clubs, restaurants, small shops and art exhibitions," says Sebastian. 

Berlin is also famous for its Currywurst and döner kebab, so after Prater Garten, Sebastian can’t resist taking us to the capital’s two best street food spots. Konnopke’s Imbiss, underneath the U2 U-bahn flyover, is legendary. It’s one of the oldest Currywurst stands in the city and is a piece of Berlin history in itself. On the other side of the street, Rüyam Gemüse Kebab unveils the city’s multicultural side. It serves a fresh, modern version of the döner kebab with grilled vegetables and herbs. There’s always a long queue, which says it all! These places show just how lively the city’s street food culture is, with small stalls and kiosks that Sebastian, like all true Berliners, loves to frequent. 

Berlin’s allure comes from its contradictions – elegant yet unpretentious, relaxed yet endlessly creative. To truly feel its pulse, take your lead from the Berliners, leaving the main boulevards behind to explore side streets and slip through doorways where the city’s heart beats strongest.

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The home of timeless luxury

 
Located in the very heart of Berlin, Hotel Adlon Kempinski is a living legend. From the plush furnishings to the fresh blooms that greet you at the entrance, every detail evokes a sense of timeless sophistication. Attentive staff anticipate each guest’s needs with effortless grace, creating moments that linger long after departure. 

For over a century, this hotel has stood as a witness to historic events, intertwining its story with that of Berlin itself. Every guest, and every employee, becomes part of this story, continuing a legacy that has shaped generations, because at Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin, luxury isn’t just seen – it’s felt, tasted and remembered.

FAQ: 

What are the top things to do in Berlin? 
From the iconic Brandenburg Gate, just steps from Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin, to a guided Berlin Wall tour that brings the city’s history to life, Berlin offers memorable   experiences. Visit the Natural History Museum for world-class exhibitions, enjoy panoramic views from the Berlin TV Tower and explore the historic Treptower Park. Discover Berlin’s local food scene, including traditional cuisine and excellent restaurants to complete your stay. The team at Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin will happily assist with planning and booking activities and can share insider tips to help make your stay unforgettable.  

What are the best family-friendly activities in Berlin?
Berlin offers a wide range of family-friendly activities, from interesting exhibits at the Natural History Museum and interactive science centres to open green spaces like Tiergarten, ideal for outdoor play and picnics. Families can enjoy a visit to the Berlin Zoo, book an exclusive city tour or take a relaxed boat cruise along the River Spree. Our iconic Lady in Red is always on hand to share insider tips and personalised advice, offering memorable experiences that appeal to all ages.

If you enjoyed this, why not read Tim Johnson’s account of his stay at Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin?