If you’re interested in rediscovering pieces of Berlin’s past, or if you’d like to experience the city through the pages of books—carrying a piece of Berlin with you even when you leave, to cherish whenever you find yourself missing it back home—then this article is for you.

Berlin, with its multifaceted and dynamic nature, has inspired a variety of narratives that offer readers a journey through the city’s cultural and temporal depths. Below, I’ve gathered some book recommendations about Berlin: books set in Berlin, that talk about Berlin, and that explore life in the city from various perspectives.

– The Passenger: Berlin

The Passenger: Berlin is one of the books in The Passengers series, published by Iperborea and Europa Editions, which, if you haven’t yet discovered, I strongly recommend checking out. This series is a kind of travel guide, but far from the usual guides that simply point out the best places to eat or suggest set itineraries. Instead, The Passengers guides blend investigative pieces, newspaper articles, narratives, and reflections on a wide range of topics about the places they portray.

The Berlin guide combines photography, art, and reportage that intersect within the city. As Karl Scheffler once said, “Berlin is a place doomed to always become, never be”, and this book captures that spirit. Within its pages, you’ll find pieces tracing Berlin’s history from the 1990s onward—the roots of contemporary Berlin and the foundations of what we see today in a city still in flux, a place brimming with potential.

The Passenger: Berlin – AA.VV.

– Friederichstraße 19, Emma Harding

Set around number 19 Friedrichstraße, this story brings together a diverse cast of characters: a cabaret singer, a young Jewish woman, a porn photographer, an orphan taken in by his uncle, a newly divorced woman, and a terrorist. Their intertwined relationships, encounters, and conflicts weave a portrait of a city teeming with varied stories, contrasting experiences, and shadowed depths.

Friedrichstrasse 19 – Emma Harding

– Berlin Alexanderplatz, Alfred Döblin

Franz Biberkopf is back on the streets of Berlin, aiming for a fresh start after prison. But fate seems determined to pull him down, dragging him through a world, thugs, and outcasts. Enduring one setback after another, Franz struggles to stay on his feet until a final, devastating blow threatens to break him for good.

Berlin Alexanderplatz is a vivid portrayal of Berlin’s life and pulse, capturing its gritty streets, lively pubs, and chaotic rhythm in a mix of news reports, street slang, and Biblical references. First published in 1929, Alfred Döblin’s masterpiece immortalizes the soul of the city.

Berlin Alexanderplatz: Alfred Döblin, Michael Hofmann: 9780141191621: Amazon.com: Book

– Goodbye to Berlin, Christopher Isherwood

Set in Germany during the Weimar Republic, this book is partly autobiographical and examines some of the groups most vulnerable to intimidation, persecution, and violence from Adolf Hitler’s early Nazi followers, portraying their stories and struggles.

Goodbye to Berlin – Christopher Isherwood

– Effingers, Gabriel Tergit

If you’re in the mood to dive into a sweeping family saga that spans nearly a century, don’t miss the story of the Effinger family. Their journey moves from Bismarck’s Germany to the Second World War, tracing the gradual unraveling of bourgeois ideals through historical events, political upheavals, love, relationships, and hardships.

Effingers: Roman – Gabriele Tergit

On the fourth Thursday of November, people in the United States celebrate Thanksgiving – probably the biggest national holiday. As an American living abroad, you might be missing the usual holiday festivities around this time. Thankfully, there are a lot of American expats that brought the tradition to Berlin with them. Here are a few places that offer authentic American Thanksgiving food as well as tips on where to find ingredients if you want to cook for yourself!

Enjoying Thanksgiving with the help of a restaurant…

P.S. If you plan on visiting one of these restaurants during thanksgiving, make sure to make a reservation ahead of time – spots can fill up quick!

1. Café am Neuen See

2. Masha’s Bagels and Delicatessen

3. Hard Rock Café

4. Barcomi’s

Thanksgiving – for all who prefer to cook themselves

The turkey…

… and where to get it:

• Kaufland, several locations across Berlin: In this huge grocery store you can often find frozen turkeys in the meat section. Expect to pay between 8-10 Euros per kg of turkey.

• Rogacki, Wilmersdorfer Str.145/46, Charlottenburg: At this traditional delicatessen in Charlottenburg, you should be able to find a turkey. Rogacki may have turkeys in stock, but it is recommended to place an order ahead. Open: Tue-Th 10am-6pm, Fr 9am-6pm, Sat 8am-2pm, Tel. 030 3438250

• Kaufhauf des Westens (KaDeWe), Tauentzienstraße 21, Schöneberg: This famed department store also has a delicatessen, along with plenty of other international food options that make it the perfect place to pick up your thanksgiving essentials. Open: Wed-Sat 10am-8pm, Mon-Tue 10am-8pm, Tel. 030 21210 (poultry counter)

• Fleischerei Domke, Warschauer Str. 64, Friedrichshain: They say it’s best to come by in person to place an order, but Domke always has a few turkeys (presumably frozen) on hand. Open: Mon-Fr 6:30am-10pm, Sat 8am-9pm, Su 11am-9pm Tel. 030 2917635.

Make your own vegan loaf:

German guide to the Thanksgiving classics:

The stuffing/dressing

The mashed potatoes

The pumpkin pie

The sweet potatoes

The cranberry sauce

You’ve made it through Exam Week! Yay!

Now it’s time to rest and enjoy 10 days in Berlin with no (or very few) responsibilities. Don’t be worried about the cold weather that is coming. Berlin is a city that never sleeps, and there are always plenty of interesting things to do, even if you stay here.

Exhibitions

In Berlin art teems in all corners, and it’s hard to be aware of all the things there are to do, and all the art performances and exhibitions you can see. Here’s a list of exhibitions I would see if I were in Berlin these days.

• FOTOGAGA. Max Ernst und die Fotografie – The Museum für Fotografie. Helmut Newton Stiftung

Max Ernst, a German-American-French painter, sculptor, paintmaker, and, more broadly, a prolific artist, was the pioneer of the Dada und Surrealism in Europe. The Museum für Fotografie, Helmut Newton Stiftung, organizes this exhibition from 18th October on, which aims to discover the points of contact between Ernst´s work and photography. Many lesser-known work by Ernst will be shown, and they will be supplemented with other works from the Kunstbibliothek, the Nationalgaliere, and other collections.

You can find more information about the exhibition here: Museumsportal Berlin – Ausstellung – FOTOGAGA. Max Ernst und die Fotografie (museumsportal-berlin.de)

• Pier Paolo Pasolini. Porcili – Neuen Berliner Kunstverein

In Neuen Berliner Kunstverein opened the exhibition dedicated to Pier Paolo Pasolini, one of the most controversial and radical Italian thinker, poet, and movies director. In case you don´t know him, I would suggest to take a look at this exhibition, which reconstructs the idea of Pasolini´s corpo (body) including photographs, films, newspapers, books, film costumes. The focus of this work, and of his thinking, was the rebellion against social conventions in Italian society from the 1950s to the 1970s. Due to his dissident nature, he was costantly subjected to discriminations, and censorship.

The title of the exhibition, „Porcili“ („The Pigsties“) is homonym to one of his movies, which express the allegory of a society based on control, stereotypes, and prejudices. Indeed, for the politicians, the Catholic Church, and for the Italian bourgeoisie, Pasolini was a pig, a scandal. Whether you find yourself agreeing with Pasolini’s ideas and opinions or not, the figure of Pasolini inevitably evokes a profound inner turmoil. Exploring his life and thought is an essential journey that invites us to reflect on complex and provocative issues.

n.b.k. – Pier Paolo Pasolini (nbk.org)

• Gisèle Vienne. This Causes Consciousness to Fracture – A Puppet Play – Haus am Waldsee

Haus am Waldsee is presenting an exhibition on the artistic work of Gisèle Vienne, a French-Austrian choreographer, theater director, and artist. The main subject of her work, aimed to question our ideas of perception, are puppets, or any kind of figures, who wants to explore the concepts of sensuality, creativity, and anger as a forms of power, which can be subsersive and can create new ways to think the reality.

Gisèle Vienne · HAUS AM WALDSEE

• Hip Hop. Conscious, Unconscious – Fotografiska

Fotografiska is one of my favorite art place here in Berlin, because you can always find interesting photo exhibition that speaks about counter-culture and underground movements. Currently, I would suggest you to go to this exhibition, which explores 50 years of the history of hip-hop music in a chronological order, capturing all the revolutions it has brought in music, art, fashion, and language all over the world. You can also broaden your horizon and discover something more about the history of Hip Hop in Germany, which explores and give new insights about the influence it had into the cultural and political enviornment.

Besucherinformation | Fotografiska Berlin: The Contemporary Museum of Photography, Art & Culture | Fotografiska Berlin

Go to a festival!

• Punkfilmfest

It begins on Wendsnday, 16th October, and it ends on the 20th October, Punkfilmfest is the perfect alternative for this weekend if you want to combine watching movies, small shorts, and films exploring punk culture, and if you also want to hear punk bands playing live!

TOO DRUNK TO WATCH – Punkfilmfest – 11. Punkfilmfest – Berlin 16.-20. Oktober 2024

• Filmfest Frauenwelten – Terre des Femmes

The Frauenwelt Festival has been organized since 2001, and is among the most interesting film festival in Europe. It focuses on the human rights condition of women all over the world through short films, documentary, movies, which explores intersectional topics concerning femininity, womanhood, and condition of women. Moreover, you can find many panels with filmmakers, and human rights activists, and discussions rounds, exhibitions, and workshops.

Filmfest FrauenWelten – Menschenrechte von Frauen im Blickpunkt des Films (filmfest-frauenwelten.de)

• Oktoberfest an der Zitadelle Spandau

In case you´re missing the München Oktoberfest vibe, or you haven´t been able to head there, don´t worry! On Friday and Saturday you can head to Spandau where you can relive the excitement and atmosphere of Oktoberfest again until October 26th!

Oktoberfest an der Zitadelle Spandau – Berlin.de

Enjoying the Outdoors

Go to a Flea Market!

Berlin’s flea markets are world renowned, and I’m sure many of you have visited a few already, but there are always new flea market finds to be made. Personally, I will be spending my next free days scouring the flea markets for the perfect fall appropriate leather jacket. It can be hard to pick which flea market you want to visit, but I’ve written down a few that I think are worth checking out.

You can find a selection of nice flea markets and vintage places in our previous article: A vintage lover’s guide to Berlin – FU-BEST BLOG (fu-berlin.de)

Regardless of wether you stay in Berlin or travel somewhere new, I know you will have an amazing week, full of new sights and experiences. Don’t forget to take sometime to relax and wind down – you deserve it!

Nowadays, the need to reduce compulsive clothing purchases from fast fashion stores is becoming more and more urgent. And let´s be honest: is it really worth it? In most cases, we end up wearing those clothes for a season – if we´re lucky, and then throwing them away. However, I truly believe that expressing the personality through style is a fun, creative way to show off who you are, to experiment with different side of yourself, and it can also be an original tool used to build self-esteem.

Whether you´re using your style to communicate who you are to the world, explore your inner self, or simply because you want to show off your vanity, it´s super important to know where to spend your money wisely. Indeed, why not find unique pieces that are both stylish and sustainable?

Thrifting in Berlin is a unique experience. The city is bursting with vintage shops, weekly markets, and street corners practically overflowing with second-hand clothes and all kind of items – often in excellent condition! You´ll discover vintage clothing that´s not only high-quality, but also unique. Whether you´re into retro, chic, or quirky, there´s something for everyone. Plus, a lot of these places are often packed with wonderful objects, jewelry, accessories, and home décor items.

Below, you´ll find a very small selection of vintage stores and markets I´ve discovered here in Berlin, that are definitely worth checking out.

• HFOC – Home Full of Clothes

In the Prenzlauer Berg area, you can’t miss HFOC, a unique store with an incredible selection of bags, sunglasses, and original shoes. Moreover, they often organise events with dj sets and live music.

Bonus tip: HFOC is currently teaming up with a Laundromat at Stargarderstr. 74, where you can snag some awesome vintage Adidas pieces!

Homefullofclothes – Google Maps

• UTI EXI

Founded in 2021, UTI EXI is a Berlin-based fashion brand that focuses on upcycling, creating one-of-a-kind fashion items by exclusively using existing materials. The name, derived from the Latin uti existentium meaning „use the existing,“ perfectly captures their philosophy of sustainability.

UTI EXI is dedicated to transforming the fashion industry by repurposing discarded textiles into fresh, modern clothing and accessories.

UTI EXI (@utiexi_official) • Instagram-Fotos und -Videos

• SCHÖNEBERG FLEA MARKET

Usually, it takes place every two Sundays, and it´s classified as an „art and second-hand market“. Here you can find a lot of cool stuffs, like second-hand clothes – in particular, vintage Levi´s denim! -, every kind of vintage items, collectibles, arts and crafts, and everyday used goods.

Flohmarkt Schöneberg – Google Maps

• ARKONAPLATZ FLEA MARKET

In Berlin-Mitte you can find every Sunday, all year round, the historical Arkonaplatz flea market. It offers a mix of antiques, books, art, vintage, furniture.

You´ll also find many unique items from the former East Germany (DDR), making it a treasure trove for collectors.

Arkonapl. – Google Maps

• RAW MARKET

Located not too far from Warschauer Straße station, the RAW Market is located in a underground venue, between bars and clubs.

The offer usually includes bags, clothes, jewelry, decorative objects, antiques. Moreover, it is plenty of food stands of snacks and street food from all over the world.

RAW-Gelände – Google Maps

• KARLSHORST MARKET

It is one of the most original flea market I found in Berlin. It is the place for anyone who loves high-quality antiques, and cultural treasures from every decade.

Here you´ll find rare books, artwork, antique mirrors, pocket watches, porcelain, silverware. Moreovere, there is a wide range of old postcards, stamps, coins, vinyl records, movie posters, beer steins, toys. There´s plenty of secondhand finds and retro goods from the 50s, 70s, and beyond.

Antikflohmarkt Trabrennbahn Berlin Karlshorst – Google Maps

• TUNTENHAUS

Tuntenhaus is one of the oldest – and sadly, one of the last – queer and gay housing project in Berlin. While it doesn´t have a regular flea market, it often hosts pop-up vintage markets where you can find just about anything. Plus, it´s a fantastic opportunity to support an historical space that stands as a symbol of Berlin´s queer resistance.

Tuntenhaus Bleibt – Google Maps

You’ve likely noticed it yourself during these first days: Berlin is an open-air museum. Every corner of this city unearths pieces of history that define its nature, telling stories of trauma, glory, and the passing of countless people who have shaped its complex and unique past. Berlin’s culture is the result of a rich, often contrasting, blend of influences — cultures, traditions, and ideas that have lived in and continue to live in this city.

A cornerstone of Berlin’s vibrant cultural identity is its underground and club scene, which has now become the city’s signature, attracting tourists from all over the world. I bet that you too were drawn here out of curiosity about Berlin’s legendary clubbing culture, among other reasons!

Indeed, you’re right: the city’s hedonistic, intense, alternative, and disorienting atmosphere is palpable in many corners, creating a unique backdrop for those seeking to experience something different.

However, Berlin’s club culture is much more than a recent tourist attraction or an economic boon, and it can’t be reduced to stories and myths about elusive entry strategies to the city’s exclusive clubs. The roots of Berlin’s nightlife are deeply intertwined with its historical trajectory. It all began in the 1990s: the Berlin Wall had fallen, and for the first time in decades, the divided halves of the city were reunited. There was an overwhelming sense of celebration, joy, and reunification in the air, mixed with the anxiety and unease that accompanied such a radical shift. The collapse of the Wall signaled not only the end of a geographical division but also an ideological and political one. This newfound unity breathed life into creativity that had long been buried under the weight of division. For this reason, abandoned Soviet buildings were repurposed into spaces for collective expression and community, where the past could be left behind, and where openness, fluidity, and freedom were celebrated.

The birth of Berlin’s club culture emerged from this period of transformation — from trauma, pain, and a basic human need for connection. The dancefloors of these newly occupied spaces became sacred, inclusive places where everyone was welcome, no matter their background. These spaces offered something liberating: a chance to escape constant surveillance and, instead, to connect with others and with oneself. Beyond the music and nightlife, Berlin’s clubs serve as vital sanctuaries for marginalized communities, particularly Black and queer groups. They create safe spaces that challenge societal norms and conventions, providing an escape from the pressures, and social norms of the sorrounding urban spaces. These venues offer a protective bubble where respect is mutual, and everyone can shed the labels the outside world may impose.

In the years since the fall of the Wall, Berlin’s club culture has evolved into a global phenomenon. While it’s easy to be captivated by its mystique and allure, it’s essential to recognize it as a product of the city’s history — a living, breathing expression of Berlin’s resilience, inclusivity, and unyielding creative spirit.

There are countless Berlin clubs worth visiting, and it’s important to highlight that, unlike many other cities you’ve probably been to, Berlin clubs aren’t just a reflection of the city’s nightlife. These venues are also spaces where you can spend afternoons or mornings immersed in freedom, good music, conversations with friends or the people you meet there. For me personally, they’re most places where I reconnect with positive energy that nourishes my soul. Here, I’ve decided to share my very personal list of the three Berlin clubs I enjoy the most.

Warning!: These spots break away from the usual Berlin club aesthetic that’s often talked about, and surprisingly, they’re vibrant, and colorful!

– Heideglühen

Right in the middle of the busy traffic of the Wedding district, hidden among scrap metal and shabby wooden shacks that give nothing away, lies Heide. Step inside, and you’ll find a dreamy, relaxed, and happy oasis, full of smiling faces and top-notch music, mostly house. Open from Saturday afternoon through to Sunday evening, it’s the perfect weekend escape. Lineups usually drop every Wednesday on their website and Instagram, so you can plan your groove in advance!

– Sisyphos

Almost on the edge of Friedrichshain, and right across from the tram tracks and sorrounded by chimneys and industrial vibes, you’ll spot Sisyphos from a mile away – thanks to the giant gate with two ducks and the circus tent peeking out from inside. Once you’re in, it’s a whole new world. Just imagine a little village with dance floors, chill-out nooks, a sandy beach open during the summer, and a cozy bar in the winter where you can sip on a hot tea or a coffee. More than a spot for electronic, house, ambient, and techno music, Sisy is a full-on artistic playground, with circus shows and magical performances.

https://sisyphos-berlin.net/

– Club der Visionäre

More than just a typical club, the Club der Visionäre is a super chill spot, perched on a platform over the river, making it the perfect hangout for summer days, late summer evenings, and even those autumn and spring afternoons. Completely open-air, it’s got a bar, multiple levels, and a steady lineup of DJ set covering all kinds of genres. It’s the kind of place where you can chill, have fun, listen to great music, and soak up the laid-back vibes of the sorroundings.

https://clubdervisionaere.com/