I was 16 when I first visited Berlin. I was doing an exchange program in Germany at that time. I remember visiting the Berlin wall and impressive Egyptian collection at museums.

Coming back again as an adult, looking at Berlin through a renewed lense, I felt the youthful and vibrant energy of this once serious political city. It’s a city for transplants and dreamers from all over the over, just like Los Angeles. You can feel the restlessness in the underground music scene, the unique art scene and at the local cafes, of course. If you love modern architecture, you will love this city filled with works by Mies van der Rohe and Bauhaus works.

To Berlin, with love.

Hotel: Kempinski Berlin. I stayed at this German luxury chain hotel in Berlin. True luxury experience and surprisingly affordable. $330/night.

SoHo House Berlin @sohohouse $220/night. SoHo House now has a place in Berlin with a nice rooftop pool.

Friday Cafe: Bonanza Coffee @bonanzacoffee local chain cafe in Berlin

Friday Afternoon: Museum of Musical Instruments @musikinstrumentenmuseum_berlin

Friday Afternoon: Ishtar Gate of Babylon at Pergamon Museum. I came back to Berlin for the Ishtar Gate actually.

The German archaeologists brought back these original stones from the middle east and reconstructed the entire gate and processional way, one third scale of the original site. I stood in awe, seeing this blue gate for the first time. Totally worth the trip.

Friday Performance: Konzerthaus Berlin @konzerthausberlin

Friday Dinner: Baret @baret.berlin

Saturday

Saturday Cafe: Cafe at Bode Museum @bode.museum

Saturday Architecture: Berlin State Library by HG Merz

Saturday Afternoon: Overbaum Bridge. Great for photography.

Ludwig Erhard Haus LEH German Chamber of Commerce

German Chamber of Commerce by LEH Ludwig Erhard Haus

Saturday Dinner: Aerde @aerde.berlin

Saturday Night Club: Berghain @berghain_panoramabar Just like SoHo House, photos are not allowed. Probably the hardest night club to get in, it’s time to charm your way in.