In this slow travel city guide, we take you to Berlin. The German capital offers a wealth of sustainable eateries, shops and activities perfect for a conscious city break. From vintage shopping to vegan food and botanical gardens to cycling along a former runway - discover green Berlin at your pace.
By train from the Netherlands to Berlin - A direct connection
Travelling to Berlin by train is one of the most sustainable ways to reach the city. From the Netherlands, the direct Intercity Berlin departs from Amsterdam and stops in Amersfoort and Hengelo, among other places. The journey takes about six hours and offers a comfortable and relaxing way to travel, without the CO2 emissions of air travel. Moreover, you arrive directly at Berlin Hauptbahnhof station, right in the middle of the city. So you immediately start your city break with long transfers.
For all travel options, visit NS International.
Eating and drinking in Berlin
Am Krögel 2, 10179 Berlin
1. Coffee bar & plant shop The Greens
In the middle of the city, yet an oasis of peace and quiet. The Greens is a coffee bar and plant shop in one. Located in a historic building, this green hotspot serves fair trade organic coffee and tea. Everything here is in line with sustainability: from the plastic-free to-go cups to the fair-trade coffee beans. And while you're there, be sure to puff on one of the homemade cakes or sandwiches. The sandwiches are made fresh with cheese, avocado and tomato, among other ingredients.
Torstr. 175, 10115 Berlin Mitte
2. Bakery The Sanctuary Berlin
Bakery The Sanctuary has three locations in Berlin. The small artisan bakery in Kreuzberg is known for its homemade sourdough bread and sweet treats. The Sanctuary Berlin uses only organic ingredients and works with local suppliers. The interior exudes simplicity and sustainability, with reused materials and minimalist design. Start your day with one of the beautiful baked goods. They all look amazing!
Krossener Str. 19, 10245 Berlin
3. Vegan Vietnamese Restaurant 1990 Vegan Living
Those looking for a tasty, sustainable dining experience should head to 1990 Vegan Living in Friedrichshain. This restaurant serves Vietnamese tapas, entirely plant-based and with organic ingredients. The dishes are inspired by traditional Vietnamese flavours, but without animal products. Think fresh summer spring rolls, fermented tofu and aromatic noodle dishes. A must-visit for vegan foodies!
Karl-Marx-Straße 66, 12043 Berlin
4. Rooftop bar Klunkerkranich
Klunkerkranich is a hidden gem on top of a car park in the Neukölln district. This alternative rooftop bar gives you great views over the city and has a relaxed atmosphere with lots of greenery. The bar works with local and organic products as much as possible and has a changing menu with vegetarian and vegan options. Here you can enjoy live music in summer and warm drinks under the atmospheric lighting in winter.
Activities in Berlin
Königin-Luise-Straße 6-8, 14195 Berlin
1. Botanischer Garten Berlin
Botanischer Garten Berlin is a green oasis on the edge of the city. This vast park is home to more than 20,000 plant species from all over the world. The site is sustainably managed and offers educational programmes on biodiversity and nature conservation. As a visitor, you will walk through different climate zones, enjoy peaceful trails and learn about the role of plants in ecosystems. The most special place in this giant Botanical Garden is the glass greenhouse. Here the aridity of the desert and the hot, humid climate of the jungle have been recreated. And it is also incredibly photogenic!
Tempelhofer Damm 45, 12101 Berlin
2. Cycling over Tempelhof Airport
Tempelhof is a former airport that has been converted into a huge public park. The grounds offer plenty of space for cycling, walking and picnicking. The old runways are still intact and form a unique route through an open landscape. This city park is a perfect example of reuse and sustainable urban development. Hire a bike across Tempelhof Airport's old runway.
Vintage shops and concept stores in Berlin
Rosenthaler Str. 19, 10119 Berlin
1. Vintage shop Schoenhauser-Design
Schoenhauser-Design is a special vintage shop where quality and sustainability are key. Here you will find carefully selected second-hand furniture, lamps and accessories. Often from well-known brands. From leather chairs to colourful lamps. The collection is a mix of unique pieces, products from Berlin manufacturers and items by Scandinavian designers. The shop is located in the Prenzlauer Berg district, which is home to many sustainable and vintage shops.
Oranienstraße 24, 10999 Berlin
2. Concept store VooStore
In the heart of Kreuzberg is VooStore, a concept store that combines fashion, design and art. Here you will find a mix of sustainable brands, local craftsmanship and exclusive design pieces. Housed in an old factory hall, the shop has a minimalist interior. Besides clothes and accessories, you can also buy books, art and sustainable lifestyle products here. An inspiring place for lovers of conscious fashion and design.
Places to stay in Berlin
Uhlandstraße 49, 10719 Berlin
1. Max Brown Ku'Damm
Max Brown Ku'Damm is a stylish hotel in West Berlin between the Wilmershof and Charlottenburg districts. In the hotel lobby is Restaurant Benedict where you can go for all-day breakfast and various lunch and dinner options. Next to the reception is also and bakery if you prefer to take your breakfast into town. Each hotel room has a Crosley record player so you can relax listening to music after a long day in Berlin. There are four room types from Small to Large Panorama all full of light and decorated with colourful items like the ochre-yellow bedspread.
I myself stayed in a room Small a few years ago. This room is small but nice. Perfect as a base for a sustainable city break in Berlin.
Potsdamer Str. 67, 10785 Berlin
2. Lulu Guldsmeden Berlin
Lulu Guldsmeden is an eco-hotel that exudes luxury and sustainability. This four-star hotel combines contemporary design with Balinese and Scandinavian elements. The 81 decorated rooms are comfortably furnished and sometimes include a very special element, namely a swing. The restaurant uses only organic ingredients. Slide in for a healthy breakfast or tasty dinner. Lulu Guldsmeden is Green Sign certified. It also has BIO certification, which guarantees that 90 to 100 per cent of the products used are organic.
Whether you are looking for culture, nature or culinary surprises, Berlin has plenty of sustainable options for an inspiring slow travel experience. Pack your bag and discover this diverse city in a conscious way! I'm curious which location you will visit first.
Love,
In search of hidden gems - Across the border
-
Slow travel city guide for Paris
Honeyguide Anne-Floor takes you along the best slow travel locations in Paris. Find out in this city trip guide where to go next to the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower.
-
Blessed enjoyment in Antwerp
The Honeyguide editorial team was allowed to stay overnight at a very special location in Antwerp, namely one of Zalig in Antwerpen's flats. Will you join us on our discovery?
-
Tips for 24 hours in Brussels
Brussels is a vibrant city full of hidden gems. From shops full of graphic prints to catering establishments with freshly baked croissants and tasty coffees.