I never knew this neighbourhood existed and went to visit a friend and was instantly transported out of Berlin into some sort of 50's utopia. "The Hansaviertel is a prime example of modern architecture and urban planning in the fifties in Berlin. 36 individual buildings or ensembles still form the model of modern architecture and urban planning of the 1950s. The southern part of the war-damaged Hansaviertel, which lies between the S-Bahn line and Tiergarten, was chosen as the central demonstration area of ​​the International Building Exhibition in order to present the "city of tomorrow" - in deliberate contrast to the East Berlin Stalinallee and the restored tenement barracks." - berlin.de Also visit The Akademie der Künste, if not for the art then the architecture alone.

The Cô Cô bánh mì deli serves great vietnamese sandwiches and the best lemon grass tea I've ever had.

Cinema with original fifties interior, close to Hermann Platz. Like all cinemas from the York Cinema Group in Berlin, it features a diverse program of independent movies (mostly original versions with German subtitles).

Favorite italian restaurant, great simple food, friendly staff and the coolest atmosphere (vinil music only). Smart to make a reservation before you go.

It's an indoor market, which makes it a great option in winter if you are looking for anything from kitsch to classy. I like it because you find lots of old objects that transport you to the past.