The typical Berlin winter is biting cold and grey. In combination with the hardness of the city and the angry natives, it feels like a hostile area. Why it's worth experiencing it? Because that's the way this city is.

My favourite bar of the many around kreuzkölln is Bellman. After its sudden closure and reopening it underwent some changes and is boycotted by some of its former patronage, but for the less principled like myself it’s still a good place to go and they do pull the best Jever in Berlin.

The Hamburger Bahnhof – 'Museum für Gegenwart' which was originally a train station is a terrific museum featuring a selection of contemporary art.

You can grab a coffee or a juice right next door to the KINDL Center in the old brewing Hall at König Otto, complete with all the fascinating brewing equipment from its completion in 1930 it is a hall reminiscent of German Expressionism style… or as stated on their website. :)

On a leafy street in Kreuzberg is Kuratiert, a contemporary illustration gallery and shop selling prints, ceramics, textiles and more by some of the best creators from Berlin and the world. It also hosts regular dedicated exhibitions, and is a great place to browse for gifts, or just inspiration.