Flughafen Tempelhof was once the symbol of nazi-pride when Hitler notoriously comissioned construction of the smallest duty free shop in the world (and a beautiful example of fascist architecture). After the war, Tempelhof became one of the frontiers of the cold war with the U.S. battling the communists (who undoubtedly wanted to get rid of the small duty free shop altogether) via the Berlin Airlift. It turned out to be a huge succes, and enabled the allied forces to remain their presence in Berlin and save the small duty free shop. The real free-market victory will come in about two years though, when project developers will take over and start building houses, blocking my view onto the airfield.

I came up with this music venue long time ago, I think through a blog in 2009. I used to check every week the concerts they had at that time at the very beginning when the West Germany avenue was still underground and almost unknown. I like it here because I always discover new music bands and of course because of the venue itself which is located in a former doctor’s office.

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

It is an English language bookstore centering on non-western, diasporic, and queer perspectives. Many many many rare and special books carefully selected by Siddhartha Lokanandi that is the soul of this place! Check it, it is unforgettable :)

A place where I spend some time almost everyday is the Marheineke Markthalle on Bergmannstraße in Kreuzberg. It's just around the corner from where I live and a great place to buy fresh food and products from local farmers or all kinds of delicatessen from different countries. Many market stalls also sell freshly prepared food and it's always busy at lunchtime. For saturday mornings try the original french croissants.