Hi darling,

Last year, my adult brothers and I found ourselves on a bit of a whirlwind through Germany — part work, part play — and we made a stop in Berlin. It was my first time in the city, so we carved out a little space to explore. Well… I’m now completely obsessed. Berlin surprised me in the best possible way — vibrant, layered, and endlessly interesting. If it’s not on your list yet, it should be. I can’t recommend it highly enough.

A curated weekend of culture, design, and thoughtful pauses — from world-class museums to schnitzel and spargel in spring.

Why Berlin? Why Now?

Berlin isn’t trying to impress you. And that’s exactly what makes it so magnetic. It’s a city of contrasts — elegance and grit, memory and movement. Perfect for a woman who doesn’t need to be entertained every second but appreciates a city that rewards curiosity and gives you space to wander.

Where to Stay

Here’s a considered edit of stays that suit different travel styles — all wise woman-approved:

Hotel Telegraphenamt – Design-forward, centrally located, and quietly stylish. One for the aesthetes.

A design-lover’s dream in the heart of the city. Housed in a former post office, this hotel blends striking architecture with a restrained, elegant aesthetic — think moody lighting, plush velvet, and thoughtful touches at every turn. The rooms are spacious, the energy feels calm but current, and it’s ideally located for exploring Mitte on foot. A true hidden gem, and one I’d return to in a heartbeat.

Hotel de Rome – Refined, historic, with a rooftop that gives you Berlin at eye-level. A discreet favourite.

Old-world grandeur with contemporary polish. This former bank has been lovingly restored into one of Berlin’s most refined stays. High ceilings, excellent service, and a rooftop terrace that gives you space to exhale. The interiors are stylish but not sterile — a blend of heritage and softness that feels both timeless and comforting. If you want elegance without edge, this is your spot.

Hotel Adlon Kempinski – Iconic luxury right by the Brandenburg Gate. Old-world service, done well.

The most iconic address in Berlin, and for good reason. Sitting just steps from the Brandenburg Gate, it’s steeped in history but surprisingly warm. The service is flawless, the beds are heavenly, and the public spaces — from the lobby to the spa — invite you to linger. It’s luxury in the traditional sense, but with enough modern updates to feel fresh. If you’re celebrating or want to feel quietly cocooned, it’s hard to beat.

Hotel Oderberger – A converted public bathhouse in Prenzlauer Berg. Creative, a little quirky, and very Berlin.

Creative, characterful, and very Berlin. Set in a beautifully repurposed 19th-century public bathhouse, this hotel in Prenzlauer Berg balances history and charm with playful design details. It’s a little offbeat in the best way — not polished, but perfectly considered. The pool is a standout feature, and the location puts you in the heart of one of the city’s most lived-in, loved neighbourhoods. A wise woman pick for travellers who like their stays with a bit of soul.

All within reach of Mitte, the district I kept returning to for its galleries, concept stores, and sense of creative calm.

What to See & Do

The Reichstag Dome
A must. Whether you go solo or with a guide, walking that glass spiral above Germany’s parliament is unexpectedly moving. It’s free, but you must book well in advance — do it before you fly, especially in peak season.

The Holocaust Memorial
Take the time to do the audio tour. It’s disorienting, intentional, and profound. This isn’t one to rush. If you're short on time or want deeper context, book a guide — some can help you skip the queues and frame the visit with care.

Museum Island
You don’t need to do them all. Pick one or two: the Neues Museum for ancient artefacts and interiors, or the Bode for sculpture and calm. Go early and leave space for a coffee after.

Galleries in Mitte
My favourite kind of afternoon. Small, curated spaces with contemporary art that surprises you — not in size, but in tone. Pair it with a stop at The Barn café for excellent coffee and a reset.

What to Eat (and Why to Go in Spring)

Lutter & Wegner near the Hilton serves one of the best schnitzels in the city — golden, crisp, no fuss. If you’re lucky enough to visit during white asparagus season (spargelzeit), order it. Cooked simply, served with buttery potatoes — it’s not just a dish, it’s a German spring ritual. I still think about it.

Other excellent stops

Brunch at House of Small Wonder

Cocktails and small plates at Bar Freundschaft

An afternoon treat at Zeit für Brot (trust the cinnamon roll)

A Wise Woman Note

Berlin doesn’t shout. But if you walk slowly, ask the right questions, and eat properly — it will stay with you. This is not a city of perfection. It’s a city of layers. And that makes it a wonderful place to spend a few days as the woman you are now — clear, curious, and unhurried.

Why I Love Berlin

Berlin surprised me — not in the loud, showy way that some cities do, but in a way that settled deep and stayed with me. I was moved by its history, thrilled by its creative undercurrent, and left with that rare feeling of already wanting to return. There’s something about the way the city lets you roam — it doesn’t demand your attention, it offers it quietly, on its own terms. You feel like you can just be there. That said, a little planning makes it richer. I had a wonderful local guide who brought depth and perspective to the sites I might otherwise have wandered through — particularly at the Reichstag and the Holocaust Memorial. Their insight made the experience more meaningful, more human. Berlin rewards spontaneity, yes, but it respects intentional travellers. And for women like us — who value design, history, independence, and a good cinnamon roll — it delivers far more than it promises. I can’t wait to go back.

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48 Hours in Berlin: Art, Style & Memory in the City That Never Rushes You