10 Ways to Keep Warm in Berlin
Last weekend, Berlin had its first snowfall of the season. Big wet flakes came down and splatted on the ground, promptly melting to form a sort of bog with the fallen and now rotting leaves. Having been born and raised in the Empire State, this white stuff wasn't much of a novelty for me. But my non-German, non-American friends were in a flurry of excitement. Apparently, it rarely snows in Ireland and never snows in Singapore. In honor of the first snow of the season -- and that lovely two days of freezing rain that followed -- I've brainstormed 10 ways of staying warm here in Berlin. They help to cut the bite of the winter freeze in more ways than one. You'll see that the cold, cold winter is not so bad after all. (Pictured here: A snowy bear near Potsdamer Platz challenges Knut!)
[Photo]
Café Anna Blume
Kollwitzstraße 83
10435 Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin, Germany
[link]
Villa Rodizio
Milastraße 2
10437 Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin, Germany
The food at Rodizio is always served hot -- right from the spit. This specialty restaurant roasts up southern Brazilian meat dishes, which servers bring to diners … straight from the grill. There's also a hot Mexican buffet of dreamy comfort food, including rice, beans, sauces, and the best guacamole I've had in Germany. All that food will put you in the mood for your big fluffy down comforter. [link]
Monsieur Vuong
Alte Schönhauser Straße 46
10119 Mitte, Berlin, Germany
Scharf (sharp) food in Germany is generally only a step above bland, unless you order from Vuong's Indochina café, offering cuisine from Saigon and the Mekong Delta. … To some dishes, they add enough spice for a light sweat and a few tears. But the menu changes every two days, so be sure to ask your waiter for recommendations. Vietnamese food doesn't generally have a bite, but many dishes are prepared with a spicy hot condiment. (And many others come in a piping-hot pot of broth.) [link]
Saunabad
Rykestraße 10
10405 Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin, Germany
Er, that would be the steam and all the heat keeping you warm -- not the nudity. That's not how it works in the sauna here! The goal at this upscale neighborhood sauna … is to focus not only on bodily but also "spiritual" wellness. Its peaceful courtyard doubles as a sculpture garden that can be seen from within the sauna. [link]
La Raclette
Lausitzer Straße 34
10999 Kreuzberg, Berlin, Germany
Here's another option for getting that ol' heart rate up. I mentioned this recently when I talked about cheese. But it's also one of the most romantic places I've ever … been in Berlin. (As an aside, this is also the only other place where I've seen a fireplace in the city.) The atmosphere is good for more than just lolling off into food coma: a fireplace, the flicker of candle light on exposed brick, and the glowing face of your sweetie across from you at the table. Need I say more? [link]
Alois S.
Senefelderstraße 18
10437 Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin, Germany
Come end of November, glühwein (spiced wine) will abound in Berlin, making winter almost worth the pain. One of my colleagues and I will be giving you the full … run-down on the Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas Market) scene soon. They'll dot the city from the end of November until December 26 and provide opportunity for glühwein-drinking galore. Until then, you can get your glühwein fix at this atmospheric tapas restaurant. (photo) [link]
Sieben
Sonntagstraße 7
10245 Friedrichshain, Berlin, Germany
This place actually makes you want to go out on the coldest, darkest of nights. Warm up in front of the fire on a comfy couch in the cozy back corner (or loiter nearby … until this prime spot is free). Then enjoy a cold beer without catching a chill. [link]
Tiergarten
Spreeweg 1
10557 Tiergarten, Berlin, Germany
That's right! Actually moving around will warm you up. If you're not into yoga or muscle-head gyms that make you commit a year of your life in order to get buff, work … out the old-fashioned way: jogging. It's also the fast track past all of those historic sites and monuments in the park. If you can hack it, you can also climb up the Siegessäule (Victory Column) for a great view of the city (and a big gulp of fresh air). [link]
Olympiastadion
Olympischer Platz 3
14053 Charlottenburg, Berlin, Germany
[link]
Kulturbrauerei
Schönhauser Allee 36
10435 Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin, Germany
Bumping up against a lot of sweaty people is a great way to keep warm. Dance opportunities in Berlin abound, but nowhere as dense as at the Kulturbrauerei. On weekends, … you'll find at least ten clubs and lots of dancefloor kitsch, including disco balls and flashing lights, to get your pulse up. The hip wagon may have passed through here long ago, but it's nonetheless a Berlin institution. [link]
