Benah: THIS IS MY CITY | Tiffany's Berlin

There's something going on in Berlin. Everyone is talking about it, everyone is moving there, everyone is saying that it's going to be the "next big thing". And we really want to go there! Maybe it's because we spend a lot of time trawling through the archives of Freunde von Freunden looking all those amazing apartments with 1960s furniture (what is it about Berlin?). We asked one of our good friend Tiff, who was the first person to grab us by the shoulders and tell us that we HAVE to go Berlin, to share some of her favourite places. This is Berlin - by Tiffany.

street art

one. Best thing about Berlin? The street art. Everywhere you go. From a little something cute on a lamp post to 30 story high rise building covered with one piece.

two. Worst thing about Berlin? I cant say the worst THING about Berlin but I will say it was there that is the last time I ever went/will go to a zoo. It seemed like a fun idea at the time but i'll never shake the memory of a beautiful tiger pacing his tiny concrete cell with metal bars non-stop roaring in distress. It was so horrible.

three. Favourite secret spot? The Kolle 37 adventure playground. A friend took us there at night and it was so surreal. It was a TRUE adventure. You can climb everything. I hear it's been knocked down since I was there last - it was quite old and unsafe.

adventure playground - playground architecture

four. Favourite everyone-knows-it-but-it's-still-good spot? The flea markets in Prenzlauer Berg. just incredible, what finds to be found. A must go for anyone with an eye for treasure. Oh and in the afternoon its outdoor karaoke!

five. What is your newest discovery in Berlin? What about somewhere you've been going since forever but can't quite give up? hmmm its actually a cookie. with seeds and sultanas and oatmeal and yummy things. Definitely not as healthy as it sounds. buttery too... And I'll always go back to Cafe Morgenrot. Its a home made vegan and vegetarian cafe which works on a serve yourself "pay what can can" system. Its true East Berlin vibe to me. Full of all sorts- lots of punks.. They hold cultural and politcal discussions (I dont speak German so have never attended) but more than anything it's just a great cosy/casual vibe, healthy food and a great people watching spot.

six. Where is the best place for.... morning coffee? meal with friends? romantic rendez-vous? late night drink? even later-night boogie? Villa orange (also doubles as an equally as great late afternoon red wine spot). They have a goose-lamp there im obsessed with. Charming down to the finest details including so oh so fabulous bathroom. Mis-matched couches, crockery and flower displays. lace curtains but still the perfect amount of cosy dingeyness... probably because you can still smoke inside! -Usually with friends we eat at a bar or pub. The quality is pretty good. - I cant say I went anywhere specifically romantic but Berlin is where my boyfriend and I fell in love. It's in the air I suppose! Casseiopeia- another crazy surreal space- a renovated train repair ground. lots of amazing graffiti. skate park/treehouses/two storey club/ live music and...a rock climbing wall... attitude free chill or silliness to get your night started. And Rosi's- accessed through a hole in the wall best after 1am. Late night boogie indeed.

Humana - source

seven. Where are Berlin's style spots? Where is the best shopping? Humana. A 6 story vintage castle! It's so huge. This spot requires some time and commitment. well worth it. Berlin also has lots of mixed label boutiques showing interesting local designers. Some are a bit out there for me but its nice to see what young people are doing in that culture.

eight. What is something you can get/read/experience/eat that you can only do in Berlin? Ok again-food- pommes frites! roadside wagon fries with mayo and ketchup. a match made in pot-belly heaven. Also in East Berlin I love seeing the groups of young punks with dogs milling around train stations. Its so far from anything you'd see here. The youth culture is so strong its just fascinating!

nine. You can tell a lot about a city from their airport. Describe Berlin's. Any airport is great for me no matter where. its just that holiday vibe. even if you've been sitting around for hours in plastic chair hell- its still fun! When you see the words Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg Willy Brandt how could you not be loving it?

ten. How would you describe Berlin to someone who has never been there before? the coolest.