Probably one of my favourite things about Berlin is the number of parks. They are hot spots during the endless summer days, but in the dark winter months, they are intriguing places, taking on a desolate ambiance with barren trees and frozen lakes. No matter what the weather, I always find the time to wander through the many parks.

When I think back to last summer, I remember sitting in sun drenched Görlitzer Park, watching three men throw a Frisbee with such skill that the images have become fixed in my mind. While sipping a beer, and looking around, you can see a whole range of different people – from families to small groups of youths – all enjoying the warmth and communal space. Simple, free and yet so satisfying.

Mauerpark has the same electrifying feeling. An additional attraction are the performances in its open-air theatre, flash dancing or singer-song writers making their debut with their latest songs. Once I even saw karaoke show… it’s an amazing public open space and you never know what you might see or do. Plus, every Sunday there is an amazing Flohmarkt. Other open spaces I love to explore are Treptower Park and walking around the nearby Spreepark (a fenced-off abandoned theme park).

The city also has some amazing must-see architecture. Obviously the Fernsehturm dominates the skyline located near Alexanderplatz (if you are lost, look out for it!). Another beautiful spot, near Kapitel Zwei, is Hackesche Höfe. I love walking through the series of stunning courtyards. The art nouveau style buildings house a mixture of art galleries, entertainment venues, shops, eateries and offices – an eclectic mix and icon of post-unification Germany.

Apart from ambling around, I thoroughly enjoy drinking and eating. My favorite place to hang out is Prachtwerk in Neukölln, a prime venue for Kunst, Café und Musik. It is the perfect place to hang out with friends or to work, with free entertainment in the evenings. Nearby, there is the rooftop bar and arts space, Klunkerkranich, which has amazing views over the city in the summer but is also the venue for an excellent Christmas market.  Another cozy place to drink nearby is Mama Bar, which has nice staff and great surroundings. However, in Neukölln there is no shortage of places to drink.

I also enjoy to party, but this blog post is far too short to go into detail….!