OCCUPATION: DJ and film producer
MY STYLE: When I go out, I mix classic feminine pieces (Hugo Boss, for example) with colorful, fun pieces by Dries van Noten and Bernhard Willhelm. At home, I prefer comfortable styles by Y3 and Adidas.
I LOVE BERLIN BECAUSE: There are so many families here! And you always have a huge selection of cafes, workshops, playgrounds, parks, and stores for kids. It never gets boring.
Café Anna Blume
This café-restaurant is filled with plants, Art Nouveu wall murals, and—during weekend brunch hours—lots and lots of people. You might have to push away a leafy tree branch (or a fellow customer!) in order to peer into the case of pies and cakes, but this gourmet lunch spot is worth the hustle.
Neue Nationalgalerie
This museum may be “neue” compared to others in Berlin, but its collection is just as established. Great pieces by Kandinsky and Picasso are displayed inside, and yet the boxy glass building itself—designed by Mies van der Rohe in the 1960s—is perhaps the most iconic work of all.
MACHmit Museum
“Museum” might not be the best word to describe MACHmit, as its exhibits are completely hands-on and playful. If the in-house galleries (which include letterpress machines and a hall of mirrors) are not enough for your little ones, you can rent out portable activities—such as hurdy-gurdies and house-building kits—to take home with you!
The Berlin Zoo
This zoo, the largest in all of Europe, saw nearly four million visitors in 2011! Kids will especially love the daily animal feedings, which are always open to the public. Be sure to arrive early—especially if you’re going to see the ever-popular pandas and sea lions.
Annamaria
Ulrike Beck believes this “eiscafé” to have the best ice cream in town. Popular flavors are crème brulée and cherry mania, but for the health conscious or lactose intolerant, there are plenty of dairy- and egg-free water ice flavors to choose from as well. Annamaria is also ideally located in Prenzlauer Berg, an emerging neighborhood filled with young families and, consequently, plenty of playgrounds, toyshops, and daycare centers.
Das Neue Schwartz
The selection at Das Neue Schwartz is in constant flux, but you can count on finding expertly selected vintage and contemporary fashion (think Vivienne Westwood and Helmut Lang) any day of the week. The store also features home décor items, which tend to run cheaper than the apparel. Furnishings range from handmade bamboo baskets (for under €20) to modern bar stools.
Schoenbrunn
This full-service restaurant and bar is accompanied by plenty of green space (i.e. Friedrichshain Park) to explore after dinner. Notwithstanding the eatery’s many features, the menu is reliably good and even includes a petit noodle dish, homemade chips, and other kid-friendly options. Ulrike Beck prefers to come during summer months, as the enormous terrace is right beside Swan Pond.
Soho House Berlin
As a hotel, Soho House may technically be geared towards out-of-towners, but that doesn’t keep the classiest locals from frequenting its restaurant, pool, COWSHED spa, and House Tonic, the in-house bar. For members and guests, the hotel offers free childcare so parents can relax, read the paper, (and maybe sip on the signature Ron Zacapa Centenario rum drink!) while their little ones play.
Lala Berlin
It’s hard to believe that when Leyla Piedayesh first began this exclusive knitwear line in 2003, she was knitting all the ultra-chic pieces on her own. Now, due to high demand, her garments (made primarily from cashmere silk, fine jersey, and even bamboo) are produced internationally and admired by such devoted fans as Heidi Klum and Cameron Diaz. “It’s not just luxury, but a distinct tactile, snuggly experience,” says Leyla Piedayesh.