There are some things you just can’t keep to yourself, as it would be downright heartless to do so. I’m referring to a gem of a bar, picturesquely located on one of the most beautiful squares in Prenzlauer Berg, right next to the historic Gethsemane Church, and surrounded by ornate stucco facades. As unpretentious as its name — Die Bar — sounds, its interior is charming; its guests spirited. Even if actors, artists, entrepreneurs or charming self-promoters come and go, by the end of the night, a mixed crowd ends up sitting together at the bar, discussing the meaning of life and sharing their favorite tunes. The delightful owner, Nina Traiser, has an eye for interior design, which explains the special allure of this small establishment. Apart from its unique style, the bar offers a very small but fine selection of cocktails and an outstanding assortment of gins that will satisfy even the most discerning connoisseur. It is Nina’s love for the details and the bartenders’ passion that make this place so enticing. If I didn’t already have a living room at home, this is the one I’d choose for myself. (Text: Severine Naeve / Photos: Pamina Aichhorn)

Die Bar, Greifenhagener Str.54, 10437 Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg; map
Mon-Fri from 19h, Sat-Sun from 20h

Severine Naeve is a freelance journalist and has resided in Berlin for the past six years. She works for NDR and MDR and has fallen in love with the soundscape of her adopted home: nothing inspires her writing more than the conversations she hears on the streets of Berlin.

There’s plenty of hustle and bustle at the corner of Schlesische Straße and Oberbaumbrücke day and night – but not at Banja Luka nearby. If you slip through the small gate next to the photo booth on Falckensteinstraße, you enter a cozy beer garden with leisurely backyard flair. Surrounded by old walls and trees, the space resonates a laid-back ambiance and lends itself to enjoying a draught beer and a side of hand-cut French fries. Should it be too chilly outside, the interior provides a cheery alternative for a nightcap. On weekends, the bar turns into a DJ booth from 22h onwards. Incidentally, the Bosnian city of Banja Luka is not this bar’s direct namesake. It was an old sign reading “Station Banja Luka” that Keyfo Temur found propped up beside the entrance when he opened the place in 2012. “Station” was promptly omitted and so the bar was christened. (Text: Mathias Wolf / Photos: Banja Luka)

Banja Luka, Falckensteinstr.1, 10997 Berlin-Kreuzberg; map

Mon-Thu from 16h, Fri-Sun from 15h

Mathias Wolf has lived in Berlin since 2000 and works as a freelance copywriter in Kreuzberg. Together with his partner, Elvir Osmanković, he runs the design project handsofgod.football.