Mitte is the beating heart of Berlin. As well as being home to leading landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate and attractions like Museum Island, the neighbourhood has a thriving nightlife scene. In recent years, the district has become a hive of chic bars and opulent watering holes serving some of the city’s best craft cocktails. Follow us into hidden speakeasies and classic cocktail lounges as we tour five of the best bars in Mitte.
Long before they became trendy, speakeasies found a home in Berlin. Bar Tausend is one of the most exclusive in the capital. Accessible via a bare iron door underneath Friedrichstrasse station that’s manned by a very choosy bouncer (ring the bell and cross your fingers that you’ll be deemed acceptable), it’s worth the risk of rejection. The elegant minimalist bar serves innovative signature cocktails and fusion fare under the light of giant 3D illuminations, while the clientele tends to be of Berlin’s well-heeled variety, so dress to impress.
Schiffbauerdamm 11 Berlin-Mitte
One of the most exclusive bars in the whole of Berlin, Buck and Breck seats only 14 guests at any one time. While the venue may be limited in space, its reputation for fine cocktails is the opposite. If you’re just trying one, make it the signature Buck and Breck Cocktail – a robust concoction of Cognac, absinthe and Champagne that’s not for the weak-hearted. In true Berlin style, Buck and Breck isn’t the easiest place to find. Look out for the discreet ‘BAR’ buzzer on an inconspicuous window on Brunnenstrasse and hope that there’s room in the inn.
Brunnenstraße 177, 10119 Berlin
Drayton Bar, another of Mitte’s leading clandestine venues, can be found down a back alley next to the Cookies Cream restaurant. Entering is like stepping back in time to the ’20s or ’30s. The bar has a classic vibe that’s full of character, dark corners and mysterious guests sipping on some of the best cocktails in the city. A great choice for a private drink at any time of night.
Behrenstr. 55, Berlin-Mitte
Located in Mitte’s former Jewish Girls' School, Jüdische Mädchenschule, Pauly Saal is both historic and hedonistic. The 1930s-inspired venue is partly a Michelin-star restaurant and partly a bar, with welcoming indoor spaces and a large courtyard terrace that’s open during the summer. Wine is its specialty and guests can peruse an ample wine menu of about 600 bottles. Don’t miss the daily recommendations selected by sommelier Florian Seufer.
Friedrichstrasse 105c, 10117 Berlin
One of the most distinctive bars in Mitte, The Liberate is the definition of opulence. The glamorous venue features shiny gold sofas, soft green cactus-style seats and jazzy yellow and black flooring. The cocktail menu is equally attention grabbing, with the Champagne cocktails proving particularly popular with the bar’s high-flying guests. If you stay late enough, the lavish venue transforms from a lounge to club, making it a great place to close a Mitte bar crawl.
Kleine Präsidentenstraße 4, 10178 Berlin
Start your evening with sunset drinks at The Rooftop Terrace at Hotel De Rome, overlooking the Mitte district.
Image credits: lounge © The Liberate, cocktail © Pauly Saal, bar © Pauly Saal.
Vivacious, glamorous, powerful. Few figures encapsulate the effortless grandeur of the Belle Époque quite like Donna Franca, our Sicilian muse. Famed for her petite frame, thick dark hair and an exquisite fashion sense that has endured for over a century, Franca was the epitome of an era that placed beauty and high fashion at its forefront.
The festive season brings its own kind of sparkle - a flurry of celebrations, feasts, and time with those who matter most. To make gifting simple, we’ve curated a selection of bespoke experiences to delight everyone on your list. From candlelit dinners and Italian wine tastings to tranquil spa escapes and moments devoted to yourself, each experience thoughtfully crafted to offer moments of joy.
Preparations were in full swing at the North Pole - ribbons tied, sleigh bells polished, and lists checked twice - yet Father Christmas kindly agreed to pause his busy schedule for an interview. We met him at SCOTCH at The Balmoral, just as the famous clocktower struck 12:03 - it stands watch over Waverley Station, running three minutes fast, so no one ever misses a train. Settled into a deep armchair with a favourite dram in hand, he shared his most treasured places to pause, indulge and unwind across Europe every festive season.
