The BerlinReady Guide for the WorldReady Conference

Berlin-based GALA member Plunet prepared the Berlin-Ready guide for WorldReady Conference attendees. Discover local foods and sites, learn local customs, and plan your sightseeing around the event.

1. Discover Local Food and Drink Specialties 

• Club-Mate: This caffeinated, slightly bitter iced tea is the unofficial beverage of Berlin’s tech spaces and nightlife. It's an acquired taste, but locals swear by it!
• Currywurst: You simply can't leave the city without trying this iconic Berlin street food. Sliced sausage drenched in a rich, spiced curry-ketchup sauce.
• The Döner Kebab: Berlin is the modern birthplace of the Döner. Expect incredibly fresh, fluffy bread stuffed with thinly shaved meat, raw veggies, and signature garlic sauce.

2. Try Local Restaurant Recommendations

• Thai Park: Transport yourself to Southeast Asia at this beloved weekend park gathering, where Berlin’s local Thai community cooks incredibly authentic street food fresh to order under colorful umbrellas.
• Markthalle Neun: Take a culinary journey at one of Europe's most beautiful historic market halls, offering an incredible mix of international street food and local retail in the heart of Kreuzberg.
• Café Pilz: Secure a reservation at this lively, intimate neighborhood gem serving up incredible vegetarian Levantine tapas, fresh-baked bread, and the best hummus and roasted eggplant in town.
• Villa Neukölln: Unwind at this cozy, kitschy former movie theater, featuring great cocktails, vintage decor, and a hidden back hall that hosts live music and swing dancing.
• Fahimi Bar: Locate the hidden staircase near Kottbusser Tor to discover this stylish, industrial-chic cocktail lounge featuring expertly crafted drinks and massive windows overlooking the iconic elevated U-Bahn tracks.
• Rüyam Gemüse Kebab: Expect a wait at this popular spot, famous for its generous and authentic Turkish kebabs packed with roasted vegetables, quality meat, and flavorful sauces.
• Clärchens Ballhaus: Dine and dance the night away at this legendary 1913 ballroom, a hidden gem that survived two world wars and still dazzles with its historic, unrefurbished Hall of Mirrors.
• Schwarzes Café: Dine at a legendary after-hours joint frequented by David Bowie and Iggy Pop.

3. Explore The Plunet Team's Favorite Experiences

• RAW-Gelände: Experience Berlin’s famous alternative culture at this sprawling, graffiticovered industrial complex turned vibrant hub, packed with art exhibitions, live concerts, and iconic clubs.
• Flea Markets: Spend Sunday hunting for unique treasures at the legendary, bustling Mauerpark, uncovering vintage clothing and furniture at RAW-Gelände, or browsing retro finds at the charming, tree-lined Arkonaplatz.
• Klunkerkranich: Take the elevator to the top floor of the Arcaden shopping mall parking garage in Neukölln to find this quirky, bohemian rooftop bar offering spectacular sunset views over the city.
• Holzmarkt 25: Enjoy a relaxed evening drink by the Spree river at this quirky, creative urban village made of recycled wood and draped in fairy lights.
• Tempelhofer Feld: Skip the crowded museums for an afternoon, rent a bike, and ride down the runways of this massive abandoned airport turned public park. A massive favorite among locals.
• Liquidrom: If you need to decompress after a long day of networking, visit this minimalist, dimly lit thermal spa featuring saltwater pools with underwater music.
• Experience the Späti Culture: No trip to Berlin is complete without grabbing a beer from a beloved neighborhood convenience store (Spätkauf) and enjoying it on the sidewalk to experience authentic local life.
• Teufelsberg: For an unforgettable view of the city, hike up this man-made hill to explore the striking, graffiti-covered ruins of a Cold War-era listening station.
• Photoautomat: Skip the souvenir shops and capture a classic Berlin memory by stepping inside one of the vintage black-and-white photo booths scattered across the city for a 3€ strip of unique, analog photos.
• Berghain: Test your luck at Berlin’s most famous and notoriously exclusive techno club, housed in a massive former power plant and known globally for its intense, multi-day parties and strict door policy.
• Badeschiff: Take a refreshing dip at Berlin’s most unique pool in the middle of the Spree River, complete with pristine water, beach chairs, and incredible river views.
• Volksbühne Kantine: Mingle with local actors and artists at this retro basement bar attached to the iconic Volksbühne theater, known for its cheap drinks and authentic bohemian vibe.

4. Learn Berlin-Specific Customs

• The Pfand (deposit) system: When you buy a bottled drink, you pay a small deposit (Pfand), so don’t throw it in the trash; leave it next to the bin so bottle collectors can claim the refund.
• Cash is (still) king: While card payments are becoming more common, many cafes, bars, and market stalls still only accept cash, so always keep some Euros in your pocket!
• Tipping etiquette: A 5-10% tip is standard for good service; just tell your waiter the total amount you’d like to pay before handing over your cash or card, rather than leaving money on the table.
• Tap water is rarely served: Unlike in the US or UK, restaurants almost never offer free tap water, so expect to pay for a bottled water with your meal.

5. Try a Few Common German Phrases

• Alles klar (Ah-les klahr): Literally meaning "all clear," you can use this to say "I understand," "It's okay," or even ask "Is everything okay?"
• Kein Problem (Kine Pro-blem): "No problem". A friendly response you'll get when asking for help or thanking someone.
• Entschuldigung (Ent-shool-dee-gung): A bit of a tongue twister, but this is the essential word for "Excuse me" or "I'm sorry" (perfect for when you accidentally step into a bike lane which will certainly happen).
• Schönen Feierabend (Shoe-nen fire-ah-bend): You will hear this around 5 pm; it’s a lovely German phrase wishing someone a happy and relaxing end to their workday.