In the heart of Mitte district, Esther Perbandt’s flagship store sits on Almstadtstraße. 

A string of black pennants fluttering above the sidewalk and a small bench by the door give the storefront the casual charm of a neighborhood gathering. 

The iconic Berlin TV Tower watches over the city rooftops, gazing directly into Esther’s display window.

Every piece in the Berlin-based designer’s collection is steeped in black, her signature color. 

Her gender-fluid designs break traditional molds, reimagining fashion with a bold artistic vision. 

To us, Esther’s work feels like the embodiment of Berlin itself.

Small and exquisite - that’s how pastry chefs Daniella Barriobero Canal and Guadalupe Eichner have envisioned their three patisserie locations.

In Berlin’s Sophienstraße, a bright vermilion bench sits in front of the café’s matching storefront. 

Indoors it becomes even more colorful with most beautiful éclairs displayed in a glass case.

Flavors like Tahitian vanilla-pecan, salted caramel, pistachio-raspberry or matcha-blackberry-white sesame transform these éclairs into edible works of art.

And wow - this art is seriously delicious!

We usually try to steer quite clear of recommending five-star hotels.

Suggesting the most luxurious place in town, only to have it exceed most budgets, feels a bit too easy.

But with the Stue, we simply can’t resist.

The Berlin Zoo had already celebrated nearly a century of existence when, in the late 1930s, the Royal Danish Embassy was constructed on the edge of its northeastern corner.

Over seventy years later, this elegant building on Drakestraße became home to one of Berlin’s most distinctive hotels.

„Stue“ is the Danish word for living room and it’s a fitting description.

Sometimes, it’s the simplest things that leave the greatest impression - provided, of course, they’re done just right. 

That’s exactly what makes St. Bart so special.

This pub in the Graefekiez neighborhood radiates an understated charm - vintage pendant lamps, a tiled bar and a timeworn wooden floor that seems to hold countless stories. 

The laid-back crew moves at its own unhurried pace, exuding a calm that’s contagious.

As we sink our teeth into the Back Bacon Sandwich, slathered with homemade BBQ dip and complemented by house-pickled vegetables and sip on a crisp IPA, we imagine black cabs pulling up outside next to a classic red phone booth.

in short...

• perfect for a bite to eat

• healthy detox teas to sinful meatball truffle sandwiches

• our favourite souvenir - stroopwafel chocolate

Whenever a spontaneous craving or thirst arises in Amsterdam, the local deli chain STACH is always exactly where we need it.

Often found in charming corner shops, sometimes with a few seats for a quick break, STACH is always delightfully colorful and appetizing.

Moreover, they offer a lovingly curated selection of local products that make for wonderful food souvenirs.

“Do you have anything gluten-free? So, no milk?”

“You mean lactose-free?”

“I’d prefer vegan.”

“Well, we have a fruit salad or some of our sandwiches can be made vegan. There’s also a bagel with…”

“I’ll take the scrambled eggs.”

“Ah. Okay. I thought you wanted something vegan?”

“No, just gluten-free. I always say vegan for that.”

“Alright, so we’ll leave out the toast with the scrambled eggs to keep it gluten-free?”

“No, that’s not necessary. Toast is fine.”

Anyone thinking this conversation is made up couldn’t be more wrong.

We adore Berlin’s signature charm of discovering hidden courtyards within courtyards within courtyards…

It’s a secret world tucked away from the one outside. 

Stepping off Oranienburger Straße, we slip through an archway into the Heckmann Höfe, where a quaint little house awaits us.

Once upon a time, horses were stabled here.

Today, the space feels like a film set straight out of Oliver Twist - red brick walls, gas lanterns, trees, a wooden bench and cobblestones completing the scene.

Inside, bathed in warm light against rust-red wallpaper, everything revolves around the open kitchen. 

The coolest team serves up divine cocktails alongside mouthwatering Israeli mezze. 

Our role simply requires to sit back, soak it all in and savor the night.

in short…

• the filter coffees are a hit

• so delicious - the seasonal bundt cakes

• sunny day tip: take it all for a picnic in Vondelpark around the corner

The Coffee District combines everything coffee lovers dream of - carefully selected specialty coffee, a great selection of delicious fresh pastries, bright spaces in Scandinavian design and a fantastic shop with stylish coffee accessories.

For those who can’t get enough, there are courses on roasting and brewing that can be booked for yourself or a group of friends.

in short...

• stay overnight in former bridge keeper's cottages

• small architectural gems right on the waterfront

• what we particularly love – the whole city is our lobby

For lovers of Dutch architecture, especially Amsterdam’s iconic bridges, SWEETS Hotel offers a truly unique experience.

Scattered throughout the city, these suites are nestled in charming former bridge houses that have been lovingly restored with meticulous attention to detail.

Each of these small houses has been expertly redesigned and outfitted for maximum comfort, blending skilled design with perfect space utilization.

Staying in one of these gems is a magical way to discover Amsterdam from an unparalleled local perspective.

“Tuesday to Saturday, from 8 a.m. until the last loaf” - the opening hours of the two Julius Brantner bakeries are to be taken quite literally.

The delicious bread is always freshly baked, using traditional craftsmanship and the finest organic ingredients.

In line with the principles of mindfulness and sustainability, nothing goes to waste.

The selection is intentionally kept small, but the quality is simply outstanding.

So, it’s well worth arriving early.

And for those who are still a bit sleepy, you can grab an excellent coffee in a charming Brantner cup to go.

100% Arabica - whole beans - roasted in Bavaria - that’s how Lucas, Pete and Emanuel sum up their approach to specialty coffee. 

But their concept goes a little deeper than that. The three friends from Schwabing have crafted a vision that extends beyond the beans themselves.

In their bright, minimalist Suuapinga cafés, now dotted across Munich’s most charming neighborhoods, expertly trained baristas serve up coffee with precision and care. 

But their passion doesn’t stop at the perfect cup, it flows seamlessly into a love for fresh, handmade pastries. 

And let’s be honest, that’s a combination we’ll never say no to.

The charming bistro with the cheerful name belongs to Ella, André, and Corvin.

Right in the heart of Glockenbach, the trio of Munich locals has created a delightful mix of Bavarian coziness and French ease.

Here, they serve small plates made with regional ingredients and inspired by French recipes, accompanied by Bavarian beers or French wines.

The menu simply lists the ingredients, leaving the details to be explained personally at your table.

And “personal” may be the best way to describe the atmosphere at Bingo.

Everyone here takes their time with guests. Even the chefs come out now and then to chat and make sure everything is just right.

Bingo is truly one of our favorite Munich discoveries.

When writing about Stockholm, we often highlight the beautiful long summer days. Finally, here’s one of our favorite tips for Swedish winter days: Sibyllans!

Especially when Sibyllegatan in Östermalm is adorned with fairy lights during the Christmas season and a festive magic envelops Stockholm, the windows of this small tea shop glow brightly and invitingly.

Vividly colored tea and coffee tins with elegant gold lettering line the dark wooden shelves, and the shop exudes a cozy warmth, surpassed only by the fragrant cup of tea we'll brew at home.

The small Swedish bakery chain, Fabrique, has successfully expanded to London and New York for good reasons. 

Right after our first visit, we became Regulars and loyal fans of their Cardamom Buns.

Stylish stores with an industrial look set an appealing scene for traditional baked goods.

There are several lovely locations throughout Stockholm, and we always like to stop by for a quick coffee.

Here, crispy sourdough bread, delicately prepared bread rolls, cinnamon and cardamom buns, cakes and cookies are all handmade from natural, fresh ingredients.

The spacious, tastefully furnished apartment in a dream location, right in the heart of the historic Old Town, is the perfect spot and ideal starting point for two people eager to explore Stockholm while feeling completely at home.

If you, like us, have a penchant for old buildings and appreciate the skilled touch of an architect's hand, you should definitely rent this place on your next visit to Stockholm.

On Jakobsbergsgatan, nestled between the massive complexes of Epi Center Stockholm and the Europahuset, an almost unremarkable entrance leads into the red-lit underworld of Sin.

Stepping inside feels like entering an Asian science fiction set, where you can savor fantastic ramen, Korean fried chicken, delicious gyoza and the best bao burgers, complemented by Japanese IPAs and Far Eastern-inspired drinks.

The experience is made all the more enjoyable by a super friendly crew that adds a touch of playful lightness to the dark, almost illicit atmosphere.

Chiara Barla came from Liguria in Italy to Copenhagen to delve into the excitement surrounding the new Scandinavian cuisine spearheaded by René Redzepi and his restaurant Noma.

Now rooted in the Danish capital herself, she runs Apotek 57, a beautiful café that meets all the high standards of Copenhagen's culinary scene.

At Coco, visitors to Copenhagen effortlessly blend with locals, thanks to the boutique hotel's delightful lobby area, featuring a café and bar in bohemian chic and a cozy green courtyard.

The ambiance upon entering the Coco Hotel is simply enchanting.

There’s a charming blend of indoor and outdoor spaces. Fabrics in soft natural tones, wicker furniture, white marble tables and an abundance of plants and flowers create a true little oasis in the lively Vesterbro district.

Near the Copenhagen harbor promenade, a few steps up on Peder Skrams Gade 15, you enter Iluka.

A floor-length red curtain along one side of the room hints at an elegant theatrical production.

Indeed, the carefully selected and lovingly prepared seafood and fish we enjoy deserve this special presentation.

On the right, the room is bright and welcoming, with warm, unpretentious wooden furniture and a white-tiled bar.

This is how we experience our visit to Iluka - exquisite and refined, yet relaxed and familial.

Nestled in a former printing building, the Akkurat Café sits in the southeastern corner, framed by expansive windows.

Outside, a sun-drenched terrace awaits, encircled by striking 1960s architecture. 

The café offers exceptional specialty coffee and lemonades, alongside wholesome breakfasts, indulgent treats and hearty lunches.

Being at Akkurat always feels a bit like stepping into an art gallery. 

The walls showcase rotating artworks, while a rectangular light installation hangs beneath the blush-pink ceiling, casting a warm glow.

At the heart of the space, three poured-concrete counters serve as the stage where coffee and matcha are crafted with meticulous care.

The hum of guests’ voices reverberates gently through the room, creating a relaxed and informal atmosphere. 

Bright and airy, Akkurat is a place where a simple coffee break has the power to lift your spirits.