Berlin Feature

Berlin's near obsession with design is the city's calling card, touching everything from grand architectural projects to knickknack souvenirs sold at airport gift shops.

The continually emerging fresh energy that local designers bring to the world of fashion spills out of their shops—many of which double as ateliers—into the streets of Berlin. The defining style is best described as pared-down modern mixed with a touch of avant-garde.

Most established local designers are found in Mitte, particularly on Mulackstrasse, and side streets clustered in between Rosenthaler Strasse in the west and Luxembourg Strasse in the east, south of Torstrasse. An edgier area with more of a hipster feel is around Volkspark am Weinberg, where leafy streets are lined with boutiques and cafés and a gorgeous church at the top of the hill. Head west on Torstrasse from Rosenthaler Strasse, for newer up-and-coming designers as well as galleries, bookshops, local greenmarkets, and gourmet stores.

When to Go

Mitte is lively on the weekends but not overwhelmingly crowded, so it's possible to stroll along main streets and window-shop without being jostled. Restrictions on opening hours were lifted in Berlin a little more than five years ago, and most shops are open from 10 a.m. to as late as 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Sunday is a mixed bag, so if there's a specific store you're hoping to hit check hours in advance.

Best Spots to Refuel

Cafe Ribo. Don't miss this café for simple, homemade, and inexpensive traditional German food on the lighter side. Ackerstr. 157, Mitte, Berlin, 10115. 7662042369.

Confiserie Orientale. Perk yourself up with a strong Turkish coffee or tea and authentic lokum (Turkish Delights) imported from Istanbul. Linienstr. 113, Mitte, Berlin, 10115. 03060/925-957.

Eismanufaktur. You'll find the best gelato in the city here. Auguststr. 63, Mitte, Berlin, 10117. www.eismanufaktur-berlin.de.

Best for

Clothing

Lala Berlin. The scarves are to die for at this pricey boutique; clothes have sophisticated prints on high-quality fabric. Mulackstr. 7, Mitte, Berlin, 10119. 03025/762-924. www.lalaberlin.com. Weekdays 11:30-7:30, Sat. noon-6.

C'est Tout. Layering the neutral pieces here with a touch of sparkle create an ooh-la-la effect. Mulackstr. 26, Mitte, Berlin, 10119. 030275/95530. www.cesttout.de. Mon.- Sat. noon-7.

Wald. A carefully curated mix of international designers such as Don't shoot the messengers and Stefanel hang on the racks of this posh boutique. Mulackstr. 23, Mitte, Berlin, 10119. 30754/42210.

Jewelry and Accessories

Hecking. This is the best place for scarves in the city, with a wide selection of designs and price points. Gormannstr. 8-9, entrance Mulackstr., Mitte, Berlin, 10119. 0302404/8994. www.hecking-shop.com. Weekdays 1-7, Sat. 1-6. Closed Tues.

Sabrina Dehoff. This local designer balance bling and minimalism—bright crystals are paired with chunky metals. Torstr. 175, Mitte, Berlin, 10119. 030936/24680. www.sabrinadehoff.com. Weekdays and Sun. noon-7, Sat. noon-6.