Eastern Selection

Sometimes the best discoveries happen when you’re not looking for them. Yesterday was one of those Berlin days—a perfect mix of urban exploration, unexpected detours, and, thankfully, a fantastic accidental find.

View over the Spree to the Treptower Park

The day started right near Ostkreuz, venturing onto the Stralau Peninsula. It’s a gorgeous location in the middle of the Spree, but honestly, it’s mostly new development now—a bit built up, with not much of the old historical charm left. Still, the views across the water are stunning, especially moving toward Rummelsburg Bay, where a cluster of colorful houseboats bob in the water. That always makes me smile.

House Boat in the Rummelsburger Bay

My journey continued south, passing through Treptow, where I stopped for a quick coffee break at a charming café called “La Fève” meaning “bean” in French, run by french friends of a friend who himself is running a food stall (Ballers Place) in the Markthalle 9.

Discovered a superb Sake shop on the way.

After a necessary pit stop back at the Markthalle 9 and power through a much-needed pizza, I headed back out to wander the Kiez. And then, there it was.

Markthalle 9 in the blue hour.

Tucked away on a quiet street, a small crowd had gathered. I’d stumbled right into a vibrant little wine bar in the Wrangel Kiez that was hosting an event. The energy was infectious! Inside, the atmosphere was cozy, and the wine list was immediately intriguing. It was the perfect pause—a moment to transition from a full day of walking into a relaxed evening of great conversation and even better sips.

It’s these small, serendipitous moments that make exploring a city like Berlin so rewarding.

The Final Twist: You know a day is truly successful when it’s bookended by perfect opposites. After soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying a couple of glasses at the wine bar, I officially closed out the evening the only way a good Berlin day should: with a late-night Döner Kebab. High-brow wine tasting followed by the ultimate street food—that’s balance, right?

Perfect Heineken Pairing

Keep an eye out for a review of this fabulous Kreuzberg spot in the coming weeks!