Berlin in 72 Hours: A Local Editor's Personal Itinerary

Even after countless work trips, Dennis Braatz, Head of Editorial Content at Condé Nast Traveller Germany, still chooses Berlin for his free weekends. The city’s pull lies in that mix of reliable favorites and constant reinvention. His own perfect visit? Three days built around classic haunts and fresh discoveries, starting with where to rest your head.

For sheer iconic impact, the Pariser Platz suites at the Adlon Kempinski deliver a Brandenburg Gate view. Nearby, the Chateau Royal in Mitte offers rooms individually styled by artists, resulting in a modern, sophisticated vibe. Budget-conscious travelers seeking a social scene should consider The Hoxton in the west; its Art Deco-inspired interior nods to local history and sits near excellent shopping.

West Berlin also hosts the Waldorf Astoria, set in a skyscraper steps from the Ku’damm and the KaDeWe department store, complete with a sprawling food hall. For a more minimalist stay, the cube-shaped KPM Berlin Hotel Residences occupies a historic porcelain factory site, placing you within a short walk of the Tiergarten park and zoo. And when urban energy needs balancing, the secluded Schlosshotel Berlin, hidden behind iron gates in the Grunewald forest, provides a grand retreat.

Braatz’s plan weaves these bases with his personal essentials, like a longstanding lunch at Kreuzberg’s Goldener Hahn, proving that the best Berlin visits are guided by a deep, familiar affection.