Berlin’s Hottest New Openings This Winter

February 6 2025 - Insights, Travel book

Berlin’s ever-evolving landscape continues to push the boundaries of design, hospitality, and gastronomy. This winter, the city welcomes a new wave of concept-driven destinations that redefine fashion, lifestyle, dining, and lodging. Whether you’re seeking cutting-edge retail experiences, immersive hospitality, or culinary innovation, these are the must-visit new openings in Berlin.

Fashion & Lifestyle

ARKET – Scandinavian Simplicity Meets Berlin’s Energy

The Nordic fashion and lifestyle powerhouse ARKET has landed in Berlin’s Mitte district, bringing its signature blend of minimalism and function to the city’s trendsetting hub. More than just a store, the new flagship offers a holistic brand experience with curated collections of men’s, women’s, and children’s fashion, alongside homeware and body care.

The in-store ARKET café further elevates the experience, serving up a Nordic-inspired vegetarian menu, seasonal pastries, and organic specialty coffees sourced from some of the world’s best regions. It’s not just a shopping destination; it’s a space designed for discovery and slow living in a fast-paced city.

Address: Rosenthaler Strasse 36, Mitte

Highsnobiety – The Digital Streetwear Authority Goes Physical

After making waves in the digital world, Highsnobiety has officially entered the brick-and-mortar retail scene with its first flagship store in Berlin. Housed in a historic early 20th-century building redesigned by local design studio VAUST, the space is an architectural marvel in itself.

The interior embraces Berlin’s raw, industrial charm, keeping much of the original building’s rough surfaces intact while blending them with reimagined materials and futuristic lighting. The store offers a meticulously curated selection of high-end streetwear, featuring brands like Wales Bonner, Acne Studios, Birkenstock, Y-3, JACQUEMUS, and Dries Van Noten, alongside Highsnobiety’s in-house label.

Beyond retail, the space doubles as a cultural hub, with rotating exhibitions and exclusive collaborations designed to engage the city’s creative community. This is more than a store—it’s a statement on where fashion, culture, and commerce intersect in Berlin.

Address: Unter den Linden 40, Mitte

Food & Beverage

Pluto – The Ultimate Drop-in Bar by Otto Crew

The masterminds behind Berlin’s celebrated Otto and Trio have done it again, this time with Pluto—a no-reservations drinking spot that combines the best elements of a Spanish pintxo bar and a French wine cave. Nestled in the bustling Kastanienallee, Pluto exudes effortless cool, offering an expertly curated selection of wines, draft beers, and relaxed yet sophisticated cocktails.

The food menu is a masterclass in simplicity and quality, featuring signature Otto delicacies like ham, pig head terrine, and marinated mussels. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick drink or lingering for hours, Pluto encapsulates Berlin’s effortless approach to great hospitality.

Address: Kastanienallee 27

Luna d’Oro – A Playful Take on German Cuisine

Set in the former dancefloor of the famed Clärchens Ballroom, Luna d’Oro reinvents classic German cuisine with a touch of humor and sophistication. Helmed by chefs Tobias Beck and Paul Gerber, the restaurant brings old-school dishes like Königsberger Klopse and Mettigel (a playful take on the hedgehog-shaped raw meat dish) into a contemporary and stylish dining experience.

The moody, velvet-clad interiors, combined with dark wooden fixtures, create an atmosphere that is both nostalgic and vibrant. With its ironic yet deeply rooted love for German culinary traditions, Luna d’Oro is a must-visit for those who enjoy playful gastronomy in an elegant setting.

Address: Auguststr. 24/25, Mitte

Hospitality & Design

Locke at East Side Gallery – A Design-Focused Urban Retreat

Locke at East Side Gallery is more than just a hotel—it’s a celebration of Berlin’s past and future. Overlooking the Spree and located next to the iconic remains of the Berlin Wall, this stylish aparthotel is part of the UK-based Locke Living chain, known for its design-driven spaces and locally inspired hospitality.

Designed by the New York-based architecture firm Grzywinski+Pons, the hotel seamlessly integrates historical elements with modern aesthetics. From the fragmented wall structures in the lobby that echo the Berlin Wall’s remnants to the striking interior details, every aspect of the space tells a story. With 176 studios and suites, coworking spaces, and event areas, Locke at East Side Gallery is redefining how travelers experience Berlin.

Address: Mühlenstraße 61-63

Hotel Wilmina – A Boutique Retreat in a Former Prison

Few places capture Berlin’s ability to repurpose history like Hotel Wilmina. This boutique hotel, located in Charlottenburg, has transformed a former women’s prison into a serene urban sanctuary. With only 44 rooms, a rooftop terrace, and a spa, Wilmina balances the weight of its past with a contemporary approach to luxury and comfort.

The design, led by Grüntuch Ernst Architekten, preserves many original features of the prison while introducing warm materials and lush green spaces that soften its past. The on-site Lovis restaurant serves regionally inspired dishes with a modern twist, making Wilmina an extraordinary place to stay for those looking for a unique Berlin experience.

Address: Kantstraße 79

Berlin’s latest openings reflect the city’s constant evolution—where history meets modernity, and where innovation is rooted in authenticity. From concept stores that redefine retail experiences to hospitality spaces that reimagine history, each of these destinations offers an immersive encounter that goes beyond just shopping, dining, or staying the night.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these spots promise to elevate your experience of Berlin, capturing the city’s ever-evolving spirit in the most dynamic way.

Stay tuned for more Travel Book editions as we explore the most exciting destinations across Europe!