FLEA HOEFL VON LÖHNEYSEN
OCCUPATION: Founder and owner of Guerilla Music, co-owner of Robespierre Europe
MY STYLE: I like to mix street wear with classics. My Adidas running pants get added to most outfits, and I love mixing my thigh-high Prada boots with a silk blouse from Mongrels and a vintage cashmere cardigan. Being in Berlin, warmth (outerwear and boots especially) is important. I’m addicted to my Zdar Boots and hooded wool coat from Penkov.
I LOVE BERLIN BECAUSE: In our part of town, almost everyone has kids. It’s even nicknamed “Pregnancy Hill!” Town planners have ensured that there’s a park on every corner, and trees line all the streets. There is also an incredibly cosmopolitan mix of people, and lots of different languages are spoken at the playground! Kids learn to be open-minded and accepting of different languages, values, cultures, and religions.
Meierei
As the mountainous landscape paintings on the wall may suggest, this Kollwitzplatz restaurant lovingly emphasizes cuisine from the Alps. Specialties include Weisswurst and goulash, but you can get just about anything from behind the counter. “They have all sorts of delectable breads, homemade cheeses, mueslis, and pastries,” says Flea Hoefl von Löhneysen. “It’s a bit of south Germany in Berlin.”
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Konzerthaus Berlin
What do Sleeping Beauty and Benny Goodman have in common? Probably not much aside from their ties to this stately and historic concert hall. Among Konzerthaus Berlin's special programs are “Espresso Concerts” (afternoon sets where espresso comes included in the ticket price) and classical music shows for kids. “Whenever I’m here, I make sure to pick up a Juniorprogramm!” says Flea Hoefl von Löhneysen.
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Dussmann Das Kulturkaufhaus
With five floors of selection, there’s no doubt that Dussmann das KulturKaufhaus is the largest media store in Berlin. “This place is pure heaven,” says Flea Hoefl von Löhneysen. “I can lose myself in the art books, cookbooks, travel books, or be totally escapist and hide for an hour in the English literature section.” And for those too young (or too energetic!) to read, Dussmann also has a selection of non-literary toys.
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Hotel de Rome
Historical undercurrents run strong in this bank-turned-hotel, which was designed in the 19th century to reflect architecture of the Italian Renaissance. Classical pillars still stand in the lobby, and the rooms and restaurants have a “darkly elegant beauty” according to Flea Hoefl von Löhneysen, who also praises the location. “Hotel de Rome is right by Unter den Linden Street and the Gendarmenmarkt, a mecca for a girl’s day off from being mummy!” she says.
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Tiergarten Park
Once used as hunting grounds for Prussian royals, this 520-acre park now houses countless Berlin landmarks that complement the grassy expanse. Highlights include Brandenburg Gate and Potsdamer Platz (on the eastern end), as well as the Berlin Zoological Garden (which also houses an aquarium), Kulturforum concert hall, the Berlin State Library, the Soviet War Memorial, and Saint Matthew’s Church. Navigating the park by Velotaxi is a great way to explore, especially if you have a limited amount of time. “In autumn the park is really beautiful, as the leaves are changing and the surroundings are alive with warm colors,” says Clare Langhammer. “You often see squirrels and rabbits too.”
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Ishin
The Japanese word "ishin" translates to "restoration," which is exactly what this popular lunch spot fosters. With free green tea and an array of teas, Ishin helps you relax in the middle of a hectic day. "It's not stuffy, and the staff is friendly," says Flea Hoefel von Löhneysen. Plus, it's great for kids. "A baby's fist is exactly the right size for a Nori roll!"
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Bocca di Bacco
Not only is the white-walled atmosphere of Bocca di Bacco inviting, it's great for people-watching. "This is a great place to spot iconic figures," says Flea Hoefel Löhneysen, "but I'm generally too absorbed in the food and wine to notice what's going on!" House favorites include mint-filled ravioli and lardo-wrapped monkfish, but sometimes the chef will make a dish upon request. "My husband insists on ordering the Calamaretti on Rucola, even though it's not on the menu!" says Hoefel von Löhneysen.
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Naturkundemuseum
It doesn't matter if you're six years old or 60, this Museum of Natural History is sure to satisfy your inner science nerd. The museum definitely has an academic edge (Naturkundemuseum is one of the world's leading research institutions in biology and geology), but it's fun for kids as well. "They're sure to get a kick out of the beautifully displayed taxidermied animals," says Flea Hoefel von Löhneysen. "There are also lots of buttons to press, and things to listen to!"
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Dolores
For the most authentic Mexican food in town, Flea Hoefel von Löhneysen might point you elsewhere (namely, Maria Bonita on Danzigerstrasse), but Dolores is healthy, fun, and great for kids. Try the vegan burrito with lime tofu and freshly squeezed carrot juice for a healthy lunch, or bulk up on hearty chicken and salsa at the make-your-own-burrito counter. To beat the crowds, try arriving right when the doors open at 11:30 a.m.
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