City Guide: Through Berlin with Malaika Raiss

"I go to Andreas Murkudis when I want to see what the international market desires in terms of fashion and design. The selection is revolutionary," raves Malaika Raiss. The Andreas Murkudis concept store is an institution in Berlin. In addition to labels such as Rick Owens, The Row, and Jil Sander, you can also discover finely curated jewelry, home accessories, and beauty brands from the world's coolest and most unique labels here.

Potsdamer Straße 81

For Malaika Raiss, the most beautiful street in Berlin? "The Karl-Marx-Allee with a view of the Fernsehturm."

In addition to impressive exhibitions and an imposing art collection from the 20th century, the architecture of the Neue Nationalgalerie alone is pure inspiration. Built by Mies van der Rohe in the 1960s, the Museum of Modern Art was renovated for five years by the office of David Chipperfield and now shines in a new, or rather, old glory. "I am so glad that the renovations are complete. It's a magical place, the exhibitions, the sculpture garden – simply everything," says the designer.

Potsdamer Straße 50

The borchardt, just a stone's throw away from Friedrichstraße, opened its doors over 170 years ago and is now widely known beyond the city limits: Because if you want to eat schnitzel in Berlin, you can't miss this restaurant. The fan base ranges from actors, musicians, politicians to Malaika Raiss: "It's the best schnitzel in the city. There's even a vegan version. I love the brasserie atmosphere and that you can eat here at any time of day or night."

Französische Straße 47

"Berlin is sleepless, visionary, and raw."

Especially when the rather icy east wind blows in Berlin, one should spend the days indoors. Luckily, Berlin offers abundant choices. Among Malaika Raiss' favorite places for the winter months are the Zoo Palast cinema, the Alte Nationalgalerie, and also the State Library on Potsdamer Straße: Built by the German architect Hans Scharoun, who also designed the Berliner Philharmonie, it is famous for its impressive open, terraced reading landscape, with individual floors connected by spiral staircases. There are an impressive 12 million books, magazines, and digital resources available. Certainly enough to bridge the winter months with inspiration.

Potsdamer Straße 33

They roast their own coffee, bake their own sourdough bread and sweet delights, and serve selected natural wines: Berlin certainly doesn't lack cafes, but some stand out. This includes Material in the heart of Prenzlauer Berg. Why does Malaika Raiss like this place so much? "During the day, a café with Scandinavian influence, which transforms into a great wine bar in the evening. I especially love the interior!"

Schönhauser Allee 156