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The best way to travel like a local, is to ask a local. In this series of travel guides, we ask creatives and insiders from our global community to show us their city, their way
Victor Chan is a man of impeccable taste. So it's no surprise that he was tapped to be the Managing Director of Highsnobiety Gatezero—the new multi-brand and multi-category new luxury concept within the airport environment includes brands such as Maison Margiela, Bottega Veneta, Gucci, JW Andersson, Acne Studios and Saint Laurent.
After living in some of the world's most exciting cities, including Hong Kong, Shanghai, Seoul, and Toronto, the gig landed him in Berlin, which he has called home for the last two years.
Before he makes his next big move to Singapore next month, we asked Chan to share some of the best restaurants, hotels, bars and galleries in Berlin.
Sir Savigny Hotel
I once left my home keys and locked myself out after a particularly sweaty evening yoga class. Too late for locksmiths, I booked a night at this totally un-Marriott, Marriott group hotel.
The property is nestled near KuDam the main luxury shopping district in Berlin but its separate enough to have its own quicker boudoir-esque vibe. The staff are immensely friendly offering me a ‘big glass of wine’ for the stress and chocolate fondue to calm my nerves. Have a drink at the lobby bar which overlooks the garden and at night with it’s fireplace the vibe is pure cozy yet buzzy.
Soho House Berlin
I was told that the building is the old HQ of the Nazi Youth League and like many iconic buildings, it has owned its history and to turn around its future. The hotel includes access to the gym which features no less than three Peloton bikes and an amazing steam and sauna in the basement.
Cecconi’s on the ground floor is one of the better ones in the group but bookings are essential otherwise you literally end up sitting in the lobby hall. If a member can take you, the 8th floor rooftop pool is the place to be.
But go earlier, as there’s less than 12 sun loungers but well worth the fight. If you can’t manage to snag a seat on the rooftop, try the ’secret’ verandas of tables on the balcony on the 7th floor. You go through the smoking area to left, it even took me a while to find it.
Grand Hyatt Berlin
I have been a loyal member of Hyatt since 2012 so no list is complete without mentioning a Hyatt property. The Grand Hyatt Berlin stands out for it’s location, right in the middle of what my true Berliner friends consider ’soulless’ Potsdamer Platz, or the new centre of Berlin that once separated the East and the West.
I am a fan of the gym and spa, which is on the rooftop and overlooks the gorgeous Tiergarten Park. There are even two large dunk tanks in the spa that make for some dramatic refreshment.
See also: Discover quiet luxury, focus on your wellbeing and reclaim your peace of mind in Kyoto, Japan
Tulus Lotrek
While I eat to live and not live to eat, my favourite Michelin rated restaurant has all the smallest details that delivers big on the complimentary contrast that defines ‘Casual fine dining’. The team wear uniforms matched to the wallpaper of the restaurant—trust me it’s much less tackier than it sounds—and the wine list for value and age is truly unmatched. A 20-year old Burgundy can be yours for about 100 euro.
My favourite is the scallop dish that is boldly balanced—seared one minute under a daikon broth and finished with habenero.
Kimchi Princess
I used to live in Seoul and so when I am craving Korean food, I come here. Founded in 2009, proudly as they claim ‘before the Korean wave’, owner Young-Mi Park Snowden and her team merge the best of Germany with Korea.
From their specially ‘distilled in Germany’ Soju—sold only by the bottle—to German rib-eye that is grilled with true Korean table side technique, grabbing a picnic table outside in long summer nights is where I am truly happy.
Grill Royal
It is the place where they proudly proclaim—on their website—"people love to hate”. Grill Royale is an institution.
Located bankside in Mitte, there is a hierarchy to the seating. The closer you are to the windows, the more regular you are and good luck if you are in the back booths. With the most extensive wine menu in Berlin, sommelier—we call him “Shooby”—offers super interesting selections that reflect the terroir with a twist. When I first moved to Berlin, I hated the place but as I got to know the team and people (and the closer I sat to the windows) the more I love it.
KW institute
Housed within a former margarine factory, the KW provides a safe space for both local and international works. Current exhibitions explore LGBQTIA+ themes in an immersive yet innovative setting.
As with any premier art institute, KW explores the pressure themes of our society and calls to action reflection and consideration. In the summer months, a coffee in the garden is the perfect place to converse on the queer themes in the exhibits.
Neue Nationalgalerie
The newest grand museum in Berlin’s arsenal, the Neue National houses impressive permanent exhibits that explore the dark past of Germany’s history but temporary exhibits showcase a brighter future including works by Gerhard Richter, one of my favourite abstract artists.
When you’re tired rest your feet with the best little bites in the cafe and remember to look up: the mesmerising 50+ lamps give the space depth and lightness, literally. When they opened, we (Highsnobiety) curated a collection and collaboration with the gallery for Berlin, Berlin—a celebration of creativity that we call our home.
See also: A guide to Japan’s art islands: Naoshima, Teshima and Inujima
Alte Münze
The former state mint is the perfect venue for weekend-long queer dance parties and also exceptionally curated art exhibits.
In 2021, the Corona, Corona—What the F*ck is Happening? was my favourite experience of the year that featured over 100 artists from around the world in a mix of video, video, photography, 3D design, sound works, performance, sculptures and site-specific installations.
Coco Marett is a writer and editor who grew up between Hong Kong and Melbourne. She currently heads the travel section for Tatler Asia, and manages the Tatler Travel account on Instagram. She is known for her features on unique, under-the-radar properties and destinations. She's also known for her in-depth interviews that paint a refreshingly candid portrait of influential figures across various industries —from artists to political figures, CEOs to celebrity chefs. Follow her on Instagram @cocomarett
