Winter in Berlin can be cold and grey, but there's a silver lining: it's the perfect time to discover the city's cosiest cafés. We've picked 11 of the most charming spots in the capital where you can warm up, relax and sip your favourite hot drink while evading the Berlin winter chill. Each café has its own unique character, offering you an ideal refuge from the cold and a taste of Berlin's local flair.
Tip 1: Konditorei Buchwald exudes timeless charm
Step back in time at Konditorei Buchwald, Berlin's oldest patisserie, situated by the Moabiter Bärenbrücke. The scent of freshly brewed coffee and their legendary Baumkuchen brings a sense of nostalgia, as if you've walked into your grandmother's living room. With creaky wooden floors, striped wallpaper and understated furniture, this café radiates vintage charm. Enjoy a slice of classic Baumkuchen while admiring the view of the Spree for a moment of winter warmth.
Where: Bartningallee 29, Tiergarten
When: Daily 11 am - 6 pm
Tip 2: Frau Behrens Torten is a cake lover's paradise
Enter Frau Behrens Torten, a delightfully classic café that offers an impressive variety of homemade cakes and tortes, each made with love and care. From vegan and gluten-free options to the irresistible Red Currant Poppy Seed Cream Cake, there's something for everyone. Enjoy a peaceful afternoon with piano music in the background while you indulge in a piece of caramel cream torte or sip on a warming cup of tea. The café's retro interior, complete with inviting armchairs and warm lighting, makes it the perfect retreat from the winter cold.
Where: Wilmersdorfer Straße 96/97, Charlottenburg
When: Daily 11 am - 7 pm
Tip 3: Retreat into a fairy tale at Tadshikische Teestube
Hidden away in a courtyard off Oranienburger Straße, Tadshikische Teestube is like its own magical world. The low wooden tables, richly coloured interior and ornate carved columns create a warm atmosphere that invites you to linger. Take part in the traditional Russian tea ceremony or settle in for one of their enchanting storytelling evenings, complete with aromatic teas and small Russian dishes. This teahouse is a true winter escape, a convivial spot to enjoy a pot of tea and dream away the chill.
Where: Oranienburger Straße 27, Mitte
When: Monday to Friday from 4 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 12 pm
Tip 4: Fräulein Wild dials up the retro cosiness
This quirky little café is filled with eclectic furniture and warm, retro charm. Located in Kreuzberg, Fräulein Wild is the perfect place to escape the cold and enjoy a comforting breakfast or a homemade slice of cake. The pastel hues, mismatched vintage plates and friendly staff create a relaxed vibe for spending a lazy afternoon. Sip on a chai latte while tucking into the cafés signature baked goods – Fräulein Wild has all the ingredients for a blissful winter experience.
Where: Dresdener Straße 13, Kreuzberg
When: Monday to Thursday 10am - 5pm, Friday to Sunday 10am - 6pm
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Tip 5: Bistro 1900 makes you feel right at home
Going to Bistro 1900 is like visiting an old friend. With rustic wooden furniture, plenty of knick-knacks, fresh flowers and candlelight, this café near Savignyplatz exudes warm living room vibes. The menu ranges from breakfast to hearty dishes like Königsberger Klopse and homemade apple crumble, perfect for those chilly afternoons. Sink into a comfy chair, enjoy the fresh-brewed Andraschko coffee and let yourself unwind in the café's welcoming atmosphere.
Where: Knesebeckstraße 76, Charlottenburg
When: Monday to Friday 8 am - 7 pm, Saturday and Sunday 9 am - 7 pm
Tip 6: Live out your chocolate dreams at Winterfeldt Schokoladen
Housed in a historic former pharmacy, Winterfeldt Schokoladen is a vast coffer of chocolate delights. The café's warm interior, with its original wooden cabinets and vintage decor, invites you to enjoy a hot chocolate or a cup of freshly brewed coffee. Indulge in a slice of rich chocolate cake or one of their unique pralines, and watch the world go by from the comfort of this cosy spot. If you love chocolate, this is a great place for a break while Christmas shopping.
Where: Goltzstraße 23, Schöneberg
When: Monday to Saturday - 10am - 6pm, Sunday 12pm - 6pm
Tip 7: Enjoy a creative and seasonal menu at Annelies
Located near Görlitzer Park, Annelies is a neighbourhood café with a passion for quality. The menu features creative, seasonal breakfast and lunch options, all served in a bright, modern setting. The calming atmosphere, with light wooden furniture and Scandinavian-inspired decor, makes it an inviting spot for a winter visit. From fluffy ricotta hotcakes to sourdough toast with marinated mushrooms, everything at Annelies is prepared with care – for a comforting escape on a cold day.
Where: Görlitzer Straße 68, Kreuzberg
When: Wednesday to Monday 10 am - 4 pm
Tip 8: Experience the serenity of ChénChè Teehaus
Escape the winter chill at ChénChè, a Vietnamese teahouse tucked away in a courtyard. The tranquil atmosphere, with its traditional Vietnamese decor, invites you to warm up and relax. Choose from an extensive selection of teas and enjoy a slice of mini banana cake or a steaming bowl of jasmine rice with freshly prepared vegetables. Chén Chè offers an authentic experience that will transport you far from the cold streets of Berlin.
Where: Rosenthaler Straße 13, Mitte
When: Daily 12 - 11 pm
Tip 9: House of Small Wonder offers a botanical escape
Located in a historic building on Auguststraße, House of Small Wonder is a botanical oasis in the middle of Berlin. The abundant greenery, high glass windows and spiral staircase create an enchanting setting. Known for its Japanese-American fusion menu, it offers dishes like Okinawan taco rice and matcha roulade. Filled with natural light, the café has a warm yet quirky atmosphere, ideal for a winter brunch with friends.
Where: Auguststraße 11-13, Mitte
When: Monday to Sunday 9 am - 5 pm
Tip 10: Relax in comfort at the nostalgic Café Bilderbuch
Café Bilderbuch is a place where time slows down. The plush sofas, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and warm retro décor invite you to sit back, relax and forget the cold. You might find yourself spending hours here enjoying a book or having brunch with friends. The homemade cakes and hearty dishes on the seasonal menu are a delicious way to unwind on a winter afternoon.
Where: Akazienstraße 28, Schöneberg
Wann: Montag bis Sonntag 9 - 24 Uhr
Tip 11: Visit Café Fleury for a taste of France in Berlin
Café Fleury brings a slice of France to the heart of Berlin. The charming little café, with its rustic interior and sunny terrace, is a delightful spot to warm up when temperatures drop. Savour a freshly baked tarte au citron or a piece of traditional French quiche, all made with recipes passed down from the owner's family. Whether you choose to sit inside or brave the cold with a blanket on the terrace, Café Fleury offers a welcoming atmosphere with a Parisian bistro feel.
Where: Weinbergsweg 20, Mitte
When: Monday to Sunday 9am - 7pm
