Berlin is ringing in the new year with a host of exciting new openings. February alone brings plenty to discover: the Hohenzollern Crypt at Berlin Cathedral reopens after extensive restoration, the Deutsche Kinemathek presents its first exhibition at the E-Werk, and the city sets fresh culinary and creative accents with formats such as Italian Spicy Week and the NEXT GEN pop-up during Fashion Week. The food scene is buzzing too – from a brand-new brunch spot to the comeback of an East Berlin icon. Our 11 new openings:
Tip 1: Reopening of the Hohenzollern Crypt at Berliner Dom
The Hohenzollern Crypt is reopening. After extensive renovations, one of Europe’s most important dynastic burial sites is once again open to the public – now with step-free access and a new educational concept. On Saturday, 28 February, Berlin Cathedral invites Berliners and visitors alike to a free open day. The official reopening will be celebrated on Sunday, 1 March at 10 a.m. with a grand festive service at the Berlin Cathedral. Home to 91 sarcophagi, the Hohenzollern Crypt traces five centuries of European history.
Begin your journey into the past with our podcast episode on the Hohenzollern Crypt
When: 28 February 2026 from 10 a.m. Open house
Where: Berlin Cathedral, Am Lustgarten, Mitte
Tip 2: Opening weekend of the Kinemathek in the E-Werk
The Deutsche Kinemathek is launching a new programme in 2026 at its temporary home in the E-Werk. While the library and archives were already accessible again last year, the Kinemathek is now showing its first exhibition at its new location. The first exhibition is the immersive installation Screentime, which combines archive material with contemporary media art against the backdrop of the listed switchgear. The new show at the Deutsche Kinemathek invites visitors to take a multi-layered look at 130 years of film and television history: with large-scale projections, a walk-in collection wall, open viewing islands and a studio cinema.
When: Opening weekend with free admission 23 to 25 January 2026, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Exhibition: 26 January to 6 February 2026, daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (admission)
Where: Wilhelmstraße 43, Mitte
Experience the thrilling story of the Schirmers, a perfectly ordinary family facing life's challenges: full of ups and downs, dreams, desires and moments of solidarity.
Tip 3: New Italian Week invites you with extra spicy menus
After ice cream, pizza and pistachios, True Italian presents another delicious special. During Italian Spicy Week from 28 January to 8 February 2026, Berlin will become a hotspot for fans of fiery Italian cuisine. Thirty-one Italian restaurants will serve you a spicy dish for only £18, including, of course, a speciality created especially for the week (vegan included), Arrabbiato Spritz and Amaro del Capo. Look forward to spicy delicacies that bring a little Mediterranean warmth to the Berlin winter.
When: 28 January to 8 February 2026
Where: 31 Italian restaurants throughout Berlin
Tip 4: New format at NEXT GEN pop-up for Berlin Fashion Week
Not entirely new, but constantly redesigned: the NEXT GEN pop-up store at the start of Berlin Fashion Week FW26/27 will be accompanied by a very special exhibition this time. Curated by Sven Marquardt, the two-week side event by Platte.Berlin clearly focuses on young designers and offers a personal, authentic glimpse into the minds of the talents who are helping to shape the future of Berlin's fashion scene. At its heart is a newly conceived experience format that uses an immersive visual installation to bring the identities of five selected up-and-coming designers to life. There is also a corner for tattoos and tooth gems.
Tip: Here we introduce you to even more Berlin designers.
When: 30 January – 14 February 2026
Where: PLATTE, Memhardstraße 8, Mitte
Tip 5: The Mokka-Milch-Bar is coming back
An East Berlin original is returning: after years of standing empty, new tenants have been found for the Mokka-Milch-Eisbar on Karl-Marx-Allee. The revival of this listed icon is part of an extensive wave of renovation on Karl-Marx-Allee. Among other things, the legendary Kino International cinema will also reopen this year after renovation. The exact date has not yet been determined. But from around April, the Mokka-Milch-Bar will once again serve ice cream, mocha and music – just like in the old days, only with a new café, bar and cultural programme.
When: Reopening with events in April 2026
Where: Karl-Marx-Allee 34, Mitte
Tip 6: New life for Friedrichstraße: Lumina & BMG
There are also new plans for Friedrichstraße: the former Galeries Lafayette building (see picture) is set to become a flagship project for the city, with music company BMG as its future main tenant. Under the name Lumina, an innovative mix of work, shopping, dining and culture is being created here. Announced highlights include the roof terrace and the spectacular cone of light in the atrium, which will bring daylight into the depths of the building.
When: Completion and BMG's move-in planned for 2027
Where: Friedrichstraße 76–78, Mitte
Tip 7: New opening at Uber Platz – The Irish Pub Berlin
A touch of Ireland in Friedrichshain: The Irish Pub Berlin at the Uber Arena serves freshly tapped Guinness, fish and chips and hearty classics such as stew and burgers. Live music evenings create a real pub atmosphere. The ideal meeting place before your visit to the Uber Arena or for an after-work get-together with Irish conviviality.
When: Sunday to Thursday 4 p.m. – midnight, Friday & Saturday 4 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Where: Uber Platz 1, Friedrichshain
Tip 8: New favourite place for brunch – Lumara Café
Looking for a new favourite place for your weekend brunch? Then check out the newly opened Lumara Café on Knesebeckstraße. The Mediterranean breakfast there is a real highlight. The menu includes homemade lava bread with muhammara, hummus bowls and signature drinks such as the tahini matcha latte. With lots of vegan, gluten-free, reduced-sugar and lovingly prepared dishes, you can enjoy a healthy and delicious brunch here. A beautiful place where you'll want to stay longer.
When: since December; daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Knesebeckstraße 29, Charlottenburg
Tip 9: Onette – between a New York luncheonette and a Berlin neighbourhood pub
And another great brunch tip: somewhere between a New York luncheonette and a Berlin neighbourhood pub, Tamara Siedentopf and Brienne West have been serving honest comfort food with a surprising twist at Onette for a few months now: fish rolls, semolina porridge, potato pancakes, waffles and a changing selection of pies. The cuisine is predominantly vegetarian, always seasonal – and the prices are pleasingly fair. You sit on wooden benches, arranged like the seating niches in a New York diner, and the Berlin sunlight peeks gently through old-fashioned bistro curtains.
Tip: From the afternoon onwards, Onette transforms into a relaxed wine bar with small snacks and a carefully curated wine selection.
When: Tuesday to Sunday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., wine bar: Thursday to Saturday 3 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Where: Grunewaldstraße 11, Schöneberg
Tip 10: Romeos: Sandwich art with heart in Kreuzberg
After a short winter break, Romeos has been back since the beginning of January, bringing its legendary sandwiches back to the streets. Whether it's a chicken melt with tarragon or a Caesar sub with plenty of dressing, lemon and Parmesan, every bite is a celebration here. Add to that matcha and a great atmosphere, and you have the perfect lunch spot for anyone who likes things uncomplicated and really tasty.
When: Tuesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Lausitzer Straße 47, Kreuzberg
Tip 11: Aether – Matcha, Goods & Design in Kreuzberg
Tucked away in a side street near Paul-Lincke-Ufer, Aether combines matcha culture with minimalist design aesthetics. Here you can slow down and enjoy yourself in style. The focus is on ceremonial grade matcha from Japan, served pure or creatively interpreted – for example with verbena, spirulina or other herbal ingredients that strengthen your immune system. You'll also find selected and beautiful items, ceramics, natural wines and soon homemade lemonades and cookies.
When: no details
Where: Mariannenstrasse 26a, Kreuzberg
