Striped red-and-white awnings. Off-white fence panels linked together. Big flashy neon letters proclaiming “Kranzler” atop a circular building. Overlooking the Zoologischer Garten train station, this eclectic café used to be one of Berlin’s most happening spots.
Making my way up to the rooftop, I was intrigued — having never seen anything like it before. In my hometown, I am used to quick takeaway orders of a coffee and breakfast at Starbucks or Philz. As a student, I am always on the run to my next class or meeting so I rarely have time to sit down. Here, it shocked me that cafés are not places to grab-and-go, but rather mid-city oases to rest, socialize, and recharge before starting or continuing on with the day.