Sandy Al Assi, Author at Secret Berlin

Lifestyle editor with a great passion for art, culture and gastronomy. Whether it's city guides with the best things to do or the latest events in your city - you can rely on my words! With a keen sense for everything that makes life more beautiful, I invite you to rediscover your city through my texts.

Things to do

In 4 weeks, the first major Christmas celebration begins: To mark its 10th anniversary, Berlin’s most beautiful garden will be transformed into a sparkling sea of 30 light installations

Fall is in full swing, and already everything is all about Christmas. But let’s be honest: You can never look forward to the twinkling lights and festive atmosphere too early! Berlin’s first Christmas mar...

Food & drink

This New York-style deli in Berlin serves sandwiches with 450 grams of pastrami—aged for 4 weeks, smoked over wood for 16 hours, and freshly steamed daily

Berlin boasts an exceptionally diverse culinary scene. From a café reminiscent of an F1® pit stop to a luxurious brunch with endless champagne, there’s something for every taste and mood. Today we have a v...

A nationwide ban on alcohol consumption has been in effect for the past two days at 5,700 Deutsche Bahn stations—repeated violations may result in a ban from the premises

Not only has the new DB timetable for 2027 already been announced and the corresponding tickets are already available—a new regulation is also taking effect. As of October 15, 2026, a nationwide ban on al...

Things to do

Halloween in Berlin: The 13 Spookiest Events and Activities in the City

The golden season of the colorful sea of leaves, which entices us to take picturesque fall outings or visit colorful pumpkin farms and festivals, doesn’t just mean cheerful, carefree moments—it’s also th...

Food & drink Top news

Berlin’s most famous delicatessen institution has been back for about two weeks: After nearly 100 years of tradition, serious setbacks, and bankruptcy, it’s celebrating its comeback!

We recently reported that Rogacki is planning its comeback with a cookbook, its own products, and pop-ups, and aims to open a new flagship store in 2028 to mark its 100th anniversary. Now the first step h...

Culture

In 1899, Berlin’s most opulent Art Nouveau-style city palace was built for a millionaire—after its destruction in World War II, nothing remains of it today

As diverse and modern as Berlin is today, the capital’s architecture was once even more magnificent. World War II left deep scars on the cityscape and destroyed numerous architectural masterpieces. While...

On sale now: The new DB schedule starts on December 13; the Sparpreis fare remains at €6.99, and monthly passes will be 25% cheaper starting October 21

Deutsche Bahn’s changes for 2027 bring not only service suspensions and restrictions but also some welcome benefits for travelers. As of yesterday, Wednesday, October 14, Deutsche Bahn has been selling...

Culture

In 1945, one of Berlin’s most famous streets was still the scene of the Battle of Berlin—just a few years later, the GDR transformed it into a Stalinist boulevard of grandeur

What seems so peaceful and unassuming today was once the scene of war, destruction, and political division. While today you can stroll past Checkpoint Charlie in complete relaxation, in 1963 a man attempt...

Things to do

Nature takes a breather, we seek comfort—and at the same time, exciting events beckon: That’s November in Berlin

Fall has enchanted us with its natural splendor and inspired us to enjoy a wide variety of activities—from unique pumpkin exhibitions to walks along the 700-meter-long treetop trail to hearty fall dishes...

Galeria has filed for bankruptcy for the fourth time in six years: 83 department stores, around 12,000 jobs, and 33 stores are at risk

Berlin is in a constant state of flux between new openings and closures. While new establishments like Germany’s first shelter for street children and a new Edeka E-Center are opening their doors, we’ll s...