Berlin-based producer Parra for Cuva has called Schöneberg home for years, and the neighborhood's quiet, unpretentious character has shaped his daily routine while backdropping his creative life. Between tours across Europe and North America and studio sessions for his forthcoming album, Nacar, Nico Demuth returns to the tree-lined streets, corner cafés, and late-night haunts that ground him. It's an unpretentious neighborhood that rewards those who spend time there, mirroring the kind of patient, layered approach he brings to his music. Listen to “Juri” by Parra for Cuva.

A Personal Berlin Guide Beyond the Tourist Trail

With Nacar on the horizon—a record built around transformation, field recordings from coastlines around the world, and handcrafted rhythms—we asked Parra for Cuva to share his insider's guide to Schöneberg. From the coffee spots where he starts his mornings to the record shops and parks where ideas take shape, here's the Berlin he knows best: unfiltered, personal, and far from the tourist trail.

Parra for Cuva’s Guide to Berlin: Schöneberg

Schöneberg has a different rhythm from the rest of Berlin. It’s less about chasing something and more about settling into it. I like that you can spend a whole day here without a plan, just moving between cafés, parks, and bars, letting things unfold naturally.

Beers

One of my favorite simple rituals is grabbing a beer from a Späti (a corner shop) around Apostel-Paulus-Kirche in the Akazienkiez. In summer, this is where everything comes together. There are always people sitting along the wall, talking, watching, just existing in that very Berlin way. You don’t need more than that — a cold drink and time to slow down a bit.

Credit: Martin van Exel

If you feel like going somewhere more intimate, I really like Kuckucksei Bar. It’s a proper Berlin spot: unpretentious, a bit rough around the edges, and full of character. You can easily end up staying longer than planned.

Cocktails

For cocktails, Marigold is my go-to. The atmosphere is warm and slightly nostalgic, and the drinks are always on point. It’s one of those places that feels consistent, like you know exactly what kind of night you’re stepping into.

Credit: niccola.be

Coffee

When it comes to coffee, Double Eye is probably my favorite. It’s more about the coffee itself than anything else—no distractions, just really well-made espresso.

If I want to sit down for a while, I go to Bretagne Café or Matilda Café. Both have that relaxed neighborhood feeling where you can stay for hours without noticing time passing.

Food

There’s a small Italian spot called Salumeria Treviso on Eisenacher Straße that I really like. It’s simple, very cozy, and especially nice in the summer when you can sit outside. It feels more like being invited somewhere than going out to eat.

For pizza, I Due Emigranti and Bar Tolucci are both great options. Again, especially in summer, it’s all about being outside, sharing food, and taking your time.

If I’m in the mood for Korean food, I usually go to WAWA or Ixthys around Pallasstraße. Both are very solid and feel a bit like hidden gems in the neighborhood.

For vegetarian food, Chay Village is always a good idea. It’s one of those places I keep coming back to without really thinking about it.

Credit: Amanda Artiaga

Want to discover more places in Berlin? Check out our Berlin T[rave]l Guide with recommendations from Jan Blomqvist, Oliver Koletzki, Britta Arnold, andhim and many more.

Photo credit pictures Parra for Cuva: @maxhartmannphoto