Recently, I planned my first workation trip and decided to do a test run in Berlin. I deliberately kept it simple: arriving Thursday evening, working from the ipartment Berlin Mitte, @HOME by Best Western on Friday, and keeping Saturday completely free to experience the city at my own pace. The short version: I can absolutely recommend it. Especially if you want to try out the workation concept without putting too much pressure on yourself.
Arrival Day: Settling In
I arrived at my apartment in Berlin in the early evening—miraculously without any train drama—and felt relaxed right away. Since I was traveling without a car, parking wasn’t an issue for me. If you’re driving, I’d recommend planning parking in advance or leaving your car outside the city. Berlin is very well connected, and public transport works perfectly. Alternatively, you can rent a bike at the apartment for a small fee.
As soon as I stepped inside, it felt less like a hotel and more like moving into my own temporary city apartment. I unpacked my suitcase, set up a small workspace at the desk, and arranged my laptop, notebook, and headphones so everything would be ready to go the next morning.
The apartment also features a spacious, fully equipped kitchen. I quickly made myself some pasta for dinner before curling up on the couch with a cup of tea. My plan for the next day: simply see how everyday life feels in the apartment—like a normal workday, just in Berlin.
Workation Day 1 – Work meets Afterwork
Morning: Working from a “Holiday Destination”
I started Friday morning at a relaxed pace. I made coffee in my own kitchen, opened my laptop at the desk, and quickly realized, that it actually felt a bit like home. No fixed meal times, no walking through a hotel lobby. Just my own rhythm in my own space. It’s like working from a coworking space, but with much more privacy.
Between meetings, I could get up, walk to the kitchen or window, and move around a bit. I was fully in control of my schedule, and that’s exactly what made it so enjoyable.
It felt like working from home in a different city, with all the freedom I was hoping for.
Lunch Break: Fresh Air and Home Cooking
During my lunch break, I stepped outside, walked to a nearby supermarket, and picked up everything I needed for a quick lunch and some snacks. There are several supermarkets within walking distance of the apartment.
I also came across the charming Coffee Circle Wedding, where you can grab fair-trade coffee to go and other treats.
Afternoon: New Surroundings, New Routines
The afternoon was all about deep work. Being in a new environment helped me break away from familiar routines and try new approaches.
Closing my laptop in the late afternoon felt incredibly satisfying: A full and productive day, with the added bonus that instead of everyday chores waiting at home, I had Berlin waiting for me.
Evening: Afterwork in the City
For the evening, I chose an easy and accessible afterwork plan. Just a 5–10 minute walk away is MARS | Küche & Bar, which is probably even more of a highlight in summer.
Nearby, I also tried a cocktail at Forsberg – highly recommended.
The walk back to the apartment was pleasantly short. Exactly the kind of balance I was hoping for with a workation: being productive during the day while still being able to fully switch off afterward.
Workation Tag 2: A Day Off in Berlin
Saturday Morning
Saturday was all mine. No alarm clock, no emails, no to-dos. Just one question: what do I feel like doing today?
I had breakfast at OOFT Coffee & Lunch right across the street, which offers delicious brunch options and made for a very comfortable start to the day. Afterward, I easily returned to the apartment to grab my bag and camera.
Getting Around the City
Just a two-minute walk from the ipartment Berlin Mitte, @HOME by Best Western, you’ll find Wedding station. It’s extremely convenient, with both U-Bahn and tram connections, giving you plenty of options to get around the city. I got off at Gartenstraße for a quick stop at a less touristy section of the Berlin Wall. The stretch along Liesenstraße is perfect for photos.
Off-Season: The Perfect Time to Test
From there, I continued into the city center to visit some of the more classic tourist spots – much more enjoyable in the off-season. The city felt noticeably quieter, and I didn’t have to push through crowds everywhere. For a first test run, it was perfect: more space to explore neighborhoods that might be ideal for a longer stay, and more room in cafés and restaurants to truly enjoy the experience.
Discovering new culinary experiences
Near Monbijou Park and the River Spree, I tried Georgian cuisine for the first time and I can say this: Kin Za is an experience in itself. The restaurant is a real recommendation, both visually and in terms of food. The nearby Oranienburger Straße station also makes getting back to your apartment easy, giving you plenty of time to pack up comfortably afterward.
My conclusion
For me, this short workation trip was a kind of dress rehearsal: Can I really work effectively outside my usual environment? Can I structure my workday, including meals, well enough? And can I still experience the city without neglecting my job?
My answer: it worked so well that I’m already planning to come back in late summer. This time for longer, with more time for walks in the park, warm summer evenings outdoors, and maybe even a festival or concert or two. Bringing friends along would make it even better, and thanks to the apartment setup, everyone still has their own space to retreat to. Alternatively, you can opt for a larger apartment to ensure enough room for both work and privacy.
