The Sorrows of the Non Smoker in Berlin


One of things that would strike you, if you come to Berlin from the rest of Europe, from North America or from Israel, is the number of smokers in Berlin. With about 30% percent of the Berliners smoking, it is unfortunately a well-rooted habbit, and even the moderate smoker would suffer. Things are getting painfully better in Berlin, and perhaps restaurant would be required to allocate non-smoking space starting in 2006.
However, don't let those smokers ruin your time in Berlin. First of all, know your rights - it is not allowed to smoke in public places, or where a non-smoking sign is posted. You can also ask for nichtraucher place. International chains (Tony Roma's, Starbucks, and Maredo), have already allocated non-smokers' spaces.

Like international chains, hotel restaurants are also a good place to find non-smoking restaurants. All of the restaurants, bars and cafes at Hotel Estrel (Sonnenallee 225) have non smoking zones. Among other things, they have a German/International restaurant (Sanssouci); an Italian (Portofino) and a Pan-Asiatic lounge (Sun-Thai), which is excellent. The prices are a bit high for Berlin (11-17 Euros for the main dish) but the food is excellent. They also have a nappy changing and breastfeeding area.

In any case, I've complied a list of totally smoke-free places in Berlin, and plan to add more, once I've visited them. Consider it also a list of baby-friendly places in Berlin: the first rule of baby-friendliness, is not to expose them to fumes. I have commented, where appropriate, regarding other aspects of baby-friendliness. If you are the owner of a non-smoking place in Berlin, please contact me.