Tranquil spots are often hard to come by in the city centre, but this charming lakeside Berlin café is definitely an exception. Once a site for storage containers, the Café am Engelbecken can be found at the bottom of a water-filled quarry. The young owners have successfully transformed this once-lifeless shell into a stylish and serene environment. The large outdoor terrace is undoubtedly the biggest draw, enjoying sunlight from dawn ’til dusk. With only nesting swans for neighbours, the café feels wonderfully removed from civilization. And if it happens to rain the soft furnished, modern interior – complete with 16 small fountains to ‘refresh the senses’ – is the perfect retreat to indulge in a coffee, cocktail or Asian-inspired snack.rn