Monkey Bar

The Monkey Bar is a rooftop cocktail bar on the 10th floor of the 25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin, in the western city centre near the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church. It takes its name from its unusual view: from the windows and terrace you look straight down into the monkey enclosure of Berlin Zoo, as well as out across the Tiergarten and the skyline of the City West.

The interior follows the hotel's urban jungle style, with plenty of plants, warm wood and comfortable seating around a central bar, and large windows that make the most of the panorama. On fine days the terrace is the place to be, especially around sunset, when the light falls over the treetops of the Tiergarten and the city. The drinks menu focuses on cocktails, with signature creations alongside the classics, and there is a choice of wines, beers and soft drinks. The neighbouring restaurant NENI, on the same floor, is a good option for dinner before or after.

The bar suits couples, groups of friends and anyone who wants a drink with a view in the west of the city. It is popular with both hotel guests and locals, and it gets busy in the evenings and at weekends, when there may be a wait to enter. Smart casual clothing fits in well. Prices are in line with other hotel bars in central Berlin.

The Monkey Bar is open daily, from 1pm to 2am on Monday to Friday and from 12 noon to 2am on Saturday and Sunday, which makes it useful for an afternoon drink as well as a night out. Reservations and private events can be arranged through the bar's website, and booking is a good idea for groups. Coming in the late afternoon is the best way to get a seat by the window.

Take the lift from the hotel entrance on Budapester Strasse. Zoologischer Garten station, with S-Bahn, U-Bahn and regional trains, is a few minutes' walk away. Bikini Berlin's concept mall is in the same building, the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church is next door, and the Kurfürstendamm and KaDeWe are within easy walking distance.