Neighborhood Guide to Berlin
Berlin is an endless blur of inspiration. From trendy Mitte to the hipster haven that is Kreuzberg, here are five of my favorite Berlin neighborhoods to appeal to the avant-garde traveler. If these few don’t spark your interest, I’ve included a couple other areas that are also worth a bit of exploration.
Kreuzberg
Located in the former West Berlin near the River Spree Oberbaumbrücke bridge, Kreuzberg is one of the most notoriously popular neighborhoods in Berlin. For decades, this area has been a major hub for “squatters”, punks, hipsters, creative types and liberal-minded thinkers. The neighborhood has a rich cultural flair, as many Turkish immigrants call Kreuzberg home. Within its borders, street art fanatics will have a field day due to the countless graffiti work and wall paintings that line the streets. Just a short walk from Kreuzberg’s center is the East Side Gallery, (the former Berlin wall).
Friedrichshain
I discovered Friedrichshain during my last few days in Berlin and it quickly stole the top slot as my favorite Berlin neighborhood. Situated between Prenzlauer Berg in the north and Kreuzberg in the south, this area is filled with personality. In recent years, many Kreuzberg residents have moved to Friedrichshain, therefore extending the bohemian flavor to both neighborhoods. Architecturally, Friedrichshain showcases a mix of styles ranging from high-rise buildings to 19th century town houses. Partly due to its alternative bars, restaurants, nightclubs and coffee shops, many students gravitate toward this neighborhood.
Prenzlauer Berg (Pankow)
After German reunification and the more recent process of gentrification, Prenzlauer Berg has evolved over the years. Generally characterized by early 20th century historic buildings, Prenzlauer Berg is a mix of several different neighborhoods. Similar to that of Schöneberg and Mitte, Prenzlauer Berg has a huge art scene and much like Friedrichshain and Kreuzbergit, a young student population frequent the many bars, restaurants and nightclubs located here. Comparatively, rent in Berlin is lower than New York, London and Paris, therefore attracting artist-types from nearby countries.
Mitte
Unlike most global cities, Berlin doesn’t really have a defined central district. However, Mitte comes close as the neighborhood houses many of Berlin’s oldest buildings including Marienkirche and Nikolaikirche. Other noteworthy sites include Museum Island, Humboldt University, the Crown Prince’s Palace, the Opera House and Brandenburg Gate. Occupying areas of both former East and West Germany, Mitte is often crowded by locals and tourists alike for it’s proximity to Alexanderplatz, and the railway station. Shopping boutiques also contribute to heavy foot-traffic in Mitte.
Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf
Merging both Charlottenburg and Wilmersdorf, this borough is located in West Berlin and is a solid mix of old and new influences. Here one will find the oldest chocolate producer, the Georg Kolbe Museum, Astor Film Lounge cinema, Villa Harteneck, and a slew of upscale lounges and boutiques. Kurfürstendamm boulevard continues to be a popular shopping destination for high-end designer wear. In general, this district largely attracts families and a wealthy clientele. Charlottenburg Palace and the Ahmadiyya Mosque are two impressive architectural spaces worth visiting.
Like us on Facebook and Tweet us: @BohemianTrails
Sign up for our free monthly BOHO BLAST!
22 Comments
I have never been to Berlin, and the melange of street art and culture greatly interests me..what a melting pot after the collapse of the Wall. So much to take in…and the oldest chocolate producer? Adding Charlottesburg / Wilmersdorf to my list!
Charu recently posted..Travel Blogger Spotlight Series: A Moment with Ayngelina from “Bacon is Magic”
Charu you would love the Charlottesburg/Wilmersdorf area
I just love how different the Berlin neighborhoods are – it’s a great way to experience different lifestyles.
Megan Eileen McDonough recently posted..Neighborhood Guide to Berlin
There are still quite a few squats in Friedrichshain and Prenzlauer Berg but they’re likely disappearing more and more these days.
Adam recently posted..Weekend trip to Dresden
Good to know! It’s a bummer that they are disappearing.
Megan Eileen McDonough recently posted..Neighborhood Guide to Berlin
Never been there but it looks much more colorful than I have imagined.
Ross recently posted..Costa Rica in Black & White
It’s a very colorful place. You will love it!
Megan Eileen McDonough recently posted..Neighborhood Guide to Berlin
I’m staying with my sister in Friedrichshain right now and am thinking of finding an apartment and sticking around Berlin for a while. Your assessment of this neighborhood pretty much mirrors my own findings, so I’ll probably end up staying in the area.
Daniel McBane recently posted..Riding a Possessed Camel in Jaisalmer
You should definitely stick around if you can! I had never heard of Friedrichshain before visiting Berlin but it’s my favorite neighborhood now.
Megan Eileen McDonough recently posted..Tips for First-Time Couch Surfing
As a traveler, who is planning to visit Berlin in the nearest future, I find this travel guide interesting and informstive. From the information and photos shared here, I can decide that this city provides great opportunities and activities for travelers.
Glad you like it! I had fun writing this one.
Megan Eileen McDonough recently posted..There’s No Place Like Norway
I worked in Berlin for a while; great place!
Michel recently posted..Capture The Colour and Win £2,000 to Spend on Travel
It sure is! I was tempted to pick up and move there myself
Megan Eileen McDonough recently posted..There’s No Place Like Norway
I had a lot of fun in Berlin for the few days I visited. Loved the street art in particular – really funky stuff
Laurence recently posted..Win €150 of free accommodation with @Wimdu!
Me too! I loved how it was literally on every wall.
Megan Eileen McDonough recently posted..There’s No Place Like Norway
Love this! Can’t wait to get to Berlin!!
Jess | GlobetrotterGirls recently posted..A guide to the best autumn festivals in London
I’m excited for you to go!
Megan Eileen McDonough recently posted..The Mighty Fjords in Photos
My favorite neighborhood is Prenzlauer Berg … where I live. I love it so much! The cobbled stoned streets, the giant park, my favorite bar, loads of cafes and restaurants all within walking distance … it’s heaven!
Cheryl recently posted..Cat On A Bike Sculpture In Brussels.
I loved Prenzlauer Berg too! Any neighborhood with cobblestoned streets is an automatic awesome in my book
Megan Eileen McDonough recently posted..The Mighty Fjords in Photos
I LOVE Berlin!
Diana Edelman recently posted..How Mr. Lucky got lucky
Me too! So many cool neighborhoods to explore.
Megan Eileen McDonough recently posted..Traveling through Norway in Style
I’ve never considered Berlin as a top travel destination, but you’ve changed my mind. I have to visit!
Megan @Green Global Travel recently posted..JORDAN Nature Reserves: Dana Biosphere Reserve & Wadi Mujib
For a long time I didn’t either but in the last 2 years Berlin is all I’ve heard my friends speak of so I had to add it to my list
Megan Eileen McDonough recently posted..5 Adventurous Excursions in the Philippines