Shopping in Berlin. What can be bought? Shopping in Berlin: useful tips, personal experience, sales What to visit in Berlin
Photo: Barcomi's Deli
American Cynthia Barcomi has been running her breakfasts in Berlin since 1994: here are the best coffees, yogurts and pastries. On Sundays, the cafe opens at 10:00, and after half an hour there are no more empty seats. Barcomi's Deli is located in the cozy Sophia courtyards near Alexanderplatz, after breakfast you can go for a walk around the neighboring quarters: look into art galleries, a synagogue, a brass instrument store and stare at city street art.
Peace Gardens in Marzan
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Photo: Shutterstock.com
Several dozen national parks on a large territory: Chinese, Korean, Italian, all with fountains, playgrounds and ice cream parlors. You can get lost in the green labyrinth, and if you are under 10 years old, then you can squeal with delight. There is free parking. Entrance from April to October for adults - five euros, for children under 14 years old - one and a half.
Museum of Musical Instruments at Kulturforum
Sim.spk-berlin.de
Photo: Frank Haase
Photo: Benjamin Asmussen
Photo: Thomas Quine
Almost always a half-empty museum, where, by taking an audio guide, you can hear and see how the French horn and harpsichord sound, dance to the Neapolitan polka and study the structure of the organ. Children from three years old are guaranteed to be interested. Knowledge of German is not required.
Snack bar Heno Heno
Henoheno.de
Photo: vilimblog
A microscopic Japanese eatery in Charlottenburg where you have to order the entire menu at once because it's cheap and tasty. It is better to come after lunch or in the evening, although Heno Heno is open from 12:00 to 22:00. There is no alcohol on the menu, but if you're lucky, you can catch delicious Japanese beer.
Children's developing museum MACHmit!
Machmitmuseum.de
Photo: Peter Rukavina
Photo: Peter Rukavina
Photo: Thomas Angermann
Three-dimensional labyrinth, thematic exhibitions, master classes, puppet theater and a mirror room. If suddenly you are unlucky with the weather, and the child needs to let off steam - you are here. Children will figure out how to have fun themselves - even without knowing German or English.
Park on the field of Tempelhof airport
thf-berlin.de
Photo: Tempelhoferfeld.info
Photo: Klaus-Dietmar Gabbert/news-brothers.com
The oldest airport in Germany. Now a huge park has been laid out on its field, where you can ride a bike, take a walk or have a picnic - there are places for a grill (however, you need to bring it with you). There are scooters, segways and bicycles for rent on site. Fans of the military theme should go on an excursion: visit the bunkers, the chemical protection unit, the power plant and the arrivals hall.
Cocktail Bar Greendoor
greendoor.de
Photo: diephotodesigner
Photo: diephotodesigner
Photo: diephotodesigner
Hidden cocktail place in Schöneberg for middle-aged freaks. The door is really green, metal, like those that we put in the entrances for reliability. Closed by default, you need to ring the bell. Usually an extravagant lady opens and lets you in if she thinks that there is a place for you. The work of bartenders who continuously prepare cocktails is fascinating (however, like the cocktails themselves).
Arminius Markthalle Market
Arminiushalle.zunftnetz.org
Photo: Arminius Markthalle
Photo: Arminius Markthalle
Photo: Arminius Markthalle
The covered market of the 19th century is an alternative to the tourist Markthalle IX in Kreuzberg, only without street onlookers and tourists. In addition to food stands, Germans, Vietnamese, Italians are here with their own cuisine, but we recommend Fish and Chips, which can be ordered at the Brewbaker bar, taking Kreuzberger Tag, Bellevue Pils or IPA beer brewed in Berlin. Directly behind the bar is a cozy room with drape sofas and a floor lamp.
Brewery Eschenbrau
eschenbraeu.de
Photo: Crafty Ramblings
A brewing start-up in red Wedding, the owner of which never tires of repeating that he doesn’t need tourists here, but in practice is friendly and welcomes everyone. Beer dark, light, seasonal, schnapps and juice from Brandenburg apples, and for a snack - pretzel or Alsatian flammkuchen (pie with onion, bacon and cheese). By the way, you can bring your own food. It's nice here in summer when a beer garden is open in the yard. The owner of the beer - Markus, a graduate of the Technical University of Berlin, often works at the bar himself. He will gladly talk about his path to success if you have a minute of time.
Ziervogels Kult Curry
Kult-curry.de
Photo: Ziervogels Kult Curry
Do not think that popular national dishes are offered only in tourist restaurants. Berliners love curry sausages, and Kult Curry offers to eat them in the relaxed atmosphere of a cafe where a diverse audience gathers for lunch - from painters-fitters to programmers and marketers from surrounding offices. Pay attention to Menu 2, scharf zwei (medium spicy) - two sausages with potatoes, ketchup, mayonnaise and a drink. If you eat lunch like this, it will be very easy to refuse dinner.
Anyone who comes to Berlin for the first time imagines how it would be to dine on pork knuckle every day in traditional German restaurants with long tables and wooden benches. The reality is slightly different from these expectations. Berlin is a modern multinational metropolis and cuisines from all over the world are represented here, and German cuisine is by no means a leader.
The most widespread here are Turkish eateries under the general name "Kebab House". These small establishments are located literally on every corner and are very popular with city residents. However, do not despair, if you wish, you can always find a restaurant of traditional German cuisine. Let's look at the main places where you can eat deliciously in the capital of Germany.
imbiss
Translated from German, "imbiss" means "snack". This word refers to small, inexpensive establishments focused on feeding a large number of people quickly and inexpensively. However low price does not mean bad quality food.
You will not find well-trained waiters and exquisite interiors here, but you can get a huge portion of delicious food for a symbolic sum. Turkish establishments run the show here, offering hearty lamb and beef dishes, the portions here are huge, and for 10 euros you can eat up to satiety. Yekta Kebab Haus (Wühlischstr.17) and Kebab Haus (Saalestr. 41) are worth a look.
If you're looking for German-influenced eateries, look no further than imbisses, which serve curry sausages (currywurst). This dish became especially popular in Berlin in the post-war years. It is quite simple and is a fried sausage with ketchup and curry sauce. Despite the simplicity, a whole cult has developed around currywrust, and establishments have appeared that specialize in these sausages. The most popular are Curry 61 (Oranienburgerst r. 6), Imbiss Currywurst und Coffeeshop (Knaa ckstraße 98) and Fritz & Co (Wittenbergplatz / Ecke Bayreuther Straße).
Student canteens
If you want to eat as cheaply as possible, then look for social student canteens. For example, Mensa HU Süd (Unter den Linden 6) or Cafeteria FU Koserstraße (Kos erstr.20). Prices, portion sizes and quality of food will pleasantly surprise you. The menu here is standard European, with a choice of meat, chicken, fish, simple side dishes, pastries, fruit juices. The quality of products is consistently high, as it is controlled by the city authorities. Please note that the menu will show different prices for students and guests. Students eat at a 50% discount, but full price will be half as much as in ordinary cafes. Some dining rooms have separate tables for guests, make no mistake.
German cuisine restaurants
If you want to eat in a more authentic place and get to know German cuisine better, then visit the Zillemarkt on Bleibtreustr. 48a. The restaurant's signature dish is Berliner Allerlei, which can be translated as "all food in Berlin", this is a great opportunity to try almost all the dishes of traditional German cuisine at one time. Please note that the portion is very large and it is quite enough for two or even three. The price of a dish is 26 euros.
You can try traditional goose dishes at the Nante-Eck restaurant (Unter den Linden 35), if you are lucky enough to be in Berlin on November 11, St. Martin's Day, you can order a signature dish here - a whole baked goose.
Good cuisine at the Block House Am Alexanderplatz restaurant chain, which is famous for its large portions. The average check here is about 30 euros per person, and there are restaurants in every district of Berlin.
You will find a huge selection of meat dishes at Ach! Niko Ach! (Kurfürstendamm 97-98). The local steaks and grilled meats are especially famous. The portions are very large, you can safely order one dish for two. The restaurant also has a good selection of beer.
german pubs
It is impossible to visit Berlin and not look at a traditional German beer hall at least once. Here you can not only taste one of the many varieties of German beer, but also have a delicious meal. Traditionally, such establishments serve sausages with sauerkraut and salted pretzels. But the menu of most pubs is not limited to this. You can order pork knuckle, sausage curry and sometimes goulash.
A good example is the Restauration 1900 (Husemannstraße 1), which, among other things, very well recreates the atmosphere of the early 20th century. Here you will be offered not only a huge selection of beer, but also a full menu with a wide range of hot dishes. The average check per person is 30 euros.
If you are looking for a more modern bar, then check out Aufsturz (Oranienburger Straße 67), it is very cozy here, and musicians perform in the evenings. The bar is primarily famous for its huge selection of alcohol. The menu is not very large, but the food is delicious and the portions are huge. For dinner here you will pay 20-30 euros per person, excluding drinks.
TOURIST ANSWERS:
Speaking about the shops in Berlin, it is probably necessary to separately mention the possibility of buying groceries and supermarkets that can be found in the central part of the city. Surprising as it may seem, finding the right grocery store in the city center is not so easy, especially if you are in Berlin on a Sunday or for some holiday. In this case, you just need to know about those places that work constantly. Many guides recommend visiting Ullrich supermarket, located near the Berlin Zoo and next to the Zoo station. After a practical check, it turned out that this is a really worthwhile place, where you can find not only the necessary products, but also all kinds of pleasant little things and even cosmetics. Alcohol deserves the most attention in this supermarket, the variety of which is impressive, and the prices are pleasantly surprising. There is almost everything here - from German beer for 0.8 - 1 euro per bottle (on average) to French cognac, Scotch whiskey and a wide variety of liquors. Prices, by the way, are very, very moderate. And if you look closely at the bottles offered at a special promotional price on boxes between the aisles, you can buy good French or Italian wine for no more, or even cheaper, than, for example, in Paris. So if you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to good alcohol, be sure to take a walk between the shelves in search of something interesting. In addition to alcoholic products, you can see coffee, chocolate and chocolates in this supermarket. And of course, how can you imagine a German supermarket without all kinds of meat and sausage cuts, the variety of which simply makes your eyes run wide. By the way, their cost here is quite pleasant. So, you can buy a package of cuts, paying for it from 0.7 to 3 euros (depending on the type and weight).
So, the store is really very attractive, especially for tourists who want to quickly and inexpensively buy something on the road or as a souvenir. By the way, another Ullrich supermarket is located near Potsdamer Platz (Withelmplatz metro station) and is also open daily until 20.00.
If you came to Berlin on weekdays or have enough time for walking around the city and shopping, then you can turn your attention to the following stores located within the center of Berlin. It is first and foremost a supermarket. Spar on Krausenstraße (underground station Stadtmitte U2 U6 or Kochstr. U6, open Monday to Friday from 7:00 to 21:00 and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 to 20:00), budget food discounter Lidl on Leipziger Strasse 45 B (underground station Brandenburger Tor U-Bahn or Französische Str. U6) or Holzmarktstrasse 3 (underground station Jannowitzbrücke or Märkisches Museum U2), open from Monday to Saturday from 8:00 to 21:00, as well as food score E City located at Krausenstraße 11.
Regarding the purchase souvenirs, then finding a souvenir shop in Berlin is not difficult. There are simply a great many of them both in the city center in the form of independent trading units, and in the form of small pavilions in large shopping centers. So, I personally liked the souvenir department located on the first floor of the Europe Center shopping center, the entrance to which can be easily found by a charming huge bear standing on its front paws. In addition, you will be very lucky if you get to Berlin for some holiday, when small but very interesting fairs are held at the key sites of the city. So, having arrived in Berlin for Easter, I had the opportunity to stroll past the cozy houses located on the square near the Europa Center and choose something from numerous and very attractive souvenirs. So, you could buy an original traditional hat or outfit, a charming ethnic jewelry or treat yourself to delicious sweets. In addition, many were delighted with bright heart-shaped gingerbread, decorated with ornaments and inscriptions. And of course, it is simply impossible to indifferently pass by the symbol of the city - the bear, presented on the shelves of Berlin souvenir shops in a wide variety of shapes, colors and sizes.
Helpful answer?
Shopping in Berlin is a must. German quality is beyond doubt. The city's oldest shopping center, which the Germans consider a trading empire, is Ka De We. our hotel was at a distance of 600 meters from this shopping center.
The choice of goods here is huge, comfort and service are also at the level. However, it seemed to me that the prices are slightly higher than in other stores.
But here you need to go up to the 6th floor.
This is a food paradise. Delicacies, cheeses, sausages, a huge number of varieties of coffee, tea. For every taste, you can find something and buy instead of a souvenir.
Another one not far away shopping mall- Europe center.
For those who are interested in cotton, it makes sense to visit the Eterna store. Prices in all stores are very reasonable.
Helpful answer?
Shopping in Berlin is what many of our compatriots go to the capital for. In fact, there are more than enough places for shopping in Berlin, and shopping itself can please its variety. For example, I was very, very impressed with shopping, and I bought so much in Berlin during my trip that I barely took it away. So, do not deny yourself the pleasure of a little "shopping" in fashion capital. I won’t talk about freestanding shops on shopping streets, but the main shopping centers and department stores in Berlin and the suburbs, where you can make purchases, are worth noting.
"Neuköllner Arcaden"(Karl Marx Strasse 66) 
Located in Berlin's Neukölln district, this shopping center is quite popular. Under the roof of this modern building, on an area of more than 27,000 square meters, you can shop in more than 60 stores that offer clothing and footwear, beauty products, appliances, holiday supplies and groceries. After shopping, you can go to the cinema or to the gym, also on the territory of the department store. Also on the territory is the Kaufland hypermarket (open from 7 am to 10 pm from Mon to Sat).
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10:00-21:00
How to get there: U-Bahn (line U7 to Rathaus Neukölln) or bus 104 | 167 to the stop Rathaus Neukölln. Parking is open from 8 am to 10.30 pm, costs 0.60 euros.
Potsdamer Platz Arkaden(Alte Potsdamerstraße 7) 
A striking illustration of the commercial and economic renaissance of modern Berlin, it is an architectural gem and home to over 130 shops, cafes, cinemas, bars and even a casino. Billed as a "center in the center", this lively department store is 180 meters long and covers 40,000 sq.m. and glass roof - an ideal place for shopping and entertainment. If you're tired of shopping, take a break in one of the restaurants that serve German and international cuisine. Among the flagship stores of this futuristic building, you will find global brands such as Esprit, H&M, Swarovski and Benetton in this three-story building. The nearest U-Bahn and S-Bahn stations are at Potsdamer Platz. Also visit the observation deck on Potsdamer Platz - from there you can enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of the city!
How to get there: S-Bahn (S1 | S25 to Potsdamer Platz), U-Bahn (U2 to Potsdamer Platz), bus (100 | 200 | 347 | M41 | M48 to Bhf Potsdamer Platz)
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10:00-21:00
Schönhauser Allee Arcaden(Schönhauser Allee 80) 
This outlet on the largest shopping street in Berlin was opened in 1999. The three-story mall covers an area of over 25,000 m² and is home to over 100 stores. Conveniently located department store near railway station and metro stations within easy reach. Goods in the department store are presented with a very good price-quality ratio.
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 09.00 - 20.00, Sat- 10.00 - 20.00
How to get there: S-Bahn trains (S41 | S42 | S8 | S85 to Schönhauser Allee), U-Bahn (U2 to Schönhauser Allee), tram (M1 to Bhf Schönhauser Allee)
"Spandau Arcade"(Klosterstrasse 3) 
It is a meeting place for walking and shopping, as well as for relaxation and entertainment. On four floors of the building, on an area of more than 40,000 m², there are 125 shops that can satisfy any visitor's request. There are also departments with technology and books (mStore (Apple), GameStop, SATURN), departments "everything for beauty" (The Body Shop, Yves Rocher, Pandora), boutiques and departments with clothes and accessories (Jack & Jones, New Yorker , H&M, Mexx, etc.) In addition to numerous shops - entertainment centers where you can have fun - bowling center and spa. Also on the territory of the shopping center there is a REAL grocery hypermarket, which is open from 8 am to midnight from Monday to Saturday.
How to get there: by buses (M32 | M37 | M45 | X33 | 130 | 134 | 135 | 136 | 236 | 337), trains S75 and S9 to Rathaus Spandau station, metro U7 to Rathaus Spandau or easily accessible by car from all directions.
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10.00 21.00 (parking from 5 am to 01:00, costs 0.80 euros).
Wilmersdorfer Arcaden(Wilmersdorfer Strasse 46) 
It is a busy shopping magnet in Berlin's Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf district. Situated right on one of the oldest pedestrian zones in the area, and indeed in all of Berlin, this shopping center with 125 specialty stores, a variety of services and modern gastronomy greatly expands the possibilities for quality shopping. In addition to shops, malls also offer fitness centers, offices, and medical practice rooms. The three-story shopping center has a huge grocery market and a number of smaller grocery stores, specialized stores for consumer electronics and sporting goods.
How to get there: by S-Bahn trains (S3 | S5 | S7 | S9 to Charlottenburg station), by U-Bahn (U2 to Bismarckstraße or U7 to Wilmersdorfer Straße) or buses M49 | X34 | 109 | 309 to the Wilmersdorfer Straße stop.
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10.00-21.00 (parking is open from 06.00 to 22.30 and costs 0.80 euros).
Neues Kranzler Eck(Kurfürstendamm 23) 
For a long time, this Ku "Damm 23 is one of the hottest addresses in the city of Charlottenburg (12 km from Berlin), which attracts buyers with a choice of specialized stores. unusual in appearance, with sharp geometric elements made of glass and steel.The spectacle is amazing!Due to its architecture, the building is very light and cozy on clear days.Among the most popular departments you can find in the open spaces of the "New Kranzler", for example, "Karstadt Sport" - Lovers of an active lifestyle can't help but love the nearest U-Bahn stop - either Kurfürstendamm or Uhlandstrasse (line U1).
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10:00-20:00
How to get there: metro U-Bahn - U1, U9 to Kurfürstendamm station or U2, U9 to Zoologischer Garten Bhf. By bus - M19, M29, M46, X10 to the Kurfürstendamm stop or M49, X34 to Joachimstaler Str./Kantstr. By S-Bahn- S46, S5, S7, S75 trains to Zoologischer Garten Bhf.
Helpful answer?
Berlin, like any other modern European capital, provides a lot of opportunities for high-quality and profitable shopping by our standards. Here you can easily run through small shops, branded boutiques or look into one of the giant department stores and shopping centers. Almost anywhere you can find worthy things to your taste. It is worth remembering that all shops in Berlin, as well as throughout Germany, are open from Monday to Saturday, while in Sunday you can find only a few supermarkets open, mini-markets at stations with a minimum of necessary items, or shops at gas stations.
Berlin is one of the cities that has a VAT refund system for non-European Union citizens (the Tax Free ). When making a large purchase in a store marked with the corresponding icon, you need to ask for a special coupon. Upon presentation at the border control point or at the airport of the check and coupon, you will be refunded VAT, which is up to 19% of the value of the goods.
It is especially pleasant to shop in Berlin in sales season which takes place at the end of January in winter and at the end of July-beginning of August in summer. Discounts provided by stores can be quite impressive and range, as a rule, from a symbolic 15-20% to a grandiose 50-80%. Especially interesting places Berlin's "shopping streets" may be in the sales season Kurfurstendamm(where most of the leading brands are located and there is also a system of local discounts) and Hackescher Markt(in stores where you can find not only clothes, but also cosmetics with an impressive discount). In search of bargains, you can look at Alexanderplatz or Kastanienallee.
Large Berlin department stores and shopping centers deserve special attention, the most famous of which is KaDaWe, located on the previously mentioned Kurfuerstendamm street next to the Wittenberplatz metro station and attracting thousands of shoppers every day.
In search of large shopping centers, you can also go to Tauentzienstraße, where there are large Peek&Cloppenburg and Europa Center, characterized by more modest prices and a smaller influx of tourists. Enjoys great attention and shopping center " Arkaden"at Postdamer Platz,
In East Berlin, on Friedrichstrasse, there is another "shopping district" where you can see not only boutiques of world-famous brands, but also visit one of the largest city centers - Quartier 205, Quartier 206 and Quartier 207. Here you can find everything from electronics and perfumes to luxury clothing and jewelry.
Going shopping, don't neglect the Berlin markets, including the flea markets, the most popular of which is Kunst- und Flohmarkt am Tiergarten. Here you can find a lot of interesting things from the time of the existence of the GDR. If you want to buy something from antiques, it is better to look at Flohmarkt am Arkonaplatz.
What, besides clothes and cosmetics, as well as German beer, can be brought from Berlin? The traditional souvenir is the symbol of the city - berlin bear , which can be found not only in souvenir shops, but also in any large mall. Also very popular among tourists are porcelain Berlin Royal Porcelain Factory. It is not worth the opportunity to buy in Berlin the so-called "eco" products: natural products and cosmetics.
Experienced tourists who come to Berlin not for the first time are already looking for an alternative to the "fresh" route. We decided to help you diversify your vacation and prepared an overview of interesting and atypical places in Berlin.
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Many independent tourists today actively use the services of greeters, individual guides ready to guide the guests of their city along the most unusual routes. Greeter movement today covers more than 20 countries and 70 cities of the world. Berlin is one of them. The theme of the trip will depend only on the desires and interests of tourists. Some are interested in military Berlin, others are interested in the history of the Berlin Wall, others are interested in the history of festivals, etc.
Kurfürstendamm
A walk along the famous Berlin boulevard in the Charlottenburg district visually and mentally takes tourists to the pre-war period of the last century, when it was the focus of an emigre society. It was the time when Russian theatres, literary publishing houses and private clubs opened in Berlin.
German speech was almost inaudible on the boulevard, and the Berliners themselves called this place “Nepsky Prospekt”. Mensheviks and anarchists, eminent writers and famous bankers flooded the area at the beginning of the last century. There are many houses with name boards. They testify to the presence of Marina Tsvetaeva, Vladimir Nabokov and Andrei Bely in them, about the places where Mayakovsky's outrageous readings took place.
Prenzlauer Berg
Prenzlauer Berg is today part of Pankow, the largest district in Berlin. Before the unification of Berlin, it was an independent administrative unit of the city, and after the collapse of the Berlin Wall, it became a hangout place for creative bohemia. Musicians, actors of all stripes gathered in this area and exhibition grounds were organized for artists, eminent and beginners. These quarters suffered little from military bombings and many houses survived, leaving buildings from different eras as a legacy to Berlin. Gothic, intertwined with modern and neoclassicism, will impress everyone.
From Kolwitzplatz to the Jewish Cemetery
You can start your walk from the Kollwitzplatz square (Kolwitzplatz) with a bronze monument to the pacifist artist Keta Kollwitz and move towards the Jewish cemetery with the grave of the impressionist artist Max Liebermann. Along the way, the oldest building will surprise you, on which you can read the inscription “death to capitalism”. This is a trace of a period in the history of the capital, when many empty houses were taken over by radical youth and turned into "free communes".
Mauerpark Park
The famous public park Mauerpark is also saturated with the air of underground and freedom. It shocks the receptive tourist with the number of colorful freaks, hippies and punks, street mimes and musicians. And the cult establishments of the 90s, which have retained their names from the outrageous times of the 90s (Kruger, August Fengler and Club de Republic), still gather crowds of visitors in the evenings.
Unformatted Berlin - district Friedrichshain (Friedrichshain)
It is no secret that every city has in its arsenal unadvertised places that are bypassed by the main flow of tourists. If there is interest in such walks, then a win-win option is the Friedrichshain area (Friedrichshain). Many people would like to visit Woodstock the European way, but, naturally, young people prefer to live in this place. Moreover, people come here from all over the world: they rent apartments first for a short time, then they come again, and some stay here forever.
Informal residents of individual quarters of Friedrichshain allow themselves to live according to special rules, or rather, without them. They arrange “days of disobedience” for themselves and their friendly neighbors under the motto: “If it’s not forbidden, then it’s possible.” They create dance floors and bars from garbage, old furniture and metal waste, paint the walls of buildings and garages with graffiti. Therefore, the magic of attracting onlookers to this quarter is very great. The Friedrichshain area is known for the largest graffiti gallery under open sky- part of the Berlin Wall 1.5 km long, remaining after the unification. It is painted with graffiti masterpieces that can be viewed for hours.
But the original "face" of Friedrichshain can only be seen in the evening. By this time, local informals gather for parties, and live music sounds in the clubs. Trezor, Astra, Lido, Magnit, Fritzklub are the most famous hangouts in Friedrichshain.
It must be said that in Berlin graffiti is already commonplace and can be found in almost all areas of the city. But the Kreuzberg district is a conglomeration of contradictions, flamboyance, whims, oppositions and multiculturalism. Indicative will be the place where the Berlin "rebels" gather, fighters against rising prices. Their camp is set up at the foot of old buildings (5 floors high), on which the already well-known graffiti “Golden Chains of Capitalism” and “East-West” flaunt. The Spree embankment attracted radical youth with abandoned factories and empty houses, which they themselves took over and turned into unlicensed clubs and spontaneous galleries.
The manifestation of freedom near the ruins of the wall at one time attracted the attention of David Bowie, Helmut Newton and Nick Cave. The image of the cult capital of electronic music Berlin secured in the 90s. And today, the townspeople take the organization of nightlife very seriously.
Flea markets in Berlin
A Sunday walk through the flea markets is an opportunity to look deep into city life, to find out how Berliners live. The intimate world that opens up in curious things put up for sale reflects not only the interests and passions of the townspeople, but also the pages of the history of Berlin. Here they are called Flohmarkt, and are mainly concentrated in the three central districts - Prenzlauer Berg, Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg. The main, or even the most impressive, can be called the Mauerpark. In addition to the special atmosphere of the avant-garde, expressed in the freedom of action, the variety of street cuisine, impromptu concerts, this place houses a market that undoubtedly surprises with the variety of surprises for sale.
It seems that everything is here, from interior items to historical artifacts. Passing from merchant to merchant, from tent to tent, sorting through second-hand finds and vintage clothes, small interior joys of the past century and ceramics, hardly anyone manages to spend less than half a day here. If the purpose of the walk is a few “fleas”, then you need to look at your watch more often.
Nearby is another market - Arkonaplatz. For the sake of an excursion, you can not stay here for a long time, since mainly locals trade in this place. They do not like to bargain, and the assortment consists of old unnecessary things: dishes, Appliances, posters and paintings, bijouterie. It is impossible to make a route through the flea markets of Berlin, bypassing the Friedrichshain district. Near the Warschauerstraße underground station, the former warehouses that now thrive in alternative clubs and cafés attract more than just young people. In the streets between them there are several small markets where you can find unique household items, avant-garde clothing and bold costume jewelry.
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When going for interesting purchases, you need to remember that in addition to comfortable shoes, you will need cash, since in such places, including cafes and bars, it is impossible to pay with a bank card.
Famous beer halls in Berlin with a century of history
Beer gardens in Schöneberg
Connoisseurs of entertainment with beer, even having seen the Oktoberfest in Munich, today can travel around the beer establishments in Berlin, which are in no way inferior to the Bavarian ones. Moreover, there are bars here that have kept their traditions for more than a century. Most of the old beer houses are concentrated in the Schöneberg area, and you can get around them quickly enough, having tasted a mug in each. Here you can sit at the same table with the native Berliners, regulars of these bars, try not only beer, but also fruit liqueurs with a 100-year-old recipe.
Zur Letzten Instanz occupies a special place among the "beer business cards" of Berlin. A beer garden with a centuries-old history is located near Alexanderplatz on a small street of Weisenstraße. This restaurant was opened in 1621, and it received its current name "At the Last Resort" at the beginning of the last century. Regarding the appearance of such unusual name among Berliners there are two versions.
One of them says that the peasants, who disagreed with the decisions of the court (court sessions were held a stone's throw from the pub), found a compromise here over a glass of beer. Another version is the neighborhood with the old Berlin cemetery.
The walls of this institution keep the memory of many celebrities who sat here with a glass of beer: Napoleon, Charlie Chaplin and Wilhelm Raabe. The shots from the movie novel about the Soviet intelligence officer, where Stirlitz and Pastor Schlag have dinner at Zum groben Gottlieb, were filmed in this restaurant. Only the name has been changed. In the film, he was referred to as "Rough Gottlieb's".
Style, ease and lightness reign in Berlin. Too many grandiose and at the same time tragic events took place in the German capital - the announcement of the Third Reich, Nazi pogroms, almost complete destruction by bombing, half a century of division into Western and Eastern parts. Now the city seems to be resting and is happy to write its history anew.
The districts of Berlin are not at all similar to each other. In the historical central part, the gloomy bulks of the Reichstag and the palaces of the Museum Island rise. The trendy eastern quarters are home to interesting restaurants, stylish clubs and art spaces. The best shops of the city are located on the Kurfürstendamm boulevard.
Berlin, of course, is not as elegant and ceremonial as other European capitals, but it has its own soul, which is gradually revealed to the traveler.
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What to see and where to go in Berlin?
The most interesting and Beautiful places for walks. Photos and a short description.
Important architectural monument Berlin with a special symbolic meaning. In 1871, a solemn procession of Prussian regiments passed through the gate, which marked the declaration of the German Empire. In 1933, the famous Nazi torchlight procession took place here and the "Thousand Year Reich" was proclaimed. After the Second World War, the Brandenburg Gate became the border of the division of Germany into West and East.
The Reichstag was the seat of the German Legislative Assembly during the German Empire, the Weimar Republic and the Third Reich. The modern German parliament also holds meetings in the Reichstag. The building itself is built in a very pompous and somewhat overwhelming manner, which, according to the plan of the architects, was supposed to emphasize the greatness of the Empire. Everything in the Reichstag seems huge and incomprehensible - columns, gray facades, a grandiose glass dome.
The wall, which, following the results of the Second World War, divided Berlin into zones of influence of the two main opponents - the military blocs of the Warsaw Pact and NATO. The wall stood for almost 30 years and became a symbol of the Cold War. It was a real border with checkpoints and guards. After the fall of the Wall and the unification of Germany in 1989, its fragments were gradually taken away for souvenirs. It was decided to save some fragments of the structure as a monument.
The largest Protestant church in Germany, located within the Museum Island. The cathedral was erected in the era of Kaiser Wilhelm II and was conceived as a German counterpart to St. Peter's Cathedral in the Vatican. The building simply dazzles with its solemn and majestic architecture. It looks like it was built by giants. So observation deck The temple offers a great panoramic view of Berlin.
Palace of the late 17th century in the Baroque style, a gift from King Frederick I to his wife Sophia Charlotte of Hanover. After the construction was completed, it immediately began to be used as a royal residence. In front of the palace there is a park in the classical traditions of French and English landscape art. At first, the building was called Litzenburg, but after the death of the queen, it was renamed in her honor.
A 17th-century fortress on the outskirts of Berlin, built during the reign of Joachim II. At the beginning of the 20th century, weapons and ammunition were made on the territory of Spandau. In 1935, a secret Nazi laboratory was placed here, where they developed chemical weapons. The last secret warehouse was found in the 70s. Tourists were admitted to the territory in 1992, after the final "defrost" of the facility.
The building is located in the Tiergarten park. It is used as the residence of the President of Germany. During the German Empire, Bellevue belonged to the ruling family and was used as summer palace one of the princes. After the fall of the monarchy, he became the property of the state, in 1935 the Museum of Applied Arts was located on the territory. The building can only be entered by certain time once a week.
The palace, standing on the site of an ancient fortress (presumably built by the Slavs). In the 16th century, Köpenick was a more modest building and was used as a hunting castle for Elector Joachim II. In the 17th century, the palace was expanded and a park was laid out on the adjacent territory. Nowadays, the building houses the Museum of Decorative and Applied Arts. Concerts are held in the square in front of the palace in summer.
The Red Town Hall is the seat of the city government and the Berlin burgomaster. It is a Neo-Renaissance building with elements of the Neo-Gothic style of the late 19th century. As a result of the bombing of Berlin in 1945, the building was badly damaged, and a long restoration was required. Interestingly, the main halls of the town hall can be rented for private events.
Six-storey store of the beginning of the 20th century. As his permanent slogan, he uses the call “Come, look, be surprised!”. Despite its rather advanced age, the department store offers the best service and a wide variety of goods in almost all price categories. In terms of significance and prestige for the Germans, it can be compared with London's Harrods. In Ka-De-Ve it is impossible to stumble upon a fake or buy a low-quality item.
The square where Kaiser Wilhelm III received Emperor Alexander I at the beginning of the 19th century. The place was named after the Russian monarch. On the square there is a city hall, a modern TV tower, a fountain of Friendship of Peoples. Until the 17th century, there was a cattle market and a place for the execution of criminals. The houses surrounding the square were mainly inhabited by butchers, cattlemen, merchants, and shepherds. In the XVIII century, the list of permanent residents was replenished with artisans and petty bourgeois.
Parade ground in the Tiergarten area on the site of the destroyed Potsdam Gate. Before the bombing of World War II, a well-maintained quarter adjoined the square - a popular place for leisure and recreation for Berliners. Everything was destroyed and turned into ruins, nothing of the historical buildings survived. Today, modern high-rise buildings rise around the square, where the offices of large corporations are located.
One of the most beautiful squares Berlin. The main architectural ensemble consists of three buildings: the German and French cathedrals and a concert hall located in the middle. All three buildings are designed in tones of strict classical style. In December, a Christmas tree is set up on the Gendarmenmarkt and a fair begins to operate. Festive lights are lit on the facades of cathedrals and the Concert Hall.
The very first opera house was built in the middle of the 18th century. During the Second World War, it was destroyed twice - during the bombing of 1941 and 1945. Restoration work was carried out until 1955. The renewed opera stage opened with a production of The Nuremberg Meistersingers, the immortal work of the German musical genius Richard Wagner.
Berlin branch of Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. Located on the boulevard Unten der Linden. Here you can see copies of Otto von Bismarck, A. Einstein, Ludwig Beethoven, K. Marx. Of the more modern exhibits - Angela Merkel, Johnny Depp, Rihanna, Madonna and many other famous characters. Particular attention is drawn to the figure of Hitler behind the glass wall. The sinister Fuhrer is depicted at the moment of making the decision to commit suicide.
Berlin's large Museum Quarter, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Five museums are located here: the Old National Gallery, the Bode Museum, the Old and New Museums, and the Pergamon Museum. Extensive expositions tell about history from primitive times to the present day, hundreds of paintings by masters are exhibited in numerous art galleries different countries, schools and periods.
Memorial complex dedicated to the victims of the Nazi regime. It is located on the territory where the headquarters of the SS and SD were located. The complex is a whole group of expositions, memorials, open-air exhibitions, preserved administrative buildings of the Third Reich, cellars and barracks. The Topography of Terror began work in 1987. The total exposition area is more than 800 m².
Monument in honor of the Jews killed by the Nazis. The memorial complex has a rather interesting and unusual architectural solution that accurately conveys the atmosphere of horror that reigned in Germany after Hitler came to power. The memorial consists of several rows of nameless gray tombstones of various sizes. They seem to form a labyrinth and symbolize death and hopelessness.
Germany's main memorial dedicated to all victims of war and tyranny. It is a sculpture of a mother with a murdered son in her arms. Neue Wahe appeared at the beginning of the 19th century and, according to the idea of the king, was supposed to serve as a monument to those killed in the Napoleonic wars. In those years and until the end of the 20th century, it was a guardhouse with an honorary guard. The sculpture was installed in 1993 on the initiative of Chancellor G. Kohl.
Temple of the late 19th century, built in honor of the first Kaiser of the united German Empire, Wilhelm I. The building was badly damaged by bombing, only part of the western tower remained of it. In the 60s. a modern building was erected near the tower. It was assumed that the new building would form a harmonious ensemble with the remains of the church. Inside it is a 4.6-meter figure of Christ.
The oldest church in Berlin. It is believed that it appeared in the XIII century. Services were held here until 1938. As a result of the destruction during the war, only the outer walls remained of the church. After restoration in 1981, the building began to be used as a concert hall and as a platform for exhibitions. The construction is a building in a typical "Protestant" style with laconic forms and sharp spiers of towers.
An old functioning Lutheran church not far from the Berlin TV tower. The history of the church began in the XIII century, since then it has repeatedly burned and rebuilt. Like many historical buildings, St. Mary's Church was rebuilt after the war in the 60s and 70s. XX century. Inside the temple there is an organ, which I.S. himself played. Bach. On Sundays, during the service, you can enjoy the performance of the church choir.
Jewish temple of the middle of the XIX century. Surprisingly, the Wehrmacht authorities did not destroy it, but simply closed it in 1940, and the premises were adapted for storage. The synagogue also survived the bombardments, although it was significantly damaged. After the war, the temple was decided not to be restored, since almost all Jews - potential parishioners were killed under Hitler. The building was demolished in 1958, leaving only the facade. After the unification of Germany, the synagogue was restored.
An iconic and iconic place on Friedrichstrasse, a symbol of confrontation between two irreconcilable enemies of the Cold War - the USSR and the USA. After the division of Germany, the border passed here and a military checkpoint was organized. It was at Checkpoint Charlie that the tank confrontation took place during the Berlin Crisis of 1958-1962, during which the world came close to nuclear war.
The TV tower is over 360 meters high. Builds in fourth place among the tallest TV towers in Europe. Started working in 1969. In sunny weather, the shape of a cross is reflected on the ball crowning the structure (probably from a nearby church). This fact is associated with the speculation that the architect was interrogated in the relevant authorities, allegedly for the deliberate design of the cross.
Zoological garden in the Tiergarten area with a total area of 25 hectares. 1500 species of animals are represented here (15 thousand individuals in total). The zoo was opened in the middle of the 19th century for the Prussian King Wilhelm IV. Gradually, access was allowed to mere mortals. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Berlin Zoo was considered one of the most advanced and modern zoological gardens. During the war, a bomb hit the territory, and out of almost 4,000 animals, only about a hundred survived.
A park on the banks of the Spree River, where there is a large memorial complex in honor of the Soviet soldiers-liberators. The central monument of the park is an 8-meter figure of a soldier with a sword and a little girl in her arms. The Alley of Sarcophagi leads to the statue, where the remains of several thousand soldiers lie in five mass graves. Parts of the Reichstag facade were used to make the alley slabs.
The garden was laid out in the 19th century and at first served as a recreation area. Over time, it became a research center. On the this moment several thousand plants grow here, among which there are many exotic and not typical specimens for these latitudes. AT botanical garden several greenhouses displaying a rich variety of exotic flowers, cacti, ferns and other species.
One of the most famous streets in Berlin, the local "Broadway" and the center of the fashionable life of the capital. Famous city sights are located along the boulevard. Unter den Linden starts at the palace square and leads to the Brandenburg Gate. Back in the 18th century, the boulevard became the hallmark of Prussia. The local nobility liked to arrange evening promenades along the picturesque linden alleys.
A green oasis in the city center where you can admire nature and enjoy the tranquility. There are dozens of paths, well-groomed alleys, cozy pavilions and benches in the Tiergarten. In the center of the park stands the grandiose Triumphal Column, which symbolizes the might of the German nation. In the summertime, on the numerous lawns, people sunbathe or simply relax in the generous shade of the trees.
