Prenzlauer Berg – the apartment's neighbouring district

Prenzlauer Berg borders directly on Berlin-Mitte and is a few minutes' walk from the apartment in Kleine Alexanderstraße. This former working-class district in East Berlin is today one of the most attractive and lively parts of the capital – with restored historic façades, cobblestone streets, cafés and a dense cultural scene.

What makes Prenzlauer Berg special

After German reunification, the Wilhelminian-era buildings of "Prenzlberg" were carefully restored. Today families, creatives and an international crowd live side by side. Characteristic features are wide, tree-lined streets, small squares and a strong food and café culture.

Highlights and what to see

  • Kollwitzplatz – the heart of the district, with an organic farmers' market (Saturdays) and a Thursday market. About 15 minutes' walk from the apartment.
  • Helmholtzplatz – a quiet square with a playground and cafés all around.
  • Kastanienallee – the best-known street of the district, lined with boutiques, bars and organic shops. Nicknamed "Casting Avenue" for its many acting schools.
  • Kulturbrauerei – the former Schultheiss brewery (1853), today a cultural centre with concert venue, cinema, the "Everyday Life in the GDR" museum and restaurants. 20 minutes' walk.
  • Mauerpark – famous for its huge Sunday flea market, the open-air karaoke in the amphitheatre and remnants of the Berlin Wall. 25 minutes on foot or 4 stops with tram M10.
  • Wasserturm Prenzlauer Berg – Berlin's oldest water tower (1877), today a residential building, set in a small park. 15 minutes.
  • Gethsemanekirche – the church of the peace prayers and vigils before the fall of the Wall in 1989.
  • Konnopkes Imbiss – a Berlin currywurst institution since 1930, under the elevated U-Bahn at Schönhauser Allee.

Cafés, bars and restaurants

Prenzlauer Berg is famous for its café density. Highly regarded spots include Anna Blume on Kollwitzstraße, Bonanza Coffee Roasters on Oderberger Straße, and the many bars and restaurants around Helmholtzplatz and Schönhauser Allee. The Kastanienallee / Schönhauser Allee / Pappelallee axis is the main strip for bars and restaurants.

Public transport

  • U2 Senefelder Platz / Eberswalder Straße
  • M1, M10, M12 tram lines running through the entire district
  • S-Bahn ring at Schönhauser Allee and Prenzlauer Allee

For comprehensive background, see Wikipedia on Prenzlauer Berg.