Right at the heart of the city, here is where you can find some of Berlin’s most cherished attractions in a modernised setting. One of the most war-damaged districts, Mitte is brimming with historical sites such as the Brandenburger Tor and The Altes Museum. It also contains Alexanderplatz, where alongside the legendary Museum Island tourists can enjoy a selection of leafy parks and jazz clubs. Residing nearby are Nikolaviertel, a quarter of some of Berlin’s oldest buildings, the famous Tiergarten and the River Spree. Mitte is also at the centre of the city’s politics and media. Walks down Unter den Linden and Friedrichstrasse are necessary to experience the best of Berlin’s landmarks.
Kreuzberg
The proud home of the döner kebab, Kreuzberg is known for its sizeable Turkish population and working-class community. Yet its energy and ability to entertain is undisputed, the main streets permanently awash with both locals, hipsters and students. Take a walk down busy Oranienstrasse for a seemingly endless stream of bars, cafés and restaurants of varied cuisine, serving up tasty grub at delightfully low prices.
Prenzlauer Berg
An area pop
ular with students, this part of North-East Berlin is gentrified yet affordable, and full of trendy hangouts. Hip young mothers with prams roam the many boutiques, quaint cafés and second-hand shops on Kollwitz-platz, and artists mingle in the chic nightspots. Don’t miss the fleamarket at Mauerpark on Sundays!
Charlottenburg
Rebuilt in the 1950s after extensive war damage, Charlottenburg in the present day is one of Berlin’s most affluent, thriving areas. Located to the west of the Tiergarten, it’s not the most accessible area but it is overflowing with tourist hotspots. Located within it is shopping mecca Kurfurstendamm, the boulevard is known to locals as ‘Ku-Damm’ but more widely as the ‘Champs-Elysees’ of Berlin.
Friedrichshain
Closely connected with its neighbouring borough of Kreuzberg, this former part of East Berlin has a complicated history and, consequently, has a range of interesting spots for tourists to visit. Famous for the East Side Gallery, it has a reputation for its young, vibrant population, and its less opulent atmosphere in comparison with the more central districts. It also accommodates many of the city’s squatters.
Schöneberg
Located in former West Berlin, today this area is celebrated for its history of early 20th century caba
ret culture and influence. upon the city’s art scene. One of the districts to be affected the least by wartime bombing, many of the old Berlin buildings still stand to be admired. Take a walk around to enjoy the greenery and drop into one of Schöneberg’s many elegant boutiques.
Tiergarten
Not only the name of Berlin’s most famous park, Tiergarten is a district in itself. Another part of the city to suffer extensively during the war, the huge park is home to several lakes, beer gardens, monuments and even clubs. A walk through the Tiergarten is a welcome escape from the constant hustle and bustle of the rest of the city.
Team Curso/CTR Berlin
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