Berlin - Wallpaper Guide

Berlin Neighbourhoods

Tiergarten :

This huge park in the centre of Berlin is bisected by Strasse des 17 Juni, which leads to the Brandenburg Gate. Apart from the Reichstag and Potsdamer Platz, modernist architectural gems by Oscar Niemeyer, Arne Jacobsen, Alvar Aalto and the like are to be found in Hansaviertel.

Kreuzberg :

Once the hangout of left-wing punks and anarchists, things have changed radically here since reunification, but the area has remained a healthy mix of cultures. In summer, its a happy place to chill out, eat and socialise, especially around Schlesische Strasse and Oranienstrasse.

Friedrichshain :

First impressions tend to be of huge six-lane roads lined with epic communist-era architecture, old stretches of wall covered in bad paintings and large building plots. But dive off into the side streets around Simon-Dach-Strasse and you'll find cafes, bars, restaurants and retro furniture shops.

Charlottenburg :

There's no doubt that this district has suffered as a result of reunification, but Kurfurstendamm, the main shopping drag is worth a look. And, recently, hip hotels such as Hotel Q! have taken residence here. Plus the food halls of KaDeWe department store are not to be missed.

Mitte :

The historical city centre was the first area to be colonised by artists and gentrified after reunification. Today, it is a dramatic mix of refurbished 18th-19th Century apartment buildings and contemporary architecture. The Scheunenviertel neighbourhood is touristy and full of international flagship stores but the back streets are packed with interesting boutiques and restaurants.

Prenzlauer Berg :

Many of the 19th Century houses in this once decaying working class district have been spruced up and are now occupied by arty types with small children. The scene currently centres around Knaackstrasse or Kollowitzplatz. Lazy Sunday breakfasts in the cafes are rigeur.

Schoneberg and Wilmersdorf :

The leafy boroughs of the former west are home to grand old hotels, such as the Schlosshotel in Grunewald and he Brandenburger Hof. From here, its a short hop out to the lakefront area around the Wannsee and the longest inland beach in Europe.