Neighborhoods in Berlin

Berlin will be my home for the first two weeks in August, so I have started to become familiar with the neighborhoods. I want to be able to find the best local cafés, trendy art galleries, and historic sites. Due to the 40 year division of East and West Berlin, the city’s center today is dispersed into vibrant individual boroughs. I will be dancing and living in the Mitte district, but I plan to explore as much of Berlin as possible. Below I’ve listed three Berlin neighborhoods that strike my fancy (with their respective photos and links).

#1. Mitte

#3. Kreuzberg

#2. Charlottenburg

#1. Mitte

As you walk down the cobblestone streets of the Mitte district (translated to “middle”), you sense the charm of an old city with a modern twist. The remembrance of architectural treasures blend seamlessly with high-rise buildings. This cultural and administrative center is filled with sidewalk cafés, trendy boutiques, city monuments, and courtyard galleries. 

DON'T MISS & GO TO:

- Mitte’s most famous pedestrian boulevard in the old heart of Berlin, Unter den Linden, where you can find the Berlin State Opera and several memorial buildings.

- On Sundays, head to Mauerpark to visit their local vintage flea market and stick around later in the day for an outdoor live karaoke party with local Berliners.

#2. Charlottenburg 

Charlottenburg (known as “the city”) has turned into a ritzy and traffic-filled part of Berlin. Even though the streets are swarming with excellent shops and five-star restaurants, the area tends to stay a bit quieter because it attracts families and upper class types. 

DON'T MISS & GO TO:

- If you are a chocolate lover, make sure to go to Erich Hamann’s Chocolate Factory where you will find exquisite bars that you will die for.

#3. Kreuzberg 

I am probably the most excited about this trendy, artsy, bohemian neighborhood towards the north of Berlin. It is a neighborhood that attracts those craving for a creative environment. You can find a collection of graffiti and wall paintings, local art boutiques, and weird nightlife spots.

DON'T MISS & GO TO:

- An evening out at one of their famous “beach” bars along the River Spree with a mug of local beer and a German flair.

Although I'll be dancing most of my days in Berlin, I hope to have an hour a day to just wander the street of Berlin in these intrinsic local joints. Feel free to share any spots you have visited and recommend.