¡Kreuzberg, Kreuzberg, a district in Berlin, Germany, is renowned for its alternative and bohemian culture. It’s a hub of cultural institutions, small restaurants offering global cuisine, street art, and more.
However, Kreuzberg has much more to offer than what meets the eye. The area is diverse and caters to all types of visitors, including those looking for alternative spots, charming corners, and tourist attractions.
Kreuzberg was annexed to Berlin quite late in 1920 and was surrounded by the Berlin Wall on three sides when it was built. Due to the district’s location and living standards, it became popular among immigrants, artists, and students, creating a unique mix that influenced the area’s atmosphere. Today, Kreuzberg is slowly evolving, but the bohemian and multicultural vibe still prevails!
Located in the central-eastern area of Berlin, Kreuzberg shares boundaries with Mitte, Friedrichshain, Tempelhof-Schöneberg, Neukölln, and Treptow-Köpenick neighborhoods. It was formerly part of West Berlin.
To reach Kreuzberg, one can take advantage of the several metro lines with multiple stops that serve the district, including U1, U2, U6, U7, and U8. It’s recommended to obtain a Berlin Welcome Card when visiting Germany’s capital, as it provides discounts at various places such as museums, restaurants, etc., and allows free use of public transportation!
Listed below are some recommended things to do in Kreuzberg, with several of them having been suggested by locals to ensure their quality. Additionally, the “Going Local” app from Visit Berlin proved to be a valuable tool while exploring the neighborhood, as it features a plethora of noteworthy locations that make each district of Berlin unique!
The informal center and heart of Kreuzberg is often regarded to be Oranienstrasse, particularly the segment that lies between Moritzplatz and Görlitzer Bahnhof. This is where you can discover a plethora of cafes, restaurants, and small shops, as well as where you’ll probably spend your evenings in Kreuzberg.
At any time of day, the street is full of energy and crowded with people, enhancing the ambiance of the area.
Take a break at one of the cafes along the street, relax, and soak up the unmistakable Kreuzberg atmosphere before embarking on your Kreuzberg sightseeing adventure.
In Kreuzberg, visitors can immerse themselves in the city’s impressive street art scene. Known as the street art capital of Europe, Berlin offers an incredible variety of street art, and Kreuzberg is the perfect place to explore it. Being an alternative and edgy district, Kreuzberg is home to many unique and fascinating works of street art in various shapes and forms.
Kreuzberg is home to some of the most famous murals in Berlin, including “Astronaut Cosmonaut” by French artist Victor Ash and the well-known animal paintings by Belgian artist ROA. However, street art can be found around every corner of the district, and visitors can discover their hidden gems.
Unfortunately, the iconic murals by Italian artist BLU were painted over in 2014 as a form of protest against the changes happening in Kreuzberg, particularly the rising property prices in the area.
Markthalle Neun is a 19th-century market hall that has become increasingly popular with tourists, while remaining mostly frequented by locals. It offers fresh produce from local suppliers, available for purchase on-site, as well as small restaurants and bars where you can try various dishes.
The hall is also known for its events, including the famous Street Food Thursday, the Coffee Festival, and the Cheese Festival. Even if you’re not particularly hungry, the unique atmosphere of Markthalle Neun makes it worth a visit, as it captures the diverse and vibrant spirit of Kreuzberg.
The social housing complexes in this area have impressive and unique designs, which would surely be appreciated by enthusiasts of contemporary architecture.
These constructions were mainly built during the 1970s and 80s when Kreuzberg was considered the poorest area of West Berlin. The Neues Kreuzberger Zentrum is the most well-known building and can be easily recognized by its towering structure over Adalbertstrasse. However, the other buildings in the vicinity are also noteworthy.
Engelbecken Park, located in Kreuzberg, is a charming and cozy green area that is highly enjoyable to visit and unwind in, despite its small size. The Luisenstädtischer Canal used to run through this area of Berlin in the past, but due to its noise and odor, it was filled in 1926 and later transformed into the lovely park it is today. Only a small section of the canal, the Engelbecken Pond, has been preserved to this day.
This picturesque park is adorned with a variety of beautiful flowers and rose gardens, and features delightful details such as fountains. There are numerous benches scattered around the area, offering a serene place to sit and relax, as well as a café for refreshments. Additionally, the townhouses that surround the park are among the most attractive ones to be found in Kreuzberg.
Despite its modest size, the park offers several distinctive and intriguing locations.
One of its key attractions is Kreuzberg Hill, which lent its name to the district. At the top, you’ll find an impressive Neo-Gothic monument erected in 1821 to celebrate the victorious campaign against Napoleon Bonaparte and the liberation of Europe from French control.
It’s well worth the climb to see the monument up close and to take in the panoramic view of Berlin from the hill’s summit. Another noteworthy spot in Viktoriapark is a lovely waterfall modeled after the one in the Krkonoše Mountains, which straddle the border between Poland and the Czech Republic.
All in all, Viktoriapark is an excellent place to escape the city’s noise and chaos, and it’s worth a visit during your explorations of Berlin.
In Berlin, each neighborhood is further divided into smaller areas, known as “kiez.” One such kiez located in Kreuzberg is Bergmannkiez, which offers a distinct contrast to the more well-known parts of Kreuzberg, such as Oranienstrasse and its surrounding areas.
Bergmannkiez is a neighborhood that boasts charming homes, a lively yet relaxed ambiance, and an abundance of cozy cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops. This area of Kreuzberg also has the unique distinction of being one of the few neighborhoods in Berlin that survived World War II without significant damage, which contributes to its old-world charm.
If you’re looking to explore a different side of Kreuzberg, be sure to take a stroll through Bergmannkiez and soak in its distinctive atmosphere!
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