What To See In Kreuzberg, Berlin

Libby Ryan

Berlin is uber cool. So cool that you would be right to worry that everyone hanging out there is cooler than you. That might be just because they’re in Berlin. But you can go to Berlin and hang with the cool kids in Kreuzberg, one of Berlin’s most hipster neighborhoods.

Expect street art, funky boutiques, tiny cafes, punk bars and lots of locals buzzing around on their bikes in effortlessly perfect outfits. Kreuzberg also has the most Turkish residents outside of Turkey itself, meaning you’re in for great food and a plethora of it.

Where To Eat

Libby Ryan

Cafes

Third-wave coffee culture (you know, the kind you like with the latte art) is all over the place in Kreuzberg. We love Nest, a nature-themed, fresh ingredient-filled cafe right next to Gorlitzer Park. If you want just java, try Five Elephant.

German Food

For a very no-frills German experience, try Henne. You can’t Instagram this one (no photos allowed), but you can order a delicious fried half-chicken (the classic here). Brachvogel is a beirgarten-meets-bistro spot located right on Kreuzberg’s water feature, the Landwehrkanal. Expect schnitzel and spaetazle (dumplings), as well as more familiar dishes. And we know something called Curry 36 doesn’t seem German, but it’s the best bet for trying German favorite currywurst in the neighborhood.

Mediterranean And Middle Eastern Food

You can find some epic Turkish food in Kreuzberg, but some of the best is at La Femme. It’s best for a casual brunch, filling up on eggs with peppers and spices and Turkish baked potatoes. Hasir has more intense productions, with giant portions cooked on an open-air grill and clay oven.

Looking for a kebab with some bragging rights? Mustafa’s is your answer. It’s famous for being one of the best in Berlin and the line backs up its claim.

Where To Drink

Libby Ryan

Beer And Wine

When in Germany, you have to get a brew at a beer garden. It’s a rule. And in Kreuzberg, your best bet is Brauhaus Sudstern. It’s not a sweeping, huge Oktoberfest-style beer garden — it’s cozier. But that’s why we like it.

One of the first solely craft beer bars in Berlin, Hopfenreich is for the hipsters who want to choose from 22 taps and sip with other big beer fans. For those who would rather geek out about wine, Ottorink is your spot. It’s bites and wines at affordable prices. What more can you want?

Cocktails

Wuergeengel covers the basic cocktail list and then goes far beyond to mix champagnes with all sorts of delicious things. Its bartenders also do some major things with gin. For a little racier experience, go to Prinzipal. You’ll find burlesque shows and creative cocktails named for artists and famous women.

What To See

Libby Ryan

Markets

The trendy Markthalle Neun hosts different themed markets. Thursdays are Street Food Thursdays, every third Sunday of the month is the Breakfast Market and once every couple months, the entire market is all about sweet snacks (Naschmarkt), from chocolate to cookies to macaroons.

There’s also the Turkish market, a giant street market filled with Turkish food and some crafts. It’s about as close as you can get to Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar while still remaining in continental Europe.

Street Art

You don’t have to try hard to find great street art and murals in Kreuzberg. In fact, you’d be more hard-pressed to find a block of the neighborhood lacking bright decorations on the buildings. The stretch of Kreuzberg near Gorlitzer Park is especially colorful.

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