As one of the most successful and vibrant capitals in Europe, Berlin, the capital of Germany never ceases to amaze visitors with its culture, history and alive atmosphere. Being a tour leader, a tour leader must know about the districts of the city very well to be able to provide an enriching and well rounded tour to your travelers. This guide will take you through the different districts in Berlin, so that you know what makes each one special and what sights you absolutely have to see.
1. Mitte: Where History Meets Modernity
Because Mitte is the central district of Berlin, it is a perfect place to start any tour. The city is a gift of nature and its name translates to “middle due to its position in the heart of the city.” For its equally historic sites of the iconic Brandenburg Gate and Berlin Cathedral, Mitte is famous.
Other than their historical landmarks, Mitte has a vibrant art scene. Of the 5 world class museums in Berlin, one is on Museum Island, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the Pergamon Museum and the Neues Museum. Many galleries and exhibitions scattered through the district will appeal to art lovers.
But don’t forget to take your travelers to Hackescher Markt, a lively square with trendy boutiques, cafes and restaurants. If you’re looking for a flavour of what’s on offer in Berlin’s modern culture and buzzing nightlife, this is the place for you.
Must-visit attractions in Mitte:
Brandenburg Gate
Museum Island
Berlin Cathedral
Hackescher Markt
Brandenburg Gate
Museum Island
Berlin Cathedral
Hackescher Markt
2. Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg: This can come under Bohemian Vibes or Alternative Culture.
Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg is Berlin’s edgier and more alternative side. It is a never-ending list of creative and countercultural catastrophes that make up this district, considered here (as Kreuzkölln, a mix of Kreuzberg and Neukölln, depending on whom you ask), a melting pot of this.
The East Side Gallery is a classic example of Friedrichshain Kereuzberg’s bustling street art scene above all. This open air gallery along the remains of the Berlin Wall features thought provoking murals from artists throughout the world.
If you want, you can even do shopping at a flea market at Boxhagener Platz, where you get vintage treasures, handmade crafts, sweet street food. Keep in mind, too to discover Görlitzer Park, a large green space that fills up with festivals and picnics and all sorts of community gatherings in the middle of summer.
Must-visit attractions in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg:
East Side Gallery
Boxhagener Platz flea market
Görlitzer Park
East Side Gallery
Boxhagener Platz flea market
Görlitzer Park
3. Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf: Elegance and Sophistication
Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf is the district to explore if you’re wanting to show off Berlin’s more exclusive and sophisticated fresco. Situated to the west of the city, it owes its wide boulevards, elegant architecture, and expensive boutiques to its designation as a reference district.
You just have to visit the grand Charlottenburg Palace. This is a beautiful Baroque masterpiece into the life of the Prussian royalty. Plenty of the beautiful surroundings then busy city.
To appease your travelers’ shopping spree, drag them to Kurfürstendamm, Berlin’s most famous shopping street. They can here browse high end fashion brands and department stores for flagship stores of luxury brands. Also, don’t forget Kaufhaus des Westens, the legendary KaDeWe, Europe’s largest department store.
Must-visit attractions in Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf:
Charlottenburg Palace
Kurfürstendamm
KaDeWe
Charlottenburg Palace
Kurfürstendamm
KaDeWe
4. Prenzlauer Berg: Hipster Haven and Family Friendly Charm
Once working class, Prenzlauer Berg is now Berlin’s most trendy borough. Bohemian with it’s numerous cafes, picturesque streets and became a very popular place both for locals and tourists.
Wherever you’re located in this district, you’ll find plenty of family friendly activities. If you’re a family traveler, a sunny afternoon spent on the Kollwitzplatz with the charming playgrounds, weekend markets, and all while meeting other travelers is as perfect a way to cap the day as it is to begin it. Don’t miss the Mauerpark, which boasts a Sunday flea market, karaoke sessions and more besides for a uniquely raucous time.
Because Prenzlauer Berg has its fair share of food enthusiasts, it’s dotted with a plethora of international restaurants, cozy bistros and artisanal coffee shops. Then take your travelers to Kastanienallee to try a superb brunch at one of the famous cafes or enjoy a taste The Middle East in the Turkish Market on Maybachufer.
Must-visit attractions in Prenzlauer Berg:
Kollwitzplatz
Mauerpark
Kastanienallee
Turkish Market on Maybachufer
Kollwitzplatz
Mauerpark
Kastanienallee
Turkish Market on Maybachufer
5. Neukölln: Multicultural Melting Pot
Among Berlin’s creative districts, Neukölln is multicultural, full of innovative ideas and a great food scene. Young professionals and artists these days are attracted to this area for cheap living spaces.
Noting the Tempelhofer Feld, a former airport that was converted into a vast public park one of Neukölln’s highlights. While travelers can rent bicycles or laze about to enjoy the unique atmosphere, they still have the option of strolling the runways simply due to the way this town has been laid out. Head to the Maybachufer Market for a taste of the district’s diverse culinary offerings of an international cuisine, as well as fresh produce.
Also in this area is the rich nightlife of Neukölln with many bars, clubs and live music venues to choose from. You might not want to miss our rooftop bar Klunkerkranich for some cocktails with excellent panoramic views of the city.
Must-visit attractions in Neukölln:
Tempelhofer Feld
Maybachufer Market
Klunkerkranich
Tempelhofer Feld
Maybachufer Market
Klunkerkranich
Berlin’s districts are as varied and beautiful as its own time, culture and creativity. Every district has a different character and provides something different from itself. As a tour leader, armed with this guide, you can make certain that all of your travelers really have the experience of a life time in Berlin.
Table of Contents