A city that is alive and brimming with so much, Berlin has so much to offer in terms of attractions, neighbourhoods and experiences. Like any major city, you will see areas to avoid as a visitor. Berlin is a huge city and you know if it’s for safety reasons or overcrowding or no tourist attraction, but it’s good to know which area should you steer clear of and enjoy your stay safely and smoothly. In this article I will explore some of what is usually avoided in Berlin and with some information you can make decision on how to spend your visit there.
Schöneweide: District Under Transformation
Schöneweide is a district in the southeastern part of Berlin that’s undergoing a lot of change. It may not be dangerous in itself, however it’s an area with not very appealing to people for one reason or another as it is located in an industrial place where there are no obvious tourist sites. Schöneweide is a residential and industrial area; its industrial architecture is characterized by factories and warehouses. It’s bad because there’s nothing much to the atmosphere or cultural landmarks, as it doesn’t have anywhere near as much as other parts of the city. If you are looking for a less ‘touristy’ experience though, you might want to steer your focus away from other districts in Berlin.
Kottbusser Tor: Exercise Caution in Kreuzberg
The district in whose centre Kreuzberg sits is popular for its multicultural vibe, alternative scene and wild nightlife. But the area around Kottbusser Tor, a square in Kreuzberg in the heart of Kreuzberg, is a little bit more difficult to navigate for visitors. Yet, in this sector, it is best not to take too many chances during late hours because this part of Berlin is, let’s say, one of the places with the highest crime rate in the city. That doesn’t mean you should avoid Kreuzberg altogether, but being on high alert and wary of your surroundings can still help you have a safer visit to this vibrant neighborhood.
Alexanderplatz: A Crowded Tourist Hub
Berlin’s central square and transportation hub is sometimes called “Alex” or Alexanderplatz. Of course, it’s a big deal, but it’s notoriously overcrowded, especially during the tourist seasons. Some visitors find the buzz of the large number of tourists that flood the area to be overwhelming. Furthermore, shopping centers and commercial buildings take over the square, but not necessarily in terms as important for the cultural and historical reasons as for other parts of the city. Berlin is so big, if you don’t want maximum crowds, then you may explore other areas of Berlin.
Gesundbrunnen: Proceed with Caution
In recent years, the area around Gesundbrunnen, in the northern part of Berlin, has been undergoing transformation. Although it’s developing, there are patches around that aren’t quite as welcoming to tourists yet. While Gesundbrunnen is great to explore, many of the streets and parks present may be the areas to avoid during nights. Given how much there is to see and do in Berlin, being aware of your surroundings and always practicing safety within any public space is always a good idea.
Conclusion
Of course, you need to acknowledge where it might be worth skipping as a visitor to Berlin, but it is also important to realize that there are many, many great neighborhoods and attractions waiting to be discovered in Berlin. And if you stay informed, use caution when warranted and draw attention to the city’s vibrant and culturally rich sections, you can have an great and memorable stay in this amazing city.
