There is Beauty in Neighbourhoods of Berlin
As much as Berlin is a city with a wonderful history that is still living in the contemporary society, the city is also another country divided into great neighbourhoods. Each of them may be considered as the district with special atmosphere, starting from more artistic Mitte and finishing with more bohemian Kreuzberg, and that provides a great opportunity to have a very interesting time in Berlin. That is why a free walking tour allows you to really get to know Berlin’s neighbourhoods and their unique atmosphere better.
Discovering Mitte: Should History and Modernity be Blended ?
The name Mitte, in German means ‘center’, and truly, this place is in the middle of Berlin and the perfect place to begin your walking tour. This is a nicely balanced neighbourhood where old and new structures intermingles beautifully. Take your beginning from the Brandenburg gate, a famous symbol of the city of Berlin. The perfect way to do this is while actually walking down Unter den Linden boulevard which is surrounded by great historical buildings such as the Berlin state opera house or the Humboldt university.
While walking, go to the Museum Island with five leading cultural institutions, such as the Pergamon Museum and the Neues Museum. Spend some time in Berlin Cathedral; this is one of the most beautiful examples of the architectural thought. If you find yourself walking through Mitte you are likely to meet art galleries, cafes, and various boutiques established there. Make sure you pay a visit to the Hackescher Markt, where today there is colorful graffiti and fashionable boutiques.
Immersing Yourself in Kreuzberg: Alternative Street Sounds and Graffiti
There would hardly be any traveler to Berlin who skips the electrifying spirit of Kreuzberg. This neighbourhood is famous for its bohemian, ethnic and stunning graffiti ambiance. You should begin your guided walking tour with Görlitzer Park – an inviting, colourful park filled with locals. When strolling through Kreuzberg, you are surrounded by new wave shops, cafes, galleries and bars in a wonderful random style.
Visit Oranienstraße, which orients on Kreuzberg’s main avenue and creates the overall atmosphere of the district. There are independent clothing stores, record shops and even one-off restaurants and bars here. Definitely check out the now famous Markthalle Neun – a former market hall that has been turned into a food lover’s paradise. Thursday is dedicated to the street food market where the smell of various treats is felt in the hall’s corridors.
If you do not have time to do a street art tour, you should definitely take some time to check out the amazing pieces scattered all around Kreuzberg. The outstanding feature about the neighbourhood is the lavish graffiti and murals illustrating artistic and rebellious nature. So as the East Side Gallery – a murals painted on the remaining segment of the Berlin Wall up to the present time, the alleys of Kreutzberg’s street art, every corner sends a message.
Experiencing Prenzlauer Berg: Disturbance and a scenic calbre of the charm.
Prenzlauer Berg, the northern district of Berlin has become famous for its artistic associations and beautiful streets. Over the years this neighbourhood has changed, it has become a fashionable and prosperous zone. The first starting point of your walk should be Kollwitzplatz which is a picturesque square with cafes and delightful shops.
Start walking down Kastanienallee, a typical street of Prenzlauer Berg as for many others filled with trendy shops: clothing, shoe, jewellery, accessory shops, and second-hand retailers showcasing great brands. Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting the numerous cafes where one can take a cup of coffee and watch the life on the streets.
Escape from city sidewalks and head to Mauerpark, a local park with beautiful walking paths, people having picnics, and listening to live music and the best-known Sunday flea market. Go to the amphitheater of the park and sing in the loudness of their hearts through the extended karaoke night.
Navigating Charlottenburg: Royal Families, their homes and Shopping Malls
Charlottenburg is the western district of Berlin and it has a classy demeanour to it. It is filled with beautiful palaces, fine shops, and an interesting background. Any walking tour you are going to take has to begin in Charlottenburg Palace – a massive Baroque palace complete with a stunning garden.
Visit the Ku’damm, or Kurfürstendamm, one of the finest shopping streets in Europe and shop at the fine department stores and elegant specialty shops. This giant food and retail paradise should not be missed, a walking tour through the KaDeWe department store, one of the largest in Europe with a famous food market.
Charlottenburg also has the groovy “Savignyplatz”, a lot of places for coffee, food and more cute book shops. This artistic district is one of the best places from where you can take some time off and enjoy the calmness of the area.
Conclusion
You might want walking around Berlin’s vibrant districts discovering the true essence of the city’s life and history without paying for it. Regardless whether one likes the traditional side of Mitte or grunge feeling of Kreuzberg, or artistic spirit of Prenzlauer Berg or sophistication of Charlottenburg, there is something for everyone. The Berlin walk and talk is designed to take you off the tourist trail and help you understand the real essence of Berlin.
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