logo
ic_menu

Alt-Berlin & Nikolaiviertel neighbourhood

21 Rathausstraße, Berlin, Berlin

Description

Alt-Berlin ("Old Berlin") is, together with old Cölln (Fischerinsel - the southern part of Museum Island), the historical heart of Berlin, extending north from the Spree River until around Alexanderplatz. The two towns were first mentioned in the 13th century and merged in 1307, maintaining the name of Berlin and participating in the Hanseatic League. Nikolaiviertel is at the very center of Alt-Berlin and has managed to keep its medieval alley and the city's oldest church: Nicholas' Church, a late Romanesque Basilica built around 1230. The neighbourhood has many restaurants and beer gardens and is very popular with tourists.

Access & Transport

The underground station of Rotes Rathaus (U5) is the closest to Nikolaiviertel but Klosterstraße (U2) and Alexanderplatz (U2, U5, U8, trams M4, M5, M6, suburban trains S3, S5, S7, S9 and regional lines) serve Alt-Berlin. The area is within walking distance of highlights of the city.

Instructions & Recommendations

This activity is best combined with museums on Museum Island, Alexanderplatz, the DDR Museum or the Berlin TV Tower.

Meta review

For many reviewers, Nikolaiviertel is their favourite part of Berlin, a complete change of atmosphere from the surroundings of Alexanderplatz. The Nicholas Church and medieval looking streets are the highlights of the neighbourhood. There are some visitors for whom the reconstructed area feels too artificial and a bit of a crowded tourist trap.

Environmental & Social

Very urban environment with a couple of parks. Socially neutral

Conclusion

The Alt-Berlin and in particular the Nicholas Quarter stand out in the city as the closest to an Altstadt ("Old Town") and remind visitors that Berlin has a very long history but unfortunately the damages from WW2 were extensive and only a small area has been reconstructed in its original look. It is thus unsurprising that it feels a bit touristy but we'd rather it to be the case than having no medieval section at all! We would thus highly recommend a visit to the neighbourhood to anybody who enjoys the charm of old towns.

Key positive

The only part of the city with a medieval feel

The Neptunbrunnen and Nikolaikirchplatz are worth seeing

Key negative

Can feel quite touristy and a little inauthentic

Suitability

Suitable for all ages and visitors with reduced mobility.

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

May 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 20m

est. visit time:2h 15m

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightOk

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. For a complete overview of all cookies used, please see MORE INFORMATION.