Alt-Berlin & Nikolaiviertel neighbourhood
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Nikolaiviertel - by Nina Christine Schwarz from Pixabay
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.
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
av. transport time:0h 20m
est. visit time:2h 15m
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightOk
Night – aft. midnightNo