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Kreuzberg district, Berlin

6 Böcklerstraße, Berlin, Berlin

Description

Kreuzberg was one of Berlin's poorest districts up until the German reunification in 1990 but has since been undergoing significant gentrification and is best known for its large immigrant population and alternative lifestyle. The area was very rural until the 2nd half of the 19th century when the city's population started growing quickly in phase with increasing industrialization. Cheap housing was built which made it a popular district for immigrants such as the Ashkenazi Jews and, over the last decades, with Turkish people. The area has historically been home to Berlin's punk rock movement with famous venues such as SO36 and is also the centre of LGBTQ life and arts in the city.

Access & Transport

The U2, U6 and U8 underground lines all cover the area extensively with Kottbusser Tor (U1, US2, U3, U8) being the main public transport node of the district.

Instructions & Recommendations

There are actually several neighbourhoods in this district and several of them have good nightlife spots, so Kreuzberg really is interesting at any time of the day. We recommend combining a visit to the area with the Jewish Museum of Berlin, Checkpoint Charlie or Markthalle Neun (a popular indoor market).

Meta review

There are many blogs and websites covering the best things to do in the district and they put forward five key areas of interests: the street art and flea markets, the Turkish food and "third wave coffee" scene, the museums and galleries (Konig, Berlinische Galerie, Jewish Museum), the Landwehr Canal and the clubs / bars (SO36, Kotti area). The main drawbacks mentioned is that some areas are a little dodgy at night and that the attractions are spread out.

Environmental & Social

Very urban environment with a few green spaces. Not overly commercial, with many independent stores, and culturally diverse.

Conclusion

The Kreuzberg district is still on the rise and provides visitors with a distinct experience Vs the wealthier and less cosmopolitan parts of town. We would not recommend it as a must see for first time visitors except for urban explorers who enjoy the more gritty and countercultural parts of large cities.

Key positive

Some great food spots (Turkish and markets)

Independent boutiques, galleries and street art

Some trendy bars and night clubs

Key negative

Spread out - not all parts of the district are interesting

Some people may feel uncomfortable in specific neighbourhoods at night

Suitability

Suitable for all ages but best for adults and teenagers. Accessible for 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 30m

est. visit time:3h

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningNo

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightOk

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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