Things to Do in Kreuzberg

Also known as Little Istanbul, Kreuzberg is one of the most alternative neighborhoods in the city. Far from being famous for its monuments or its history, you will find a mix of very different cultures, graffiti everywhere and endless stimuli that will make your experience something you will definitely remember.

If you are thinking about what to see and do in Berlin and want to know the true character of a city, join me in this guide to know everything you need.

The best of the alternatives when it comes to getting to know such a complex area of one of the favorite capitals in all of Europe, is with a guided tour of Berlin.

The city of Berlin has a different story in every corner, and many details that seem to us simply something beautiful, hide legends and secrets that are worth knowing. The tour will be led by an expert guide who will tell you everything you need to know about the German capital.

This visit to one of the best neighborhoods in Berlin will be much more organized if you choose the option of a guided tour, as it is quite extensive and it can be a bit difficult to choose the best way to spend your time in this charming city.

The tours last about 3 hours and cost from 15€ per person, including transfers. Moreover, you can take this tour in both English and Spanish.

The Jewish Museum Berlin opened its doors in 2001 in a building that represents a contemporary architectural masterpiece for the city, and is not to be missed. It is divided into two distinct parts: a baroque building of the eighteenth century and a contemporary building zigzagging shape.

You will be able to trace the history of the Jewish community from its beginnings in the Middle Ages to the present, a journey of complete discovery through more than 2,000 years of history. You will discover everything from the intimate life of the homes to the gripping and moving stories of migration and deportation.

You can also enjoy artistic interventions that I personally highly recommend. Don't miss it!

Interesting facts

• Location: Lindenstraße 9-14, 10178 Berlin, Germany.
• Hours: daily from 10am to 7pm.
• Admission: free of charge

When the Berlin Wall was built, there were few border crossings left where citizens could move between one part of divided Germany and the other.

Those privileged enough to visit the eastern part, albeit with many restrictions, had access through Checkpoint Charlie. Its innocent name had nothing to do with its real intentions and the reality of the time.

Fortunately, today, the story is very different and this site has become one of the most photographed points of the city of Berlin. You will be able to see the sign indicating "You are leaving the American sector", in commemoration of all the events I related above.

The Museum of the Topography of Terror was, in ancient times, the headquarters of the German State Police.

The museum's exhibition will provide you with information about Hitler's regime and his security apparatus. Some of these stories are truly chilling, as many opponents were subjected to interrogation and torture in this very building.

But what attracts most of the tourists who visit it, is the perfectly preserved piece of the Berlin Wall that is part of the exhibition, and that surely, you will not want to miss either.

Interesting facts

• Location: Niederkirchnerstraße 8, 10963 Berlin, Germany
• Hours: daily from 10 am to 8 pm.
• Admission: free

The Berlinische Gal erie is an excellent compilation of the art of the city of Berlin from the year 1870 to the present day. In case you didn't know, Berlin is a city known worldwide for its cultural diversity and artistic richness. Therefore, visiting this gallery is a unique opportunity to enjoy first class art.

There, you can find paintings, sculptures of all kinds, graphic arts, photographs and all kinds of art native to the city of Berlin.

But the Berlin Gallery is not only its permanent exhibition; you will also find music, cinema, and stores and places to take a break and have a coffee. A complete visit.

Interesting facts

• Location: Alte Jakobstraße 124-128, 10963 Berlin, Germany
• Opening hours: Wednesday to Monday from 10 am to 6 pm.
• Admission: 10 €, free for children under 18.

If you approach the river area, you can discover the Turkish market that is housed along the canal, very characteristic of this Berlin neighborhood.

The stalls of Maybachufer offer all kinds of products ranging from fruits and vegetables to fabrics, clothes and shoes. You will be able to find everything you can think of at very convenient prices, while living a completely authentic Turkish experience. You can also try some Turkish delicacies as you can find fast food stalls.

It is a good place to feel the Turkish culture, and live a little of the daily life of the community that has curiously found in this neighborhood its place in the middle of Germany.

Interesting facts

• Location: near the Schönleinstraße subway stop.
• Hours: Tuesday and Friday from 11 am to 6.30 pm.

If you want to know a little more about the daily life of the Berlin Turks, you can visit a mosque in the Kreuzberg district. These temples are generally characterized by their simple appearance, but some of them have a subtle but incredible decoration.

If you have never traveled in a country with Muslim customs, this is a perfect opportunity to know how this religion is, what is the prayer time you will hear and how are the mosques inside.

Remember to dress accordingly and respectfully before entering. You should cover your shoulders and hair if you are a woman.

If you want to visit something really original, don't miss the opportunity to visit the Künstlerhaus Bethanien: a former hospital that was taken over by squatters after its abandonment, and turned into an amazing cultural center.

In the 90's, there was a big squatting movement in the city of Berlin, and many people made this hospital and this neighborhood their home. At that time, the Kreuzberg neighborhood had almost no charm and its economic level was really very low. No Berliner wanted to live there.

With the passage of time, this area of the city has progressed a lot and today this cultural center is a perfect and very interesting place to go and see the exhibitions of the moment.

You can find anything from a movie to small concerts. You can also witness trainings of various disciplines such as circus or boxing. So varied is its cultural offer.

Berlin is a city known for its street art and graffiti, which are a complete work of art.

In Kreuzberg, punctually, we can find some of the best graffiti in Berlin. Some of them have already become mythical images of the city, as they are widely known because they have been in the city for quite some time.

Graffiti are not usually small or simple representations. In fact, some of them even occupy entire building facades. Strolling through the Kreuzberg district will feel like an open-air museum with free admission. Do not miss the opportunity to be surprised in each of its streets.

If you want more information, you can download the Berlin Street Art app on your phone and identify which ones are near you at all times.

Another option is to take one of the guided tours throughthe city of Berlin, definitely the best option to discover every corner of the city and its great artistic influence.

The canal is a fundamental part of the Kreuzberg neighborhood, as much of the daily life of the area is concentrated on the banks of the river. The banks are really a good place to enjoy some outdoor life, in a green space, and with a wide range of cafes, stores and restaurants.

In addition, you can see the most characteristic bridge of Berlin and a symbol of the union of East and West Berlin, the Oberbaumbrücke.

It was built in the late nineteenth century as a replacement for the old wooden bridge that served as a boundary between the municipalities of the city. Its details make it a truly unique construction. It is worth seeing it up close to appreciate its arches, coats of arms and all its decorative elements characteristic of the Gothic style of that time.

I recommend taking a cruise on the Berlin river, as you will have a preferential perspective of what was the division between the two parts of the city. The views are truly beautiful and the experience of cruising along the canals of Berlin is incomparable.

When visiting museums and attractions in the city of Berlin, the best option is to purchase your Berlin Pass. Depending on your itinerary and the number of days you visit the city, you can choose the option that best suits your preferences.

Also, you can check out the different itineraries of the best tourist buses in the city of Berlin, which will help you save time and better organize your trip to this amazing city.