Showing posts with label Kulturbrauerei. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kulturbrauerei. Show all posts

Sunday, June 8, 2025

11 Weekend Markets in Berlin – Treasure Hunting in the Capital

11 Weekend Markets in Berlin – Treasure Hunting in the Capital

One of the best ways to soak up the local atmosphere in Berlin is by spending a weekend exploring its markets. From vintage finds and antiques to local art and gourmet street food, Berlin weekend markets offer something for everyone. Whether you're looking for unique souvenirs, rare collectibles, or simply a good cup of coffee with a side of people-watching, these spots are the place to be. Here's a roundup of some of the best weekend markets in Berlin to explore.


🎤 1. Mauerpark Flohmarkt – Berlin’s Most Famous Flea Market

If you only visit one flea market in Berlin, make it Mauerpark. Held every Sunday, this massive outdoor market in Prenzlauer Berg combines second-hand treasures, handmade crafts, and vintage fashion with a buzzing street food scene. You'll find everything from vinyl records and DDR memorabilia to upcycled furniture and retro cameras. Be sure to stick around for the legendary bearpit karaoke in the adjacent amphitheatre – a Berlin weekend ritual in itself.

📍 Where: Mauerpark, Bernauer Straße 63-64, 13355 Berlin
🕒 When: Sundays, 10:00–18:00


🛋️ 2. Arkonaplatz Flohmarkt – A Hidden Gem for Vintage Lovers

Just a short walk from Mauerpark is Arkonaplatz, home to a quieter and more curated flea market. This one is a favourite among locals and interior design enthusiasts thanks to its focus on mid-century modern furniture, old industrial lamps, and rare vintage pieces. It’s a great spot to browse if you're furnishing a flat in Berlin or just love classic design.

📍 Where: Arkonaplatz, 10435 Berlin
🕒 When: Sundays, 10:00–16:00


🎨 3. Artist Market at Museum Island – Where Creativity Meets Culture

Set against the stunning backdrop of Museum Island, this art market in Berlin is a feast for the eyes. Local artists and designers display and sell their paintings, prints, photographs, and handmade jewellery every weekend. It’s a great place to pick up original art and support Berlin’s creative scene – plus, it’s just steps away from world-class museums and the historic heart of the city.

📍 Where: Am Kupfergraben, across from Museum Island
🕒 When: Saturdays and Sundays, 11:00–17:00


🕰️ 4. Antique Market at Straße des 17. Juni – A Classic Berlin Market Experience

For lovers of antiques and collectibles, the Antique Market on Straße des 17. Juni is a must-visit. Nestled between the Tiergarten and the S-Bahn tracks at Tiergarten station, this traditional Berlin flea market is full of old books, porcelain, silverware, vintage cameras, and rare curiosities. It’s perfect for a slow Saturday stroll with a bit of treasure hunting on the side.

📍 Where: Straße des 17. Juni, near S-Bahn Tiergarten
🕒 When: Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00–17:00


🧩 5. Am Tacheles – A Contemporary Urban Market Space

A newer addition to Berlin’s market scene, Am Tacheles sits on the grounds of the former Tacheles art squat and has been transformed into a modern urban space. Expect a mix of designer pop-ups, curated food stands, art installations, and live music. It reflects Berlin’s ongoing transformation – edgy, stylish, and always in motion. Keep an eye out for special weekend events and seasonal markets here.

📍 Where: Oranienburger Straße 54–56, 10117 Berlin
🕒 When: Check online for weekend events and opening times


🍽️ 6. Markthalle Neun – Berlin’s Beloved Foodie Destination

While not a flea market, no list of weekend markets in Berlin is complete without mentioning Markthalle Neun. This historic indoor market in Kreuzberg is a haven for food lovers. On weekends, it plays host to Berlin’s best street food vendors, regional producers, and farmers. The weekly Breakfast Market (once a month on Sundays) is a favourite for trying everything from homemade pastries to Korean rice bowls and locally roasted coffee.

📍 Where: Eisenbahnstraße 42-43, 10997 Berlin
🕒 When: Open Tues–Sat; Street Food Thursday, Breakfast Market on select Sundays


🌳 7. Flohmarkt Marheinekeplatz – Kreuzberg’s Charming Flea Market

Tucked in the heart of Kreuzberg at the end of Bergmannstraße, Flohmarkt Marheinekeplatz is a weekend favourite among local Berliners. With a mix of antiques, fashion, children’s toys, vinyl, art, handmade crafts, bikes, books, records and DVDs, it’s a treasure trove for all tastes. A small playground and summertime fountain make it family-friendly, while nearby cafés and the historic Marheineke Markthalle offer great food options.

📍 Location: Marheinekeplatz (Bergmannstraße), Kreuzberg
🕒 When: Saturdays 10:00–16:00, Sundays 11:00–17:00 (summer) / until 16:00 (winter)


🛍️ 8. Nowkoelln Flowmarkt – Canal-Side Creative Finds

Every second Sunday at the Landwehr Canal, the Nowkoelln Flowmarkt blends vintage fashion, handmade goods, art, vinyl and street food in a relaxed, artsy setting. It’s a favourite for intimate finds and friendly chats — ideal for those looking beyond Mauerpark.

📍 Location: Maybachufer, Neukölln
🕒 When: Every second Sunday, 10:00–17:00 (seasonal)


🎨 9. Boxhagener Platz Market – Friedrichshain’s Eclectic Mix

One of Berlin’s top Saturday markets, Boxhagener Platz in Friedrichshain is a colourful hub of vintage clothing, quirky jewellery, handmade crafts and local bites. Its lively mood and hip surroundings reflect the creative energy of the former East Berlin.

📍 Location: Boxhagener Platz, Friedrichshain
🕒 When: Saturdays until 15:30


📚 10. Antique & Book Market at Bode Museum – Museum Island

Adjacent to the Bode Museum on Museum Island, this Antik- und Buchmarkt offers a treasure trove of rare books, vinyl records, art-handcrafts and curios—all in a historic riverside setting. A culture-rich counterpoint to the more bohemian markets.

📍 Location: Am Kupfergraben by Museum Island
🕒 When: Saturdays & Sundays, 11:00–17:00

Saturday, May 31, 2025

Hidden Gems Around Berlin Mitte – 11 Must-Visit Spots

11 Hidden Gems Around Berlin Mitte – 11 Must-Visit Spots

Berlin Mitte is the city’s vibrant heart, packed with famous landmarks. But beyond the tourist trails, there are plenty of hidden gems worth discovering. Here are 11 unique spots around Berlin Mitte where you can enjoy art, culture, history, and great food.


1. Heckmann Höfe
A peaceful courtyard oasis tucked away near Friedrichstraße, Heckmann Höfe is home to charming cafés, creative studios, and boutique shops. Try Café Heckmann for excellent coffee and pastries while soaking in the serene vibe away from the crowds.


2. Hackescher Höfe
A historic complex of interconnected courtyards filled with trendy boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. Don’t miss the Hackeschen Höfe, where you can explore contemporary art galleries and enjoy lively nightlife spots.


3. Boros Bunker
A unique contemporary art museum housed in a former WWII bunker, the Boros Bunker showcases cutting-edge installations and exhibitions by international artists. Tours are by appointment only, offering an exclusive glimpse into Berlin’s underground art scene.


4. Sophienstraße
This charming street combines cobblestone lanes with boutique shops and quaint cafés. Check out the Sophienkirche, or grab a bite to eat at SOFI Bakery, or 
SammyS Berliner Donuts. The Sophiensaele frequently host performances and art exhibitions. 


5. Babylon Cinema
One of Berlin’s oldest cinemas, Babylon Kino offers a blend of mainstream and art-house films, plus regular special screenings and film festivals. Its retro interior makes it a cultural hotspot for movie buffs.


6. Kulturbrauerei
A former brewery turned cultural complex, the Kulturbrauerei hosts concerts, theatre performances, and markets. Visit Soda Club for live music or check the calendar for the popular Christmas market during winter.


7. Pfefferberg
This historic brewery site in Prenzlauer Berg now houses art studios, a theatre, and several trendy bars and restaurants like Kantine Pfefferberg. It’s a lively spot blending creative culture with great food and drinks.


8. Wasserturm Prenzlauer Berg
An iconic water tower surrounded by leafy courtyards, the Wasserturm area features upscale apartments, boutique shops, and cafés. Stop by Wasserturm Café for a relaxed brunch in a historic setting.


9. Auguststraße
A street famous for contemporary art galleries such as KW and Neuer Berliner Kunstverein (n.b.k.). It’s a great area to explore Berlin’s dynamic art scene beyond the mainstream museums.


10. Museum Blindenwerkstatt Otto Weidt
A lesser-known museum dedicated to Otto Weidt, who protected blind and deaf Jews during WWII. This intimate museum near Rosenthaler Platz tells a powerful story of resistance and humanity.


11. Kunsthaus Tacheles
Once a squatted art center, Tacheles became a symbol of Berlin’s alternative art scene with vibrant murals, studios, and exhibitions. Though the original building was demolished it has since been redeveloped with new commercial and residential facilities. Fotografiska Berlin opened in 2023 and is a contemporary photography museum featuring rotating exhibitions, a rooftop bar, and a café. It’s a vibrant cultural hub blending modern art with Berlin’s rich creative history.


Berlin Mitte’s hidden gems offer a perfect mix of culture, history, and local flavor. Whether you’re craving great food, unique art, or quiet corners to relax, these spots will show you a different side of Berlin’s bustling center.

Friday, December 27, 2013

Weihnachten in Berlin

Merry Christmas everyone. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas celebration and are enjoying the last few days of 2013.
Greetings from N - (c) MJT
I am writing this post in order to share our Christmas experience in Berlin, the traditions that we have formed leading up to Christmas and for prosperity. Ironically we had some difficulty getting into the Christmas spirit this year, but we managed to put on our own ex-pat Christmas dinner regardless.

So the first task for putting us in the Christmas mood was to set up the Christmas Tree (O Tannenbaum) and decorations at the beginning of December. This is one of our traditions rather than common practice in Germany of decorating the tree as late as 24.12.

Weihnachtsbaum - (c) MJT
For a start, unlike most Berliners, we do not have a REAL tree. An assortment of Tannenbaum can be purchased on the streets, florists, supermarkets and pop-up tree yards. Our tree is plastic and is stored in the cellar for most of the year.

This year however we finally were organised in advance enough to purchase an advent wreath before the first advent, and the smell of fresh fir leaves are a very nice aroma of Christmas. 

Advent wreath and pyramid - (c) MJT
I was also very happy to finally have a Christmas Pyramid, which is a windmill like tiered structure, which spins via the heat from lit candles.

Something that has become quite a tradition for us is to visit the Jagdschloss Grunewald Christmas Market, which only opens for one weekend at the beginning of December. The hunting lodge castle is an half hour walk through the forest from the train station, but well worth it - plus N enjoys socializing with fellow canines. 
berlin-grunewald-schloss-weihnachtsmarkt
Our favourite Christmas Markets include Gendarmenmarkt (in front of the Konzerthaus Berlin), Lucia Weihnachtsmarkt at the Kulturbrauerei, Opernpalais (near the Staatsoper), Alexanderplatz around the fountain of Neptune and Charlottenburg Palace. 

www.gendarmenmarktberlin.de
http://lucia-weihnachtsmarkt.de
I believe it is important to remember the true meaning of Christmas and I find it quite irritating when people or institutions try to make Christmas politically correct, out of fear of offending people of non-Christian beliefs. It is Christ's Mass! Ergo I have endeavoured for a number of years now to attend midnight mass, and this year I felt particularly spiritually uplifted for doing so. 

(c) MJT
For the past three years we have attended midnight mass in the Berliner Dom on Heiligabend (Christmas Eve). This is also the most important day for celebrations in Germany - 24.12 is the public holiday!! There is something extra special I find, attending a service at Midnight to a packed Cathedral.



 
And then after returning home from Midnight Mass we opened presents and skyped relatives back in Australia (around 2-3am) before waking up ready for Christmas Lunch. 

We invited 12 other ex-pats to our Christmas, so the table and living room was indeed full. But we managed to fit everyone around for the lunch/dinner, and E and I prepared Turkey Wellington (thanks to Jamie Oliver - cranberries in the middle of the turkey breast, wrapped in pastry), Duck Orange (thanks to Lafayette), E's Tofu/Apricot Vegetarian Stuffing, Salmon steaks also wrapped in Pastry, plus the assortment of roast vegetables, salads, etc. 

E also prepared the traditional brandy-soaked Christmas Pudding, which we of course set on fire, plus some Chocolate/Rasberry Torts.
We made our own Glühwein and had a wonderfully time celebrating Christmas Day with friends. 
Who knows where we may be by next Christmas, but I feel like we have managed to build up some of our own traditions during our time in Berlin. 

Best wishes for the coming new year!!