Living in Berlin

Sleepless in Berlin

365/24 – this is the slogan of the city that never sleeps, the city where is always something going on, the city that has a lot to offer and the city that is worthwhile visiting. No matter what time of day, no matter what time of year. In the capital city there are attractions nearly everywhere. Starting with the popular sights: the Brandenburg Gate, the Triumphal Column, the television tower at Alexanderplatz, the Museum Island, the Hackeschen Höfe and the Reichstag building. Further interesting places are ‘Tempelhofer Feld’ (former location of the Berlin Tempelhof Airport), the Stasi prison in Hohenschönhausen, the Thaipark or the Eastside Gallery. The metropolis represents a fascinating connection between futuristic modernity and historical sites. In Berlin many places tell their own story. Classic specialties of Berlin are currywurst and a beer called ‘Berliner Weisse’. This fizzy beer is mixed with raspberry sirup or woodruff sirup – a green or red colored, very popular summer drink. In Berlin there are many small stores which are always open, called ‘Spätkauf’ or ‘Späti’. These shops offer anything a person could possibly need anytime. Traditionally all natives of Berlin have the gift of the gab, known as the ‘Berliner Schnauze’ – they are authentic, original and upfront.

Popular neighborhoods in Berlin

Prenzlauer Berg

A large district in Berlin is Prenzlauer Berg. It is the opposite of an elegant neighborhood. Visitors experience authenticity and inventiveness in the so-called ‘Prenzl Berg’. Because of beautiful streets and many old buildings, Prenzlauer Berg became very popular among young people and families with children. Several artists moved there to open up their own galleries. Prenzlauer Berg offers its inhabitants many possibilities to live a trendy and relaxed way of life: small boutiques, casual clubs, interesting record shops or cafés with vegan products only. All of that enjoys great popularity. There are two must-dos in Prenzlauer Berg: a walk through Mauerpark and strolling on Schönhauser Allee. The oldest currywurst snack in Eastern Berlin is located there: ‘Konnopke’s Imbiss’.

Kreuzberg

The multicultural, colored district is situated in the South of Berlin. After the Second World War the rental prices were very low, because a large part of Kreuzberg was in a poor condition. Many artists, students and immigrants moved there. An alternative lifestyle evolved in Kreuzberg that is reflected by the population until today. Kreuzberg, also known as X-Berg, is a trendy district that shows a broad range of hip pubs, relaxed cafés and also restaurants and snacks with cuisine from all over the world. There is modern street art at almost every corner. Well known places in Kreuzberg are the ‘Kottbusser Tor’, ‘Görlitzer Park’ and ‘Viktoriapark’ up on the hill ‘Kreuzberg’ – the highest elevation of Berlin.

Neukölln

Once Neukölln was a problem district, but today Neukölln’s image has been improved. Many students enjoy affordable living costs there. They are living in flats in old buildings with beautiful stucco on the walls surrounded by cool pubs. People from over 150 different countries live in Neukölln. With a population of 328.000 inhabitants Neukölln is the size of a German metropolis and has a higher population than Bonn. Because of its international flair Neukölln provides an unbelievable variety of restaurants with different cuisines. Neukölln is growing fast. New pubs and hip vintage stores are opening up constantly. Interesting places in Neukölln are the ‘Reuterkiez’ with a unique club scene, the big public park ‘Hasenheide’ and the former brewery of the beer ‘Kindl Bier’ which displays an art collection today.