'''Pankow''' is a district of Berlin. In 2001 the three former districts of '''Prenzlauer Berg''', '''Weissensee''' and '''Pankow''' were combined to form the new Pankow district. Of these, by far the most interesting place for tourists is Prenzlauer Berg (called sometimes ''Prenzlberg''). This former district has changed considerably since Reunification, transforming from deserted apartment houses into a lively area for students, artists, and young people - if they or their parents can afford it. Rents have risen extremely in the last years. Usually empty apartments nowadays in this area aren't rented out but sold away, transformed into luxurious lofts or hostel rooms. The former '''Pankow''' on the other hand is a very green, middle-class district with a laid-back atmosphere and some minor sights for tourists. Weisensee, too, is a largely residential district.

Get in

Car

The best and fastest way to get into Prenzlauer Berg is either the U-Bahn Eberswalder Strasse or the S-Bahn Schonhauser Allee. To get into Pankow, get out at S-Bahn/U-Bahn station '''Pankow'''.

See

There are only a few minor sights and museums to explore in Prenzlauer Berg. Of some interest is the atmosphere in the streets, sitting down in a nice cafe and watching the hip crowds go by.

  • The '''Kulturbrauerei''' is an ex-brewery and sort of a small city of its own (with nice brick architecture) with restaurants, shops, and different cultural establishments (see below).
  • The '''synagogue''' in the backyard of an apartment house in Rykestrasse 53 is one of the biggest in Germany.
  • The first (and one of the biggest) '''water tower''' of Berlin (built 1877) is located at Rykestrasse, corner Knaackstrasse.
  • The '''Gethsemanekirche''' was the meeting point of one of the leading oppositions against the GDR regime and is a great Neogothic church. Also the only ecumenical Lord's supper with Protestants and Catholics together took place in the Gethsemanekirche (2003).
  • Do

  • . Nearly everywhere the clubs and bars are open till at least 5 o'clock (on weekends).

  • The '''KulturBrauerei''' is a complex that was once a brewery. There you can find the Jazz Cafe, the SODA restaurant where you can enjoy a fine meal of insects, and some clubs, Club 23, nbi and frannz. The [http://www.kulturbrauerei-berlin.de/ KulturBrauerei] also has several cinemas showing alternative movies, the Kesselhaus concert house, and one of the best shop for instruments in Berlin, the "Sound and Drumland". To get there, get off at U-bahn Station Eberswalder Strasse.
  • '''Mauerpark''', at the end of the Eberswalder Str., was once a piece of the Berlin wall. Today in the summer it is a nice place to be, especially for young people.
  • '''Kastanienallee''' and '''Oderberger Strasse''', nice streets with lots of little shops. Nice cafes to sit outside in the summer and watch people pass by.
  • '''Helmholtzplatz''', little park with cafes and restaurants surrounding it
  • '''Kollwitzplatz''', small nice park with cafes and a great market on Saturday, there is an extensive selection of food (a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach.)
  • Get you hair cut for 12 Euros at '''Kopfgeldjager''', Stargarder Strase 76
  • Visit the '''Jewish Cemetery''', Schonhauser Allee 23-25, U-bahn station Senefelder Platz
  • '''Schoenholzer Ehrenmal''' A gigantic Soviet Monument worth a visit!
  • Buy

    Bookshops and Record Stores

  • '''Dense''', Danziger Str. 16. Electronic music.
  • '''Club Sound Records''', Eberswalderstr. 32. Techno.
  • '''Da Capo''', Kastanienallee 96. 2nd Hand, Rock, Pop.
  • '''Hip-Hop-Records''', Schonhauser Allee 49. Hip Hop.
  • '''Vopo Records''', Danziger Strasse 31. Punk, Rock.
  • Clothing

  • '''"Princigalli"''', Stargarder Strasse 67. Quality shoes and cosmetics for ladies.
  • '''"Who Killed Bambi?"''', Lychener Strasse 8. Colourful Tops, Bags & Things.
  • '''Sgt.Peppers''', Kastanienallee 91-92. 70's Second Hand.
  • '''UGLY''', Eberswalderstrasse 26. Unique Design Classics.
  • '''Pauls Boutique''', Oderbergerstr. 47. Sneakers.
  • '''Eisdieler''', Kastanienallee. Sneakers.
  • '''Flagshipstore''', Oderberger Strasse 53. Mon-Sat noon - 8PM.
  • '''Hit In TV''', Oderberger Strasse ''(near Mauer Park)''. Tue-Fri noon-7PM, Sat noon-6PM.
  • Fleamarkets

  • '''Mauerpark''', Bernauer Strase 63-64, 10435 Berlin, tram-station M10 or bus 247 "wolliner strasse" great sunday flea market for vintage clothing, furniture, rare vinyl; not many professionals. A typical Berlin experience Open sunday 07:00-17:00
  • '''Eurofloh-Markt''', Berliner Str. 80-82, 13189 Berlin, former Schultheiss-Brauerei (brewery), (U2 - Vinetastrasse, Tram 23,24,50,52,53) Open daily 10:00-18:00 [http://www.antik-restposten.de/]
  • '''Rosenthal Flohmarkt''', Kopenhagener Str. 79-81, 13158 Berlin, (S-Bahn Wilhelmsruh) Open sat + sun 7:00-14:00
  • Eat

    Prenzelberg is very popular with students and other budget-conscious people but in recent years the area (especially around Kollwitzplatz) has been developed which has attracted more upmarket restaurants. In other words, check the menu before you sit down.

  • '''Konnopkes Imbiss''', Schonhauser Allee 44a (''U-Bahn station Eberswalder Strasse under the tracks''). Famous for their "Currywurst" and truly does sell the best curry sausage you can find. A local would ask for a "Curry mit 'ner Schrippe" (a Currywurst with a roll). Open Mo-Fr 6:00 - 20:00.
  • '''Malzcafe''', Knaackstr. 99, tel. 030-440 47 227. Good modern German kitchen for budget travellers with some good veggie choices. Famous with locals.
  • '''Kauf Dich glucklich''', Oderbergerstr. 44. European kitchen, very hip and in.
  • '''Neugruns Koche''', Schonhauser Allee 135a, tel. 030-440 12 092. Modern German kitchen with daily changing menus. Opens at 6pm.
  • '''Berliner Currywurst & Coffeeshop''' Knaackstrasse.98 Direkt An der Kulturbrauerei Tel. 0171/2891768 finest German food www.currywurst-coffeeshop.de
  • '''Kleine Eiszeit''', Stargarder Strasse ''(opposite of Gethsemane Church)''. The best ice-cream in Prenzlauer Berg, expect a long queue, closed in Winter.
  • '''Prater''', Kastanienallee. A beer garden with a restaurant under shady chestnut trees. The oldest beer garden in Berlin.
  • '''Eckstein''', Pappelallee ''(corner of Raumerstrasse)''. Good food, nice salads, reasonable prices.
  • '''Fellas''', Stargarderstrasse, [http://www.fellas-berlin.de]. Excellent cafe, huge breakfasts, great coffee, free wireless internet.
  • '''Bangkok Treffpunkt''', Prenzlauer Allee 46. Thai Restaurant. Excellent service, open until 23.00. Extremely highly recommended for value and food quality by many in the tourist scene. Has same prices as in 1996. [http://www.bangkok-treffpunkt.de]
  • Drink

    Bars and Cafes

  • '''Morgenrot''', Kastanienallee, [http://www.cafe-morgenrot.de/]. Alternative cafe serving vegetarian and vegan food, quite a recommended place for people interested in squats and related issues.
  • '''Schwarz-Sauer''', Kastanienallee. Very popular bar with a local and international student crowd. Open until 6AM.
  • '''Wohnzimmer''', Lettestrasse ''(corner of Schliemannstrasse)'', [http://www.wohnzimmer-bar.de/]. The first 'trendy' bar in this part of Prenzlberg and still very popular. Serves breakfasts and is open late.
  • '''Intersoup''', Schliemannstrasse 31. Small bar that fills quickly; serving spicy Indonesian-inspired soups. Often has live DJs.
  • '''Cafe MIA''', Pappelallee 58, [http://www.cafe-mia.de/]. The first smoke-free cafe in Prenzlberg. Very children friendly and serves good breakfasts and drinks.
  • '''Cafe & Restaurant Berlin''', Gleimstrasse 24, [http://www.pension-guesthouse-berlin.de/]. Daily fresh & delicious breakfast buffet for 4,50?
  • '''Luxus bar''', Belforterstrasse. Great small bar, nice with bricks and an aquarium, looks like an old meat store, can be crowded, excellent music
  • '''Zu Mir Oder Zu Dir''', Lychener Str. 15, [http://www.zumiroderzudir.com/]. Everyday from 7pm till late. Very relaxed atmosphere, genuine 70ies interior and excellent drinks, the prices are fair and the bartenders are nice. Music changes from soul to electro.
  • '''Kulturbrauerei''', [http://www.kulturbrauerei-berlin.de/kulturbrauerei/20_ENGLISCH/location.php]. Close to U-Station Eberswalder Strasse in a former brewery are located several bars. Most famous is the Soda Club with an excellent bar.
  • '''Al Hamra''', Raumer Strasse 16, relaxed Mediterranean/Arabic style bar cafe serving good food, with occasional music and movies, has a separate smoking section [http://www.alhamra.de/].
  • '''Kakao''', Dunckerstrasse 10, popular cafe and bar specializing in chocolate, ran by the chocolate shop next door. Has a great view of Helmholtzplatz and possibly the best hot chocolate in Berlin. [http://www.kakao.biz/].
  • Clubs

  • '''NBI''', Schonhauser Allee 36, [http://www.neueberlinerinitiative.de/]. Nice, small club, not really for dancing, with friendly people and live sets. Usually electro or minimal music, as well as indie pop/rock nights.
  • '''frannz''', Schonhauser Allee 36, [http://www.frannz.de]. A relaxed pop/rock club in Kulturbrauerei, also with live music.
  • '''Dunckerclub''', Dunckerstr. 64. Alternative, Hardrock, Independent.
  • '''Magnet''', Greifswalder Str. 212/213, [http://www.magnet-club.de/]. Alternative. Some indie concerts and club nights. Take care, there is also a FC Magnet Bar in Veteranenstrasse, which is a cool place, too.
  • '''Icon''', Cantianstrasse 15, [http://www.iconberlin.de/]. Highly popular (and for good reason) basement club near Eberswalder Strasse U-Bahn station. DnB, electro, house, hip-hop. Surprisingly popular on Tuesday nights with cheap entry. Saturdays are "Recycle" DnB night. Unpretentious yet cool crowd.
  • '''Dr Pong''', Eberswalder Strasse 21. A typically Berlin style club where you can play table tennis and drink cheap beer, very friendly place.
  • '''Bastard''', Kastanienallee, next to Prater Beer garden. Mostly punk, ska and alternative music.
  • '''Knaack''', Greifswalder Strase 224, [http://www.knaack-berlin.de/]. Former communist youth center. Three floors with different music and hosts live concerts.
  • Sleep

    Budget

  • '''Alcatraz Backpacker Hostel''', Schonhauser Allee 133a (''U-Bahn: Eberswalder Str.''), tel. ''+49'' 30 4849 6815 (fax: ''+49'' 30 4849 68 17), [http://www.alcatraz-backpacker.de]. Double Rooms start at ?21 per person, dormitory starts at ?12. Centrally located in Prenzlauer Berg, a district with a lot of bars, clubs, stores and cafes. Really good atmosphere!
  • '''Corner''', Driesener Str. 17 (''U-/S-Bahn: Schonhauser Allee''), tel. ''+49'' 30 4373 4353 (fax: ''+49'' 30 4373 4206, email: corner-hostel@t-online.de), [http://www.corner-hostel.de]. 2-bed rooms start at ?20 per person, sleeping hall starts at ?14.
  • '''Generator Hostel Berlin''', Storkower Str. 160 (''S-Bahn: Landsberger Allee''), tel. ''+49'' 30 417 240 0 (fax: ''+49'' 30 417 240 80, berlin@generatorhotels.com), [http://www.generatorhostels.com/berlin]. 2-Bed rooms start at ?20 per person, sleeping hall starts at ?10.
  • '''Transit Loft''', Immanuelkirchstr. 14 (''U-Bahn: Senefelderplatz''), tel. ''+49'' 30 4849 3773 (fax: ''+49'' 30 4405 1074, email: loft@hotel-transit.de), [http://www.transit-loft.de]. 2-Bed Rooms start at ?71.50/room, Sleeping hall starts at ?15 per person. Transit, Hagelberger Str. 53-54 (Kreuzberg) is also part of this hostel chain.
  • '''Lette'm Sleep''', Lettestr. 7, tel. ''+49'' 30 4473 3623 (fax: ''+49'' 30 4473 3625, email: info@backpackers.de), [http://www.backpackers.de]. 2-Bed Rooms start at ?24 per person, Sleeping hall starts at ?15, U-Bahn Eberswalder Strase
  • '''Unterkunft in Berlin''', Immanuelkirchstr. 34 (''Tram M2: to Knaackstr from Alexanderplatz''), tel. ''+49'' 30 4849 6466 (email: info@unterkunft-in-berlin.de), [http://www.unterkunft-in-berlin.de/eng/index.html]. Inexpensive, central and quiet situated room. Single ?35, double ?44/room, triple ?51/room, pre-arrangement is necessary.
  • '''Apartments''' [http://www.all-berlin-apartments.com/] The service provides online booking system
  • Bed and Breakfast and Apartments. 49 30 440 481 08. ttp://www.bandb-ring.de/. 2-100?. nfo@bandb-ring.de. More than 100 private accommodations like apartments and private rooms

    Midrange

  • '''City Guesthouse Pension Berlin''', Gleimstrasse 24, tel. +49 30 448 079 2, [http://www.pension-guesthouse-berlin.de/]. Located centrally near the Alexander Place in Berlin Prenzlauer Berg, all guest rooms (en suite) are equipped to a consistently high standard.
  • Apartments Berlin. ethsemanestrase 4. 49-30-700 173 048. ttp://www.only-apartments.com/apartments-berlin.html. nfo@only-apartments.com. vacation rental in a good location in Berlin

  • Berlin Apartment. elforter Str. 20, 10405 Berlin. ram M2 from Alexanderplatz until Metzer Str.. 49-30-484 964 69. ttp://www.gritta.de/ferienwohnung-berlin/. 0-105?. between Alexanderplatz and Kollwitzplatz, vacation apartments (1-4 guests)

  • Serviced Apartments in Berlin. erviced Apartments in Berlin. oenigin Luise Apartments, Weisensee, Berlin. 44 20 8630 7200. mail@silverdoor.co.uk. ttp://www.silverdoor.co.uk/serviced-apartments/berlin. Serviced apartments in Weisensee, for business and leisure travellers.

  • Berlin Luxury Apartment. Prenzlauer-Berg. 46-8-55922385. ttp://www.110apartments.com/new/en/property/view/berlin/luxiory_apartment/444. 0-90?. nfo@110apartments.com. Berlin vacation apartments 1-3 people for rent