About our holiday apartments in Prenzlauer Berg and Friedrichshain

A little bit of history

Prenzlauer Berg developed into a busy working-class district in Berlin in the 19th century, which can still be seen today in the restored tenement houses with artistic stucco details and balconies adorned with flowers. Fortunately, most of the apartment buildings in the Prenzlauer Berg have survived the war relatively intact.

The converted factories made of red brick, which can be admired in various places in the neighborhood, e.g. in the Kulturbrauerei, also give a historical touch to this kiez. A century later, the district became famous as the home of GDR poets, intellectuals and dissidents who gathered around Köllwitzplatz, a triangular-shaped park named after the anti-war activist and leftist artist Käthe Köllwitz.

Today, instead of grey, shabby apartment buildings, there are swings and trees shading a small playground and tables and chairs have been set up by cafes and bars along the streets and invite you to linger. The once bohemian, left-wing district is now affluent and chic, but the area retains some of its old untamed charm, especially along Schönhauser Allee, Oderbergerstrasse, Kastanienallee and Danziger Strasse.

On Thursdays and Saturdays there are markets worth seeing on Kollwitzplatz with stalls selling handmade and organic products and inviting you to taste gourmet food.

Water tower

Just next door to the Kollwitzplatz, there is a square with a brick water tower which once served as one of the city's first concentration camps. Today, restaurants line the square and parents bring their kids to enjoy a spacious playground with fun trampolines. The park next to the water tower is raised and offers a nice view over Berlin.

Directly opposite of the water tower, you will find Umami, our favourite Asian restaurant in Berlin, it is beautifully decorated with lanterns and has deck chairs in the summer which overlook the square.

Mauerpark

A must see when you stay in our Airbnb rentals in Prenzlauer Berg is to visit Berlin’s famous Mauerpark flea market on a sunny Sunday. The city's largest flea market takes place every Sunday in the now updated and improved park which runs on the site of the former Berlin Wall. Here you can find everything from antique furniture to handmade jewellery and unique prints and photos. In summer there are several "beach bars" with music, where you can drink a beer and eat something delicious on a deck chair. The park attracts many street musicians and performers, barbecuing families and all sorts of people from all over Berlin, who celebrate a freedom and laissez-faire atmosphere that is unique for this city.

If you want to visit a flea market after the Mauerpark, the flea market on Arkonaplatz is just a stroll away. But don't be late, it only opens on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Kulturbrauerei

A visit to the Kulturbrauerei is also worthwhile and walking distance from all of our Prenzlauer Berg holiday apartments. The former brewery has been converted into a culture, entertainment and shopping centre, including a multi-screen cinema. There is also a free museum on the history of the GDR with an exhibition on everyday life. Inside the Kulturbrauerei there are a number of signs explaining the history of the old brewery buildings.

Northern Prenzlauer Berg

If you have the time, you should also explore the northern part of Prenzlauer Berg with its lively streets around another classic Prenzlauer Berg square, Helmholzplatz. It borders on Lynchener Strasse, Raumer Strasse, Duncker Strasse and Lette Strasse and is well stocked with shops and café-restaurants. Here you will also find some bars for a relaxing evening. Also located in northern Prenzlauer Berg (Prenzlauer Allee 80) is one of Berlin's three planetrairums, the Zeiss planetarium, which offers informative guided tours to the stars.