Things to Do in Kreuzberg

Also known as Little Istanbul, Kreuzberg is one of the city's most alternative neighbourhoods. Far from being famous for its monuments or history, you'll find a mix of very different cultures, graffiti everywhere and a host of stimuli that will make your experience one to remember.

If you're thinking about what to see and do in Berlin and want to get to know the true character of a city, join me in this guide to find out all you need to know.

The best way to get to know such a complex area of one of Europe's favourite capitals is with a guided tour of Berlin.

The city of Berlin has a different history in every corner, and many details that seem simply beautiful to us, 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 Berlin' s best neighbourhoods will be much more organised if you choose the guided tour option, 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.

Tours last around 3 hours and cost from €15 per person, including transfers. You can take this tour in both English and Spanish.

The Jewish Museum Berlin opened 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 very distinct parts: an 18th-century Baroque building and a contemporary building with a zigzagging shape.

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

You will also be able to enjoy artistic interventions that I personally highly recommend. Don't miss it!

Interesting facts

• Location: Lindenstraße 9-14, 10178 Berlin, Germany.
• Opening 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 be able to visit the eastern part, albeit with many restrictions, had access via Checkpoint Charlie. Its innocent name had nothing to do with its real intentions and the reality of the time.

Fortunately, nowadays, the story is very different and this site has become one of the most photographed spots in the city of Berlin. You will see the sign 'Leaving the American Sector', commemorating all the events I mentioned above.

The Museum of the Topography of Terror was once 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 the museum is the perfectly preserved section of the Berlin Wall that is part of the exhibition, and which you won't want to miss either.

Interesting facts

• Location: Niederkirchnerstraße 8, 10963 Berlin, Germany
• Opening hours: daily from 10am to 8pm.
• Admission: free of charge

The Berlinische Gal erie is an excellent compilation of the art of the city of Berlin from 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 Berliner Galerie is not only about the permanent exhibition; you will also find music, cinema, shops and places to take a coffee break. A complete visit.

Interesting facts

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

If you go to the river area, you can discover the Turkish market along the canal, which is very characteristic of this Berlin neighbourhood.

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

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

Interesting facts

• Location: near Schönleinstraße underground station.
• Opening hours: Tuesdays and Fridays from 11am to 6.30pm.

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 characterised by their simple appearance, but some of them have a subtle but incredible decoration.

If you have never travelled in a country with Muslim customs, this is a perfect opportunity to learn about this religion, what the prayer time you will hear consists of and what the mosques are like on the 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 centre.

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

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

You can find anything from a film to small concerts. You can also watch training sessions of various disciplines such as circus or boxing. That's how varied its cultural offer is .

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

In Kreuzberg, in particular, you 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 and have been around for quite some time.

Graffiti are not usually small or simple representations. In fact, some of them even occupy entire facades of buildings. A stroll through the Kreuzberg district will feel like an open-air museum with free admission. Don't 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 key part of the Kreuzberg district, as much of the daily life of the area is concentrated on the banks of the river. The banks are a really good place to enjoy a bit of outdoor life, in a green space, with a wide range of cafés, shops and restaurants.

You can also see Berlin's most characteristic bridge, the Oberbaumbrücke, a symbol of the union of East and West Berlin.

It was built at the end of the 19th century as a replacement for the old wooden bridge that served as a boundary between the city's municipalities. Its details make it a truly unique construction. It is worth seeing it up close to appreciate its arches, coats of arms and all the decorative elements characteristic of the Gothic style of the time.

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

When it comes to 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.

You can also check out the different itineraries of the best sightseeing buses in the city of Berlin, which will help you save time and better organise your trip to this amazing city.