Ultimate Guide to Berlin’s Mitte Neighborhood

Mitte (which translates to “middle”) is the central neighborhood of Berlin. It holds most of the city’s top attractions, and many tourists never leave this kiez (neighborhood) as there is enough here to fill several days in the city.

History

The oldest area of Berlin lies in Mitte. The Nikoliviertel is the Berlin of yore with cobblestone streets, charming houses, and a church from 1200. This was a stop on the main trading route with the settlements of Alt-Berlin and Cölln on either side of the Spree. Only the base of the Nikolaikirche is original, as this area was heavily damaged during WWII, but it has been faithfully restored and occasionally holds events with actors dressed as early 20th-century characters. Mitte became the first district of the city under the Greater Berlin Act in 1920.

The only thing disrupting the illusion of the olden days is the GDR-era Fernsehturm (TV Tower) looming overhead. Just steps away from this medieval section is the GDR dream of Alexanderplatz, one of the main thoroughfares of the city. Many buildings reflect the idealism of the regime in the 1960s and 70s, from the TV Tower with its secret cross to the Brunnen der Völkerfreundschaft (Fountain of the Peoples’ Friendship) to the Weltzeituhr (World Clock).

Between 1961 and 1990, Mitte was part of East Berlin, closed to the West and surrounded by the Berlin Wall. The iconic border crossing of Checkpoint Charlie still exists here for tourists to visit.

In 2001, the districts were redrawn, and Tiergarten and Wedding joined the district of Mitte. Although now technically Mitte, they have their own unique characteristics. For a hands-on look at some of the area’s history and development, the Mitte Museum provides an excellent overview.

What to Do There

Packed full of must-see sights, from Brandenburger Tor to the Reichstag, Mitte is a necessary stop for anyone traveling through or to Berlin. However, Berlin’s transportation system is excellent, and staying in a town other than Mitte can better acquaint you with the multiple facets of the city and its residents.

• Brandenburg Gate: Brandenburger Tor is steeped in the city’s history from Napoleon to Kennedy, leading to the fall of the wall.
• TV Tower: The Fernsehturm is the most visible remnant of the GDR. Because of Berlin’s low building height and flat terrain, you can view the TV tower for miles around.
• Museum Island: This UNESCO World Heritage Site dominates with the Berliner Dom (Berlin Cathedral) if approaching from Unter den Linden. Following the banks of the Spree, you’ll discover the Altes Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie, and the renowned Pergamon Museum.
• Alexanderplatz: This major central square is bustling with festivals and serves as a meeting point at one of the busiest U-Bahn, S-Bahn, and tram stops in the city.
• Reichstag: Germany’s Parliament reflects the transformation since WWII, featuring a glass dome symbolizing glasnost (openness). Visitors may enjoy a free audio tour with registration.
• Hackescher Markt: This series of interlocking courtyards showcases intricate brickwork, modern shops, and vibrant graffiti.
• Memorial of the Murdered Jews of Europe: Known as “The Holocaust Memorial,” this field of undulating stones is significant for visitors between Brandenburger Tor and Potsdamer Platz.
• Rosenthaler Platz: This area is a hub for trendy restaurants, bars, and cafes. If you’re considering accommodations, check out the Circus Hotel.
• Nikolaiviertel: For all its modernity, Mitte remains the site of Berlin’s oldest section. This charming area features free museums and a medieval church alongside historical sites.
• Scheunenviertel: North of the River Spree, this area is bustling with shops and eateries, reflecting both history and modern life.

Attractions in Wedding

Wedding (pronounced VED-ding) offers a differing reputation compared to much of Mitte. Located just north of central Mitte, the area retains relatively affordable rents in grand historical buildings. Nonetheless, the saying “Wedding kommt” (“Wedding is coming/developing”) has been voiced for years, now often regarded more as caution than optimism.

Gentrification is reshaping this vibrant area as young Germans and immigrants from the West settle in. It stands out as one of the most diverse neighborhoods, featuring African grocers, hipster breweries, Turkish restaurants, and Korean nail salons. Approximately 30 percent of the population is non-German.

• Berlin Wall Memorial: The most significant memorial to the Berlin Wall is located just over the border from central Mitte, illustrating heartbreaking stories through large displays.
• Panke: This scenic canal meanders through the neighborhood, lined with parks and recreational spaces.
• Uferstudios: Former warehouses now host performance spaces showcasing avant-garde festivals and exhibitions.
• Silent Green: This unique art space hosts live music performances and film screenings, all set within Berlin’s first crematorium.
• Flakturm Humboldthain: This notable landmark offers scenic views from atop its green hill, with remnants of a wartime air raid shelter below, accessible through guided tours.
• Craft Breweries: Two of the city’s top breweries, Vagabund Brauerei and Eschenbräu, are located close to each other.

Attractions in Tiergarten

The primary attraction in Tiergarten is the park of the same name. Once a royal hunting ground, it now welcomes the public with over 600 acres of green space. Here are some highlights:

• Strasse des 17. Juni: The central thoroughfare begins at the Brandenburg Gate, reaching Ernst-Reuter Platz, adorned with the Siegessäule (Victory Column).
• FKK Sunbathers: Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere by the park’s designated sunbathing areas.
• A lively Sunday Flea Market perfect for exploring unique finds.
• Cafe am Neuen See, known for being one of the best biergartens in the city.
• Gaslaternen-Freilichtmuseum (Gas Lamp Museum): A charming museum dedicated to gas lamps.
• Tiergartenquelle offers hearty German cuisine.

How to Get to Mitte

Many visitors arrive in Berlin by its central train station, Hauptbahnhof, located within Mitte. Other main transport stations in Mitte include Friedrichstrasse and Alexanderplatz. From any of these points, there are excellent options to reach all corners of the city by S- and U-Bahn lines, as well as trams and buses. The BVG is the public transport authority, providing helpful information in English.

Tiergarten and Wedding are also well served by public transport, with Tiergarten offering its own S-Bahn stop and S+U Gesundbrunnen links to the ringbahn, facilitating easy entry to the rest of Wedding and beyond.