netlounge Berlin | about Berlin | hotels | scenes & zones | abc 

Prenzlauer Berg - around Kollwitzplatz At the time of the GDR many non-conformists to the system lived in Prenzlauer Berg. The Gesthemane Church in Stargader Strasse was the meeting point for the protest movement in 1989, which eventually led to the fall of the Wall. Today, "Ossis" (East Germans) and "Wessis" (West Germans) from the fashion, music and art scene live together here in run-down, low-rent apartments. Clearly there is a lot going on in Prenzlauer Berg -- although without the hecticness of Kreuzberg. In the many cafés, you can still come across people reading books and writing poetry, but how long this will go on is a question of time. The best place to experience this special atmosphere is in the numerous cafés surrounding Kollwitzplatz. Just a few steps away is another pseudonym for cafés and nightlife: the Wasserturm (Water Tower). This old landmark is surrounded by cafés and pubs of all sorts and, in summer evenings, it is practically impossible to find and empty chair or table on the sidewalks. Also worthwhile is a stroll in the side-streets of this part of the Prenzlauer Berg: take interesting Kastanienallee for example. The red-brick buildings of the Kulturbrauerei, located at the corner of Knaack- and Danziger Strasse, was originally a brewery, today it functions as a center for exhibitions, poetry readings and concerts.

Cafés Anita Wronski meeting point for the local scene, near the Wasserturm November simple, but good

Restaurants Die Krähe popular restaurant in the scene Mao Thai Thai food under a bamboo roof Pasternak Russian dishes in a romantic setting Restauration 1900 where the 'up and coming' from East and West meet

Bars Schwarzsauer café / bar with cool styling Clubs Akba Lounge Acid Jazz and Latin music Casino House and Techno Schlot live Jazz and cabaret in a former factory

netlounge Berlin | about Berlin | hotels | scenes & zones | abc