11am: Brunch
Start off your day in the area with a spot of brunch. While Berlin hasn’t always had a great breakfast reputation, things are slowly changing with the arrival of some superb new eateries. Le Bon is a chic destination and ideal for those wanting to get some great Instagram content. Putting its own individual style on brunch classics, with dishes such as granola pancakes, toasted banana bread with maple cream, or Italian scrambled eggs with Parmesan and fried salami, this is a great place to visit. Those who can’t decide between sweet or savoury brunch options should time their visit to coincide with the Breakfast Market in Markthalle Neun. It opens on the third Sunday of every month and visitors can indulge in innovative breakfast foods from some of the city’s most exciting food venues.
12.30pm: Walk through Görlitzer Park
The eastern part of Kreuzberg is home to the city’s longest-established Turkish community. Walk through the area and you’ll end up at Görlitzer Park. Often overlooked in favour of the huge Tiergarten park in the Mitte district, Görlitzer Park is a lively space, especially at the weekends when Berliners come here to relax, play sport and have a good time.
1.30pm: East Side Gallery
While in the eastern part of Kreuzberg, be sure to visit the famous East Side Gallery. The open-air gallery is the longest of its kind in the world, offering 1.3 kilometres of murals from 118 artists from 21 countries. The heritage-protected landmark offers a fascinating insight into the political changes in the city from 1989-90 and offers plenty of photo opportunities. An essential snapshot of the city and its history, this should not be missed.
2.30pm: Markthalle Neun
Kreuzberg is one of Berlin’s most multicultural districts, with its metropolitan reputation helping Berlin forge a new culinary path. It’s this urban buzz that has led the area to become a great foodie hub in the city. For plenty of food options under one roof, be sure to make a beeline for the Markthalle Neun. The indoor market acts as a microcosm of Berlin’s diverse food scene, with vendors offering Asian, African and European cuisine all sitting side by side for a true culinary feast. Uniting some of the finest food and drink in Berlin, this is an ideal place to come for lunch. Try everything from smoked meats to sushi, burgers to ice cream.
4pm: Shopping in Kreuzberg
Kreuzberg is one of the coolest districts in Berlin and a great place to explore the city’s independent fashion scene. A great showcase for Berlin’s unique retail scene, it is a hot bed of design talent with some of the coolest concept stores in the city. Be sure to visit the Hallesches Haus, a multipurpose space with brilliant homeware and accessories as well as top coffee and cake at the café. Voo Store is one of the most well-known stores in Kreuzberg and for good reason. Carrying premier German fashion and design it is a great place to invest in local designers and souvenirs. Top European labels include Danish brand Soulland and French brand APC. Discerning beauty lovers should be sure to visit Frau Tonis Parfum – offering unique handmade perfumes, this is the ultimate place to buy a souvenir from Berlin.
6pm: Grab a coffee
Kreuzberg takes its coffee seriously, with plenty of leading cafés and coffee shops to entice even the most discerning coffee drinkers. Five Elephant is one of the most revered venues in the area. Offering a wide selection of coffees and irresistible cakes it is a great place to warm up and the beautiful interiors are an added bonus. Ora is another must-visit – set in an old pharmacy, it has kept many of its original features, with the long bar facing shelves lined with apothecary bottles. Stay for a coffee or cake or reserve a table for dinner.
7pm: Checkpoint Charlie
Checkpoint Charlie, on the border of Kreuzberg and Mitte, is one of the most important sights in Berlin and has huge historical and political resonance. It marks the previous border crossing and main gateway between East and West Berlin during the Cold War, and crowds now gather to take snapshots of this historic site.
8pm: Dinner
Kreuzberg’s urban buzz has attracted many of the coolest restaurant openings in Berlin. Whatever cuisine you are in the mood for, you can be sure to find it in this district. If you’re looking for a burger, head for Pacifico Buns & Bowls. A popular spot with Berlin’s cool set, it offers a vibrant menu heavy with Californian and Korean influences, including the Kimcheezy burger made with beef, cheddar, kimchi, egg and goju mayo. For those looking for an elegant alternative, Lode & Stijn offers inventive, modern food and has attracted plenty of hype. Expect dishes such as beef tartare on toast, spinach, poached oyster and shiitake, and olive oil cake with milk ice cream.
10pm: Kreuzberg’s nightlife
Whether you’re looking for a night-cap, wanting to dance the night away or simply want to head to a cool bar for a cocktail or two, Kreuzberg has plenty to offer. One of the best cocktail bars in the area is Schwarze Traube, which has a secret location and is run by one of the best bartender’s in Germany, Atalay Aktas. The only signage for the hidden bar is a dimly lit sign but, once inside, customers can tell the bartender their likes and dislikes (there are no menus here) so the expert staff can rustle up one of the best cocktails you’ve ever had.