Prenzlauer Berg, once home to revolutionaries struggling under the oppression of East Berlin, is now a cultural and artistic hub in the reunified city. There are many coffee shops and boutiques, as well as sites conveying reminders of the grim history of Berlin during the 1930s. After a visit by President Clinton to the area, investors and young West Germans began to take another look at this area.

Things to Do in Prenzlauer Berg

As the district is a throwback to the 'hip' scenes of the 1920s, the tourist should not be surprised that in Prenzlauer Berg, things to do are not a priority. There are a great many things to see and do in the area, such as the museum dedicated to the Berlin Wall, but not a lot of activities available.

One option might be to visit the  Prenzlauer Berg shopping centers because there are plenty of bookshops and record shops available, but expect the record shops to be full of 80’s music. The Germans seem to love music of that decade for some reason. Stores will often have second-hand clothing and other older items, so the area is a great place for just wandering around, not doing much.

It is also a good idea to visit the Kulturbrauerei, which is exactly what it says it is--a former brewery that has now been turned into cultural centers, including a multi-screen cinema. There are a number of signs that explain the purposes of the old Brewery buildings, and there is also a pleasant restaurant on site.

On the theme of old buildings made new, the old water towers in Knaackstrasse are 19th century relics called “Thin Herman and “Thick Herman” and some have been made into studio flats.

Don’t omit visiting the Kauf Dich Glucklich in Oderbergerstrasse which is a coffee and ice-cream parlour that also bizarrely sells second-hand furniture. Where else in the world can you find an antique bargain while eating ice cream?

Another place to visit is the Husemannstrass, a little street near Danzigerstrasse which was built during the Socialist era with the intention of it becoming a living museum of Old Berlin. Some of the buildings have been completely remodelled in order to create a series of houses that would serve as ‘period pieces’ of Old Berlin history. Most of the houses look as though they were built about 1900, and the street signs are also reproductions of early 20th century signs.