There’s lots to love about Berlin – the walkable urban sprawl, the lush green spaces, the rich history, and the excess of bars and restaurants. While luxury condos and faceless new builds crowd some of the city’s other districts, Neukölln still stands as a multi-cultural mixing pot that captures the city’s charm at its best.
The neighbourhood’s appeal borrows heavily from its social history. Neukölln has long been home to generation after generation of families in diaspora, each leaving their mark on the southeastern corner of the city. The district is also popular among more recent expats and immigrants, and a smattering of businesses cater to the newer Neukölln dwellers. Stroll down its streets and you’ll see CBD shops and third-wave coffee joints sandwiched between Lebanese supermarkets and Turkish grill houses. Read on for our insider’s guide to Berlin’s most engaging enclave.
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Munching
Bigoli in salsa pasta dish at La Pecora Nera / Image: Wolt
Excellent eateries are in no short supply in this partof Berlin. The neighbourhood’s most popular spots celebrate Neukölln’s legacy as a community hub for diasporic Turkish and Arab communities. The Lebanese snacks at Azzam are a tried-and-true favourite among locals and visitors alike, with creamy hummus, fresh falafel, and plenty of grilled meat platters. Around the corner, you can find some of the city’s best manti (a filled Turkish dumpling) at Gözleme.
Neukölln is bustling with crowds, so if you want to steal a quiet moment for a date, head to La Pecora Nera for fresh pasta with a duck ragú. If you want to make an occasion out of it, make a beeline for Barra: this Michelin-star menu favours local ingredients and seasonal produce for a meal to remember.
Browsing
Artisan jewellery at Nowkoelln Flowmarkt / Image: Jan Ganschow, Berlin
Berlin’s not known for its fashion, but there are still plenty of opportunities for window shopping. If you’re looking for new ideas, or just your next book, swing by She Said for a tasteful selection of books by feminist and queer authors in both English and German.
The Turkish market on Maybachufer is hard to miss. On Tuesdays and Fridays, merchants take to the streets to sell fresh produce, cheese, handicrafts and snacks from their stalls along the river banks. It’s a popular spot for people of all ages to grab a bite or have a beer. Spring and summer are open season for Berlin’s more popular flea markets, so check your calendar and drop by the bi-weekly Nowkoelln Flowmarkt to find vintage clothes and accessories for bargain bin prices.
