As Berlin’s central administrative district, Berlin-Mitte enjoys great renown and popularity. And as you all know, it’s not just home to politics, but also to culture, art and some delicious restaurants. To make sure you don’t lose your bearings in one of Berlin’s most magnificent and diverse districts, we’ve put together a list of 11 hand-picked insider tips for you. Head into the wintry centre of Berlin and discover the neighbourhood corners beyond the major sights such as the Brandenburg Gate, the TV Tower and Unter den Linden in Mitte.
Another tip: if you’d like more information about Mitte and want to put together your own personalised tours, take a look at our Going Local map – the neighbourhood guide for Berlin.
Tip 1: Browse through century-old works at Stabi Kulturwerk
Following the complete renovation of the historic State Library building on Unter den Linden, the Stabi Kulturwerk was created – much to the delight of all Berlin literature and book lovers – with around 1,000 m² of exhibition space. An admission ticket – which, by the way, is free – is like a ticket to the past: In the countless display cases, you can admire true treasures from the literary past.
Alongside 17th-century Japanese botanical illustrations and the original score of Johann Sebastian Bach’s famous Mass in B minor, the Berlin copy of the Gutenberg Bible also awaits you here. If you fancy closing your eyes for a moment over a cup of coffee after the literary tour , you need only turn the corner: there you are, standing in front of the library’s own café.
When: Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm
Where: Unter den Linden 10117, Mitte
Tip 2: Treat yourself to a delicious meal at the Arminius Market Hall
Moabit is on the up – so the rumour goes in the capital. But why ‘on the up’ at all? Moabit has been around for ages. The popular Arminius Market Hall, for example , has been there since 1891. In 2010, the brick building – which, in its splendour, is more reminiscent of a church than a market hall – was restored and became home to many new stalls.
If you want to feast in true Austrian style, you simply mustn’t miss the Hofladen: here, classics such as schnitzel, Käsespätzle and goulash are served in the very finest quality. We hope you enjoy your meal!
When: Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 10 pm
Where: Arminiusstraße 2–4, Moabit
Tip 3: Soak up the cosy atmosphere at heimlichTreu
There is no shortage of stylish bars and restaurants in Mitte. But sometimes, amidst this wealth of top-class venues, one or two establishments really stand out. heimlichTreu is one such place. Tucked away in a 19th-century courtyard, you’ll not only be served exquisite culinary delights and cocktails here, but on cold winter days you can also enjoy the unpretentious, cosy atmosphere of the inviting rooms. A truly all-round experience awaits you here!
When: Monday to Sunday from 6 pm to 1 am, brunch Monday to Friday from 12 pm to 2 pm
Where: In the courtyard at Anklamer Str. 38/2, Mitte
heimlichTreu
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Tip 4: Listen to masterpieces of music history at the Pierre Boulez Hall
The history of Berlin’s Pierre Boulez Saal is truly unique. Born out of the friendship between world-class musicians Daniel Barenboim and Pierre Boulez, the concert hall offers a space for art, beauty and dialogue. The last of these three keywords was particularly close to the heart of the project’s initiator, Barenboim – something that is also evident in the hall’s unique architecture.
As listeners, you are closer to the musical action here than ever before; the rows of seats are arranged in a circle around the stage, offering you an unparalleled insight into the magical musical works created here.
When: Opening hours vary depending on the event
Where: Französische Straße 33D, Mitte
Pierre Boulez Hall
Tip 5: Experience photographic art at its finest at Fotografiska
At the Swedish photography museum Fotografiska , the art is as contemporary as it gets. Cutting-edge art addressing ecological, political and social issues takes centre stage here. Alongside new additions to the international art scene, works by renowned artists are also on display, guaranteed to both amaze and inspire you to reflect.
Fotografiska is a vibrant hub for culture and social interaction. The latter takes place both in front of the photos and in the in-house restaurant called Verōnika. Head along and experience moving photographic art!
When: Daily from 10 am to 11 pm
Where: Oranienburger Straße 54, Mitte
Tip 6: Browse for art and fashion at Platte Berlin on Alexanderplatz
Art, fashion or perhaps music? At Platte.Berlin , you don’t have to choose, because everything is brought together under one roof. The Berlin concept store for local fashion and art stands for originality and innovation. It focuses on collective exchange in the heart of Berlin to break new ground in areas such as resource procurement and collaboration.
See this brand-new Berlin project for yourself: whether on a shopping trip or by getting directly involved in one of the exciting projects.
When: Monday to Saturday from 1 pm to 7 pm
Where: Memhardstraße 8, Mitte
Platte.Berlin
Tip 7: Indulge in a sugar rush at the Schokoladenhaus
The name says it all at the Rausch Schokoladenhaus. Once you’ve tried one of the delicious chocolate pralines, there’ll be no stopping you. Spread over three floors, you’ll find a veritable chocolate paradise here, introducing you to the world of fine cocoa chocolate with over 250 varieties. At this premium destination, you’ll discover what quality really means when it comes to chocolate.
Indulging here becomes an exceptional experience, and with the cosy chocolate café on the ground floor, a truly delicious one at that!
When: Daily from 10 am to 8 pm
Where: Charlottenstraße 60, Mitte
Tip 8: Experience the culture of dance at the Uferstudios
What do trams and modern dance have in common? That’s right, movement. But apart from movement, this unlikely pair in Berlin is also linked by a very specific place: the Uferstudios in Mitte. On the vast site by the River Panke, lined with numerous buildings in the New Objectivity style, the depot for electric trams was located here for a long time from the late 19th century onwards.
In 2000, the depot then made way for modern dance. Come and soak up the rhythms of the big city here at classes, workshops and festivals, or simply stroll amongst the impressive façades and along the water’s edge.
When: Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 7 pm
Where: Uferstraße 32, Mitte
Tip 9: Visit the Boros Collection in the former Reichsbahn bunker
Air-raid shelter, Soviet remand centre, banana warehouse and finally a techno club: the listed former Reichsbahn bunker in Mitte has seen quite a lot over its five storeys. In 2003, however, the constant back-and-forth finally came to an end when Christian and Karen Boros chose the imposing building as the new home for their private art collection . It features international works from the last three decades and is open to the public in changing exhibitions. An absolute eye-catcher, both inside and out!
When: Thursday to Sunday, booking required.
Where: Reinhardtstraße 20, Mitte
Tip 10: Descend into Berlin’s underground
Anyone who thinks they’ve seen everything the capital has to offer is sorely mistaken. Because Berlin is more than meets the eye. Beneath the many streets, parks and squares lies a hidden world. In Berliner Unterwelten, you can embark on a real adventure.
In addition to the permanent exhibition at the Unterwelten Association’s headquarters, numerous guided tours are offered, taking you into the East-West escape tunnel from the GDR, the remains of bunkers from the Second World War, or Berlin’s first underground railway tunnel. This new perspective is guaranteed to stay with you forever!
When: Daily from 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Brunnenstraße 105, Mitte
Berlin Underground
Tip 11: Try the quality coffee from Flying Roasters
Who doesn’t love a steaming cup of coffee in the morning? But this popular hot drink only tastes truly good when you really know what you’re getting. That’s why the Berlin-based coffee roastery Flying Roasters focuses on the highest quality in its coffee production. The team wants to share this knowledge with you and therefore regularly offers interesting barista or roasting workshops as well as tastings.
And here’s another tip: it’s best to take small sips, so the caffeine doesn’t go to your head at the end of one of these delicious tastings.
When: Daily from 12 noon to 6 pm
Where: Hochstraße 34, Mitte
