A Guide to the Lovely Bergmannkiez in Kreuzberg

There’s something lively about wandering down Bergmannstraße in the evening. The lights hanging from the awnings of restaurants cast an orange glow on the sidewalks to match the colorful facades of the surrounding buildings. As you stroll west from artsy Zossenerstraße to peaceful Viktoriapark, you’ll encounter something for everyone. From cozy coffee shops and hip restaurants to edgy record stores, Bergmannkiez is buzzing early in the morning to late at night.

As a newcomer in Berlin, Bergmannkiez was the first place I got the chance to explore. In fact, it’s the place I get to call my home (for the next two months, anyway). I’ve taken note of some of my favorite spots that make this neighborhood the ultimate destination for a fun and relaxed day out in Berlin.

Broke + Schön

 

If you walk towards Bergmannstraße from Gneisenaustraße, be sure to stop into one of Berlin’s cutest clothing shops. A neon pink crane light beckons you inside the three-story store that has everything a Berlin girl needs for a weekend out on the town. From bodysuits to tops and skirts, they have many fun and playful styles to choose from.

Broke + Schön, Zossener Str. 36, 10961 Berlin

Open Mon-Fri 12:00h – 20:00h, Sat 11:00h – 20:00h

 

 

Space Hall

 

As you walk down Zossenerstraße, it’s hard to miss Space Hall. Though its name isn’t prominently displayed anywhere on the building, you’ll notice that the window display and walls are plastered with graffiti, posters, and record covers. Don’t let the dark atmosphere scare you away; it may make reading the names of the artists harder, but only adds to your listening experience. In both record rooms, there are numerous personal listening stations where you can sit and enjoy any record in the store. 

Space Hall, Zossener Str. 33, 10961 Berlin

Open Mon-Wed 11:00h – 20:00h, Thurs 11:00h – 22:00h, Fri+Sat 11:00h – 20:00h

 

 

Marheineke Markthalle

 

There’s nothing like a market in the summertime. The Marheineke Markthalle is filled with goods from various vendors. They have a plethora of fresh fruits and vegetables, and tasty pastries that make for a great snack or mid-day picnic.

Marheineke Markthalle, Marheinekepl. 15, 10961 Berlin

Open Mon-Fri 08:00h – 20:00h, Sat 08:00h – 18:00h

 

 

Breakout Café

 

Definitely stop by Breakout Café for your daily caffeine jolt. Their delicious coffee will keep you going as you make your way through Bergmannkiez and the quaint café space is a great place to relax and grab a bite to eat. You’ll feel extra good when you leave; not only because the coffee is free trade, but because your purchase directly impacts underprivileged youth and refugees in Berlin. The café is a nonprofit and uses the money it takes to give back to the community by helping young people and refugees gain work experience in the coffee trade through jobs and internships. 

Breakout Café, Bergmannstraße 22, 10961 Berlin

Open Mon-Fri 09:00h – 17:00h, Sat-Sun 09:00h – 18:00h

 

 

Barcomi’s

 

Cynthia Barcomi is one of the first people we wrote about here on iHeartBerlin when we started out 12 years ago and from her cafes, in Kreuzberg and Mitte she has come such a long way. She published several books, has her own line of baking accessories and does TV appearances. She’s a true Berliner success story. And it all started with this cafe on Bergmannstraße that she opened in 1994. A quarter decade later and her cakes and still as fantastic!

Barcomi’s Café & Kaffeerösterei, Bergmannstr. 21, 10961 Berlin

Open Mon-Fri 8:00h – 21:00h, Sat-Sun 9:00h – 21:00h

 

 

Schwesterherz

 

If when you visit Bergmannkiez, your goal is to leave with more trendy stuff than you came with, shopping at Schwesterherz is a must-do. Their minimalist modern stationery and homewares will make you want to empty your pockets. The white glow from their custom neon sign has a way of clouding your vision (and your mind) and before you know it you’ll leave with 4 adorable notebooks and five different colored pens for the bullet journal you’ve been meaning to start since January.

Schwesterherz, Bergmannstraße 19, 10961 Berlin

Open Mon-Fri 11:00h – 20:00h, Sat 11:00h – 19:00h

 

 

Umami

 

As you make your way down Bergmannstraße, you’ll notice a few small restaurants featuring Vietnamese cuisine, but the paper lanterns hanging from the awning of Umami will draw you there. Always delicious and jam-packed with hungry customers, the food does not disappoint. More traditional Vietnamese dishes like pho are placed on the menu alongside Vietnamese fusion dishes like the banbao burger, both of which you can get for under 10 euros each. And vegetarians, don’t fear! Alongside each dish, Umami has a vegetarian alternative for you that’s just as delicious.

Umami, Bergmannstraße 97, 10961 Berlin

Open Mon-Sun 12:00h – 24:00h

 

 

Glutanada

Are you despairing at all the eateries on this list because you’re gluten-free or vegan? Or are you just looking for a quaint café on a side street with delicious crepes and spaetzle? Look no further. Glutanada specializes in catering to your every dietary need for an affordable price. Everything on their menu is under 15€ and will have everyone (including gluten-indulgers and carnivores) begging for more.

Glutanada, Nostitzstraße 33, 10965 Berlin

Open Mon-Fri 12:00h – 20:00h, Sat-Sun 10:00h – 20:00h

 

 

Vanille & Marille

 

Conveniently located right down the street from Viktoriapark, Vanille & Marille serves up delicious ice cream when you need to cool down. You won’t miss their classic bright pink storefront. They have classic flavors like chocolate and vanilla as well as more floral flavors like lavender & apricot.

Vanille & Marille, Hagelberger Str. 1, 10965 Berlin

Open daily 11:00h – 23:00h from mid-March to mid-October. Closed during winter months.

 

photo: Vanille & Marille

 

Viktoriapark

 

It’s my favorite spot to hang out in Bergmannkiez, and it could be yours too! Viktoriapark is a nice green retreat from city life. Home to Berlin’s only waterfall, it’s a perfect place to cool down on a hot summer day. If you keep hiking up to the top of the hill, you may see a performer strumming their guitar, or if you make your way back down towards Bermannstraße, you’ll see friends and families relaxing in the grassy fields. So find a grassy spot, put on your sunglasses, crack open a beer or pour yourself some wine, and enjoy the summer sun. 

Viktoriapark, 10965 Berlin

 

 

English Theater Berlin

 

If you veer off of Bergmannstraße, you find yourself in residential Bergmannkiez, but apartments aren’t all this area is home to! Nestled among residential buildings and spätis, you may stumble across the English Theater Berlin, Berlin’s only theater organization devoted to performing English-language content. This isn’t only for native speakers, however. The theater also encourages non-native speakers to audition and perform with the company as a way to communicate cross-culturally and participate in the theater’s creative process. 

English Theater Berlin, Fidicinstraße 40, 10965 Berlin

 

 

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text & photos: Liz Ketcham

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