Having lived in Schöneberg for the past eight years, I consider myself an expert on my Kiez. I always claim that it’s the best place to live in Berlin, not just because of the omnipresent Gasometer or the best döner ever (Ruyäm Gemüse Kebab, but that’s a story for another time) but also because we have awesome open-air markets. Everyone is always raging about Mauerpark or the flea market at Boxi on Sundays but let me tell you a little secret, Schöneberg has the best markets in all of Berlin. The Schöneberg markets might be a little less trendy than their East Berlin neighbors but they also boast some of the best prices in the city–sounds kinda similar to the housing market, right? And with Corona being an airborne disease, open-air markets are a better option for your weekly groceries than supermarkets. Here are my three favorites:
Winterfeldmarkt
Just a few steps from Nollendorfplatz and in the shadow of the beautiful building featured in Netflix’s hit miniseries Unorthodox lies Winterfeldmarkt. Every Wednesday and Saturday vendors and residents alike gather to buy and sell some of the yummiest offerings in the Kiez. The market has delicious street food ranging from fresh Pad Thai to Senegalese curries to the classic German Kaffee und Kuchen (coffee and cake). You can also easily do your weekly shop here with vendors selling artisanal cheeses, fresh meat, locally grown veg, and, yes, masks!!! I even spotted a stand selling hemp products (think CBD oil, soaps, teas, etc.) on my last trip.
The market is significantly busier on the weekend so if you’re concerned about Corona, I’d recommend visiting on a Wednesday when there’s plenty of space to roam around.
Crellemarkt
Ah, Crellekiez…. The hidden jewel of Schöneberg. Seriously, if you’ve never been here you absolutely have to check it out. This neighborhood is tucked between the S-Bahn tracks and one of the busiest streets in Schöneberg but it boasts some of the cutest little squares and most beautiful architecture. Just between Julius-Leber-Brücke and Yorckstraße stations, you’ll find the Crellemarkt on Wednesdays or Saturdays. But you’ll hear it before you see it, trust me. The cries of “Mango, eine Kiste, ein Euro fünfzig,” or “Angebot! Angebot! Angebot!” echo around the entire Kiez. Yes, you understood that correctly, a whole crate of mangos for €1.50, how’s that compare to Rewe? Insane, I know. One time my dad got a whole crate of the best avocados I’ve ever had at the Crellemarkt for one euro. At most stores, you can’t even get a single avocado for a euro! This place is seriously a gem. The prices for fruit and veggies cannot be beaten. They also have spices, meats, Turkish snacks, tahini, olive oil, and some other spreads. It’s a one of a kind Schöneberg experience that you absolutely can’t miss.
The market is every Wednesday and Saturday but just like Winterfeldmarkt, Saturday is a lot busier. In the past two weeks, they’ve implemented new corona measures to keep things safer at the market including pathways between stalls for lines to pile up while people bargain for even lower prices.
Rathaus Schöneberg Flea Market
If you just moved into a new flat and need to get some essentials for super cheap, this market is your spot. Every weekend on both Saturday and Sunday vendors set up stands in front of Schöneberg’s town hall to sell household items out of boxes. If you’re looking for a whole new set of kitchenware or some old paintings this is a great option. They do also have some furniture, but this market is really a hub of small treasures and trinkets; the kind of place you’d buy your grandad a birthday present or sell some of his stuff. The market also features a few stands selling clothes, mostly winter coats for affordable prices.
The market is right by Volkspark Schöneberg, which is great for a stroll and just five minutes from Rathaus Schöneberg station.