Berlin Christmas shopping in cute corners of Prenzlauer Berg

When locals show others around Prenzlauer Berg, they head for Kastanienallee. Berlin at its most beautiful? Many immediately answer in the affirmative. Although the avenue at the junction of Weinbergsweg and Fehrbelliner Straße is still in Mitte, it soon crosses the Prenzlauer Berg border until it merges into Pappelallee at the corner of Schönhauser Allee and Eberswalder Straße. The surrounding area is also impressively representative of Berlin - at Helmholtzplatz and Kollwitzplatz, for example. Here you can also stroll through the Advent eco-market during the Advent season.

Special shops await around Berlin's Kastanienallee

Yes, this is Berlin. Kastanienallee stretches for almost a kilometre through one of the city's most attractive areas. And that doesn't just mean in terms of the cityscape, but encompasses every corner and brick, the different stories, cultures and faces. From extended families to students, various generations and people live together here.

It is only logical that the diverse character is also reflected in the shopping scene. But it's almost impossible to visit all the boutiques and shops on one tour. That's why we recommend selected boutiques - from fashionable to practical, from elegant to trendy.

Prenzlauer Berg: shopping in the most beautiful neighbourhood

Are we still in Mitte or is it already Prenzlauer Berg? Either way, where better to start your shopping spree than Kauf Dich Glücklich? It started out as a vintage ice cream parlour in 2002 and now has five shops in Berlin. The one on Kastanienallee is called Glücklich am Park and offers women's fashion and accessories as well as natural cosmetics and homeware.

The Hallo Herz boutique, which also stocks pieces by young Berlin design talents, is just as invitingly named. Between Kollwitzplatz and Eberswalder Straße is the sustainable Boutique Bunte Berlinerin at Husemannstraße 16, where everything revolves around sustainable fashion and accessories.

We're moving on. Sredzkistraße 36 is a little insider tip for anyone looking for second-hand clothes in Prenzlauer Berg: Yours (formerly Fast Neu). A branch of Buchbox has opened a little way towards Helmholtzplatz. Here you can not only buy novels and children's books, but also experience literature up close during readings and lively conversations - if you want to.

Children are sure to light up when they discover toys from Ratzekatz under the Christmas tree. Spieleland is located on the other side of Helmholtzplatz. It is rumoured that Hollywood star Angelina Jolie has also been there.

If you head south and cross Danziger Straße, you will come to Kollwitzplatz. On your way you will find Kleid & Schuh - where Husemannstraße and Sredzkistraße intersect. Enter the bright boutique via the red carpet and shop heartily for in-house LASARE pieces or selected other brands.

Meet Nautilus, the dudes and Paul's cool "junk shop"

Nearby, you can immerse yourself in the magical world of Nautilus. The mineral shop is visually impressive, but the quality of the stones, shells and resins is also first-class. If not for yourself, you are sure to find a special Christmas gift or two here. Let's continue with the enchanting names: Kunst-a-Bunt on Kollwitzplatz collects antiques and art as well as Art Deco and Art Nouveau lamps.

Back on Kastanienallee, we are amazed when we enter the Dudes Factory. We are curious to see if you feel the same way. The shop has a very individual vein that pulsates creatively and confidently - just discover it. One house further north, Prenzlauer Berg tells the Love Story of Berlin. Anyone interested in English-language books should take a listen.

One of the most colourful corners in Prenzlauer Berg is the intersecting Oderberger Straße, which leads directly to the trendy Mauerpark. Turn left and head for Paul's Boutique. At first glance, the shop is pleasantly "ramshackle". Then you can browse wildly between jeans, shoes and shirts.

Prenzlauer Berg: Christmas market and sights

Merry Christmas, Lucia! This is the name of the popular Christmas market at the Kulturbrauerei, which is located north between Kastanienallee and Kollwitzplatz. The former brewery from the 19th century provides a picturesque and romantic backdrop for the Nordic-themed Prenzlauer Berg Christmas market, which starts every year at the end of November and opens its doors until shortly before Christmas Eve - Monday to Sunday with free admission.

Christmas markets are ideal for getting in the mood for 24 December and the holidays with glowing wine, sweet aromas and hearty cuisine. And to discover festively inspired gifts. Lucia is no exception.

Water tower in Prenzlauer Berg and Zion Church

The water tower, which is just a few minutes' walk south-west of Kollwitzplatz, is definitely worth a visit. Although it no longer fulfils its original function, the so-called "Dicke Hermann", which was completed in 1877, is now considered the oldest water tower in Berlin.

A walk along the Jewish cemetery and Teutoburger Platz takes you to the imposing Zion Church. Surrounded by streets, it lies peacefully in the Rosenthal suburb not far from Kastanienallee. It has stood on the local vineyard since 1873 and commemorates Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a resistance fighter against National Socialism. The choir is architecturally significant, as it faces north rather than east as usual.

Eating in Prenzlauer Berg: restaurants galore

The question is not whether the district has a suitable restaurant, but which of the many options you would like to take advantage of. If you have enough time, just walk around and browse like in a boutique until you find what you're looking for. That can also be fun. Otherwise, take our recommendations as a guide.

The Kastanienallee in Berlin serves special restaurants

With a view of Zionskirchplatz, The Fiuty serves vegan Asian food. This is not uncommon in Prenzlauer Berg, but the restaurant stands out in terms of quality. The Babel restaurant at Kastanienallee 33 promises original Lebanese specialities - if you can't decide, order the mixed platter here and try your way through.

The Japanese barbecue at KYO Grill is just as hearty - from the spit. The closer you get to the major intersection of Eberswalder Straße and Schönhauser Allee, the more likely you are to see lots of people standing under the underground railway tracks. There's a delicious reason for this: Konnopke's. The iconic snack bar is considered one of the top addresses for traditional Berlin currywurst.

Helmholtzplatz and Kollwitzkiez: it tastes just as good here

Spanish dishes at Tres Tapas, small delicacies at MATANGA Café & Co for a snack or a hearty breakfast at the cosy NEO1. All this and more awaits you around Helmholtzplatz in Lette-, Lychener-, Raumer- or Dunckerstraße.

On the southern tip of Kollwitzplatz, Koi 56 celebrates Asian fusion cuisine, while the traditional Gugelhof restaurant next door serves Alsatian dishes and the Blauer Fuchs cooks Georgian food. This is where Prenzlauer Berg skilfully plays to its culinary strengths - you can't get more variety in such a small space.

Our highlights in Kastanienallee and the surrounding area

With so much quality, it's almost impossible to make a decision. So we took a very pragmatic approach and chose our favourite names:

• Glücklich am Park
• Ratzekatz
• Kunst-a-Bunt

When it comes to creative naming, Kastanienallee is a prime example of Berlin. All the better that the clothes and products usually reflect the original approach well.

How to get to Kastanienallee by Berlin public transport

You can reach Kastanienallee in various ways. If you want to get there from the south, take the M1 or M12 tram to Zionskirchplatz, for example. Or you can aim for Rosenthaler Platz with the U8 underground line and walk up Weinbergsweg. On the other side of Kastanienallee, for example, the underground line 2 and the M10 tram stop.