Pankow covers the whole of Berlin's northeast and contains some of the city's liveliest cultural hot spots in and around Prenzlauer Berg. Hidden to many tourists, Pankow is also home to a wealth of historical treasures and green, tranquil spaces where solo travellers or families can escape the bustling city. We've picked out 11 highlights from the district where even just walking around is a thrill in itself. Come with us on a diverse tour through Pankow.
Tip: Find more information about Pankow and create your own customized tours in our Going local app - the neighbourhood app for Berlin.
Tip 1: Experience 300 years of history at the Schönhausen House and Estate
Originally built by Frederick the Great for his estranged wife in the 18th century, this beautiful Prussian summer palace went on to become the home of the GDR's first and only president in the 1950s. The lush gardens and small museum at the palace offer a wonderful opportunity to dive into the various facets of Germany's history. Gandhi, Castro, Brezhnev and many other heads of state were courted at this residence.
Apart from the stunning palace interiors, which include a wonderfully restored rococo room, the streets around the place also boast the verdant Schlosspark as well as fascinating architecture to gawk at as you take a short stroll around the Majakowskiring beside the palace.
Where: Tschaikowskistraßee 1, Niederschönhausen
When: Saturday and Sunday 10am - 4pm
More about Schloss Schönhausen
Tip 2: Don't miss this one-stop cultural shop for your entertainment needs
Once the site of a large brewery, this red-brick behemoth in the centre of Prenzlauer Berg is a sprawling warren of restaurants, bars, theatres, cinemas and clubs with hot spots for people of all ages and tastes.
Whether you want to catch a play or performance at a theatre, watch a movie or dance the night away, the Kulturbrauerei is a local favourite. Berliners from all over come here at all hours of the day and night to relax and enjoy themselves. Located in one of north Berlin's most lively areas, this 25,000 square meter building complex boasts architectural gems that are well worth a visit before you explore more of the area.
Where: Schönhauser Allee 36, Prenzlauer Berg
When: Open 24/7 to walk, see venue calendars for event times
Tip 3: Explore the heavens in style at the Zeiss Planetarium
Completely modernised and refurbished in 2016, the Zeiss Planetarium is so much more than a location to just look at the stars. The 14 m dome inside can project 3D movies and theatrical films that bring people of all ages closer to the moon, sun and stars.
The Planetarium may have maintained its Communist-era marble floors and inimitable design features, but the entertainment programme is thoroughly modern. It covers everything in the natural sciences, with regular lectures, films, and performances that go beyond the stars. With an excellent restaurant and café onsite, the Zeiss Planetarium is a great place to spend a whole afternoon.
Where: Prenzlauer Allee 80, Prenzlauer Berg
When: Tuesday to Sunday 9.30am - 6pm, Wednesday and Thursday 9.30am - 9pm, Friday and Saturday 9.30am - 10.30pm
More about Zeiss-Großplanetarium
Tip 4: Discover the Museum of Architectural Drawings
Housed in one of the most impressive modernist buildings in Pankow, the Tchoban Foundation's Museum of Architectural Drawings is home to sketches, drawings and plans from some of the most important architects of the past five hundred years.
The Jenga-like building offers hidden architectural plans for buildings and urban planning, from the Renaissance to Bauhaus. Berlin's famous city architect the neo-classical genius Karl Friedrich Schinkel's work is shown alongside the likes of Mies van der Rohe, Gottfried Böhm, and Frank Gehry, offering you unique insights into the thinking of architects who have shaped our world.
Where: Christinenstraße 18a, Prenzlauer Berg
When: Monday to Friday 2pm - 7pm, Saturday and Sunday 1pm - 5pm
More about the Museum for Architectural Drawings
Tip 5: Learn while you play at the MACHmit! Museum for kids
Museum meets indoor playground at the MACHmit! – Let's do it! – Museum for children. This family-friendly highlight offers oodles of ways to have fun while learning and experimenting. On the grounds of a former church, the museum boasts everything from play spaces with climbing walls to regular children's learning workshops as well as arts and crafts opportunities. This is the one museum where the kids really can touch everything while they learn about the history of printing plants or even church organs. Relax in the cafe and supervise as your kids explore, run and have a ball at this unique attraction located in the foodie epicentre of Berlin's north.
Where: Senefelderstraße 5, Prenzlauer Berg
When: Thursdays and Fridays 2pm - 6pm, Saturdays and Sundays 10am - 6pm
More about MACHmit! Museum for children
Tip 6: See the stars of the future at 'Theater unterm Dach'
Once the site of East Belin's municipal gasworks, the building is now burning with talent as up-and-coming producers, writers, directors and actors use the theatre to show their newest theatrical, dance or artistic pieces to the public. Let yourself be surprised as almost all of the works performed or displayed here are written, created or performed by independent voices, with each artist trying to make a name for themselves in this city's simmering theatrical, artistic and dance scenes. Don't miss the opportunity to see the next generation of stars as you relax in the comfort of this unique 80-seat industrial theatre.
Where: Danziger Straße 101, Prenzlauer Berg
When: See programme listings
More about Theater unterm Dach
Tip 7: Experience the whole spectrum of Berlin's culture at WABE
The WABE has established itself as a popular cultural centre in Berlin's north. As part of the cultural highlights around the Ernst-Thälmann-Park area, the WABE offers theatres, a cinema, rehearsal spaces and rooms for seminars and meetings. All of this makes it the largest complex of its kind in Prenzlauer Berg. With events every night of the week, you'll be sure to find a concert, play or dance event that will quickly get you on your way to this much-loved venue. With ample public transport options close by as well as the whole of Prenzlauer Berg just outside the door, the WABE gives you an unmissable opportunity to experience authentic Berlin nightlife.
Where: Danziger Straße 105, Prenzlauer Berg
When: See programme listings
Tip 8: Immerse yourself in the marvellous world of fairytales and puppets
The Varia Vineta theatre has won a name for itself as the best place in the city for children to watch their favourite fairytales as performed by actors. Vini, the theatre's resident gnome, will greet your children at the doors and bring them into the world of classics by the likes of the Grimm brothers or H.C Anderson. Let your children ages 3 and up discover the fantastic worlds of classic European fairy tales in wonderful 40 to 50-minute performances. But this venue is not just for children. The evening programme offers readings, concerts and even improvisational theatre nights for adults.
Where: Berliner Straße 53, Pankow
When: See programme listings
Tip 9: Experience the best of old-school puppet art at the Felicio Theatre
For young and old, Karsten Ackerman's one-man puppet theatre has events for people of all ages. From classic operas to Robin Hood or Rumpelstiltskin, the Felicio Theatre offers old-school puppet charm told with much humour and incredible puppetry skills.
The puppets are beautifully crafted by the renowned theatre workshop by Barbara and Günter Weinhold in Berlin. Allow yourself to be enchanted and taken off to other worlds with the theatre arts of old, all from the comfort of the modern Felicio Theatre in the heart of Prenzlauer Berg.
Where: Schivelbeiner Straße 45, Prenzlauer Berg
When: See programme listings
Tip 10: Go outside in north Berlin's beautiful Schönholzer Heide park
The Schönholzer Heide offers adventurous visitors a surprisingly scenic walk through part of the city's less-visited north. The towering memorial to the Soviet liberators of Berlin in 1945 is just one of the highlights this sprawling green lung has to offer.
Whether you want to walk through crisp snow in winter or cool yourself under the tree-lined paths in summer, the Schönholzer Heide offers you a respite from the hustle and bustle of your city trip. The park is well connected to public transport on several sides, and you'll find many spots to refuel and refresh close to the park.
Where: The Soviet Memorial is a good first destination in the park: Hermann-Hesse-Straße 63, Schönholz
More Magical Winter Walks in Berlin
Tip 11: Find peace and quiet at the Weißensee Jewish cemetery
One of the largest Jewish graveyards in Europe, the Weißensee Cemetery is certainly the most beautiful. Its verdant charms have made it a popular place for Berliners to take a quiet stroll. Created in the late 19th century, the Graveyard is now spread over 42 hectares with over 116,000 plots and architectural highlights to meander around.
Densely covered in trees and shrubs, the many paths and areas in the graveyard are filled with stunning graves and monuments to the German-Jewish communities in Berlin from the 19th century to today. Many of the more prominent graves, memorials and tombs were designed by leading architects in the early 20th century. This is a wonderful place for retrospection and respite from the hectic world that surrounds it.
Attention: Men are kindly asked to cover their heads when entering the graveyard.
Where: Herbert-Baum-Straße 45, Weißensee
When: Monday to Thursday 7.30am - 4pm, Friday 7.30am - 2.30pm, Sunday 8am - 4pm
