Urban sophistication meets cultural charm in Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf, the dynamic centre of Berlin’s west. Over the years, the district has made a name for itself as a hotspot for the arts, culture and fine dining. Alongside its most popular attractions, such as the iconic Olympiastadion, the historic Charlottenburg Palace and bustling Kurfürstendamm, it offers more than meets the eye. Join us on a tour through Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf and discover everything that makes this borough a true local favourite. Explore Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf!
Tip: Find more information about Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf and create your own customized tours in our Going local app - the neighbourhood app for Berlin.
Tip 1: Rediscover timeless arts and crafts at the Bröhan Museum
Situated in a former barracks across from Charlottenburg Palace, the Bröhan Museum showcases art, furnishing and accessories from the Art Nouveau, Art Deco, functionalism and Berlin Secession periods. Named after its founder, Karl Bröhan, the museum sets the stage for these everyday items with fully furnished rooms, where you can witness the authentic style of the given period. This fascinating collection proves that design can remain enchantingly relevant even a century later.
Where: Schloßstraße 1a, Charlottenburg
When: Tuesday to Sunday 10am - 6pm
Bröhan-Museum
Tip 2: Experience the musical reverie of NoonSong
Every Saturday at noon, locals and visitors come together in their shared love of music at NoonSong, a concert and church service in one. Professional singers from the vocal ensemble sirventes berlin perform vocal works spanning three centuries. The half-hour interlude offers a unique moment of reflection at the Evangelical Church on Hohenzollernplatz in Wilmersdorf, one of the finest examples of expressionist architecture in Berlin with its slim, imposing tower.
Where: Nassauische Straße 66, Wilmersdorf
When: Every Saturday at 12pm
Tip 3: Feast your eyes at the Renaissance Theater
The Renaissance Theater in City West is more than a stage for international dramas – it's Europe's only fully preserved Art Deco theatre. The elaborate interior of this cultural institution includes a unique salon in the style of the era, the Bruckner Foyer. The theatre presents relevant Renaissance works with a modern flair and performances that offer critical insights into social issues. Having weathered the storms of history since 1922, it remains a standout venue today, walking the fine line between literary drama and entertainment.
Where: Knesebeckstraße 100, Charlottenburg
When: Box office open Monday to Friday 10:30am - 7pm, Saturday 10am - 7pm, Sunday 1pm - 5pm
Renaissance-Theater
Tip 4: Indulge in gourmet cuisine at Le Petit Royal
What better way to follow up a theatrical experience than to indulge in sumptuous French cuisine at Le Petit Royal. Tucked away in one of Charlottenburg's most elegant neighbourhoods, the restaurant serves the finest gourmet dishes in its intimate and cosy corner house from the Gründerzeit period. Enhance your meal with an exceptional wine or dessert for an unforgettable culinary rendezvous.
Where: Grolmannstraße 59/Goethestraße 78, Charlottenburg
When: Tuesday to Saturday 6pm - 11pm
Le Petit Royal
Tip 5: Discover fine-art photography at CAMERA WORk
Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf is a haven for photography enthusiasts. Among its hotspots is the CAMERA WORK gallery on Kantstraße. Home to photography since 1997, it proudly showcases works by luminaries such as Richard Avedon, Man Ray and Ellen von Unwerth, Herb Ritts oder Will McBride. The exhibits are timeless examples of fine-art photography as an independent genre within the arts.
Where: Kantstraße 149, Charlottenburg
When: Tuesday to Saturday 11am - 6pm
CAMERA WORK
Tip 6: Indulge your love for literature at Marga Schoeller Bücherstube
Marga Schoeller Bücherstube has been a magnet for Berlin's literary enthusiasts and a landmark in the city since 1972. This cherished bookstore houses an extensive collection, focusing on English literature. It also stocks a good selection of children's books and titles from independent publishers. Appreciated for its knowledgeable staff, this bookstore invites you to explore the realms of literature, embodying a perfect blend of contemporary reading and classic treasures.
Where: Knesebeckstraße 33, Charlottenburg
When: Monday to Wednesday 10am - 6pm, Thursday and Friday 10am - 7pm, Saturday 10am - 5pm
Marga Schoeller Bücherstube
Tip 7: Browse antique shops along Suarezstraße
Suarezstraße is a year-round treasure trove for lovers of all things vintage, sustainable and rare. Wander along this street from one shop to the next to discover a wealth of hand-picked curiosities, art and design objects from Biedermeier to Art Deco. In early autumn, the whole street celebrates with live music, food, drink – and antiques, of course – during the annual Antique Mile street festival.
Where: Suarezstraße, Charlottenburg
When: During regular business hours; Antique Mile festival every September
Suarezstraße
Tip 8: Explore more captivating photography at C/O Berlin
The world-renowned C/O Berlin is an iconic hub for photography and contemporary visual culture. The gallery showcases international exhibitions, where respected artists like Anton Corbijn, Annie Leibovitz and Peter Lindbergh share the spotlight with emerging talents. C/O Berlin took up residence in Amerika Haus in 2014. The minimalist 1950s building in the heart of City West provides a unique backdrop for the evocative and intriguing photographs on display.
Where: Hardenbergstraße 22-24, Charlottenburg
When: Daily from 11am to 8pm
C/O Berlin
Tipp 9: Dive into Berlin's oldest indoor pool at Stadtbad Charlottenburg
Immerse yourself in the retro charm of Berlin's oldest indoor pool, Stadtbad Charlottenburg. With its brick Gothic façade, this renovated facility is prized as a listed building. Swimmers glide into the water surrounded by the ornate Art Nouveau interior, with its glass roof and murals adorning the gabled wall. Its awe-inspiring splendour and cool waters will leave you refreshed.
Where: Krumme Straße 10, Charlottenburg
When: Monday 10am - 3pm, Tuesday 6:30am - 2:30pm and 7pm - 10pm, Wednesday and Friday 6:30am - 3pm and 8pm - 10pm, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday 6:30am - 10pm
Tip 10: Discover new dramatic forms at Schaubühne am Lehniner Platz
Modern theatre meets classic drama at the Schaubühne. Housed in the historic Mendelsohn building, this cinema-turned-theatre on Kurfürstendamm impresses with both its architecture and cutting-edge contemporary theatre. The venue has evolved over the past 50 years from its roots in political themes and social activism. Today, the Schaubühne is a renowned stage for avant-garde and experimental performances and remains a distinctive force in Berlin's vibrant theatre scene.
Where: Kurfürstendamm 153, Wilmersdorf
When: Box office open Monday to Saturday from 11am, Sundays from 3pm
Schaubühne
Tip 11: Savour seasonal delights at Restaurant Ebert
Locals and day-trippers alike come to enjoy a hearty meal at this family-run establishment in Wilmersdorf. Restaurant Ebert serves down-to-earth regional cuisine at its best. Specialities include Brandenburg pumpkin soup, calf’s liver and Black Angus carpaccio. The restaurant also offers a changing roster of seasonal menus, including roast goose and duck in the winter months. The adjacent bar is the perfect place to unwind and reflect on an eventful day spent in Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf.
Where: Eisenzahnstraße 59, Wilmersdorf
When: Monday to Saturday 3pm - 12am, Sunday 12pm - 10pm
