Mitte, in the heart of Berlin, serves as the unofficial flagship of the capital and drives its international reputation as a cultural and artistic hub. This vibrant district buzzes with activity and events, featuring many of the best dining spots, art centres, concert halls and more. We've put together 11 tips to guide you to the best that Mitte has to offer for an unforgettable urban experience.
Tip: Find more information about Mitte and create your own customized tours in our Going local app - the neighbourhood app for Berlin.
Tip 1: Explore ancient library artefacts at Stabi Kulturwerk
A trove of literary treasures is on display at Stabi Kulturwerk, the fascinating new library museum within the historic Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin on Unter den Linden. With 1,000 square metres of exhibition space, it showcases 300 selected objects spanning six centuries of library history. Immerse yourself in multimedia "Living Books" like the Gutenberg Bible and explore interactive displays. Don't miss the 17th-century Japanese plant images, the Ottoman Prince's mirror, Bach's Mass in B Minor and a 14th-century Jewish prayer book. The exhibits are swapped out regularly to spare the delicate artefacts from excessive light exposure, so it's worth popping in every now and then for another visit.
Where: Unter den Linden 8, Mitte
When: Tuesday to Sunday 10am - 6pm; open until 10pm on Thursdays
Stabi Kulturwerk
Tip 2: Indulge in fine food and drink at Arminiusmarkthalle
The Arminiusmarkthalle, reminiscent of a cathedral with elaborate archways and gothic-style bay windows, opened its doors in 1891 and has gracefully withstood the test of time ever since. Despite wartime damage and post-war reconstruction, its grandeur was carefully restored in 1996. The now-listed market hall houses a diverse range of eateries, tempting visitors with Austrian delights, southern cuisine and fresh fish and seafood. The stalls offer regional and artisanal delights, from coffee, fine wines and cheeses to bread, flowers and more.
Where: Arminiusstraße 2-4, Moabit
When: Monday to Saturday 8am - 10pm
Tip 3: Indulge in a romantic meal at heimlichTreu
There are many stars in Mitte's restaurant scene, but some of them shine especially bright. heimlichTreu, tucked away in a 19th-century courtyard, is one of them. Featuring a creative menu, exquisite dishes and tantalising cocktails, the stylish eatery embodies the essence of casual fine dining. In the warm glow of its cosy interior or the romantic garden in summer, it offers a perfect blend of culinary excellence and unpretentious charm.
Where: In the courtyard at Anklamer Straße 38/2, Mitte
When: Monday to Sunday 6pm - 1am, lunch Monday to Friday 12pm - 2pm
heimlichTreu
Tip 4: Enjoy musical masterpieces at Pierre Boulez Saal
The Pierre Boulez Saal embodies the shared vision of conductor Daniel Barenboim and architect Frank Gehry. Acclaimed acoustician Yasuhisa Toyota contributed to the hall's distinctive sound profile. Named after the late French composer Pierre Boulez, it prioritises intimacy by erasing the boundaries between the audience and the performers. Its flexible design allows varied setups, making it uniquely modular in terms of seating and stage areas. Home to the Barenboim-Said Academy, the Pierre Boulez Saal integrates education and performance, providing an innovative space for art beauty, and dialogue.
Where: Französische Straße 33D, Mitte
Pierre Boulez Saal
Tip 5: View photography and contemporary art at Fotografiska
Fotografiska Berlin, housed in the historic Tacheles building, became the fourth branch of the renowned Swedish photography museum in September 2023. Spanning 5,500 square metres, it exhibits cutting-edge works on ecological, political and social discourses. The museum is a stage for both emerging talents and renowned artists. With a diverse cultural programme, workshops and a rooftop terrace, it's a space where encounters flourish. The Verōnika restaurant on the fourth floor is a sophisticated locale serving international cuisine, while the bar offers a more casual setting with curated cocktails and small dishes.
Where: Oranienburger Straße 54, Mitte
When: Daily 10am - 11pm
Tip 6: Discover sustainable art and fashion at PLATTE.Berlin
PLATTE.Berlin is a dynamic concept store redefining fashion and art. As a vibrant space, platform and community, the store champions fair, limitless fashion that breaks away from conventions. It embraces Berlin's experimental, diverse and edgy spirit, fostering a network that amplifies the city's cultural landscape. PLATTE.Berlin turns fashion into a safe space, in particular for the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities, with an emphasis on inclusivity and sustainability. From local labels to upcycling projects, it unites diverse offerings under one roof, all dedicated to sustainable practices and innovation.
Where: Memhardstraße 8, Mitte
When: Monday to Saturday 1pm - 7pm
Platte.Berlin
Tip 7: Give in to your sweet cravings at Rausch Schokoladenhaus
You're in for a decadent treat at Rausch Schokoladenhaus, the planet's biggest House of Chocolate. Featuring over 250 exquisite chocolate creations, the world's longest chocolate counter and the Berlin skyline sculpted from chocolate, the three floors offer a delightful sensory journey, showcasing praline craftsmanship. The bustling shop offers truffles and an array of chocolate delights. Upstairs, the Chocolate Café provides a relaxing retreat, serving indulgent delicacies with a view of Gendarmenmarkt square.
Where: Charlottenstraße 60, Mitte
When: Monday to Saturday 10am - 8pm, Sunday 12pm - 8pm
Tip 8: Vibe with the synergies of contemporary dance at Uferstudios
The Uferstudios, a historic tram depot turned contemporary dance space in Wedding, celebrates artistic synergy. The building complex combines the clarity of the New Objectivity movement with decorative Expressionism. The former tram halls now house 17 studios and common areas, providing a platform for artistic exploration, performances and festivals. Rooted in inclusivity and collaboration, the Uferstudios foster an open environment for dance, education and community. The adjacent Café Pförtner, set in a converted bus, pays homage to the site's transit history.
Where: Uferstraße 32, Mitte
When: Monday to Saturday 8am - 7pm
Tip 9: Engage with contemporary art in a former bunker
Concealed behind the unassuming walls of a converted bunker in Mitte, the private Boros Collection includes hundreds of contemporary works by globally renowned artists such as Damian Hirst and He Xiangyu. Collectors Karen and Christian Boros reside in the upper section, while the lower floors house the exhibitions. In this way, they always remain close to the art and the ideas they represent. Pre-booked guided tours offer visitors a uniquely intimate experience of the displayed sculptures, spatial installations and performance-based works, whose artistic freedom asserts dominance over the hostile, concrete space.
Where: Reinhardtstraße 20, Mitte
When: Thursday to Sunday, booking required.
Tip 10: Descend into subterranean realms at Berliner Unterwelten
See Berlin from a completely new perspective as you explore its hidden depths with guided tours by Berliner Unterwelten. Descend beneath the city's surface to unearth the obscure side of its history, navigating secret passages and tunnel systems. The tours take you through historic bunkers, flak towers and ancient brewery cellars. The Underworlds Association, based in a former bunker at Gesundbrunnen, curates a four-floor exhibition showcasing the city's subterranean infrastructure. Archaeological treasures and other relics provide fascinating historical insights into Berlin's unseen underground realms.
Where: Brunnenstraße 105, Mitte
When: Daily 10:30am - 4pm
Berliner Unterwelten
Tip 11: Sample premium fair-trade coffees at Flying Roasters
Flying Roasters, a Berlin-based coffee roastery, blends top-quality coffee with social responsibility by closely collaborating with ecological and fair-trade cooperatives in Guatemala, Honduras, Peru, Sumatra, Ecuador and Ethiopia. It sources green coffee directly to ensure quality control, from cultivation to meticulous roasting in Berlin. Visit the café near Humboldthain to savour selected varieties or join workshops, including barista and roasting sessions, to learn more about Flying Roasters' commitment to a fair and flavourful coffee experience.
Where: Hochstraße 34, Mitte
When: Monday to Friday 12pm - 6pm, Saturday and Sunday 12pm - 4pm
