The creative mix of old-school and new, traditional and innovative, permeates the area on and around Bergmannstraße and Oranienstraße. Spending time exploring Kreuzberg in all its facets is always worthwhile. Here you can spend hours browsing in small shops for old records, junk, vintage fashion, young fashion, and original design.
Bergmannstraße
Bergmannstraße is home to cafés, restaurants, and plenty of small shops. In addition to long-established flea and thrift shops, original boutiques, wine shops, and delicatessens have opened in recent years. Typical of Berlin is the traditional Market Hall on Marheinekeplatz, dating back to 1862 and offering fresh, local and organic products to this day. Mystery fans are drawn to Hammett for titles by anyone from Agatha Christie to Stieg Larsson. For relaxation, treat yourself to a coffee and a delicious cheese cake at the famous Café Barcomi's.
Oranienstraße
If Bergmannstraße has always been the quieter side of Kreuzberg, Oranienstraße has always been its wilder side, although it has changed in recent years. Pubs and bars like Die Rote Harfe, Würgeengel, and the legendary punk club SO 36 still shape the character of Oranienstraße, but it's now home to Berlin fashion labels like Wildfremd, skater fashions at Search and Destroy, and streetwear and sneakers at Depot 2. Moritzplatz, just around the corner, draws in artists and hobbyists alike. The creative centre Aufbauhaus is home to Planet Modulor, offering a massive selection of art and design supplies over several floors. On the other side of the square is thez Prinzessinnengärten, an urban gardening project where local residents grow plants and flowers for sale. The grounds of the Prinzessinnengärten is also home to Kreuzberg's Flowmarkt, where lots of second-hand and new art are offered.
What's the best way to get there?
You can reach Oranienstraße by U1 or U8 to Kottbusser Platz or the U8 to Moritzplatz. Bus M29 also runs directly from City West to Oranienstraße. Bergmannstraße is easily accessible from the Gneisenaustraße U-Bahn station. In both areas there are no major car parks and the availability of parking spaces is limited.
