My Berlin Moment – A stroll through the neighbourhood
A stroll through the neighbourhood
“Where on earth have I ended up?” The answer lies in my smartphone, just a quick swipe across the screen away. But it would spoil the moment. I leave my mobile in my pocket, take a quick look around, soak up the atmosphere, and carry on.
I’d set out from my accommodation to visit this small weekly market. Pumpkins, hand-knitted hats, fresh fruit and vegetables, fish and meat. I bought two jars of honey, had a brief chat with the beekeeper and carried on
Behind the market stall, a bridge led over a small river, leading into a park. I followed the course of the river through the park and emerged at a café with cakes piled high in its shop window. Here I warmed myself up with a hot cup of coffee before setting off again. I continued along the river that had led me here.
The neighbourhood changed, becoming denser and livelier. I passed playgrounds, small shops and building entrances with bicycles leaning against them. Outside a late-night shop, someone had moved a few chairs out into the afternoon sun. Two men were playing backgammon; a woman walked past with her dog and stopped to exchange a few words. Music drifted out onto the street from an open window. For a moment, I simply stood still. I felt that I had become part of that moment.
Then I carried on. Eventually, the blue underground sign appeared ahead of me, bearing the line number I recognised from my accommodation. A few stops, and I’d be back where I’d set off from that morning.
How I’d got here, on the other hand, I could hardly have said. And that’s exactly what I liked about it.
Ready for your own Berlin moment?
Whether it’s the Kollwitzkiez in Prenzlauer Berg, the Wrangel- and Bergmannkiez in Kreuzberg or the Akazienkiez in Schöneberg: they’re all a bit more than just neighbourhoods.
Berlin’s neighbourhoods are brimming with a zest for life, which they share through their cafés, shops and markets. The residents take an active interest in their neighbourhoods and help to ensure that absolutely everyone feels at home here.
Our tip
Sometimes you don’t need a specific reason to spend a fantastic day in a neighbourhood. Just pick one and let yourself be carried along. The journey is the destination.