Berlin is famous for its vibrant and irreverent street art scene, and there's no better example of this in the city than at Teufelsberg. Located in Grunewald, this peculiar site is recognizable by its tall towers topped with large, golf ball-like domes. A pleasant 30-minute hike through the forest will bring you to the entrance of what was once a U.S. listening station used to monitor Soviet communications during the Cold War.
After the fall of the Berlin Wall, the station became obsolete. Like other abandoned buildings from that time, it was occupied by groups of artists who, after years of repression, repurposed it as a space for gatherings and artistic freedom.
Since then, street artists from around the world have used the site as a canvas for their graffiti, often conveying anti-war and anti-establishment messages through their artwork. The result is an explosion of color, creativity, and non-conformity on what was once a military facility.
Nowadays, it's officially open as an art gallery, and everyone is welcome to visit and admire the works while exploring the peculiar buildings and surroundings. Teufelsberg is one of my favorite places in Berlin and one of the few that still captures the spirit of the city’s post-wall era.
When visiting, don’t miss the sunset from Drachenberg, the hill across from Teufelsberg. From there, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the iconic towers and the Berlin skyline in the distance.
Find your way with 215 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Away from the hustle and bustle of Mitte, you enter a lush and leafy world, full of bistros. In the midst of all that magic, you will find Capvin...
by
"Balaram" in Berlin is a vegan ice cream shop. They have 12 varieties and extra toppings are free! It's very good, it doesn't taste like ice or sherbet...
by
The best part? Every plant is available for purchase so you can take a bit of the café home with you! From seedlings and succulents to plants that may require a little extra help to get out of the coffee shop.
by
A classic slice of pepperoni or truffle mushroom is the way to go here, although they offer other great toppings like olive, ricotta, salsiccia, and even vegan butternut squash.
by
My favorite thing to order might just be their #17 plate which comes with stewed vegetables, fresh salad, butter-simmered chicken, chickpeas, lean beef, and collared greens.
by
I am a big fan of their pistachio maritozzo which is a soft Roman bun filled with cream and topped with crushed pistachios. It's absolutely amazing, and not overwhelmingly sweet.
by
One word to describe Macondo? Bustling! It's not the place if you need a quiet space to work, but it's nice if you want to have it all: work, play, wine, and coffee.
by
Heisser Hobel stands out through their use of quality ingredients. Their dairy ingredients are collected from an organic family-run dairy farm, and their noodles are made in their stall throughout the day.
by
I suggest stopping by the Berlin Art Market by the Zeughaus to pick up a locally created art piece. Since the market is located in the center of Museum Island it's easy to reach.
by
Baked goods are made with ingredients made in-house or purchased from local suppliers. All food waste and single-use items (ie recycled compostable napkins) are turned into soil with their Gersi composting machine.
by
"Idealpassage" in Berlin takes you on a historic walk - this passage reveals a complex from a century ago that served as a model for 'social housing'...
by
215 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 215 Insider Tips