Venere Travel Blog - It's our business where you sleep!

One of the wonderful things about Berlin is its ever-changing nature.

The last two decades have brought astonishing cultural changes to the city’s many boroughs; each neighborhood has its own identity and an constantly morphing demographic. Most interestingly, since a second wave of gentrification has gripped the city, changing its famed squats and cafes into high fashion boutiques and Mickiedees, a large portion of the artistic population has continued to migrate to areas of cheaper rents and greater solidarity. One such fantastic new neighborhood affected by these changes is the southern borough of Neukolln, just south of Kreuzberg. The area is Kreuzberg’s little cousin, boasting the same vibe and Turkish undercurrent; however, its gems are slightly more hidden and romantic in their precious newness. My time living in this area invited an almost weekly opening of new galleries and art spaces, cafes and bars. I found it a perfect playground for a romantic adventure with the one you love. Here are my top date spots in this budding new area, guaranteed to show your honey a good time.

Turkish Market

An early start to you evening might include a stroll through the Turkish market which happens every Tuesday and Friday along Maybachufer Strasse along the river just south of Kottbusser Tor. The market offers mostly fresh produce and sewing and artistic supplies, but it can be a grand opportunity for a quick bite to eat or a coffee and baklava to enjoy on the riverside. If shopping for picnic supplies, remember to compare prices between dealers, sometimes the prices in the middle can be much cheaper than those at the end. A large variety of cheeses and spreads, fresh fruits, nuts and preserves make this market one of the best places in the city to get high quality foods.

Maybachufer Strasse between Kottbusser Damm and Friedlestrasse

Picnic on the Spree

A branch of the Spree divides Kreuzberg and Neukolln (an area nicknamed Kreuzkolln by the locals) and lovely patches of grass and trees line the walls along the river. This is a perfect area to enjoy a picnic and the visual pleasures of this area. Walk west of Kottbusser Damm on the north side of the river and you’re come to a spot where many relax on a warm sunny day. A quick hop of a short fence will put you among the plethora of young people who are too lazy to work, and would much rather spend their days by the waterside writing poetry, drawing pictures, or simply taking in the view.

Nansen

A small restaurant with modest and casual furnishings offers spectacular food and wine. Though it boasts a mostly German regular clientele, the staff is very friendly and English speaking and happy to translate their menu and make suggestions. The menu, which is small and changes nightly, is somewhat traditional and offers massive portions of German delicacies. Paying a little more for the featured entree is well worth it, as you are likely to be treated to a delicious venison or leg of goose. One half houses a beautiful midcentury bar where you can enjoy a cigarette and espresso post meal or sample the generous list of whiskies and liquors.
Maybachufer 39

Moviemento

This small independently run cinema is one of the area’s historical landmarks having existed since the early 20th century. Moviemento plays a number of German and foreign films, usually shown in the original languages (as opposed to most cinemas which overdub in German). The cinema often partakes in film festivals, and can be rented for private events and viewings, which ensures that the playlist is fresh and diverse. Cheap and cozy, Moviemento is a perfect spot for a couple of hours alone in the dark.
Kottbusser Damm 22

Klaus Kinski Bar

This tiny clubhouse type bar on a side-street in Neukolln is a perfect place to grab a drink and discuss your love for one of Germany’s greatest actors. It’s members only, but obtaining a membership only entails paying a small fee and signing a mailing list. The membership card they give you serves as a great souvenir. This, like many of the lounges and bars that line the streets is affordable and chic, a stereotypical Berlin mishmash of mid-century furniture, antique wallpapering and pretty lighting. They host a number of events and screenings and some of Berlin’s best DJs. This bar offers good opportunity to hobnob with the locals, if you are to be so bold.
Friedelstrasse 28

Gallerie Total

This hidden side-street gallery is a hub for many of Berlin’s artists and those interested in emergent art. The space, run by an eccentric and friendly man, hosts weekly Friday night openings and often has live music events. The gallery is extremely open to submission and guest curation which consequences in a wide variety of different art, each drawing a different crowd of people. There is something for everyone at this gallery and it is always bustling on a Friday night. A small section of the space is a tiny vintage junk shop, where one can go in and purchase a variety of oddball artifacts or simply chat with the owner about upcoming events. The music featured here is largely acoustic or folk with an experimental edge: the owner seems to have a great appreciation for the neighborhood and its talents. The space is open Tuesday through Friday 12-8 or by appointment.
Lenaustrasse 5

“Showcase of Love” picture by moe in berlin