Besuch des Nikolaiviertels

Berlin’s Origin, to Touch

The Nikolaiviertel is Berlin’s old city center, also known as “old Berlin”. A stroll here gives a good idea of what medieval Berlin-Cölln must have once looked like. Those looking for a part of Berlin with parents or grandparents that offers more than just tourist hustle and bustle will find one of the city’s most atmospheric areas here. Pedestrian zones, antique shops, small stores, and museums surround Berlin’s oldest church.

Three museums invite you to learn more about the city’s history: the Nikolaikirche Museum, the Knoblauchhaus Museum, and the Ephraim-Palais Museum. A combi-ticket for all three houses costs 15 Euros and is valid for two consecutive days; children and teenagers under 18 have free entry. The Ephraim-Palais is particularly worthwhile: a highlight is the spiral staircase, which looks like a giant shell from above, and the splendidly decorated ceiling on the first floor by Andreas Schlüter.

Visiting the Nikolaiviertel: Stroll, Stop, Enjoy

Besides the museums, strolling is the main charm of the district. The area is largely car-free, with narrow, cobbled streets. If you wish, you can sit at a table right by the Spree and watch the passing ships. For lunch, the district’s traditional restaurants offer hearty German cuisine such as schnitzel, Eisbein (pork knuckle), and sauerkraut, usually priced between 15 and 25 Euros per person.

If you need a short break, you’ll find quiet cafés in the district for a stopover. Every first Sunday of the month, the district’s museums also offer an extensive family program. This way, your trip to Berlin-Mitte can be well-planned to ensure there’s something for all generations.