Berlin is full of places and buildings that are closely linked to the city’s long and rich history. Many of them have been converted into restaurants and now offer a unique dining experience. From hearty dumplings in Berlin’s oldest restaurant to dumplings and roasts in a former courthouse where executions once took place – history comes alive here. Modern cuisine can also be enjoyed with historical flair, for example in a luxury restaurant that once housed the communications center of the German Reich. As you can see, eating out in Berlin has to be anything but boring. And to make sure you don’t miss out on culture, art and shopping, we take you to Germany’s largest courtyard area – the Hackesche Höfe in the heart of Berlin. A real all-round leisure experience awaits you here.
Hackesche Höfe
In the Spandauer Vorstadt district in Berlin-Mitte, between Rosenthaler Straße and Sophienstraße, lies an impressive historical courtyard ensemble: the Hackesche Höfe. Built in 1906, they consist of eight interconnected courtyards in which you will find stores, workshops, galleries, restaurants, bars and the Chameleon Variety Theater. Today, the courtyards are a place of enjoyment and encounters – but they also have a special cultural and literary history. “Der Neue Club” once met here and the Neopathetic Cabaret took place in these rooms. Designed by architect Kurt Berndt, the Hackesche Höfe comprise around 16,000 m² of commercial space and 80 two- to five-room apartments on a further 8,000 m² – making it the largest residential and commercial courtyard complex in Germany.
What to do when you’re here? Quite simply: everything your heart desires. Stroll, enjoy and discover! From Canal Berlin, where eclairs literally melt in your mouth, to the traditional Hackescher Hof restaurant and Aseli, the marshmallow boutique where those with a sweet tooth will find their paradise – every visit here is an experience.
As for the cultural program: you can experience international variety productions at the Chamäleon Theater, while the Hackesche Höfe Kino shows current films, festivals and matinees – real cinema enjoyment with historical flair included. If you fancy a game with retro charm, the Billardsalon Köh is the place for you. And of course, it’s also worth going home with a little treasure: At Hackesche Höfe, you’ll find genuine handicrafts made in the region. At Who Killed Bambi? you can discover sustainable upcycled fashion and selected vintage pieces from the Berlin label. Trippen offers unusual, handmade footwear – each pair is unique. And that’s just the beginning: handmade jewelry, high-quality athleisure fashion, the finest leather and fine underwear are just waiting to be discovered. The browsing possibilities are almost endless!