Berlin is known to be an extremely decentralized city. Everyday life usually takes place in the district where you work and live. Outside of this, people often only move around in other areas at the weekend. Unlike in many other major cities, it is the center of Berlin that tends to receive little attention – apart from tourists, of course.
Berlin’s historic center, the Nikolai Quarter, has a lot to offer! It is only a five-minute walk from Alexanderplatz and, as soon as you enter, it feels like a portal to a completely different place and a bygone era. The ancient cobblestone streets with gas lanterns, Biedermeier architecture and the historic Nikolai Church with its iconic spires add to its enchanting charm.
The statue of St. George contrasts the otherwise classical overall impression with a healthy dose of metal – after all, it captures him in his epic battle against a dragon. All in all, the tiny neighborhood gives the impression of a dreamy alpine village and right in the middle of Berlin!
Berlin’s Museum Twin Island
In addition to its idyllic atmosphere, the Nikolai Quarter is home to some very unique museums. The Knoblauchhaus Museum, for example, is a historical house museum that presents visitors with the typical interior of a typical Berlin town house.
Right next door you will find the Hemp Museum,, which is dedicated to the culture and various uses of the hemp plant. It takes visitors on a comprehensive and educational journey through the world of hemp and explores its historical significance as well as its current applications.
The Designpanoptikum, on the other hand, offers entry into the surreal world of curiosities. A mysterious collection of bizarre mechanical sculptures, old medical instruments and strange objects that challenge conventional aesthetics are waiting to be unveiled.
The Museum of St. Nicholas Church, on the other hand, is a classic. In the halls of Berlin’s oldest church you will find exhibits from the history of the structure, which was built in the 13th century and suffered severe damage, particularly during and after the Second World War. It was not until 1980 that the church was rebuilt, this time with its still iconic spires. Before that, the building underwent a great deal of restoration work, which began around 100 years after the opening of the house of prayer and resulted in an interesting patchwork pattern on the exterior walls.
Berlin hospitality
Apart from its intellectual attractions, the Nikolai Quarter also has a lot to offer for body and soul. Right on the banks of the Spree, you can choose between a rustic brewery and three restaurants. Cafés, cupcakes and clothing stores are also just a few minutes’ walk away from each other.
At the heart of the district is the Zur Gerichtslaube restaurant, , which also has a historical background: As the name suggests, the building was used as Berlin’s place of execution from the 13th century onwards and was therefore already a magnet for execution onlookers in the past. Today, things are more civilized here, but still hearty: Traditional dishes from the cuisine of Berlin and Brandenburg are served.