Berlin neighbourhood guide: Friedrichshain

Welcome to the berlin neighbourhood guide of friedrichshain - my former 'kiez'

Back in 2015, I’ve lived in Berlin for a year. In German, you refer to the neighbourhood you live in with your ‘Kiez’. This Berlin neighbourhood guide is about my former Kiez: Friedrichshain. 

Next to the fact that I lived there, Friedrichshain is one of my favourite neighbourhoods anyways. It is located on the Eastern side of the city, which is a bit more raw and hipster. There are many nice bars and restaurants to go to and Friedrichshain is home to the famous East Side Gallery. 

In this guide, I’ll provide you with an overview of the best places to visit when in Berlin and heading to Friedrichshain. Interested in another neighbourhood like Neukolln? You’ll find the Neukolln Neighbourhood Guide here.

How to get there and how to get around?

When you want to visit Friedrichshain, it is easiest to take the U-bahn to either Samariterstrasse or Warschauerstrasse. Within Friedrichshain the best way to get around is by foot or bike I would say. There are several places to rent a bike in Friedrichshain, one place is close the the Michelberger Hotel. 

When you would like to take public transport, your best option is the bus as different bits of Friedrichshain aren’t well connected by U-bahn. 

Biking along the East Side Gallery, Berlin

DO & SEE

1. The EAST SIDE GALLERY

The East Side Gallery is the remainder of the Berlin Wall, that is now decorated with all kinds of art and paintings. Since a couple of years, the wall is protected by fences due to the heavy graffiti. The wall is located between the Oberbaumbrücke and Ostbahnhof and has a length of 1,3 km.

2. Oberbaumbrücke

The Oberbaumbrücke is the bridge that connects Friedrichshain to Kreuzberg. Cover your nose as the smell under this bridge is not toooo nice. The bridge is located at Warschauer Strasse, which is the starting point of a metro line. View are stunning as you can see when a metro is crossing the bridge. 

East Side Gallery, Berlin
Oberbaumbrucke, Berlin

3. Spree

The pictures below are taken from the Oberbaumbrücke viewing the Spree. The Spree is the river that crosses the whole city and I personally love the view from this bridge. Chill at the lawns behind the East Side Gallery and enjoy the view.

Spree, Berlin
Spree, Berlin

4. RAW Gelande

The RAW-Gelände is artistic and raw complex in Friedrichshain. In the weekends, you’ll find fleemarkets – there are bars and clubs located (think of Cassiopia (beergarten) or Suicide circus (club). Next to that, during the summer months there are some open air cinema screenings and you can visit Haubentaucher, an outdoor pool that also hosts parties. Definitely worth a visit to discover everything that is going on (don’t forget the tele-disco!).
RAW Gelande, Berlin
RAW Gelande, Friedrichshain, Berlin

5. Enjoy a little cinema such as laden kino or intimes

One of the things I loved about Berlin (and Friedrichshain) are the small and cute little cinemas. With small cinema rooms and smaller screenings visiting a movie is completely experience compared to an ordinary cinema. My favourite one was B-ware Laden Kino – which was very close to my home. Another good one (and it has a nice and sunny terrace!) is Intimes. Check out the street art on the wall! 

Friedrichshain, Berlin

6. Boxhagener platz

Mainly referred to as: Boxi. A small park in the middle of Friedrichshain. On Saturdays it is home to a market where you can get your fresh food and enjoy a coffee. On Sundays, there is a flee market and I can really recommend both the markets. Go early in the morning, grab a cup of coffee at one of the stalls and enjoy the view on Berlin waking up. Definitely try the Quark bar! There are many different flavours of quark and you can pick your own toppings. It is lovely. 

Boxhagener Platz, Boxi, Berlin
Quark Bar, Boxi, Berlin

7. colored houses at the kreutzigerstrasse

This might be the most colorful street in Berlin – the Kreutzigerstrasse. It is close to Boxhagener platz and the nearest U-Bahn station is Samariterstrasse.

Friedrichshein, Berlin

EAT & DRINK

Friedrichshain is home to many great restaurants and bars and I dare to say I have tried many of them. Below you’ll find some of my favourites. 

RESTAURANTS

Best places for brunch, coffee and sweets

1. Silo

Silo is one of my favourite places for brunch. The menu is awesome with some nice bread and oven baked pancakes. The place is rather small, so you might have to wait a bit. There are a couple of tables outside – which is even better on a sunny day. 

2. Neumanns

Another place close to Boxhagener Platz (I told you! This is the place to be). Enjoy some sourdough bread with fresh ingredients. 

Silo, Friedrichshain, Berlin
Silo
Louise Cherie, Friedrichshain, Berlin
Louise Cherie

3. Cafe Louise Cherie

The French atmosphere can’t be missed when entering this little cafe. This is the perfect place to enjoy a good cup of coffee/espresso with a home made cake. The picture shows that they look GOOD!

4. happy baristas

Located closely to Ostkreuz, you’ll find Happy Baristas to enjoy a good cup of coffee. Stay in the neighbourhood to enjoy Hello Sushi or Straßenbrau later during the day as they are all located next to each othre.

5. Aunt benny

Aunt Benny is another great place. Does it even need more words? I guess this picture explains it all. This is the brunch platter with cheese, meat and bread – and it tasted delicious. 

Aunt Benny is located a little bit further out on a 15 to 20 minute walk from Boxi. 

Aunt Benny, Friedrichshain, Berlin
Aunt Benny

Other restaurants

1. Hello sushi

This place is my all time favourite in Friedrichshain and I have to admit I visited almost every week. My standard menu was the Mano Menu that could be shared with 2 persons for only 15 euros. However, I’m not sure if the menu still exists. Still, the sushi is rather cheap and good!

2. Transit

Another great place in Friedrichshain is called Transit. Transit is a restaurant that focusses on Asian ‘tapas’. A unique Asian dining experience as they describe it. They have several restaurants in Berlin, the one in Friedrichshain is located at the Sonntagstraße. 

3. Il ritrovo

Il Ritrovo is my favourite place for pizza in Friedrichshain. The place is part of a chain, with restaurants in almost every neighbourhood in Berlin. Definitely visit one during your trip. 

Hello Sushi, Berlin
Hello Sushi
Burgeramt, Friedrichshain, Berlin
Burgeramt

4. Burgeramt

In my opinion, the best burgers in Friedrichshain. Located at – surprise! – Boxhagenerplatz, you can expect a huge and tasty burger. 

5. Lemon grass

Looking for Thai food? Then try Lemon Grass! The place is cheap (like many restaurants in Berlin) and you can get great Thai curry.

Bars

1. Holzmarkt 25

I love this place, especially on sunny days. Located at the spree (on your way from Warschauerstrasse to Alexanderplatz, you’ll pass the place), you can enjoy the chilled vibes at this beach bar. 

Holzmarkt, Friedrichshain, Berlin
Holzmarkt, Friedrichshain, Berlin

2. Dachkammer (& the simon dach strasse)

The Simon-Dach-Strasse is a street with many bars closely located to each other. My favourite one, by far, is Dachkammer. Upstairs, it is a little darker (this area is not always open) and downstairs it has a little brown cafe feel. 

3. Minimal bar

At Minimal Bar you’ll find table tennis tables, a dancing area, but also cosy couches and tables to drink your beer. To me, this is a typical Berlin bar, not that known among tourists. Great place to head to! 

Strassenbrau, Berlin
Staßenbrau

4. Straßenbrau

A little craft beer brewery in Friedrichshain and a must visit if you are into beers. Straßenbräu has around 15 beers on tap and is located in the Neue Bahnhofstraße, next to Hello Sushi.

5. Hops & barley

Another place for craft beers is Hops & Barley. The place has a different feel from most bars in Berlin and worth a visit.

Clubs

When in Berlin, you’ll find all aspects of the city in Friedrichshain. The neighbourhood is home to many clubs. My personal favourite is Salon zur Wilden Renate. When you don’t want to queue and want to skip the higher entrance fees, make sure to visit Suß war Gestern. Other clubs in Friedrichshain are for example Suicide Circus and about:blank.

STAY

The Michelberger Hotel is probably one of the best known hotels in Friedrichshain. With a nice lobby and restaurant, this is a great place to stay. Rooms are around €100 per night. 

Located next to Ostbahnhof and with a view on the East Side Gallery, Amano Eastside is perfect for your stay in Berlin. 

Right in the center of Friedrichshain, close to the Simon-Dach-Strasse you’ll find Luxoise Apartments, if you are looking for a bit more room to yourself. 

Michelberger Hotel, Berlin
Teufelsberg, Berlin - Alternative Guide

Ready for alternative berlin?

Berlin has many great experiences to take, also with a more alternative vibe our not your standard tourist sights. I wrote an alternative Berlin city guide, focussing on the less standard places to go. 

Check out the alternative city guide here.

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Berlin Neighbourhood Guide - Friedrichshain

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