This is a district on the up: Mierendorff island will increase considerably in value as a place to live and work over the coming years.

With 15,000 residents, the Mierendorff island in Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf has the character of a small community in its own right – and a quarter of it is planted with greenery. It is thus a perfect location for a project that redefines urban living and working as AERA does: an experimental field with a high quality of life yet within easy reach of diverse culture and fast transport links. 

And AERA is just the beginning of extensive neighbourhood development for BAUWENS. On the adjacent plot alone, a further 100,000 m2 of residential and commercial space will soon be developed. Through urban innovation, a district that was once something of a hidden secret is really making its mark on the Berlin map.

This lovingly restored tram depot sets vintage car fans’ hearts racing. The Classic Remise Berlin is located in Europacity, part of the Moabit district, which is currently undergoing rapid development due to its great urban potential. The Remise itself opened its doors here back in 2003 and has since established itself as a hotspot of the German vintage car market. Visitors gain an insight into the service and restoration workshops and can admire the permanent exhibition of precious models in glass boxes. The venue’s own events hall hosts vintage car rallies, prestigious awards ceremonies, auctions, exclusive spirits tastings and private events. The Trofeo restaurant serves a classic jazz brunch in a stylish atmosphere.

The Berggruen Museum in Charlottenburg forms part of the Berlin National Gallery and is one of the most important museums of classic modernism. The main part of the collection features original works by Pablo Picasso and Paul Klee. Numerous paintings by Henri Matisse, Georges Braque and Paul Cézanne also feature in the works exhibited here, together with sculptures by the Swiss artist Alberto Giacometti. There are almost 200 works in total. In 2000, the art patron and collector Heinz Berggruen donated a total of 165 of his privately-owned works to the Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation. Berggruen’s family, originally from the Wilmersdorf neighbourhood, was forced to emigrate to the USA in the 1930s. The collector spent most of his life in Paris, returning to his home town only 60 years later in 1996. Today, the museum situated immediately opposite the Charlottenburg Palace that houses his impressive collection is proud to bear his name.

The Arminius Market Hall opened in 1891 as Berlin’s tenth market hall, and is one of the few to have been maintained in its historic condition. The impressive three-aisled hall, which is supported by an iron construction that was the height of modernity in its day, is now a listed building. As well as fresh regional produce, Berlin specialities and gourmet delights, you will also find the wares of local designers and artisan producers at this market. Hungry shoppers can grab a bite to eat at one of the many snack bars, or linger a little longer in one of the cafés. In the evening, this historic shopping centre is transformed into a lively events venue that brings together diverse cultural happenings under one roof, and can be hired for friendly networking evenings. With fabulous food guaranteed.

The largest of Berlin’s three opera houses is also one of the most modern music theatres in Europe. The architect Fritz Bornemann designed the elegant building, which opened in the 1960s after the old building was destroyed in the war, with function in mind, thus every one of the 1,859 seats has an optimal view and the best acoustics. The theatre offers an extremely diverse repertoire with a focus on 19th century masterpieces by Richard Wagner, Giuseppe Verdi and early 20th century German operas. In addition, the venue hosts a regular programme of highlights from contemporary composers. A visit to the Deutsche Oper is certainly one of the city’s top cultural experiences – whether you drop by for a repertoire performance, a new production or simply to enjoy a glass of fine Riesling in the restaurant.

Charlottenburg Palace is one of Berlin’s most charming green oases. Initially designed in the French style, the Baroque grounds were created at the end of the 17th century by order of the then Electress Sophie Charlotte and extended over time into a landscaped garden. Following severe damage during the Second World War, the entire palace complex underwent extensive restoration. Today, the extensive garden landscape provides a retreat for stressed city dwellers and draws visitors to the German capital to take a stroll.

The Rogacki delicatessen is a West Berlin institution with something of a time capsule quality. Founded in 1932 as Charlottenburg’s first eel and fish smokehouse, this traditional family company in Berlin’s Wilmersdorfer Strasse is now in its third generation of management. Rogacki has also remained true to its interior and its own specialities, and has long held cult status. The old fish counter is still the heart of the store, and a choice of over 70 different types of fish as well as selected game, poultry, sausage and meat products make this a highlight destination for Berlin’s gourmets.

Hearty Alpine cuisine right by the Spree? Oh yes! At Schnitzelei! In addition to classic dishes and fresh draft chilled beers, this place serves a fine selection of starters and tapas in its tastefully designed rustic interior. The house speciality is the surprisingly creative schnitzel menu from which the restaurant on Röntgenstrasse takes its name. The dozen or more different creations include delicious options for vegetarians and vegans, such as the oyster mushroom schnitzel. On mild evenings, guests can also enjoy all these delights outdoors in the adjacent beer garden.

Bar Brass is the culinary extension of the must-see ‘Skulpturenforum’, which is in turn part of the rich tradition of the Noack art foundry. Enjoy exquisite dining in a museum-like setting among the works of art on display. Contrary to what the name suggests, Bar Brass is a restaurant with a discerning menu of mainly classical French cuisine – peppered with international influences and a contemporary touch. The fact that some critics are already ranking Bar Brass on a par with such Berlin institutions as Exil, Paris Bar or Grill Royal is no doubt primarily down to the creativity of head chef Reza Danabi. The restaurant itself is also an architectural delight with ceilings reaching up to 7-metres high. The industrially-inspired cool interior is in contrast with the warming open fire.

The location: A place with potential

The location:
A place with potential