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The influential philosopher Hegel (1770–1831) taught at Humboldt University from 1818 until his death.

This complex of 19th-century warehouses consists of nine interlinked courtyards, some of which are decorated in Art-Nouveau style, originally by August Endell. In the early 1990s the complex was completely renovated. The first courtyard is particularly attractive: coloured glazed tiles with geometric patterns decorate the house from the foundations up to the guttering. In the last courtyard, trees are grouped around an idyllic well. The Hackesche Höfe is one of Berlin’s most popular hotspots; restaurants, cafés, a cinema and the Chamäleon variety show attract visitors from afar.

Berlin’s largest and most attractive group of restored commercial buildings, Hackesche Höfe extends between Oranienburger and Rosenthaler Straße and up to Sophienstraße in the east. The complex of buildings, comprised of nine interconnecting courtyards, was designed around the turn of the 20th century by Kurt Berndt and August Endell, two leading exponents of Art Nouveau. The first courtyard especially features elements that are typical of this style: geometric patterns are laid out in vibrant colours on glazed tiles, covering the entire building from the foundations to the guttering. What had lain in ruin after 1945 has now been carefully restored, and forms today one of the most popular nightlife centres in the city. Restaurants and cafés (see Pubs, Bars & Discos) , the Varieté Chamäleon (see Performing Arts Venues) , galleries and small shops have all settled in this area.

These lavishly restored yards, the most elegant in Berlin, attract visitors today with a restaurant and fashionable clothes shops.

This famous Austrian conductor (1908–1989) was head of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra from 1954 until 1989. During this time he helped create the orchestra’s unique sound, which remains legendary until this day. Herbert von Karajan was both revered and feared by his musicians because of his genius and his fiery temperament. Berliners still refer to the Philharmonie as “Circus Karajani”.

The extensive courtyard of the former Postfuhramt permits a glimpse of the original façade of the building.

The brothers Jacob (1785–1863) and Wilhelm (1786–1859) Grimm are well known around the world, thanks to their collection of classic fairy tales including Little Red Riding Hood and Hansel and Gretel . Equally important, however, was their linguistic output, the German Grammar and German Dictionary which are standard reference works even today.

The small gleaming white palace in Grunewald, dating back to 1542, served as a hunting lodge for the Electors. The castle, built in the Renaissance and Baroque styles, houses a small collection of German and Dutch paintings.

The Jewish Museum is not only unique architecturally, but it is also one of Berlin’s most fascinating museums. Its collections present an overview of almost 1,000 years of German-Jewish cultural history; a special exhibition is devoted to everyday Jewish life in Berlin from the end of the 19th century (see Museums) .