The Scheunenviertel, literally the “barn quarter”, Berlin’s former Jewish quarter, has experienced a unique revival in recent years. Originally, the thriving Jewish community lived in neighbouring Spandauer Vorstadt, beyond the city limits, while the Scheunenviertel was better known as a red-light district. The Nazis, however, applied the name of “Scheunenviertel” to both areas, in order to tarnish the Jews. After World War II the district was much neglected and gradually fell into decay. Today, many of the historic merchants’ yards and narrow side streets have been restored, reviving the Scheunenviertel’s unique and lively character. Many pubs and restaurants, galleries and shops are now based here and the area has become very fashionable with locals and visitors alike, especially at night. The tragic history of its former inhabitants, however, remains unforgotten.
Museum für Naturkunde: www.museum.hu-berlin.deA Day in Scheunenviertel
Morning
Take the S-Bahn to Friedrichstraße and explore this road, Berlin’s former entertainment district. Walk north along the street up to Reinhardstraße, and turn left here towards Bertolt-Brecht-Platz. Continue south to Albrechtstraße to the Berliner Ensemble . Once you have admired the theatre where the great playwright used to work, you could make a detour to visit his home, Brecht-Weigel-Gedenkstätte in Chausseestraße. The best way to get there is on foot - walk along Chausseestraße. If you remain in Friedrichstraße and turn right behind Friedrichstadtpalast into Oranienburger Straße , you will get to the heart of the fashionable Scheunenviertel. At the corner of the street rises the arts centre Tacheles , and a few steps to the east the shiny golden dome of the Neue Synagoge will come into view .
Afternoon
Before exploring the Scheunenviertel district, you should take some refreshments; not far from the Synagogue is Café Oren . Walk along Tucholskystraße, then turn right into Auguststraße. Here you will find some of the most attractive courtyards, for example Kunsthof at the corner of Gartenstraße. Return along Auguststraße to Gedenkstätte Große Hamburger Straße and the Hackesche Höfe to shop and for an evening meal.
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Alte Schönhauser Straße is one of the oldest streets in Spandauer Vorstadt. The lively road is still characterized by a colourful jumble of traditional and trendy new shops.
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Enjoy some of the best and most affordable drinks in town in a relaxed, hip atmosphere.
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The area round this road is one of the closest to the original old Scheunenviertel, featuring old interior courtyards and many buildings that have not yet been restored.
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A café and an art gallery are now based in the yard of a former sewing machine factory.
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Live jazz and occasionally dance are on offer at this small venue.
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A mixture of French, Italian and Austrian dishes are on offer here. There is always a good atmosphere under the S-Bahn arches; live jazz at weekends.
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This theatre, established in 1891–2 by Heinrich Seeling, was the main venue for Bertolt Brecht’s plays.
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Small Jewish café of the Adass-Jisroel community, serving Jewish snacks.
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Located in an historic house, one of Berlin’s best breakfast restaurants also serves South American evening meals. Artsy alternative crowd.
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Bertolt Brecht, one of the 20th century’s greatest playwrights, lived here with his wife, Helene Weigel, from 1953–6. Original furnishings are on display alongside documents and photographs. There is also an archive of his work.
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Restaurant price categories
For a three course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and charges included.
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