My Guide To Schöneberg: Exploring Berlin’s Most Eclectic District

Welcome to my guide to Schöneberg, a vibrant district in Berlin that offers a unique blend of culture, diversity, and, of course, history. You can find this vibrance from the bustling Motzstrasse and Viktoria-Luise-Platz catering to the LGBTQ+ community to the iconic KaDeWe, also known as Kaufhaus des Westens, drawing fancy shoppers.

You can find some quirky galleries and Turkish eateries along Potsdamer Strasse as a way to add to the neighborhood’s eclectic charm. At the same time, families can enjoy the greenery of Schöneberger Südgelände Park, situated on the grounds of a former rail yard. Schöneberg has something for everyone.

I have been living in Berlin since 2012. I’m an exception to most new immigrants in the city since I found an apartment a few months after moving over. Because of that, I have lived in the same area of Neukölln for years. But, if I wasn’t living there, I know that Schöneberg would be where I’d love to be.

This is why I decided to share some of my favorite places in the neighborhood as my personal guide to Schöneberg.

Urban Nation Museum: Hidden Gems in Schöneberg’s Streets

Let’s start this by calling all art lovers! Urban Nation is a different kind of museum dedicated to urban and street art. And they do this differently by spilling their exhibitions out onto Bülowstrasse, creating a vibrant, artistic atmosphere throughout the neighborhood. Art isn’t limited to four walls here – it’s everywhere you look.

It was there that we started our journey that led me to the walls around Mehringdam for JR’s Berlin version of the Inside Out Project.

Schwerbelastungskorper: A Concrete Witness to History

Next to the train tracks that cross Berlin from north to south, close to Kolonnenbrücke, there is a seemingly unremarkable concrete cylinder with a lot of historical importance. This is the Schwerbelastungskorper, and it stands as one of the few structures recalling Welthauptstadt Germania, the unrealized capital of Nazi Germany.

The first time I visited it was on a warm Sunday years ago, and my initial skepticism transformed into awe, emphasizing the historical importance of this structure. Despite its unassuming appearance, the Schwerbelastungskorper proves to be a compelling destination. I often pass by this place by bike and always wonder how it would have looked for the people of Berlin when it was built.

Kunstautomat in Schöneberg: Where Art Meets the Streets

Have you ever bought art from a vending machine? The Kunstautomat on Crellestrasse is a delightfully unique experience that will show you that Schöneberg is a place filled with art, if you know where to look for it.

For €4, you get a little box with a miniature original artwork inside from local artists from Berlin and Potsdam. It’s a fun and affordable way to bring home a piece of Berlin’s art scene. And it’s way better than any kind of souvenir that you will find in the tourist shops you see in town.

Schöneberg Gasometer: Climbing to New Heights

The Schöneberg Gasometer is a unique landmark integrated into the city’s landscape.

I believe I waited too long for the perfect moment to visit it, but I went there on a tour in July 2020 that provided me with a chance to conquer the almost 80-meter climb. From the top, I could see breathtaking views and a glimpse into the gasometer’s rich history.

With a visit, you can explore this engineering marvel and book a tour to explore this iconic structure, which has become an integral part of Schöneberg’s skyline. It’s too bad it has been under construction for months now, and I don’t know the plans there.

Famous Faces of Schöneberg

Let’s talk about some legendary figures who have called Schöneberg home. From Blixa Bargeld, leader of Einstürzende Neubauten and founding member of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, who used to bartend at Risiko during the1980s, to Helmut Newton, Schöneberg has been the birthplace of cool for generations.

But other people called this neighborhood home, like Albert Einstein, that lived around Haberlandstraße before the Nazi Regime took power. Christopher Isherwood was there during the Weimar Era, and Klaus Kinski lived around Wartburgstraße until 1944.

Below, I have more about two of my favorite Berlin celebrities.

Marlene Dietrich: A Legend Born in Schöneberg

Schöneberg proudly claims Marlene Dietrich, one of cinema’s legendary figures, as a native. Born on Leberstrasse 65 in December 1901, she left an indelible mark on the entertainment world.

You can uncover her roots in the Rote Insel neighborhood and learn about her early life, her education at Victoria-Luise-Schule, and the journey that led her to become the iconic Marlene Dietrich.

David Bowie’s Berlin: A Musical Icon’s Refuge in Schöneberg

In the tumultuous 1970s, David Bowie sought refuge in Berlin, residing on Haupstrasse 155 in Schöneberg. He wanted to escape the pressures of fame and battling drug addiction and found a new home in Berlin.

Bowie’s connection to the neighborhood may be traced back to its Weimar Republic era, reminiscent of Christopher Isherwood’s time in the same area.

You can start exploring Bowie’s Berlin years and the influence of Schöneberg on his transformative journey.

Culinary Delights in Schöneberg: Where to Satisfy Your Taste Buds

Now that I mentioned a lot about the neighborhood in this guide To Schöneberg, Are you hungry after all that exploring? Schöneberg has a delicious dining scene worth checking out:

Schöneberg has a story to tell. It dates back to 1264, a tiny village that rose from the ashes after a devastating fire in the 1700s. Industry boomed, grand mansions appeared, and the neighborhood became vital to the city after becoming part of Greater Berlin.

But Schöneberg isn’t just about old buildings. In the roaring 1920s, it became a beacon of LGBTQ+ life, buzzing with creative energy. Think artists, cabaret, and figures like Marlene Dietrich gracing its streets. Sadly, the Nazis silenced much of that vibrancy.

Yet, nowadays, Schöneberg’s spirit endures. Think about the past as you wander the quaint Bayerisches Viertel, discover hidden historical gems… and sense the echoes of a defiant, diverse past.

My Guide To Schöneberg: Exploring Berlin’s Most Eclectic District

Discover the rich history, artistic expressions, and culinary delights that Schöneberg has to offer. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, in this guide to Schöneberg, I try to provide a curated experience for those seeking Berlin’s eclectic district’s diverse and captivating essence.