Planning Your Visit

Address: Dircksenstr. 36, 10179 Berlin

The affordable design hotel is situated right by Hackescher Markt – so if you are hoping to explore Berlin, this is the perfect place to stay. Hotel rooms start at 118.25 EUR per night. The organic breakfast buffet is available for an additional 17.90 EUR.
Motel One has 10 locations around Berlin.

Nearest public transport stops: Hackescher Markt and Alexanderplatz. Public transport link to Bard College Berlin via the M1 tram line. (30 minutes)

Address: Rosenthaler  Straße 1, 10119 Berlin

The Circus Hotel is a boutique, design-orientated hotel in Berlin-Mitte, housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century landmark-protected building overlooking Rosenthaler Platz. Close to all the main attractions of the city and in a lively neighborhood of bars and restaurants. Single rooms start at 127.50 EUR per night. Warm breakfast is served from 8AM–11AM, including homemade granola, eggs, breakfast burritos, to name a few of the options. The menu and prices are listed here.

Nearest public transport stop: Rosenthaler Platz (U8 subway line, tram connections).

Public transport link to Bard College Berlin via the M1 tram line (30 minutes).

Address: Kastanienallee 65, 10119 Berlin

Located in the hip and historic Prenzlauer Berg and directly on the M1 tram line, which leads directly to campus, Hotel Kastanienhof offers rooms starting around 113 EUR per night (with a minimum stay of two nights). Their availability around the time of Admitted Students Day is limited, so if you are considering booking with them, we'd encourage you to book as early as possible. There are several nice restaurants in the neighborhood, including a pub attached to the hotel.  

Restaurant Friedrich. €€. Hermann-Hesse-Str. 20, 13156 Berlin. A neighborhood classic offering a taste of modern German cuisine. Enjoy their seasonal menus and regionally sourced delicacies.

Tikka Masala. €. Dietzgenstraße 43, 13156 Berlin. If you like Indian food, then you do not need to go far. Enjoy the spices of the subcontinent at this no frills restaurant.

Pho Bowl. €. Hermann-Hesse-Straße 2, 13156 Berlin. A simple, small restaurant serving authentic Vietnamese food, located very close to campus.

Yaman Kebab. Hermann-Hesse-Straße 12, 13156 Berlin, Germany. You can't leave Berlin without trying a Döner Kebab at least once. This restaurant in particular is loved by many students for it's delicious menu and kind staff.

Osman’s Töchter. €€. Pappelallee 15, 10437 Berlin. Enjoy cold and warm plates inspired by the Near East at this beloved Turkish restaurant, located a short tram ride away from campus.

Knödelwirtschaft. €€. Stargarder Str. 3, 10437 Berlin. Immerse yourself in German culinary tradition with Knödel (dumplings) in this rustic restaurant in the nearby Prenzlauer Berg neighborhood.

Rüyam. €. Schönhauser Allee 44A, 10435 Berlin. It is hard to pick just one street food spot in this neighborhood, but Rüyam has got to be it. They offer delicious Falafel wraps and Döner Kebab, and often with some lively Middle Eastern music in the background.

Aftab Persian Streetfood. Kastanienallee 90, 10435 Berlin, Germany. Great variety of delicious Persian meals for an even better price. Aftab will have you coming back for seconds.

Auszeit. Hermann-Hesse-Str. 15, 13156 Berlin. A cozy café with great options for brunch or an afternoon of Kaffee und Kuchen, just a few minutes' walk from our campus.

Café Sommerlust. Tschaikowskistraße 1, 13156 Berlin. Take a walk around the Schloss park, admire the 18th-century Prussian summer palace, and stop for a coffee break at the Sommerlust café.

Kiez Café Kraft. Breite Str. 35, 13187 Berlin. Enjoy a cup of coffee and some delicious cake on their terrace if the weather is nice. A nice place to mix with the neighbours, as families spend time outdoors with small children and dogs.

Kubitza. Dietzgenstraße 22, 13156 Berlin, Germany. Great cakes, hot chocolate, and coffee in a calm atmosphere shared with residents of the neighborhood. We would recommend carrying cash as they normally do not accept card here. 

Tadschikische Teestube. Oranienburger Str. 27, 10117 Berlin. Reminiscent of Soviet influence in East Germany, this Tajik teahouse transports you to Central Asia with intricate carpets and beautiful drapes. Enjoy their assortment of tea ceremonies.

Sofi Bakery. Sophie-Gips-Höfe, Sophienstraße 21, 10178 Berlin. A neighbourhood bakery with a minimalist and traditional approach to baking, offering a range of mouth-watering pastries and breads.

738 KREMA Concept Store & Coffee. Auguststraße 47a, 10119 Berlin. More than just a café, this Vietnamese coffee shop takes a bit of an experimental approach to coffee, and is a great way to take a break from the bustling neighborhood with its cozy vibes.

2D Cafe Always Together. Große Hamburger Str. 24, 10115 Berlin, Germany. The ever-so-popular 2D style café where you'll feel like you're right inside a comic book yourself. 

Zeit für Brot. Eberswalder Straße 26, 10437 Berlin. The sweet tooth's paradise. This bakery offers delicious freshly baked pastries as well as a range of sandwiches, perfect for a quick breakfast or an afternoon snack.

Café de Luna. Kastanienallee 36A, 10435 Berlin. A great spot for coffee, handcrafted crakes, and Korean style brunch. 

Duration: 1.5–2 hours

Route:

A. Museumsinsel (Museum Island) – Stroll through this UNESCO-listed cultural hub, admiring its historic buildings and lively atmosphere.

B. Berliner Dom – Take in the grandeur of Berlin’s iconic cathedral and its picturesque riverside setting.

C. Humboldt Forum – Visit Berlin’s newest museum complex, a reconstruction of the historic Berlin Palace, and explore an exhibition if time allows.

D. Bebelplatz – See the underground book-burning memorial, marking the 1933 Nazi purge of "un-German" literature.

E. Neue Wache – A somber memorial honoring victims of war and tyranny.

F. Staatsbibliothek (Berlin State Library) – Walk through its courtyard and, if time permits, explore the intellectual life of the city.

G. Brandenburg Gate – Berlin’s most famous landmark, symbolizing unity and history. Nearby, a discreet museum awaits discovery.

H. Reichstag – Home to the lower house of the German parliament, offering impressive architecture and history.

I. Regierungsviertel (Government District) – Conclude your tour with a scenic walk along the Spree, surrounded by key political institutions.

You can walk along the Reichstagufer towards the next main train station at Friedrichstraße, where you can also find many restaurants, cafes, and shopping centers.

Enjoy your walk through Berlin’s historic center!

Bürgerpark. Wilhelm-Kuhr-Straße 9, 13187 Berlin. Relish the spring beauty by taking a stroll in this cherished neighborhood park. You might even spot some goats!

Enjoy the Kirschblüten. Admire the cherry blossoms that adorn Berlin for a short time every April. Enjoy a stroll under the pink blossoms near Bornholmer Strasse train station or around Bürgerpark.

Mauerpark. Bernauer Str. 63, 13355 Berlin. A must-visit when the weather is nice! We recommend going tomorrow to discover surprise bargains at the flea market and enjoy the bustling music scene.

Festival Days at the Berlin State Opera. Unter den Linden 7, 10117 Berlin. Catch a performance during the Easter festival days at the Berlin State Opera. This year’s festival is dedicated to Vincenzo Bellini.

Special Exhibition: Planet Africa. James-Simon-Galerie, Bodestraße, 10178 Berlin. Experience this special exhibition of archaeological artifacts from Africa and take a journey through time. Stroll around Museum Island to enjoy the river Spree and the breathtaking architecture.

Monbijou Park. Oranienburger Str., 10178 Berlin, Germany. A beautiful park with access to Museum Island, views of the TV tower, and random musical events in the middle of the day. Take a photo on the bridge that encapsulates the Berlin experience, or sit on the grass with friends enjoying the music and good weather; the choice is yours. 

Useful links

Visit the following links to find out which interesting events or exhibitions are going on in the city, with information on tickets, etc.:

The official city website: https://www.berlin.de/en/culture-entertainment/

Berlin State Museums: https://www.smb.museum/home/

Berlin is known for its flea markets and thrifting culture. If you're here until Sunday afternoon, you have a chance to visit a few of the most popular ones!

Mauerpark Flea Market. Bernauer Str. 63, 13355 Berlin, Germany.  The closest one to campus, and also one of the most popular ones in Berlin with live music, food, and tons of stalls selling everything from clothes and jewelry to household items and spices.

Boxhagener Platz Flea Market. 10245 Berlin-Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, Germany.  Also known as "Boxi", saying you've been to this one might make you feel a bit more like a local. As the name suggests, this one is located in a box-like park in Kreutzberg, and is another popular site for second hand items. 

RAW-Gelände Flea Market. Revaler Str. 99, 10245 Berlin, Germany.  This iconic flea market is located near the East Side Gallery and could make for a great addition to your Berlin adventure.

Bode Museum Flea Market. Am Kupfergraben 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany. Good for, but not limited to, buying handcrafted items, vintage pieces, and jewelry. On your way to Museum Island or Monbijou Park, you could stop by for some shopping.

Night Kitchen. €€€. Heckmann Höfe, Oranienburger Str. 32, 10115 Berlin. Mediterranean food that wants to be shared. A lively place to spend an evening with friends or family over shared platters. Reserve a table on their website.

Coccodrillo. €€€. Veteranenstraße 9, 10119 Berlin. A beautiful trattoria with tonnes of vegetarian and house made options. Reservations recommended.

Banh Mi Stable. €. Schendelgasse 9, 10119 Berlin. Vietnamese sandwiches made with fresh ingredients. Short description, like their menu.

Babba Chu. €. Auguststraße 63, 10117 Berlin. Chinese take-out food. With a New York City twist. In Berlin. Interesting right?

Dolores. €. Rosa-Luxemburg-Straße 7, 10178 Berlin. This place introduced Californian-style Burritos to the Berlin street food scene, and is a great place to go for a quick but delicious lunch.

Vino & Basilico. €€. Tucholskystraße 18/20, 10117 Berlin. If you are a fan of the Italian cuisine, this place offers a small but delicious menu in a relaxing ambience. Reservations recommended.