There’s no denying that Berliners love their markets. And they’ve got one for everything from second-hand racks to gourmet snacks and funky knick-knacks! No authentic visit is complete without a day’s expedition through one or many of the city’s lovely markets. Here’s a sampling of some of the best that Berlin’s got to offer.
Produce Market – Türkisher Markt
Well known and loved throughout the city for its reasonable prices and fresh produce, every Tuesday and Friday, the Turkish Market takes over Kreuzkölln’s Maybachufer Canal. With wares ranging from odd buttons and fabric swabs to fresh fish and delicious fruit, it’s become a veritable institution. The best time to hit up the market is right before closing (which can be anywhere between 18:00 and 19:00 depending on the weather) as eager vendors hawk their goods at increasingly lower and lower prices. It’s a great place to stock up for a large dinner party or even just for yourself over the weekend.
Most Hipster Market – Nowkoelln Flowmarkt
Every other Sunday, Nowkoelln’s delightful market springs up along the banks of the Maybachufer Canal offering an assortment of second-hand goods, art, music and food. Attracting the city’s hippest clientele, it is less well-known but quite similar in style to Prenzlauer Berg’s Mauerpark Flohmarkt and as a result comparatively quite a good deal. Whether you’re furnishing a new flat, seeking a one-of-a-kind souvenir, or simply in the market for some truly interesting people watching, make sure to check out the Nowkoelln Flowmarkt.
Most Delicious Market – Streetfood Thursdays
Though once the norm in Berlin, indoor market halls have sadly seen their demise over the last few decades. Fortunately, thanks to the overwhelming support of the neighbourhood, Kreuzberg’s Markthalle Neun survived, currently providing a weekend venue for local vendors to sell home-grown produce and other wares. And on Thursday nights, the market hall is transformed. A veritable snacking fiesta, Streetfood Thursdays serves up a wide range of delicious delicacies prepared by chefs from across the globe. With nearly fifty different vendors from near and far offering dishes of all kind, it’s tempting to try them all! The biggest challenge of the night is undoubtedly escaping the market free of the post-feasting food coma.
Best Organic Market – Markt am Kollwitzplatz
Gentrification hit Prenzlauer Berg almost immediately after the fall of the wall and is nowhere more clearly evidenced than in the neighbourhood ’s beautiful Kollwitzplatz. It’s hard to imagine that today’s vibrant square was once a downtrodden gathering spot for the city’s most impoverished. Large crowds are drawn to its delightfully fresh organic farmers’ market on Saturdays to pick up everything from fresh fruits and veggies to flowers or locally sourced meats. Though prices may be a bit higher than normal, the outstanding quality makes it extremely worthwhile!
Best Overall Market – Flohmarkt am Mauerpark
Every Sunday, Prenzlauer Berg’s Mauerpark hosts what could easily be considered Berlin’s most famous and highly regarded Fleamarket. Massive crowds of tourists and locals alike stroll through the crowded rows of stalls filled with vendors hawking everything from jewellery to vintage toy boats or collections of old postcards. For locals it’s a great spot to pick up funky used furniture to give your Ikea home a more unique edge and for visitors it’s a great way to score a more unique and meaningful souvenir.
Madeline Sinclair has been living in Berlin for nearly two years. When she isn’t busy working at GoEuro, she loves exploring its many markets.
Photo credits: Flickr: goto10, Flickr: Chris.Jeriko, Flickr: salatwekstatt, Flickr: visitBerlin, Flickr: Julia Wendland
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