The best way to get to know a city is to get immersed in its side streets. For you, Berlin-lovers, we’ve handpicked a guide of the best spots on Oranienstrasse in Berlin. This is where daylife seamlessly meets nightlife. From irresistible restaurants and cafés to trendy bars and iconic clubs to shopping hotspots and art galleries, here is how to experience the 12th coolest street in the world and let Berlin grow even bigger on you.
Hasir Ocakbaşı restaurant on Oranienstrasse 177 offers a unique journey through Turkey’s delectable cuisine. From grilled specialties to homemade mezze like Köpoğlu Veggie (eggplant blend with yogurt, tomato and garlic) and İmam Bayıldı (stuffed eggplant), and traditional mouthwatering desserts such as Katmer (pistachio-filled pastry served with ice cream), Hasir pioneers in premium Turkish food in Berlin. Since opening its first restaurant in 1970, the Hasir brand has grown into an empire with six locations across Berlin, continuing the Aygün family's legacy. Whether planning a date night in the welcoming atmosphere or simply craving the traditional flavors of Turkey, Hasir is unmissable.
The epicenter of Kreuzberg: Dorle, Oranienstraße 18
If you’re looking for the perfect spot for people-watching and really soaking up the eclectic Kreuzberg culture, café Dorle at Oranienstraße 18 is the place to be. Previously a restaurant called Bateau Ivre, today, Dorle preserves its top location at Rio-Reiser-Platz, its devoted clientele and the spirit of the venue. Enjoy a coffee while working on your laptop, drink local wine with friends or sip on cocktails with the girlies through the evening.
Korean BBQ has become one of the trendy dining experiences of today, and Chikogi on Oranienstraße 31 offers a succulent selection of menu staples such as Bibimbap and Salmon Ramen Burger. In the tradition of Korean BBQ’s, your reservation at Chikogi comes with a tabletop grill, and the food is served by welcoming staff who ensure your pleasant grill-on-your-own experience. The vibe of the place is also on-pint. It boasts an industrial-chic design with exposed brick walls and an outdoor seating area - perfect for those warm months when you just want to take in the good-feel vibe in great company and delicious food.
Berlin is famous for its fast food delights, and Oranienstrasse hosts one of the premium spots for a little treat. If you’re craving a midday snack in-between devouring art at daadgalerie and vintage shopping at Kleideri, Goldies has “the best bad food in town,” as its slogan reads. With a trendy interior and inviting outdoor seating area, don’t miss out on the opportunity to enjoy a mouthwatering burger and loaded fries.
A cafe during the day and a bar in the evening, Café Luzia on Oranienstraße 34 is one of the cool, edgy bars in Berlin that give the street’s reputation. It has a warm, minimalistic interior with ‘50s furniture, an abundance of candles, and high ceilings, which give off a vintage industrial charm. Enjoy a coffee during the day or sip on a cocktail in the evening with an extra boost on the weekends when Café Luzia turns into a mini club with electronic music DJ sets.
If you’re looking for where to take the night after a few woozy cocktails at Café Luzia, Roses Bar will welcome you into its pink furry and music extravaganza. The iconic gay and lesbian bar boasts pink plush walls and flashing Madonnas - a delightful kitschy interior that’s a feast for the senses. Lose yourself in the rhythm of the night as you dance alongside locals and international partygoers until the break of dawn, while experiencing the colorful queer vibe. Just follow the trail of bling-bling.
Right next to Roses is the legendary club SO36, where music royalty like David Bowie and Iggy Pop once graced the dancefloor. The club opened in the ‘70s, attracting punk fans to the scene, and later expanded into one of the finest new wave venues in the world, often drawing comparisons to New York's famed CBGB. It remains an epic dance spot through today, staying true to its signature soundl. Immerse yourself in SO36's authentic atmosphere during club nights such as "Gayhane" or "Nachtflohmarkt," or try your best dancing moves on skates at Rollerdisko. And if you’re wondering what to wear for your night out, check out our insightful take on Berlin’s rave fashion.
Do you ever wish you had an infinite walk-in closet in your city where you can pick the best selection of vintage and designer items? Meet Kleiderei: an innovative fashion solution at the heart of Kreuzberg, where you can borrow and exchange four items as you please for a membership of €29 a month or make purchases on the spot. From current second-hand pieces from Armed Angels, COS and Acne to vintage designer items by Maison Margiela and Burberry, you can truly find your personal style here. We personally fell in love with a statement vintage necklace by Isabel Marant. More of a reason to keep coming back to Kreuzberg’s Oranienstrasse.
For appreciators of contemporary fashion, modern design and elevated visual culture, Voo Store is the dreamy spot for next-level shopping. The international creatives behind this concept store meticulously curate a selection of luxury and sustainable fashion, books, magazines and art. Pick a gift for your loved one or treat yourself to an edgy fashion magazine while enjoying freshly brewed coffee and handpicked goods at Voo Deli’s inviting courtyard.
Whether you’re craving insights about Berlin’s Oranienstraße, seeking a bestselling page-turner or aiming to brush up on your German skills, the charming Dante Connection bookstore is your portal to knowledge. Keep an eye out for the “Dante Pearl” signs leading you to literary treasures. They also sell unique postcards perfect for your personal collection or for sending a piece of Berlin to your friends abroad. If you’re a fellow bookworm, you will love reading about these beloved bookstores in Berlin.
Who doesn’t love a unique piece of jewelry that becomes an integral part of your life? Right next to Dante Connection, at Oranienplatz, is located Schmuck Fritz - a cozy jewelry store where you can browse their selection and watch the intricate process of jewelry-making live. While experiencing Oranienstrasse, make sure to pop in for a statement jewelry piece, beautifully arranged in birdcages and wooden cabinets with glass tops.
Fancy indulging in some local art? You’ve come to the right place. Berlin is at the epicenter of art and culture, with upcoming events such as the Affordable Art Fair and Gallery Weekend Berlin 2024 in April encapsulating the city’s brimming art scene. In the heart of hip Kreuzberg, daadgalerie is a hotspot for celebrating the diverse urban community through cutting-edge interdisciplinary art formats. The space is modern and welcomes you with its edgy exterior. Check out their program of contemporary art events to infuse your Oranienstrasse experience with even more creativity.
The area around Oranienstrasse is filled with pockets of greenery that promise you a sweet escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Grab a coffee and devour it at Waldeck Park, or step into the greenery abundance at Princess Garden at Moritzplatz - a community garden run by a collective of Berliners. You can also take part in one of the gardening classes and workshops, or even join the project and become a vital part of Oraneinstrasse’s community.
And lastly, our favorite green spot of all is Oranienplatz. In the warm months, we love basking in the sun and soaking up the hip vibe of Kreuzberg. Walk up the former Luisenstadt Canal, which is now a beautiful garden. At the end is located Engelbecken Park, where a serene lake invites you to recharge, and Café am Engelbecken offers you breathtaking views.
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