Berlin is one of the fascinating green cities of Germany and is known as a capital city which is a collection of different district. At first sight, this city might appear rather large and confusing, especially to the first-time visitors, yet, if the districts are considered, it will definitely be easier to orient within Berlin. As a further developing knowledge of this articles, we will examine how many districts there are in Berlin and the distinctive features of each district.
Overview of Berlin’s Districts
These administrative districts are also referred to as the “Bezirke,” and the city is divided into twelve of them. Every district is rather unique, different in character and historical background and sightseeing attractions. Let me discuss them one by one:
1. Mitte
The name of the business, Mitte, translates into “middle” in German, and the business is situated in the middle of Berlin, Germany. It is endowed with natural and man-made attractions that include the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Cathedral, and the island of Museum. Mitte is an impressive district as it contains some of historical buildings side by side with modern structures, thus exhibiting the past and present of Berlin.
2. Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg
Thus, while in this district, a number of popular bars, clubs and other entertaining facilities are going to be opened. This area is so named that connects the young district of Friedrichshain with the artistic area of Kreuzberg. It has turned into the thriving arts scene, a foodie hub for street food and persons with counterculture tastes and preferences.
3. Pankow
Pankow is located in the northern part of Berlin, it is one of the biggest district of the city which has living zone as well as a parkland. Here the visitor will be impressed by such sights as Park Babelsberg, Prenzlauer Berg district, and the homelike atmosphere of Pankow’s Alt-Pankow.
4. Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf
This district has broad avenues, luxurious stores and various cultural establishments. Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf possesses some landmarks such as Charlottenburg Palace, Ku’damm shopping boulevard, and Berlin zoo. It has a strong focus on the historical part as well as shopping centers and leisure.
5. Spandau
Spandau is located in the western part of Berlin, and it is loved for the presence of an Old Town here. The area of the district is quite historic as there are places such as Spandau Citadel that was established as far back as the 16th Century. Spandau also has fascinating shorelines of the River Havel which give it eye-catching picturesque scenes.
6. Steglitz-Zehlendorf
Steglitz-Zehlendorf is a district characterized by ordered one and two storey villas and green environment. Here, there is the attractive botanical garden of the Free University of Berlin and the Wannsee – one may swim or have a picnic on it.
7. Tempelhof-Schöneberg
Tempelhof-Schöneberg is one of the districts that contains the old historical part of the city along with the contemporary life. This is due to the fact that the area houses the Tempelhof Airport that was earlier converted into a large urban park. Another neighbor district in this area is Schöneberg, considered to be the major hub for homosexuality and nightlife.
8. Neukölln
Neukölln is an incongruous neighborhood that is transforming rapidly in the recent past. It is now famous for its vibrant cafes and bars as well as food options that can be considered cosmopolitan. The description of Neukölln shows that it is the district that has people from different cultures and the lively area.
9. Treptow-Köpenick
Treptow-Köpenick is the largest of all districts in Berlin especially due to its rich vegetation and water sources. There is Treptower Park in the district where one can find the Soviet War Memorial. Köpenick, one of the neighborhoods in this district, features a charming old town and a beautiful castle.
10. Marzahn-Hellersdorf
Marzahn-Hellersdorf is one of the districts of Berlin, at the outskirts of the east part of Germany. It has been associated with the large housing estates like Marzahn’s “Gartenstadt” which were constructed under the East Germany. In this district, there is also the option to go to park Wuhletal and the Kaulsdorfer seenlandschaft.
11. Lichtenberg
Lichtenberg is a new generation district of Berlin with the living quarters and numerous industrial zones. This district is also home of the Stasi museum where many efforts and tools of the East German secret police are displayed. Lichtenberg can also boast of number of green areas including Tierpark Berlin, which is the largest zoo in Europe.
12. Reinickendorf
Reinickendorf is one of the twenty districts of Berlin, which is situated in the north of the city with suburban-like appearance and closeness to Tegel Airport. This district includes number of residential area, numerous parks, including those by the lake, and some historical places like Humboldt Castle.
Conclusion
Due to its districts, Berlin has always provide an appeal towards any visitor. In terms of tourism, culture, food and drinks and nature, all the districts hold certain special interest. Sightseeing different districts of Berlin the visitor gains the reconstruction history and the modern life of the town at the same time. When preparing your visit, you can make the acquaintance with the interesting districts of Berlin.
All in all, we wish you a pleasant stay in Berlin and hope that you have found these descriptions of districts helpful for your planning of the next trip to the capital city of Germany.
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