Like a Local: Weekly Markets in Berlin
Once upon a time it was the most natural thing in the world to go visit the local food market once or twice a week in order to run your errands for the week. Well, due to big supermarket chains, online grocery shopping, and a future of drone deliveries, food markets are not exactly a basic necessity anymore. But to many, the traditional weekly food market is still their preferred source of fresh produce. Local products, fresh fruit and vegetables, organic food, exotic specialities, home-made delicacies, and exceptional speciality foods – the weekly markets of Berlin are just as diverse and multicultural as the capital itself. So if you want to experience an authentic side of Berlin lifestyle, doing a trip to one of the over 70 weekly markets in town might be a good idea.
The laws of the market
Berlin is diverse and multifaceted, and so are the weekly markets here. Every kiez – Berlin’s unique neighborhoods – has its very own food market tailored to its residents. Take Kreuzberg for instance: this borough is home to many young families, students, artists, and intellectuals conscious about their consumption. No wonder then, that organic farmers’ markets like the one on Lausitzer Platz (Fri, 10am – 6pm) and on Hohenstaufenplatz (Tue, 12 – 6pm, & Sat, 10am – 4pm) cater to the demand for locally produced organic groceries. A similar picture can be painted of yuppie paradise Prenzlauer Berg, where Berlin’s most popular organic market takes place on Kollwitzplatz every Thursday from 12 through 7pm. The food market here combines the rural gemütlichkeit of Black-Forest-cliché Swabia with Berlin’s urban spirit. Residents, tourists, and even the high society are fans of this neighborhood institution. Those who want to experience a very multifaceted weekly market should check out Boxhagener Platz in Friedrichshain on a Saturday: More than 100 stalls offer everything from traditional products like fruit, vegetable, cheese, meat, and pastries to artisan craftworks, unusual fine foods, and delicacies. Even more international is Berlin’s most charming market, the Turkish market on Neukölln’s Maybachufer (Tue & Fri, 11am – 6:30pm). With fresh produce, Turkish delicacies, tasty snacks, and a wide selection of textiles and crafts, this market is a piece of Istanbul in the heart of Berlin.
All over the map
(© dertour.de)
With more than 70 weekly markets in town you might easily lose track of what market is happening where and when. The bloggers of local travel agency DERTOUR have therefore come up with a handy interactive subway map of all markets, so that you can add a visit to an authentic food market to your Berlin trip. Visit the original page and check out the Berlin Weekly Markets Map – click on a market and find all important information at a glance. You can find the interactive map here.
By the way: we from Industriepalast Hostel have two favorite markets ourselves: Diverse and grand weekly market on Boxhagener Platz is only a ten minute walk away. And even to the beautiful Turkish market on Maybachufer it’s only 20 minutes by foot. Take what you’ve purchased to our spacious guest kitchen and turn it into a fantastic fresh meal!
And there’s more: Besides the traditional weekly markets, why not check out one of Berlin’s legendary flea markets or the amazing street food markets?
Picture: Datei: #84193462 | Urheber: Dangubic
