Dispatch: Berlin’s Best Markets
Whether open-air or revitalized landmark, these artisan and produce stands are our favorites in the city
Markt IX
Berlin is in the midst of a major market revival: The city is renovating its old market halls and new street markets have opened to cater to the growing demand for locally grown organic produce. Here’s a curated selection of some of the ones you can’t miss on your next visit:
Arminiusmarkthalle
Now a protected German national landmark, this ornate red-brick market with Gothic-style bay windows and elaborate floral motifs on its cast-iron pillars opened in 1891 in the Moabit district, was badly damaged during World War II, and then extensively renovated in 1996. Among the best stalls here are Brotkorb, which translates to breadbasket (don't miss its vegan breads, including the Pomerania farm bread and spelt whole-grain); Kartoffel Krüger, a stand specializing in potatoes; and Genusswerk, which hawks locally grown fruit and vegetables, preserves, juices, and a great selection of apple products from the estate of Countess Daisy von Arnim, also known as "the Apple Countess" (die Apfelgräfin).
Arminiusstrasse 2-4
Open daily, except Sundays
Markt IX
On the eve of World War II, Berlin had 14 major municipally built inner-city neighborhood food markets, often handsome Victorian structures of brick, cast iron, and glass. After falling out of favor, those that survived World War II are being renovated and relaunched, and this one, in the winningly funky Kreuzberg district and commonly known as "Neun" (nine), is especially beloved by Berliners. The all-organic market has a terrific collection of bakers, butchers, cheese-and-dairy merchants, fishmongers, and specialty stalls like Das Berliner Frühstück (The Berliner Breakfast), which sells 12 kinds of organic muesli. The Street Food Thursdays (5 p.m.–10 p.m.) held at the market have become a local institution.
Eisenbahnstrasse 42-43
Open Mon-Wed: 8am-6pm; Thurs: 8am-10pm; Fri-Sat: 8am-8pm; closed Sunday
Eco-Markt
More than 50 owner-run stalls sell organic foods and handicrafts like homemade jams, pickles, and beeswax candles at this friendly, intimate open-air organic market, which is held every Thursday in the Prenzlauer Berg district.
Kollwitzplatz
Open Thursday: 12pm–6pm
BiOriental Markt
Also known as the "Türkenmarkt" (Turkish market), this open-air market in the Neukölln district features vendors selling foods from Turkey, Egypt, Nigeria, and other countries. It offers a delicious lesson in the fact that Berlin is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in Europe. Great street food, too.
Maybachufer
Tuesdays and Fridays: 11am-6.30pm
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