Berlin Prenzlauer Berg

Berliner Mauer Dokumentationzentrum, Bernauer Str. 111 (www.berliner-mauer-dokumentationzentrum.de), A remembrance complex, museum, chapel, and entire city block of the preserved Berlin Wall, two concrete barriers separated by the open Todesstreife, or death strip, come together in a memorial to “victims of the communist tyranny.” The church is made of an inner oval of poured cement walls, lit from above by a large skylight, with gaps that look out over a field of tall grasses and poppies. The museum has assembled a comprehensive collection of all things Wall. Exhibits include photos, film clips, and sound bites. Climb up a staircase to see the wall from above. U8: Bernauer Str. Free. Open Tu-Su Apr-Oct 9:30am-7pm; Nov-Mar 9:30am-6pm.
Jüdischer Friedhof, On Schönehauser Allee; enter by the Lapidarium Prenzlauer Berg was one of the major centers of Jewish Berlin during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The ivy-covered Jewish cemetery contains the graves of Giacomo Meyerbeer and Max Liebermann and is studded by impressively high, dark tombs under towering old trees. Nearby, Synagogue Rykstrasse (Rykestr. 53) is one of Berlin's loveliest synagogues. It was spared on Kristallnacht thanks to its inconspicuous location. Unfortunately, visitors are not allowed in, as the synagogue still operates as a school. U2: Senefelderpl. Free. Open M-Th 8am-4pm, F 8am-1pm.
Kollowitzplatz, Directly below Wörther Str. This little triangle of greenery is one big playground, with toddlers climbing over tree stumps, jungle gyms, and even the lap of Käthe Kollowtiz's statue. Close by, a magical little playground with a small bridge, stream, and willow trees is another popular destination for young moms with energetic kids. Non-parents are drawn by the upscale market on Saturdays, where vendors sell everything from boar meat sausage to handmade ravioli. U2: Senefelderpl. Free.
Zeiss-Grossplanetarium, Prenzlauer Allee 80 (www.astw.de), In 1987 this planetarium opened as the most modern facility of its kind in the DDR. Compared to its peers in the West, it seems about as technologically advanced as a tricycle, but it can still show you the stars. No exhibits here, only shows; check the website or call in advance for times. S8, S41, S42, or tram M2: Prenzlauer Allee. From the stop, the planetarium is across the bridge. €5, students €4. Open Tu 9am-noon, W 9am-noon and 1:30-3pm, Th 9am-noon, F 7-9pm, Sa 2:30-9pm, Su 1:30-5pm.
Kulturbrauerei, Schönehauser Allee 36 (www.kulturbrauerei-berlin.de), A former brewery, the Kulturbrauerei now calls itself the “cultural melting pot” of a diverse Berlin. Home to offices, restaurants, and a cinema, this old brick building tower and courtyard hosts community events, including salsa lessons and local theater performances. For the traveler, this space might be best enjoyed as a brief peek at the interesting architecture. U2: Senefelderpl.
Wasserturm Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin's oldest water tower was built to supply the rapidly growing population of workers in Prenzlauer Berg with water. Below the tower were the homes of the former machinery operators, still occupied today as apartments. The area around the tower has since been converted into a park with excellent views of Prenzlauer Berg, the TV Tower, and suntanning Germans. U2: Senefelderpl. Between Knaackstr. and Belforter Str. in Kollwitzkiez