Hackescher Markt: Where Our Tour Ends and Your Berlin Adventure Begins

Yusuf Ucuz
Feb 26
2 min read

Updated: Feb 28

Our walking tour ends at Hackescher Markt, and there's a good reason for that. This lively square in the heart of Berlin-Mitte is the perfect place to transition from history to the present — from guided exploration to your own adventure. It's surrounded by restaurants, bars, boutique shops, and some of the best street art in Berlin. If there's a single neighborhood that captures Berlin's creative energy, this is it.

A Brief History of the Square

Hackescher Markt takes its name from Hans Christoph Friedrich von Hacke, a military commander who developed the area in the 1750s. The square served as a market and transportation hub for centuries. After reunification in 1990, the area was rundown and neglected, but it quickly became one of the first neighborhoods in East Berlin to be revitalized — attracting artists, entrepreneurs, and visitors from around the world.

The Hacksche Höfe

Just steps from the square, you'll find the Hacksche Höfe — the largest complex of connected courtyards in Germany. Built in 1906, these eight interconnected courtyards are a masterpiece of Art Nouveau architecture, with beautiful Jugendstil ceramic facades by August Endell. Today they house galleries, theaters, cafés, and independent shops. Walking through them feels like stepping into a hidden world within the city.

Where to Eat and Drink

Hackescher Markt is one of the best neighborhoods in Berlin for food. The restaurants directly on the square tend to be tourist-oriented, but walk just one or two streets in any direction and you'll find excellent options. Head toward Rosenthaler Straße for Asian cuisine, Oranienburger Straße for cafés and brunch spots, or the nearby Weinmeisterstraße for some of Berlin's best Döner. We always share our current favorite spots at the end of the tour.

Street Art and Nightlife

The area around Hackescher Markt is also a hotspot for Berlin's famous street art scene. The courtyards, alleys, and side streets are covered in murals, stencils, and paste-ups by local and international artists. If you're into nightlife, this neighborhood doesn't disappoint either — from cocktail bars to underground clubs, there's something for every taste.

End Your Tour, Start Your Adventure

Our free walking tour ends right at Hackescher Markt, giving you the perfect launchpad for the rest of your day. After the tour, you can explore the Höfe, grab a meal, or simply wander the side streets and soak up the atmosphere. Book your spot and let us show you the heart of Berlin.