Torstrasse, in Mitte’s northern precinct, doesn’t immediately seem like the popular evening destination that it has become. By day the major thoroughfare that divides Mitte and Prenzlauer Berg is a popular destination for Europe’s finest boutique retailers. The streets that run parallel are lined by picturesque apartments and studded with cafés, bars and restaurants. Visit at night, when the area thrives as people move between dinner and drinks, stopping in at the many cozy bars of the area.
Along with its culinary and late-night offerings, the area around Torstrasse is a cultural hub with small galleries and art institutions. Take a walk down Auguststrasse to visit the KW Institute, one of Berlin’s premier contemporary art galleries.
Just a short walk away, find the historic Volksbuhne, one of Berlin’s most impressive performance spaces. See experimental productions within the huge theater. Photograph its dominating façade and the surrounding Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz before entering.
Visit Torstrasse in early June to experience the Torstrassen Festival. The weekend-long festival showcases up-and-coming musicians from Berlin alongside established European and international artists. Events span a number of venues in the precinct, including ACUD, home of the Berlin Community Radio station.
The area around Rosenthaler Platz contains a cluster of bars, many of which are open until the early hours of the morning. Listen to live music at a small venue or enjoy a glass of German wine at a wine bar. On weekends, Berlin’s train network will take you home throughout the night.
Torstrasse is served by a number of train lines. Trams run along its length. Explore the area surrounding Torstrasse on foot to be sure you don’t miss the hidden boutiques and bars of the area.
