Best Cafes in Kreuzberg, Berlin

Traditionally, you may expect the cafes around Kottbusser Tor and throughout Kreuzberg to be dominated by ethnic Turks, particularly men, in rooms that do much to resemble the cafes of Istanbul.

More recently, however, the ethnically Turkish and Arab communities that have typically inhabited Kreuzberg have been joined by a massive influx of foreigners from western Europe, across the Pacific and down under, many looking for a cheaper and alternative lifestyle. Correspondingly, there is an evolving cafe culture where MacBooks are increasingly spied amid Doc Martens, thick rimmed glasses and dreadlocks. There are many places to kick back, relax or work.

Cafe culture is huge as many young professionals don't tend to work conventional hours in Berlin and make the coffeehouse with wifi their informal office space. The range of spots you can find is good, varying from places offering great cakes and cappuccino to others with an altogether dingier, smokier atmosphere where as many people are sipping at beers as coffee. During the summer, one of Berlin's greatest pleasures is to sit outside facing the streets, watching the passers-by, taking endless time over a coffee and a good old-fashioned German brunch.

(To visit the venues mentioned in this article, check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Berlin)