Landwehr Canal

Landwehr Canal - Park Review | Condé Nast Traveler

"Let’s start big picture. What’s the vibe here? You visit the Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag to sightsee in Berlin. You wander the Landwehr Canal to feel the true rhythm of city—and then fall in love with it. Arguably Berlin's best people-watching spot, the canal unites two of the city's hippest 'hoods (Kreuzberg and Neukölln, called "Kreuzkölln") into the beating heart of the bohemian counterculture scene. In fact, one of the most quintessential Berlin experiences you can have is grabbing a €1 ($1.13) beer from a spätkauf (Berlin’s version of a bodega) and sitting along the canal’s grassy banks under a weeping willow tree. You'll be surrounded by scruffy hipsters, Turkish families, hard-nosed Berliners, and everyone in between. Any standout features or must-sees? On warm days and weekends, Admiralbrücke transforms into something of an outdoor circus, with street performers, picnickers, and sightseers congregating on the cobblestone bridge. A few steps west, follow the stately balconies and pre-war buildings along Planuferstrasse (one of Berlin’s most photogenic streets) toward splashing swans and sun-bathing paddlers rowing by the Urbanhafen park. To the east of Admiralbrücke, don’t miss Paul-Lincke-Ufer street, with its mix of Michelin-starred restaurants ( Horvath ) and legendary vinyl shops (Hard Wax). Was it easy to get around? A well-marked footpath runs along the canal through much of Berlin. In addition, benches, biergartens, bocce courts, and other welcome distractions invite you to sit and linger. All said and done, what—and who—is this best for? If you're short on time, head to either Admiralbrücke or Paul-Lincke-Ufer street and take in the sights and sounds in the area. Anyone with an open mind—not just pretty young things or those with the right pair of jeans—will fit in well here." - Eliot Stein