Celine Laflamme
Google
As a foodie, I watched quite a few travel videos before heading to Berlin, and Markthalle Neun came up in almost every recommendation. It ended up being the first stop on our trip after dropping off our luggage — we had just arrived from Canada and were eager to dive into Berlin’s food scene.
Getting there was a bit of an adventure in itself! Thankfully, the BVG Fahrinfo app made it possible to navigate the public transit system — I honestly don’t think we would’ve made it without it. Coming from the central station, we had to take two subway lines (an S-Bahn and then a U-Bahn), and then walk about 650 meters to get to the market. The transfer between lines was a little confusing, but doable with the app.
On the way to the market, we passed a bunch of little shops that were fun to browse. I noticed right away that the prices for things like alcohol and souvenirs were noticeably cheaper — around 40% less than in the main tourist areas. Definitely worth taking the time to look around the neighborhood a bit.
The market itself was smaller and quieter than expected, especially since we visited on a Monday around lunchtime. A lot of the online videos made it seem much larger and busier, but it actually had a very relaxed and local vibe, which we ended up really appreciating. It didn’t feel touristy at all, which is rare and refreshing.
We shared a charcuterie platter for €12, grabbed two slices of pizza (€5 each) and split them three ways, and my parents also got a chocolate pastry. Everything we tried was fresh, flavourful, and delicious. The ingredients were clearly high quality. The pizza in particular was a highlight — simple but packed with flavour.
That said, we were surprised by how few food vendors were open. We had expected more variety based on the videos we’d seen, so if you're looking for tons of options, it might be better to go during one of their special events like Street Food Thursday.
All in all, Markthalle Neun is a charming local experience. While it may not be the massive, bustling market some videos make it out to be, it’s definitely worth a visit — especially if you appreciate high-quality, locally made food and want to get away from the main tourist traps. Would absolutely go back, but maybe on a busier day next time!