Now technically part of Prenzlauer Berg, Pankow itself gets a bit less attention than its mothering neighbour, but as the most populace Berlin borough, Pankow has its own vibe, too. At the northern end of Berlin, Pankow was once split by the wall between East and West, but the area now provides a quieter neighbourhood that’s slowly growing. The area has staved off gentrification, but as Berlin grows in popularity, Pankow is getting more attention and becoming a larger spot on the real estate radar.
The houses of Pankow are actually quite famous, too. As a standing relic of the Weimar Republic’s push for better urban development and housing standards, the Berlin Modern Housing Estates are an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Old or new, Pankow is a family-oriented neighbourhood, so it enjoys a slower pace of life that caters to those hoping for some peace among Berlin’s energetic atmosphere.
Pankow has a stunning rose garden in one of the most relaxing parks in the city. The Bürgerpark Pankow is perfect for picnics and mid-summer walks, and it also has a secret wonder in its aviary. Animal lovers and families with children can enjoy the various birds as well as the goat enclosure. Want something a little more adventurous? The Güterbahnhof Pankow is an abandoned freight station that has that eerie charm and serves as a canvas for some fine examples of Berlin’s street art. Urban adventurers have many options in Berlin, and Pankow’s railroad yard is not one to miss.
Lesser known than Kreuzberg or Neukölln, Pankow also has many small art galleries that boast strong and creative exhibitions from both local and international artists. Slightly under the radar, the area has the ability to try out more avant-garde styles. Zimmer 16 and Dock 11 are two of the must-see art spaces in Pankow.
City Centre: 30 minutes with the U-Bahn to Alexanderplatz.
Nearest Airports: Tegel airport can be reached within 45 minutes, and Schönefeld airport can be reached within an hour.
