Neukoelln

Introduction

Neukölln is one of the twelve boroughs of Berlin, stretching south-east from the inner city down to the border with Brandenburg. It takes in the eponymous quarter of Neukölln in the north, and the southern quarters of Britz, Gropiusstadt, Buckow and Rudow.

Three days in Neukoelln

Day one: Start in Neukölln itself, getting a feel for the district's character before heading south. From there you can move on to Britz, one of the southern neighbourhoods that make up this part of Berlin, and then continue to Gropiusstadt, a planned settlement within the same southern stretch. Keep your first day loose and let the contrast between the northern and southern parts of the district set the tone for the rest of your stay.

Day two: Head further out into the southern edge of Berlin. Buckow and Rudow sit at this outer margin, where the city begins to give way to the surrounding Brandenburg countryside. It is a quieter day than the first, and a chance to see how Neukölln's boundaries extend well beyond its dense central streets.

Day three: Return to Neukölln and use the day to revisit whatever drew you in, whether that was the bustle of the district core or the open edges you reached on day two. Berlin is large, but this corner of it rewards a slower second look before you move on.