Although Berlin is currently under pretty comprehensive corona lockdown, you can still find regional fruit, vegetables, cheese and meat at weekly markets in almost every district. Shopping in the open air does wonders for your mood, and Berlin’s myriad markets are so varied that the trip becomes a journey of discovery.
Here’s our up-to-date selection of Berlin’s best weekly food markets which continue to take place despite stringent restrictions. Even better, these markets are an integral part of an endangered culinary supply chain and are probably the best way to shop right now: outdoors, with enough space, while taking a walk.
Weekly market at Boxhagener Platz
There aren’t many markets at which you can conquer all your weekend shopping at once, but the market at Boxi is definitely one of them. The vegetables come either from the wholesale market, directly from the farmer or even with an organic seal. One market stall after another, laden with wholesome staples and curated delicacies. Plus there are a few street food stands to satisfy any hunger pangs while you shop. In non-corona times, there are also some knick-knacks to browse — perhaps as an appetiser for the Sunday flea market that usually takes place at the same location. At the moment, however, the selection is limited to groceries and some other goods for daily use.
Weekly market at Boxhagener Platz, Friedrichshain | Saturdays 9am-3.30pm
Weekly market at Südstern
The weekly market at Südstern is one of the oldest in the city. Long before ‘from farm to table’ was the gastro buzzphrase du jour, organic farmers and producers from Brandenburg came to the Kreuzberg district Saturday after Saturday. Even today the market resists any suggestion of hipsterism. In addition to all the farm products, the flower stall is also very popular. And: there are several tasty snacks to sample.
Weekly market at Südstern, Kreuzberg | Saturdays 10am-6pm
Eco-market at Kollwitzplatz
Strictly speaking, the markets on Thursday and Saturday are organised by different operators. However, with their extensive range of regional and organically produced food, both markets are well known, even beyond the neighbourhood’s borders. The quality is right, although the prices are sometimes steep — perhaps because Kollwitzmarkt has long been a draw for well-heeled tourists. Nevertheless: from the goulash to the Weißwurst there are still culinary discoveries to be made.
Eco-market at Kollwitzplatz, Prenzlauer Berg | Thursdays 12pm-7pm
Winterfeldtmarkt
Occasionally there’s still talk of the ‘Middle-Eastern’ market at Winterfeldtplatz. Yet the Winterfeld market has long since broadened to encompass artisanal food culture from Italy or Lake Ammersee in Bavaria, where delicious fish are caught. At other stalls the quality, but also the prices, are rather wholesale market level. However: it’s the mix that does it, a solid classic among the markets.
Winterfeldmarkt, Schöneberg | Wednesdays 8am-2pm & Saturdays 8am-4pm
Weekly market at Maybachufer
Berlin’s Middle-Eastern riviera: the so-called ‘Turkish market’ on the Neukölln stretch of Landwehrkanal offers products from the Mediterranean region: bread, sweet pastries, sheep’s cheese and spices. Fruit and vegetables are often available at particularly low prices, loudly announced by enthusiastic vendors. In addition to Middle-Eastern treats such as falafel, gözleme or simit, African snacks, Caribbean cocoa drinks and fresh coconuts are also on offer. Certainly the most authentic market in this city. If you are worried that the ever-full market might not be the best place to shop during a pandemic, rest assured: RBB (Berlin and Brandenburg’s broadcast network) praises the market: instead of a narrow tourist bazaar there is now plenty of room for social distancing.
Weekly market at Maybachufer, Neukölln | Tuesdays & Fridays, 11am-6.30pm
Weekly market at Karl-August-Platz
Eweline, Cilena and Rote Laura are three of the 15 potato varieties displayed on the Pipenhagen stand at Karl-August-Markt. The Pipenhagen family has been selling vegetables here since the 1950s. In short, the market has a proud tradition, which is also expressed in the traditional market times: it opens at 7am sharp. Classics with solid organic produce — and even some exotic discoveries.
Karl-August-Markt at Karl-August-Platz, Charlottenburg | Wednesdays 8am-1pm, Saturdays 8am-2pm
Eco-market at Chamissoplatz
At this eco-market, founded in 1994 by local residents, quality is not just a matter of honour — it can be relied upon. There are sheep’s milk products from Lusatia right next to Teltower Rübchen (a type of turnip) from the organic farm of the same name, and then herb salts freshly ground with pestle and mortar. While strolling through the market you get a good overview of the common organic certificates. Everything is represented, from Demeter (biodynamic) and Bioland to the association of organic farms in the north-east of Brandenburg. Due to the corona crisis, the market has been allocated additional space by the district, so that more than enough distance can be kept between shoppers.
Eco-market at Chamissoplatz, Kreuzberg | Saturdays 9am-3pm
Schillermarkt at Herrfurthplatz
Not many markets radiate such small-town idyll: the benches and stalls in front of the imposing Genezarethkirche on Herrfurthplatz are a meeting place for all kinds of neighbourhood figures, a starting point for walks across Tempelhofer Feld, or a resting spot after shopping on noisy Hermannstraße. 15 to 20 lovingly decorated stalls. Martin, a farmer from Rüdnitz, is happy to help you gather the ingredients for Sunday lunch. In addition to regional products such as beekeeper’s honey, organic vegetables and bakery products, Federweisser (a very young, low-alcohol white wine) from Baden are on offer.
Schillermarkt at Herrfurthplatz, Herrfurthplatz, Neukölln | Saturdays 10am-4pm
Weekly market at Mexikoplatz
A small market, curated with common sense. No duplicates and no goods you’ll just as easily find in the next supermarket. Instead, there are around 20 stalls and a village-like ambiance, including an organic butcher. Fresh flowers, fresh herbs, fresh vegetables — a gem. At Zehlendorf S-Bahn station, the other local weekly market is also still taking place. Lots of choice!
Weekly market at Mexikoplatz, Zehlendorf | Saturdays 9am-3pm
Weekly market ‘Die Dicke Linda’
This weekly market started out as a monthly fixture. But of course (!) the new Neukölln had long since been ready for a weekly regional market. The one named after the potato variety that the seed industry actually wanted to ban — that fits. On Kranoldplatz, farmers display the fruits of their labour, and honey is collected from neighbourhood bees. Relaxed atmosphere, authentic products, reasonable prices. Local produce and feel-good vibes.
Weekly market ‘Die Dicke Linda’, Kranoldplatz, Neukölln | Saturdays 10am-4pm
Markthalle Neun
Even a market that doesn’t take place outdoors earns a spot in this list: if only thanks to our rekindled passion for eating, for which it has long been a symbol. This historic market hall has become a favourite contemporary market hall. One with radically regional vegetables, excellent cheese (Alte Milch) and the best butcher in town (Kumpel und Keule) — all of which, despite corona, remain open and provide Berliners with good products. This weekly market is and remains a vital part of life — now more than ever.
Markthalle Neun, Eisenbahnstraße 42/43, Kreuzberg | Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri 12pm-6pm, Sat 10am-6pm
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