Hackesche Höfe

The Hackesche Höfe are a series of connected courtyards in the Spandauer Vorstadt, just north of Hackescher Markt, and the site describes itself as Germany's biggest courtyard complex. Built in the early twentieth century, the complex mixed flats, workshops and businesses around eight courtyards, a typical arrangement for Berlin at the time. After decades of neglect it was restored in the 1990s and is now one of the most attractive places in Mitte to wander for an hour.

The first courtyard, entered from Rosenthaler Strasse, is the most striking. Its facades are covered in glazed tiles in coloured geometric patterns in the Art Nouveau style, and it is often photographed. Beyond it, each courtyard has its own character, some smart and paved, others quieter and green. The ground floors are filled with independent shops, design and fashion boutiques, galleries and cafés, while the upper floors are still largely homes and offices, so please keep noise down in the residential parts.

Culture is part of the mix. The Hackesche Höfe Kino shows new films, festival programmes and matinées in a historic setting, and the Chamäleon theatre stages contemporary circus and variety shows, which make a good evening out. Several restaurants, including the Restaurant Hackescher Hof in the first courtyard, and a billiard hall add to the reasons to stay longer.

The courtyards are open daily from 9am to 10pm and are free to walk through; individual shops keep their own hours. The best time to visit is a weekday morning or late afternoon, when it is quieter. Weekends bring many visitors, as the area is popular for shopping. The courtyards are paved and largely step-free, though some entrances between them have small thresholds. The complex suits couples and solo travellers who enjoy browsing, and families can combine it with an ice cream or lunch nearby. Allow around an hour to see all the courtyards at a gentle pace.

Hackescher Markt S-Bahn station is just across the road, and Weinmeisterstrasse on the U8 is a short walk. Leave by the Sophienstrasse exit to explore the quiet streets of the Spandauer Vorstadt, or continue to the neighbouring Haus Schwarzenberg courtyard, known for its street art. Museum Island is about ten minutes' walk to the south.