Hackesche Höfe

 A series of eight enclosed courtyards, ringed with art nouveau (jugendstil) buildings, Hackesche Höfe is the largest complex of its kind in Berlin. Since the fall of the Berlin Wall, the courtyard area has become a popular central meeting point, home to numerous bars, restaurants, shops, and galleries.
 
The Basics
Within walking distance of many of Berlin’s central sights, Hackesche Höfe is a popular stop on city sightseeing or walking tours, including those focused on Jewish history and culture in Berlin. Head to Hackesche Höfe en route to nearby Alexanderplatz, home to the Berlin TV Tower (Fernsehturm); stop by for coffee after shopping at neighboring Hackeschen Market; or head to one of the restaurants for a post-sightseeing lunch or dinner after exploring Museum Island.
 
Things to Know Before You Go

• Some of the courtyards are closed to the public at night.
• Many of the courtyards of Hackesche Höfe are adorned with colorful graffiti art, making it a popular stop on street art tours.
• The courtyards are home to the Hackesches Hof-Theater, the Chamaleon Theater, and a cinema, as well as several bars and restaurants.
• Most of the shops and establishments around Hackesche Höfe are wheelchair-accessible.

 
How to Get There
Hackesche Höfe is located across from the Hackeschen Market in the Scheunenviertel (Barn District) in the Spandau section of the Mitte. The historic courtyards can be accessed through an arched main entrance located at Rosenthaler Strasse 40/41. The closest U-Bahn station is Weinmeisterstrasse (U8), and the S-Bahn station is Hackescher Markt (S3, S5, S7, and S75).
 
When to Get There
The courtyards are liveliest on weekends, when the shops and galleries fill up with locals, but it’s worth a stroll any day of the week. Alternatively, head there in the evening, when Hackesche Höfe becomes an atmospheric spot for a drink or dinner date.
 
History of Hackesche Höfe
Hackesche Höfe was designed by architect August Ende and opened in 1906 to house offices, businesses, factories, and apartments. Falling into disrepair throughout much of the 20th-century, the complex was completely renovated after the reunification of Berlin, and reopened in 1996 to become an important part of “New Berlin.”