Rosenthaler Straβe 39

This courtyard, located close to Hackescher Markt, is the best free art exhibit in Berlin. Explore the city’s flourishing street art scene in this fantastic space where almost every inch of the walls, doors and archways are covered with vibrant stickers, spray paint and stencils. The crazy fusion of colours within the narrow space can be overwhelming at first, but take your time to experience this exceptional place. Get snap-happy because photos are allowed, but consider putting a small donation in the box on the wall.

 A multitude of international and local artists are featured, including stencil master Alias, smiley face specialist Prost, and El Bocho, recognisable for his kitty killer character Little Lucy. The art is constantly changing, with new stickers covering old and more layers of paint being added to the walls. Jimmy C’s mural of Anne Frank shares wall space with a gigantic grinning gorilla, a tiny cartoon Einstein and Batman and Robin, creating an unbroken stream of art. The art here truly captures the emotion of a city which fosters freedom of expression and individualism.

Graffiti was a way for the young people of reunited Berlin to rebel, push against the norm, and use their creativity and passion in a non-violent protest. The alleyway has a unique story. During the Soviet occupation of East Berlin, the area had been left to fall into disrepair. A group of artists took over the surrounding buildings in 1995 and founded Schwarzenberg e.V, a private charitable organisation dedicated to fostering young independent artists. The organisation worked to make the area usable again. An agreement to keep the area free of larger corporations has been put in place, keeping the ownership solely with the tenants and residents.

In contrast to the clean modern lines of its neighbour, Hackescher Hӧfe, the decor here is wonderfully unfinished, adding to the arty, creative feel. Often a busker stands under the small archway, their music drifting lazily through the narrow space. Order a drink from nostalgic Café Cinema and join the people sprawling on the benches outside to take in the art and engage in Berlin’s most popular sport - people-watching. Don’t miss the door at the end of the alleyway which leads to an amazing staircase, covered floor-to-ceiling in graffiti. Follow it upwards to Neurotitan, a wonderful shop selling prints, t-shirts and other items by local artists as well as art and design books.