Find out a bit about Charlottenburg with our first Charlottenburg local.
Which Kiez or neighbourhood of Berlin do you & your family live in?
Charlottenburg/Wilmersdorf (Halensee)
How long have you been living there?
2 years
What do you like most about your neighbourhood?
I love the mix between urban and rural. We are just at the end of Kudamm, so there is a great variety of restaurants and markets. But we are also only a few minutes away from Grunewald and many beautiful lakes.
Are there any aspects you don’t like about your neighbourhood?
The intersection where Kudamm meets the autobahn tends to have a bit of traffic in the mornings and late afternoons. Not horrible, but worth a mention.
Where do you most like to go in your neighbourhood during the Spring / Summer months with the kids?
We enjoy the Charlottenburg Palace for long walks, duck feeding and picnics. There is also a local farm where kids can feed the goats and chickens, and has a nice playground too. Lietzenseepark is beautiful and has nice restaurants/cafe options across the street. The zoo (and its playground) is always a hit with my son. And finally, Kudamm beach is a very nice option in summer.
Where do you most like to go in your neighbourhood during the Autumn / Winter months with the kids?
We do pretty much the same outdoor activities in the autumn/winter (with the exception of Kudamm beach). If the weather is really bad, then we go to local kindercafes (Charlottchen, Kids Planet, Cafe Wunderland) or hop on the bus and go to the aquarium.
Are you aware of many other international families living in your neighbourhood?
Yes...just off the top of my head: French, American, Italian, Russian, Australian, Greek, Spanish, Persian, Costa Rican, Brazilian, British, Columbian, Irish and Vietnamese.
Do you think your neighbourhood is suitable for familieswho can’t yet speak German?
Yes I do...I know many people who get by only speaking English.
Is it easy to get around your neighbourhood with publictransport or is having a car more vital where you live?
It is very easy to get around with public transportation. S-Halensee is right on the ring and there are many bus options that will get you anywhere in the city.
What is the quality of playgrounds in your neighbourhood and do you have a favourite?
We have one of the best playgrounds (I think) in Berlin, called "Indiana Bones"! It is a block from S-Halensee. But I'd say the quality of all local playgrounds is very good in this neighborhood.
Did you find it easy to attain a suitable childcare spot in your neighbourhood?
We are in the middle of our kita search at the moment...so check back with me in a few months!
Are there any bilingual schools / kitas in your vicinity?
Not sure about schools, but there are a lot of bilingual kita options here.
Do you have a favourite child-friendly restaurant or cafe nearby?
Tomasa (Grunewald), Grün Eis (eiscafe), Eßstube, Piazza Bra (pizza) and Moono (eiscafe).
Can you describe your neighbourhood in five words / adjectives?
Safe, clean, up and coming, diverse and beautiful.
Do you have any tips for a family considering a move to your neighbourhood?
This neighborhood is definitely not the hip and eclectic part that Berlin is known for, but it shouldn't be overlooked. It may look typical "German" at first glance, but spend a little time here and you will see just how international it really is.
Charlottenburg/Wilmersdorf (Halensee)
How long have you been living there?
2 years
What do you like most about your neighbourhood?
I love the mix between urban and rural. We are just at the end of Kudamm, so there is a great variety of restaurants and markets. But we are also only a few minutes away from Grunewald and many beautiful lakes.
Are there any aspects you don’t like about your neighbourhood?
The intersection where Kudamm meets the autobahn tends to have a bit of traffic in the mornings and late afternoons. Not horrible, but worth a mention.
Where do you most like to go in your neighbourhood during the Spring / Summer months with the kids?
We enjoy the Charlottenburg Palace for long walks, duck feeding and picnics. There is also a local farm where kids can feed the goats and chickens, and has a nice playground too. Lietzenseepark is beautiful and has nice restaurants/cafe options across the street. The zoo (and its playground) is always a hit with my son. And finally, Kudamm beach is a very nice option in summer.
Where do you most like to go in your neighbourhood during the Autumn / Winter months with the kids?
We do pretty much the same outdoor activities in the autumn/winter (with the exception of Kudamm beach). If the weather is really bad, then we go to local kindercafes (Charlottchen, Kids Planet, Cafe Wunderland) or hop on the bus and go to the aquarium.
Are you aware of many other international families living in your neighbourhood?
Yes...just off the top of my head: French, American, Italian, Russian, Australian, Greek, Spanish, Persian, Costa Rican, Brazilian, British, Columbian, Irish and Vietnamese.
Do you think your neighbourhood is suitable for familieswho can’t yet speak German?
Yes I do...I know many people who get by only speaking English.
Is it easy to get around your neighbourhood with publictransport or is having a car more vital where you live?
It is very easy to get around with public transportation. S-Halensee is right on the ring and there are many bus options that will get you anywhere in the city.
What is the quality of playgrounds in your neighbourhood and do you have a favourite?
We have one of the best playgrounds (I think) in Berlin, called "Indiana Bones"! It is a block from S-Halensee. But I'd say the quality of all local playgrounds is very good in this neighborhood.
Did you find it easy to attain a suitable childcare spot in your neighbourhood?
We are in the middle of our kita search at the moment...so check back with me in a few months!
Are there any bilingual schools / kitas in your vicinity?
Not sure about schools, but there are a lot of bilingual kita options here.
Do you have a favourite child-friendly restaurant or cafe nearby?
Tomasa (Grunewald), Grün Eis (eiscafe), Eßstube, Piazza Bra (pizza) and Moono (eiscafe).
Can you describe your neighbourhood in five words / adjectives?
Safe, clean, up and coming, diverse and beautiful.
Do you have any tips for a family considering a move to your neighbourhood?
This neighborhood is definitely not the hip and eclectic part that Berlin is known for, but it shouldn't be overlooked. It may look typical "German" at first glance, but spend a little time here and you will see just how international it really is.
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the Berlin Locals Series, get in touch
Regular tips and information is also shared on the Berlin for all the Family Facebook page
Sign up to the BFATF email newsletter to receive the latest posts
direct in your inbox here.
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