5 Best Places for Busking in Berlin
From Friedrichshain to Mitte, these are the best spots to busk in Berlin, along with the rules and regulations you need to know so you can try out your set and make some cash
Image by David Wayne
Image by David Wayne
The German capital is full of musical talent, and the whole city can be your stage if you’re ready to busk. The only thing standing in your way may be knowing where to set up, and of course, making sure you grab the best spots before they are taken for the day. So, whether you’d like an audience for your new material, to test your arrangement of a cover, or you’re just a music fan wanting to see the best of the city's up-and-coming performers, here are the best busking spots in Berlin.
1. Eberswalder Straße U Bahn (Prenzlauer Berg)
The entrance to the U2 line is under cover, so good for all weathers, and there is a lively, cosmopolitan crowd crossing this busy part of Prenzlauer Berg, including locals, international residents and tourists of varying ages. Also, there are a number of coffee shops, bakeries, and fast-food options, so when it comes time to take a break, there are plenty of options.
Key notes:
Address
Eberswalder Straße U Bahn, 10437 Berlin
The entrance to the U2 line is under cover, so good for all weathers, and there is a lively, cosmopolitan crowd crossing this busy part of Prenzlauer Berg, including locals, international residents and tourists of varying ages. Also, there are a number of coffee shops, bakeries, and fast-food options, so when it comes time to take a break, there are plenty of options.
Key notes:
- High footfall, so lots of potential to make money.
- An international crowd is great for testing new material that you plan on releasing.
- Lots of nearby amenities.
Address
Eberswalder Straße U Bahn, 10437 Berlin
2. Warschauer Straße Bridge (Friedrichshain)
Located just outside of the Warschauer Straße U+S Bahn, the bridge is packed with people most of the day. You’ll entertain clubbers, tourists and commuters alike at a spot where many artists have gone viral in the past. This spot one is not for the faint hearted, because it’s very popular and highly competitive, so maybe not for your first outing.
Key notes:
Address
Warschauer Straße U+S bahn, 10243 Berlin
Located just outside of the Warschauer Straße U+S Bahn, the bridge is packed with people most of the day. You’ll entertain clubbers, tourists and commuters alike at a spot where many artists have gone viral in the past. This spot one is not for the faint hearted, because it’s very popular and highly competitive, so maybe not for your first outing.
Key notes:
- It’s really busy so there’s high earning potential and even a nighttime audience.
- There’s an energetic, young crowd that can be unforgiving.
- The environment is loud so it’s not the best spot for acoustic arrangements.
Address
Warschauer Straße U+S bahn, 10243 Berlin
3. Rosenthaler Platz U Bahn (Mitte)
Rosenthaler Platz U Bahn is both a warm option for winter days as well as being a popular location for buskers looking for a more intimate stage. The small platform area in Mitte is on the U8 line, so is often frequented by people travelling to and from the most eclectic parts of Berlin. Expect a combination of people who’ll enjoy more commercial tracks but also something with a twist.
Key notes:
Address
Rosenthaler Platz U Bahn, 10119 Berlin
Rosenthaler Platz U Bahn is both a warm option for winter days as well as being a popular location for buskers looking for a more intimate stage. The small platform area in Mitte is on the U8 line, so is often frequented by people travelling to and from the most eclectic parts of Berlin. Expect a combination of people who’ll enjoy more commercial tracks but also something with a twist.
Key notes:
- A quieter vibe that’s good for more pared back performances.
- You’ll be on the platform, so you can literally captivate a waiting crowd.
- Central location.
Address
Rosenthaler Platz U Bahn, 10119 Berlin
4. Mauerpark (Prenzlauer Berg)
Mauerpark is particularly busy on Sundays when the flea market is in full swing, so this is the time to head over for maximum exposure. Remember that the best spots get taken early, and there’s also the Karaoke to contend with from the 3:00 PM, but what you will get is a large audience and one that often isn’t short of some cash to spend on a busker or too.
Key notes:
Mauerpark, Bernauer Str. 63, 13355 Berlin
Mauerpark is particularly busy on Sundays when the flea market is in full swing, so this is the time to head over for maximum exposure. Remember that the best spots get taken early, and there’s also the Karaoke to contend with from the 3:00 PM, but what you will get is a large audience and one that often isn’t short of some cash to spend on a busker or too.
Key notes:
- The iconic Sunday flea market has a vibrant often well heeled crowd.
- Is great for building a following on social media and for your next gig.
- While open all year, it’s much more popular in the summer.
Mauerpark, Bernauer Str. 63, 13355 Berlin
5. Museum Island (Mitte)
Museum Island is packed with cultural landmarks, so it’s also brimming with tourists living their best lives, and who are also happy to stand and take in some music. If you’re looking for content for your social media and beyond, the setting is a beautiful backdrop for any photos or videos. Despite the area’s popularity, it is also pretty calm, making it an ideal vibe for acoustic performances. Try the Friedrichsbrücke, a small bridge where tourists often linger.
Key notes:
Address
Friedrichsbrücke, Burgstraße 19, 10178 Berlin
Museum Island is packed with cultural landmarks, so it’s also brimming with tourists living their best lives, and who are also happy to stand and take in some music. If you’re looking for content for your social media and beyond, the setting is a beautiful backdrop for any photos or videos. Despite the area’s popularity, it is also pretty calm, making it an ideal vibe for acoustic performances. Try the Friedrichsbrücke, a small bridge where tourists often linger.
Key notes:
- The crowd is less spontaneous and can be a bit more conservative.
- There are lots of tourists, so the audience is likely to be less jaded.
- It is mainly for daytime activity.
Address
Friedrichsbrücke, Burgstraße 19, 10178 Berlin
Rules and regulations for busking in Berlin
In most parts of Berlin, you’ll need a permit to busk, but there isn’t a single "busking permit" for the entire city. You’ll need a different permit depending on whether you are busking in a U Bahn station or on the street.
Where to go: BVG Customer Office at An der Michaelbrücke, 10179 Berlin (entrance at the back).
When: Every Wednesday morning from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM (some performers arrive as early as 6:30 AM to join a lottery for the best spots).
Cost: €10 per day.
Restrictions: Loudspeakers (amplifiers) and brass instruments are strictly banned.
Where to apply: You need to contact the local district office (Ordnungsamt) where you intend to perform.
Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf: Sigmaringer Straße 1, 10713 Berlin.
Neukölln: Gradestraße 36, 12347 Berlin.
Pankow: Darßer Straße 203, 13088 Berlin.
Performances are generally allowed between 10:00 AM and 10:00 PM.
You typically must change your location (often by at least 100 meters) every 30 to 60 minutes.
In popular areas, regulations are strictly enforced, and you may be told to stop if you are too loud or lack the correct district-specific permit.
In most parts of Berlin, you’ll need a permit to busk, but there isn’t a single "busking permit" for the entire city. You’ll need a different permit depending on whether you are busking in a U Bahn station or on the street.
- U-Bahn (Subway) Stations
Where to go: BVG Customer Office at An der Michaelbrücke, 10179 Berlin (entrance at the back).
When: Every Wednesday morning from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM (some performers arrive as early as 6:30 AM to join a lottery for the best spots).
Cost: €10 per day.
Restrictions: Loudspeakers (amplifiers) and brass instruments are strictly banned.
- Public streets and squares
Where to apply: You need to contact the local district office (Ordnungsamt) where you intend to perform.
Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf: Sigmaringer Straße 1, 10713 Berlin.
Neukölln: Gradestraße 36, 12347 Berlin.
Pankow: Darßer Straße 203, 13088 Berlin.
- General rules for public streets and squares
Performances are generally allowed between 10:00 AM and 10:00 PM.
You typically must change your location (often by at least 100 meters) every 30 to 60 minutes.
In popular areas, regulations are strictly enforced, and you may be told to stop if you are too loud or lack the correct district-specific permit.
Adele
Journalist & Content Strategist
