Spandau Old Town (Altstadt Spandau): what to see in Berlin-Spandau
Spandau Old Town (Altstadt Spandau) is one of the oldest cores of Berlin, in the west of the city near the confluence of the Havel and the Spree. Spandau was first mentioned in 1197 and received town rights in 1232, well before Berlin. The pedestrian centre around St Nicholas's church (Nikolaikirche) is peaceful and little visited, and the famous citadel is a 15-minute walk away. Allow 1.5 hours for the old town, half a day with the citadel.
Highlights
Spandau Citadel
A Renaissance fortress, the best-preserved of its kind in Europe, a few minutes from the old town. See our dedicated page.
The Juliusturm
The citadel's medieval tower looks over the Havel and the old town's houses.
The Havel and the Spree
An aerial view of the area: the fortress and the old town lie near where the two rivers meet.
Practical info
Tips
- The pedestrian Carl-Schurz-Straße concentrates cafés and shops; the Gothic houses and St Nicholas's church are a few steps away on Reformationsplatz. Spandau is a residential district: cafés and terraces are cheaper than in the centre. To round off the day, visit Spandau Citadel. For more ideas in the west, see Charlottenburg.
How to get there
U7 metro to Altstadt Spandau (or Rathaus Spandau), then a few minutes' walk into the pedestrian zone. From central Berlin, allow about 30 to 40 minutes with an AB ticket. The area is also served by several bus lines; the citadel is a 15-minute walk.
Opening hours
Our guides that feature it
Nearby
See on the map →
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