Willibald-Alexis-Straße

This image was taken at the intersection of Heimstraße and Willibald-Alexis-Straße. I was facing west down Willibald-Alexis-Straße. By subway: - Closest station: Gneisenaustraße(via U7 line) - Head south on Mittenwalder Str. toward Gneisenaustraße - Turn left onto Gneisenaustraße - Turn right onto Schleiermacherstraße - Turn right onto Bergmannstraße - Turn left onto Heimstraße and the destination will be on your right

The Bergmannstrassen neighborhood is photogenic year around. I took this picture on a warm day in spring, but I've also taken some nice photos on rainy days in the fall — you really can't go wrong at this location! There are almost no trees at all in this neighborhood (which is very unusual in Berlin) so the scene won't change seasonally.

In the late afternoon and morning you‘ll have the sun shining either from behind or in front of you. This will cause minimal distractions by the houses‘ shadows, but I personally prefer this spot with no sun at all on a cloudy day after rain when the cobble stones are wet and people passing by are carrying umbrellas. For reference, there's a lot of traffic at this intersection on the weekdays. It's better to visit on weekends when most of the cars are parked.

Be aware of the cars. The best vantage point is at the intersection in the middle of Heimstraße. There aren‘t many cars passing by, but those that do might drive at high speed.

I recommend using a wide-angle lens (18mm). It will be helpful to capture most of the street and houses. Also, chose a slight bird‘s eye perspective to focus on the cobblestone street.

Bring a model, or wait for a pedestrian, if you want to place someone walking through your frame. You can also try incorporating a prop, like an umbrella if it's raining, since this location looks beautiful with a stylized scene.

The lively district of Bergmannstrasse is nearby and very popular among locals, as well as tourists. I recommend having a coffee at Barcomi‘s — and make sure to also try their bakery.

If you like pizza and pasta, go to Parlamento Degli Angeli. It‘s a bit pricey, but the food is worth it!

In the quiet part of the Bergmannstrasse area you can have great schnitzel at Austria, which is a local favorite for Austrian food.

Lovers of comic books and merchandise, visit Grober Unfug in the Zossener Strasse.

You can go to the market on Chamissoplatz if you're in the area on a Saturday.