Mauerpark

A park built on the former death strip of the Berlin Wall, now famous for its Sunday flea market and open-air karaoke. The name means "Wall Park," and a small remaining section of the Wall runs along the western edge, tagged and painted over so many times that the concrete is now a palimpsest of 30 years of street art.

The Sunday flea market (9 AM to 6 PM) is a sprawling affair of vintage clothes, vinyl records, GDR memorabilia, handmade jewelry, and questionable antiques. The quality varies wildly, which is part of the appeal. Haggling is expected. The food stalls at the edges do good business in bratwurst, crepes, and the occasional excellent burrito. Arrive before 11 AM for the best finds; by noon the paths are shoulder-to-shoulder.

The karaoke amphitheater starts around 3 PM and is one of Berlin's great free experiences. The stone terraces fill with 2,000+ spectators who cheer enthusiastically for anyone brave enough to step up to the microphone. The song choices range from Bohemian Rhapsody (always) to obscure German schlager (occasionally). The host keeps things moving. The quality of singing is irrelevant. The crowd makes it work.

The rest of the week, Mauerpark is a quiet neighborhood green space popular with joggers, dog walkers, and families using the playground at the northern end. The basketball courts see regular pickup games. The Wall section and the faded graffiti on surrounding buildings are worth photographing even on a Tuesday, but Sunday is the event.