David Bowie in Berlin: From LINDEMANN'S to the neighbourhood spots

Why this walk?

David Bowie’s Berlin years (1976–78) are legendary, and our hotel LINDEMANN’S sits right in the Schöneberg cosmos where he lived, wrote, recorded and could simply disappear to start anew. From here you reach the original spots in a few minutes: the residential building with memorial plaque, his regular café and, with a short detour towards Potsdamer Platz, the Hansa Studios where Low and Heroes were made.

Stop 1: Bowie’s apartment on Hauptstraße 155

At Hauptstraße 155 an official memorial plaque marks the years Bowie lived here with Iggy Pop. You cannot go inside (it is a private home), but outside there is space for a photo and a quiet moment. Quote included: “We can be heroes…”.

Address: Hauptstraße 155, 10827 Berlin. From LINDEMANN’S on Potsdamer Straße 171–173 it is only a few Schöneberg blocks, about seven minutes on foot or a short bus ride.

Stop 2: Neues Ufer, Bowie’s favourite café

Just a few steps from the old apartment is Café Neues Ufer (Hauptstraße 157). It opened in 1977 as “Anderes Ufer” and was one of the first openly gay and lesbian cafés with large windows to the street. Bowie was a regular; the interior still holds photos and small memorabilia. For fans it is a must: espresso at the bar, a look at the pictures, then on to the plaque at 155 or towards Hansa.

Address: Hauptstraße 157, 10827 Berlin.

Stop 3: Hansa Studios by the Wall

A short walk towards Potsdamer Platz brings you to the Hansa Studios on Köthener Straße, Bowie’s “Big Hall by the Wall”. With Brian Eno and Tony Visconti he shaped the Berlin sound here; Low and Heroes are tied to the Meistersaal and the Wall next door. In the 1980s Depeche Mode also recorded here, later U2 worked on Achtung Baby. Important: Hansa is a working studio, so there are no walk-in visits. There are guided Hansa studio tours via an external partner. Check dates early and book ahead.

Address: Köthener Straße 38

Mini route in 60 to 90 minutes

• Start: LINDEMANN’S, Potsdamer Straße 171–173
• Hauptstraße 155: photo at the plaque, pause briefly
• Neues Ufer: coffee or a snack
• Hansa Studios: exterior view or photo; optional tour booked separately

If you like, finish with a stroll around Potsdamer Platz. It fits the story, because Heroes also lives from images “by the Wall”.

For your Bowie feeling on site

• Best time: mornings and weekdays are quietest at the plaque.
• Respect: it is a residential building, keep it low-key.
• Hansa tour: book early; walk-ins are rare.
• Small soundtrack: Low, Heroes, later Where Are We Now? Headphones on, city on.

Why LINDEMANN’S is the right base

Schöneberg outside the door, Potsdamer Straße as a culture and gallery stretch next door, and the Bowie spots within walking distance: LINDEMANN’S is your practical home button for a weekend between music history, neighbourhood and city. Address to remember: Potsdamer Straße 171–173, 10783 Berlin. Book directly, check in, head out.

FAQ: David Bowie in Berlin

Where did David Bowie live in Berlin?

At Hauptstraße 155 in Schöneberg, with Iggy Pop. You cannot enter the apartment; the memorial plaque outside is the stop. From LINDEMANN’S it is roughly seven to ten minutes on foot.

When did David Bowie live in Berlin?

From 1976 to 1978. That is when the Berlin albums Low and Heroes took shape (often grouped with Lodger as the Berlin trilogy), largely at Hansa Studios.

Is there a David Bowie tour in Berlin?

Yes. External guides run Bowie walks and Hansa studio tours. The most compact self-guided loop starts with us in Schöneberg: apartment, Café Neues Ufer, then Hansa. For booked dates, check the Hansa studio tour.

Which café did Bowie visit in Berlin?

Café Neues Ufer at Hauptstraße 157, formerly “Anderes Ufer”. It sits next to the old apartment and remains a fan stop with Bowie memorabilia.

Can I visit the Hansa Studios without a booking?

Not spontaneously. Hansa is a working studio. Public or private tours run through external partners, not via a front desk walk-in.