East Side Gallery

A 1.3km surviving stretch of the Berlin Wall painted with more than 100 murals, including the famous fraternal-kiss image. Walking it for free is one of the most moving things to do in the city. It runs along a busy road and the paintings are heavily tagged with graffiti in parts.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

Where is the famous kiss mural?

The 'Fraternal Kiss' between Brezhnev and Honecker by Dmitri Vrubel is toward the Ostbahnhof end. It's the most photographed panel, so expect a small queue of people posing in front of it.

Is the artwork original?

The murals were painted on the eastern side of the Wall in 1990 by artists from around the world, then largely repainted by the original artists in 2009 due to weather damage. So it's authentic Wall, with restored art. Sadly some panels get tagged with graffiti.

How long is it and how long does it take?

The painted stretch runs about 1.3km along the Spree. You could power-walk it in 20 minutes, but to actually look at the murals, read the plaques, and take photos, give it 60 to 90 minutes.

Is the area safe?

Yes, it's a busy, open riverside spot that's fine day and night, though like any crowded tourist strip keep an eye on your bag. The neighboring Friedrichshain nightlife area gets lively after dark but isn't a safety concern.

Is the East Side Gallery free?

Yes, it's a free open-air gallery you can walk any time, day or night. There's no entrance, no ticket, and no gate. Anyone charging you is scamming you.

How do I get there?

Warschauer Strasse station (U1/U3, S-Bahn, and the M10 tram) is the closest and sits at the eastern end near the Oberbaum Bridge. Ostbahnhof S-Bahn is at the other end. Walk the length one way and hop transit back.

What else is nearby?

The Oberbaum Bridge, the Spree riverbank, and Friedrichshain's bars and clubs are right there. Cross the bridge into Kreuzberg for food. It pairs well with an evening out.

Is it worth it if I've seen the Wall Memorial?

They're different experiences. The Berlin Wall Memorial is about history and the border system; the East Side Gallery is about the art and the celebratory post-1989 mood. If you like street art, it's worth both.

Nearby in Ask Berlin

• Michelberger RestaurantRestaurant0.56 km · 7 min walk
• Markthalle Neun — Street Food ThursdayRestaurant0.62 km · 8 min walk
• Görlitzer ParkPark0.95 km · 12 min walk
• Five Elephant Coffee & CakeCafé1.39 km · 17 min walk
• ComputerspielemuseumMuseum1.4 km · 17 min walk