Travel Diary: Nikolaiviertel (Nikolai Quarter)

Nikolaiviertel or Nikolai Quarter is often referred to as the oldest residential area of Berlin. Technically, it really was. Merchants and artisans settled here in the Middle Ages because it’s located at the crossing of land and water trading routes on both sides of the river Spree. Unfortunately though, most of its medieval lanes and structures were destroyed during the Second World War. Even Berlin’s oldest church, Nikolaikirche or Saint Nicholas Church, located at the town’s center, was ruined. It was only until 1981 that the reconstruction of Nikolaiviertel was started, in time for the celebration of Berlin’s 750th anniversary in 1987. Now, it’s a unique combination of historical buildings and replicas, recreated and restored as accurately as possible based on historical models so that one would feel like he/she is actually in Old Berlin. Of course, one can still tell the difference. Even though its narrow streets full of nooks and crannies projected a medieval vibe, a part of me felt like I was at a set in Disneyland. Not that I minded or anything. Nikolaiviertel is still as charming as ever. Strolling along its alleys full of restaurants, cafes, shops, and workrooms selling basketry and wooden crafts was more than enjoyable. It even made me want to break into song every now and then.

That’s the Nikolaikirche or Saint Nicholas Church on the left.

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This is the Ephraim Palais or Ephraim Palace, a masterpiece of palace architecture built in the 1760s around an existing house. It was moved to this location in the 1980s and is now a museum.

This is the river Spree, with the Berliner Dom behind me. You’ll see more of the Berliner Dom or Berlin Cathedral on my next posts.

Chanel vintage earrings | H&M necklace | Klarra cropped top | Femmex pants | Céline bag | SnH sandals

53 Responses to “Travel Diary: Nikolaiviertel (Nikolai Quarter)”
  1. Chantel :)

    Yah that was so cool.I would like to see europe, in the near future! That was held in makati and tomas morato (CLOTHES BUFFET)… Just sharing. :)

    Reply
  2. Lourine

    Have you watched the film Chasing Liberty? Some scenes are shot in mostly in Europe, Berlin included :) Share lang. Haha.

    Reply
  3. Reena

    How’s the temperature sa Berlin pag summer? :) Ahhh I wanna try their sausages and sauerkraut with pretzels and beer! haha…

    Ang cute talaga ng Celine bag… huhuhu… I saw some SNSD girls wear it sa kanilang airport shots. Nakakainggit pero nakakainspire din at the same time. Usually pag pagod sa work I just look at my inspiration wall – pictures of Chanels, LV’s Louboutins, food, places to travel,etc – I try to imagine a Chanel bag telling me, “I know you want me, you know I wantcha… I know you want meee”. Lol…

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      Ahh sarap! :) Berlin is the best during summer. I hear bihira lang daw na it’s sunny and warm in Berlin so locals really love this time of the year. :)

      LOL! Don’t worry, work hard and you’ll eventually get your own Céline :)

      Reply
  4. maebs

    I didn’t admire Architectural structures, I just don’t care about it at all but when my brother took Architecture and gave me insights about and you also influenced me to love architectural structures that’s why I’m addicted to it. :) love your outfit ate cams. hope to have SnH branch here in Naga City, love their sandals. :)

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      Thank you maebs! You can order online!

      Architecture is really interesting. I’m glad you appreciate it more now :)

      Reply
  7. Katrin Tuaño

    I agree!! Perhaps a room and closet tour blog/vlog post? Pretty please?? Haha

    Reply
  8. joyce

    Hi cams!i so love your bag!! <3 <3 made the outfit look more quirky and alive! haha
    One question though, are all your bags authentic? :) have u tried to buy replicas? or bought any replicas in the past? Heard somewhere that some of your bags are not authentic daw. It must be because of this online shop in instagram that uses your photo "get this look" and selling replicas :<

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      Of course they are! Nothing against people who do buy replicas, but personally as a designer, I find it insulting and disrepectful to buy replicas. If you can’t afford the real thing, better just buy a nice generic bag right? I’ve never bought any of my designer bags locally, always from their branches abroad. If online, only from LuisaViaRoma and Net-a-porter so I’ve never seen these photos. But if they are using it, sigh–add it to the many other stores using my photos without my permission. A number of people even told me wholesale stores in China are using my blog photos! It’s the same principle as when stores use Hollywood actresses’ photos. I can’t really do anything about them. :(

      Reply
  9. Clariss

    (I cant reply po dun sa reply mo sa comment ko so new comment na lang :) ) decmber? I better save up :) uhmm ate cams i just wanted to ask if you know anything about the “clothes buffet manila” if so are you going there? And is it worth it po na 2k for all the clothes you’ll be able to put in the ziplock? I’ve been thinking about it soo hard haha. It’s okay if you dont answer if you dont know anything about it po. Thank you!

    Reply
  10. Kris

    I could picture you in a medieval dress in this place, looking so pretty and classy as you always are~

    p.s.
    I’d really love to see you dressed in a medieval fashion! hihi

    Reply
  13. Ericka Garcia

    Germany is now on my dream list to visit! :-) That place is not crowded! I like it! :-)

    Love,
    Ericka Garcia

    Reply
  15. Clariss

    I love your whole look here heehee. The small teddy bears and hedgehog stuff toys are so cute! Ate cams do you know when is the next BU? Will you be there again? :))

    Reply
  16. Yana

    Hi again Ate Cams!! I just need to ask something. My friend will be celebrating her birthday and she will treat us to dinner at a hotel and I don’t know what to wear… I don’t want to be overdressed or underdressed. Help? I’m planning to wear a lace top but I don’t know what to pair it with :( Thank you in advance!!!!

    Reply
  17. roe

    i really like your blog and you as blogger..do all your travels are for free and sponsored?.

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      Thanks Roe! Only part of it :) And usually I extend or upgrade so I spend too :(

      Reply
    • Camille Co

      I agree. It’s a mashup of so many things. Berlin is so interesting, really! Thank you! :)

      Reply
  24. Anne

    Another one for my bucket list. Gasp, it’s getting severely long but oh well the more the better. Hihihi. I wish we could renovate all the destroyed structures in the Philippines like they did. Especially the century year old churches struck by Yolanda. As always lovely photos Cams and your pants! Woot, I like!

    http://www.annescribblesanddoodles.blogspot.com

    Reply
    • Camille Co

      Yeah sana nga we can noh? I feel like we have so much to show here!

      Reply
  26. Yana

    You’re right!! It kinda looks like Disneyland’s Main Street and Universal Studio’s NY street :)

    Reply
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