Berlin's most multicultural market along the Landwehr Canal, beloved by locals for its Turkish, Middle Eastern, and German produce. Excellent street food, fresh vegetables, and fabric stalls.
Wochenmarkt Maybachufer, commonly called the Turkish Market or Türkenmarkt, runs along the Maybachufer bank of the Landwehr Canal in Berlin's Neukölln district every Tuesday and Friday afternoon from 11AM to 6:30PM. It is widely regarded as Berlin's most culturally diverse weekly market, drawing shoppers from across the city for its concentration of Turkish, Kurdish, Middle Eastern, and German vendors in a single outdoor setting. The market stretches for approximately 500 metres along the canal promenade. Stalls on the water side typically sell textiles, fabrics, and household goods, while the inland stalls concentrate on food. The food section is what draws dedicated crowds: enormous bins of fresh olives in a dozen varieties, whole spice sacks of cumin, sumac, and za'atar, dried legumes, and breads such as simit (sesame rings) and pide fill long stretches of the route. Goods here are notably inexpensive compared to supermarkets and organic markets elsewhere in Berlin. A large bunch of flat-leaf parsley costs around €0.50, and mixed salad leaves are often sold by the bag for under €2. Aubergines, peppers, tomatoes, and courgettes are sold in bulk quantities attractive to families and restaurateurs alike. The quality of produce is generally high, sourced from both regional German farms and Mediterranean and Middle Eastern suppliers. Bargaining is unusual and not expected, though vendors occasionally offer extras to regular customers. Payment is almost exclusively in cash — there are no card terminals at the stalls. Tourist-oriented trinkets are not a feature of this market; the vendor mix is almost entirely practical and food-focused. Street food is a strong attraction: several mobile vendors park along the route selling freshly fried börek, manti (Turkish dumplings), and lahmacun. The canal-side setting gives the market a pleasant atmosphere, and visitors frequently pick up food from the stalls and eat along the waterfront. The Friday market tends to be busier with more vendors than Tuesday. The area around Kottbusser Brücke at the southern end of the route concentrates the most atmospheric food stalls, including vendors who sell fresh herbs by the armful.
Highlights
- 500-metre canal promenade packed with Turkish, Kurdish, and Middle Eastern food stalls
- Bulk spice, olive, and dried legume vendors at prices well below Berlin supermarket rates
- Fresh börek, lahmacun, and manti from mobile street-food vendors along the market route
- Fabric and textile stalls on the water side with cloth, haberdashery, and household linen
- Atmospheric Landwehr Canal setting ideal for a market-to-waterfront picnic
Tips for visiting
- Bring cash only — no stalls accept card payment
- Friday market is larger and more atmospheric than Tuesday; arrive by noon for best stall density
- The southern end near Kottbusser Brücke has the most concentrated food stalls
- Bring a large reusable bag — bulk produce is sold loose and vendors rarely provide bags
- Arrive early on Friday to beat the post-work crowds that build from 4PM onward
Frequently asked questions
Where exactly is Wochenmarkt Maybachufer located?
The market runs along Maybachufer in Neukölln, between Kottbusser Brücke and Leuschnerdamm. The nearest U-Bahn station is Schönleinstraße on the U8 line, a three-minute walk from the market.
Are there non-food items for sale at the market?
Yes, the water-side section has stalls selling fabrics, textiles, household goods, and some clothing. However, the market's reputation rests primarily on its diverse food vendors.
Is the market open year-round?
Yes, Wochenmarkt Maybachufer operates year-round on Tuesdays and Fridays. In very bad weather, fewer vendors may attend, but the market is not cancelled.
Is the market accessible for prams and wheelchairs?
The canal promenade is mostly flat and paved, making it generally navigable with a pram. Wheelchair users may find the crowd density on Friday afternoons challenging in the busiest central sections.