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does is happen often that strangers take pictures of you? What to do?
Anyway, as I was walking I noticed a… Today while walking near Gneisenaustraße a stranger took a picture of me...I wore a long denim skirt with a blouse and my outfit was pretty casual in my opinion.
Anyway, as I was walking I noticed a man in the distance staring at me. Feeling uncomfortable, I just looked away and started to look at my phone. While getting closer to him suddenly in the corner of my eye I saw him getting his camera out and just taking a picture of me! I finally looked at him then and he just looked into my eyes and then checked out the picture on his cam.
Unfortunately I didn't say anything to him. I heard that in Germany you're allowed to photograph everything that's outside/public but does that really mean that a random man can literally hold his camera right into my face and take a picture of me? It's the second time this year that a stranger took a picture of me with his camera. Last time was two months ago near Ku'damm. The guy crossed the crosslight in front of me and I didn't make it. He then waited till it turned green and I started walking and also just took his camera out and took pictures of me while I was close to him.
It's not that big of a deal I suppose, but it just goes to show what some people can be like and that they think doing things like that is okay. I hate knowing that this stranger took pictures of me and could've put them online or something weird like that.
Has this happened to any of you? Is that kind of normal in Berlin? Should I say something next time something like that happens? Or does it not make sense bc they're allowed to take pictures? I mean they didn't even try to hide that they were taking pictures of me. They literally just took out their cameras! (not phones) and took pictures of me
honestly, this isn't normal in berlin in the sense that it's something you should just accept. legally, the situation is a bit murky - you're allowed to photograph public spaces, but taking pictures specifically targeting a person without consent can fall under harassment or violate their right to their own image, especially if it's done in a way that feels intrusive. the guy near gneisenaustraße sounds like he was being a creep, not a street photographer.
next time, you can absolutely say something. a loud "was machst du da?" or "ey, lösch das foto" usually gets their attention and might make them think twice. most people doing this rely on you staying quiet. if they argue about it being legal, just say it makes you uncomfortable and you want them to stop - you don't have to be a legal expert to set a boundary. the ku'damm guy waiting for you to cross is definitely crossing a line, that's stalking-adjacent behavior.
it's happened to me a few times near hermannplatz, usually older guys with big lenses. i usually just stare back and ask if they want my autograph, which is petty but makes them feel awkward. you could also take out your own phone and take a picture of them, that tends to kill the fun real quick. but honestly, trust your gut - if it feels weird, it prob is.
This has happened to me twice near Warschauer and once at Nollendorfplatz. The legal situation is that you have a right to your own image under the Kunsturhebergesetz, so a random person can't just publish or commercially use your photo without permission. But taking it in public is technically allowed if it's part of a general street scene, not specifically targeting you. The problem is these guys know the gray area and exploit it.
I think the best thing you can do is make a scene. Say "Entweder du löschst das jetzt oder ich ruf die Polizei" loud enough that other people turn around. Even if the cops wouldn't do much, the threat usually works because they don't want witnesses. The guy on Gneisenaustraße sounds like he was testing your reaction, so giving none just confirms he can do it again to someone else.
For what it's worth, carrying a small notebook and writing down the time and a description of them helps. Even if you don't call the police, having that info makes you feel less powerless. I started doing this after a similar situation at Kottbusser Tor and it helped me feel like I had some control back.
yeah that's super weird and not normal at all, even for berlin. i'd say next time just call it out loud, like "ey, foto löschen" or "was soll das?" - most of these creeps bank on you staying quiet. also if they're using actual cameras not phones, that's even creepier tbh, feels more planned out
Berlin Hidden Gems (2026)
Begin your off-the-beaten-path exploration in the neighborhood of Neukölln. Take the U7 to Rathaus Neukölln and wander the streets around Weserstraße for a true local vibe. This… 🗺️ Where to Start
Begin your off-the-beaten-path exploration in the neighborhood of Neukölln. Take the U7 to Rathaus Neukölln and wander the streets around Weserstraße for a true local vibe. This area is packed with indie shops, street art, and a lively but unpretentious atmosphere.
🏘️ Hidden Neighborhoods
Beyond Neukölln, explore the quiet charm of Rixdorf, a historic village within Neukölln with cobblestone streets and a medieval church. Another gem is the Gartenstadt Falkenberg in Treptow-Köpenick, a UNESCO World Heritage housing estate with colorful gardens. Both offer a peaceful escape from tourist crowds.
🍽️ Off-Map Eateries
For a true local meal, head to Markthalle Neun in Kreuzberg, especially on Street Food Thursday. Try the handmade pasta at La Casetta on Weserstraße or the vegan döner at Vöner in Friedrichshain. These spots are beloved by Berliners and rarely crowded with tourists.
🌳 Quiet Viewpoints
Climb the Müggelturm in Köpenick for a panoramic view over the Müggelsee and surrounding forests, far from the city center. Alternatively, visit the Viktoriapark in Kreuzberg, where a small waterfall and a hilltop monument offer a serene city view. Both are free and open year-round.
🎨 Art Off the Beaten Path
Discover the Urban Nation Museum for contemporary street art in Schöneberg, which is often overlooked by tourists. For a more intimate experience, visit the Sammlung Boros, a private contemporary art collection housed in a WWII bunker. Book tickets in advance for the bunker.
🚲 Getting Around Like a Local
Rent a bike from a local shop like Bike Citizens or use the Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) app for public transport. The Ringbahn (S41/S42) circles the city and connects many hidden neighborhoods. A day ticket costs around 9 euros and covers all zones.
🌙 Best Evening Spots
For a relaxed evening, head to the Klunkerkranich rooftop bar in Neukölln, which offers great views and a laid-back crowd. Alternatively, enjoy a craft beer at Hopfenreich in Friedrichshain, a cozy bar with a huge selection. Both are popular with locals but not overrun by tourists.
tbh the gartenstadt falkenberg tip is underrated, most tourists never make it out that far. i went last spring and the gardens were blooming like crazy, each house has a different color scheme and the whole place feels like a tiny fairy tale village. the s-bahn ride out there is pretty too, you go through all these foresty bits before reaching the station.
for a different evening spot try the schwarze riese bar in friedrichshain, it's a tiny place hidden behind a heavy black curtain with no sign outside. they do experimental cocktails and the lighting is super dim, feels like being in someone's weird living room. gets busy after 10pm though so go early if you want a seat.
also if you're near neukölln on a weekend check out the neuköllner oper, they do affordable opera and theater in german but the building itself is worth seeing, it's this old factory turned into a performance space. tickets are like 15 euros and it's never packed with tourists.
fwiw the viktoriapark tip is solid but the waterfall is seasonal, it's usually turned off in winter so don't plan around it. the view from the top is still worth it though, especially around golden hour when the light hits the monument.
if you're doing the boros bunker thing, book like a month ahead minimum, those tickets sell out fast. i'd also check out the KW Institute in mitte as a backup, they have rotating contemporary shows and usually no queue.
one thing missing from this guide is the flea market at mauerpark on sundays. yeah it's kinda touristy now but if u go early around 9am it's chill and you can find weird old berlin stuff. the karaoke in the amphitheater after noon is pure chaos, def a local experience.
honestly this is a solid list, i live in neukölln and you nailed the weserstraße vibe. one thing i'd add is that markthalle neun is great but thursdays get packed by 7pm, go earlier if u can. for a real hidden meal try the falafel at alibabas on sonnenallee, it's a tiny spot with no seating but some of the best in the city.
the klunkerkranich tip is good but be warned it's on top of a parking garage and the stairs can be a slog. if you want a quieter view with less climb hit the tempelhofer feld at sunset, it's an old airport turned park and you can just lie on the runway watching the sky. no beer up there but you can bring your own.