Bodhicharya Berlin

Buddhist Centre in Friedrichshain

Quélia from Berlin

Born and raised in Portugal, I called many other cities my home before settling in Berlin, and what was supposed to be a short 6-month stay in the German capital has now turned into a 7-year (and counting) affair. I'm passionate about traveling and getting to know different cultures, and if I'm not on an adventure, I’m usually planning or dreaming about the next one. I try to really g...
"Discover Friedrichshain’s Bodhicharya Buddhist Centre! It's a peaceful retreat with a stupa, meditation rooms, and a serene garden open for all!"

Strolling through the streets of Friedrichshain, you might be surprised to discover, among the ordinary buildings, a painted mural behind which stands a tall white stupa. This is the Bodhicharya Buddhist Centre, which has been here since 2001 and is open to everyone for a visit.

As you pass through the entry gate, you’ll find yourself in a peaceful garden filled with plants, flowers, Buddha statues, prayer wheels, and flags—all leading the way to the large stupa at the back. It feels as though you’ve stepped through a portal straight into a town in Nepal.

In addition to the beautiful garden, the Bodhicharya Buddhist Centre features a temple, various meditation rooms, and a shop selling books on Buddhism as well as accessories for meditation. The centre’s monthly schedule is packed with a variety of events, including talks on Buddhist philosophy and meditation with renowned teachers from around the world.

Yoga, Qigong, and even dance lessons are also offered, along with different meditation practices. However, my favourite is the guided meditation followed by a talk on Monday evenings, led in English. It’s a great way to deepen your understanding of the practice while meeting like-minded people.

Most activities at the centre are donation-based, and petting the two fluffy cats that are always roaming around is completely free!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

Buy one, Give one!

Share your 💚 this December

*on all products

Berlin Spotter Quélia

Born and raised in Portugal, I called many other cities my home before settling in Berlin, and what was supposed to be a short 6-month stay in the German capital has now turned into a 7-year (and counting) affair. I'm passionate about traveling and getting to know different cultures, and if I'm not on an adventure, I’m usually planning or dreaming about the next one. I try to really get to know the places I visit, and I’m always on the lookout for authentic experiences, which is how I stumbled upon Spotted by Locals many years ago. When not traveling around or hiking ...

About this spot

Kinzigstraße 25

free

Mar 10, 2025

Our Berlin City Guide

Find your way with 217 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Berlin guide.

Loved it? Join us!

Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Berlin

Sardinen Bar Berlin

Sardinen Bar

Very special canned fish

"Sardinen Bar" in Berlin is a gourmet bistro all about (premium hand-picked) canned fish. I recommend ordering 1-2 cans per person and taking it from there

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Josephine

Gauss

Dec 2, 2025
Karun Berlin

Karun

Best shawarma in town

"Karun" Berlin offers a shawarma revelation complete with the best chicken meat and the freshest vegetables you may find in any Berlin street-food joint...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Robin

Hartmann

Dec 2, 2025

Lietzenseepark

A close getaway!

"Lietzenseepark" in Berlin is a calm park with playgrounds, space for picnics, a lake with ducks... I like sitting close to the fountain & facing the lake.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Rafael

Dujarric

Dec 2, 2025
Rico Falafel Berlin

Rico Falafel

The best falafel in town

"Rico Falafel" in Berlin reminds me of the culture that is about to disappear in the Middle East. It's not just that they make the best falafel in town...

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Rafael

Dujarric

Dec 2, 2025
La Tía Rica Berlin

La Tía Rica

Chilean food and wine

"La Tía Rica" in Berlin's Charlottenburg is a small & cozy Chilean restaurant with empanadas & wine. It passed my friends South American authenticity test!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Josephine

Gauss

Dec 2, 2025
Café Baier Berlin

Café Baier

Art Nouveau splendor

"Café Baier" in Berlin's Schloßstraße, where it's difficult to find exciting culinary spots. This spot has a spiral staircase & great breakfast options...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Josephine

Gauss

Dec 2, 2025
Du Bonheur Berlin

Du Bonheur

A real patisserie

"Du Bonheur" close to the Berlin Wall Memorial is one of the best patisseries and cafes. Whatever you choose here, I assure you the calories are worth it.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Josephine

Gauss

Dec 2, 2025
She Said Bookstore Berlin

She Said Bookstore

Female & queer authors only

"She Said" in Berlin features books by female and queer authors only - it's the kind of bookstore that was still missing from our diverse city!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Anna

Hantelmann

Nov 22, 2025
SPRO Berlin

SPRO

The Heart of Prenzlauer Berg

What makes them even more special is their friendly nature. On most days, you might run into their owner Jonathan, the heart and soul of the café. SPRO would not shine the same way without his thoughtfulness.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Natalie

Avila

Nov 21, 2025
Rüyam 2 Berlin

Rüyam 2

Berlin's Best Döner

They take the traditional döner in Berlin and transform it into a borderline art form. With flavorful sauces, meat, vegetables, spices, herbs, bread, and cheese, there's no wonder each bite tastes better than the last.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Natalie

Avila

Nov 21, 2025
Puffle Bees Berlin

Puffle Bees

Croffle and Egg Drop Heaven

Heard of a croffle? What about an egg drop sandwich? Well, let me introduce you to your new favourite brunch food. Even if you've heard of these two before, you must try Puffle Bees.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Natalie

Avila

Nov 21, 2025
Libanon Falafel Berlin

Libanon Falafel

Berlin's Cheapest Snack

For €2, you can enjoy their falafel, shawarma, or kafta wrap. Their falafel wrap can be fully plant-based, too, just let them know, so they omit some sauces. They're better off as a snack because they're a bit on the smaller side.

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Natalie

Avila

Nov 21, 2025

Heading to Berlin?

217 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Berlin app Home
Berlin app Home
Berlin app Map
Berlin app Home

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

217 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Berlin

Our team loves Berlin

Get to know our other Spotters from Berlin

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
[paywall_activator]
false
0
false
35
Made with the 💚 of 498 Spotters.
Filters