Busking In Berlin Part 2

Play the markets!  Google what markets are happening and go and ask the Market Meister if you can spiel.  I usually say "Halloooo, kanne ich spiel hier fur ein uhr bitte?"  There are lovely markets in Berlin especially in Schoneberg, Neukoln, Kreuzberg and virtually everywhere.  Even if you play just outside the market there is a lovely atmosphere.

Ubahns.  This is great if you are an acoustic player, but you can get away with using your amp aswell as long as it's low.  You don't have to have a permit to play in some places and the BVG hardly ever go to Blissestrasse, Budesplatz, Gleisdreik, Westphalweg, Platz de Luftbrucke, Tier Park.  But if they do, just greet them with smiles and the best German you can and alles will be klaar.  See the previous guide to get a permit.

There is a big pedestrian area in Wilmersdorfer Strasse and is great for busking.  Also there is a big walk way with lots of tourists just outside of Zoologische Garten.  If you fancy a little trip just outside of Berlin then take the S1 to Potsdam and it is a lovely place to play.  I wouldn't bother with Warschauer Strasse anymore, it is such a dark atmosphere there now.  Schleisches the same.  There are lots of nice spots in and around Prenzlauer Berg and usually just outside Eberswalder Str can be a good place, especially on Sunday.

If you are playing Mauer without a great big PA system like the other buskers seem to use, then go to the back of the park.  It is much quieter and still lots of people.  All the buskers think they have to play as close to the front as possible, but that is not the case.  It is much better to play at the back, at least then you can hear yourself without 4 drum kits playing over you.  You can also try inside the market.

If you enjoy playing in the trains then the S1 line seems to be the most popular.  Get on, play a few songs and jump to the next carriage.  I never felt the desire to busk this way, but lots of people do and make a good hat from it.  A guy who does it told me he averages 40 an hour with  his friend.  I prefer to find an Ubahn and play for a few hours myself.  Nice sounds in the Ubahns.

Hackesher Market in and around is much better than the cold Alexanderplatz.  Go out of the market towards the lake and there is a great busking spot.  Also on the bridge is a great spot, but usually there are 2 or 3 accordions within spitting rage holding that bridge for hours.  But lots of places around here are good as its mostly commercial area and museums so there are no neighbours to annoy.