Berlin’s Friedrichstraße revives after cars return—but is traffic the real reason?

A controversial shift back to car traffic has breathed new life into Berlin’s iconic Friedrichstraße. But is it the vehicles—or something deeper—sparking this urban comeback?

, and Administrator

2025 December 18 . 3:01 PM

1 min read

This image is clicked in the city. At the bottom, there is a road, on which there are cars. To the... — This image is clicked in the city. At the bottom, there is a road, on which there are cars. To the left and right, there are buildings and skyscrapers. At the top, there is a sky.

Berlin’s Friedrichstraße revives after cars return—but is traffic the real reason?

Friedrichstraße in Berlin has seen noticeable changes since its reopening to car traffic. The street, once a car-free promenade during a 2020–2021 trial, now shows signs of revival, with fewer empty shops and more activity. Yet, the long-term effects of this shift remain uncertain.

The street’s transformation began after a temporary closure to vehicles in 2020 and 2021. At the time, over 70% of pedestrians supported the car-free setup, with 82% pushing for a permanent traffic-calmed zone, according to Berlin Senate surveys. However, a later Civey poll revealed that around two-thirds of Berliners eventually backed the decision to reintroduce cars.

Local businesses and the Berlin-Brandenburg Retail Association welcomed the return of traffic. Chiara Aengevelt of AENGEVELT IMMOBILIEN noted a visible recovery, with vacancy rates dropping from 16% to about 10% over two years. She also reported an increase in new leases, suggesting renewed interest in the area.

Other developments may have contributed to the street’s revival. The conversion of Galeries Lafayette into a mixed-use space and the completion of Gendarmenmarkt’s redevelopment have likely played a role. Still, no independent studies confirm these trends or their impact on retail performance.

While Friedrichstraße appears more lively since reopening, the reasons behind its recovery are not fully clear. Improved amenities and a mix of uses might matter more than car access alone. For now, the street’s future depends on how these changes hold up over time.