Where to Stay in Berlin: The 5 Best Areas to Stay

Berlin is one of the most exciting cities worldwide. It has a fascinating history, an infamous nightlife, a unique art culture, and plenty of amazing places to eat and drink. Just wandering around the city you’ll see incredible street art, historical architecture, parts of the Berlin Wall, huge warehouse clubs, and a mixture of restaurants cooking delicious cuisine from around the globe.

However, knowing where to stay in Berlin isn’t straightforward especially for initial visits.

While Alysha and I have both visited Berlin, we’re certainly not experts. Which is why we sought advice from someone who has lived in the city to help you determine the best area to stay in Berlin for your trip.

Germany’s capital is large, and like most cities, it’s divided into many different neighborhoods. However, which one is best for you to use as your base for exploring this diverse, cosmopolitan city? In this guide, we will try our best to provide you with all the information needed to determine where to stay in Berlin.

Charlotte Geary has called Berlin home for the past five years and knows the city better than we – or any other travelers with just a few days – ever could. She’s here to share the best places to stay in Berlin so that you can live like a local resident, be near enough to the tourist attractions, and really see what makes Berlin is so amazing.

Take it away Charlotte!

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

Where to Stay in Berlin: The 4 Best Areas to Stay

So, enough on where not to stay. Here are the best neighborhoods in Berlin that offer something for everyone!

If you don`t have time for the whole guide, here is a brief summary.

• Our overall recommendation is finding charming lodging in a guesthouse or hotel in Prenzlauer Bergwhich is likely our favorite area of Berlin. We stayed on the border of this region during our last trip to Berlin, and loved all of the food, drinks, bars, and additional options within walking range. It’s full of personality, and it’s sufficiently near the city center and metro to be connected to the remainder of the city.
• For Berlin`s trendiest locale, exploreKreuzberg, a hip, multicultural south-central neighborhood renowned for its array of shops, cafes, bars, and indoor marketplace.
• For a brief trip seeking a central location with good transportation options, consider staying in Mitte. However, avoid lodging near Brandenburg Gate or Alexanderplatz, instead explore accommodation around the Hackescher Markt area. Quality choices there comprise the Circus Hotel (as well as their hostel we stayed at) and Flower’s Boardinghouse (lovely serviced apartments).
• . This is where you’ll find some of the best cost-effectiveness in the city center. It’s also where you’ll discover the Berlin Wall, and it’s walkable to nearby Kreuzberg.

Prenzlauer Berg: A Blend of Quiet and Cool

Prenzlauer Berg is to the north of Mitte and borders Friedrichshain on one side of Volkspark Friedrichshain (a really big park). It’s probably the most beautiful neighborhood and definitely one of the best places to stay in Berlin.

Compared to Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg, Prenzlauer Berg feels a bit more upscale, with perhaps slightly less graffiti visible. Still, each individual neighborhood, or Kiez, has a really pleasant atmosphere.

Pros/Cons of Staying in Prenzlauer Berg

Pros

Depending on where you lodge in Prenzlauer Berg, you can easily get to Mitte and Friedrichshain either on foot or by using public transportation.

The Friedrichshain neighborhood of Berlin is conveniently walkable, with beautiful architectural works tucked around each corner. It is also near popular shopping areas like Hackescher Markt, where both prominent brands and independent boutiques can be found.

Kollwitzkiez and Bötzowviertel are two great areas to explore, relax over coffee, or sip wine. There are numerous independent shops (many which sell handcrafted children`s clothes because, well, it`s Prenzlauer Berg), cafes, florists and spätis (it`s still Berlin). The buildings are beautiful, regularly painted in pastel hues with ornate balconies.

Prenzlauer Berg has plenty of great parks too, including Kollwitzplatz,Mauerpark, and Humboldthain. Throughout the summer, many individuals head to them to appreciate a picnic and they’re outstanding locations to engage in sport year-round.

Cons

While the location is suitable for accessing Mitte and Friedrichshain, it does take somewhat longer to reach Kreuzberg or Neukölln. Perhaps not too much of an issue, but it was for me when I lived there and my friends resided in Kreuzberg. It’s also an upward trek by bicycle.

Some may find the well-maintained aspect of Prenzlauer Berg a bit too orderly. It`s lovely, but those seeking Berlin`s renowned nightlife likely won`t discover it there.

There are some bars (actually quite a few very good ones), but it’s generally a very family-oriented area. There are numerous playgrounds, kindergartens, and kid-friendly cafes – which again, isn`t necessarily a bad thing, it simply depends on what you’re looking for.

Prenzlauer Berg Highlights

• The Kulturbrauereiwas formerly a working brewery but has since been converted into a building complex housing bars, markets, exhibition spaces, and a cinema. It offers a beautiful setting ideal for wandering around or grabbing a bite to eat in one of the cafes.
• Mauerpark is one of the most enjoyable activities to participate in during the summer months in Berlin. Every Sunday, half the park transforms into an enormous flea market while the other half is packed with individuals relaxing with some beers and taking in everything that`s happening. There`s live music performances, amazing drumming to dance to, open mic karaoke (which is really fun), people selling homemade goods, and food stalls. If you`re in Berlin on a Sunday it`s definitely something worth adding to your itinerary.
• It comes as no surprise that Berlin has some great traditional beer gardens. Prater Garten in Prenzlauer Berg claims oldest status and it is truly one of the finest in the city. They have the iconic long tables outside and serve a good variety of meals and beverages.
• Though peculiar to name a favorite street, mine would probably be Oderberger Straße given its charm, plentiful restaurants and bars with pleasant outdoor seating connecting directly to Mauerpark.
• The Berlin Wall Memorial is a great museum to go to to get a sense of what life was like in a divided Berlin. The border ran directly along Bernauer Straße and you can read about the attempts of the inhabitants of the houses trying to flee East Berlin by jumping out their windows.

Places to Stay in Prenzlauer Berg

Vienna House Easy Berlin: A Great Value

For those who wish to fully experience Milan’s contemporary cosmopolitan ambiance, INNSiDE by Meliá Milanois a stylish hotel situated within the iconic GalfA Tower, a 30-story high-rise just a couple of blocks from the station.

The lounge area also contains a sofa and desk, which is ideal if one wishes to unwind after touring the sites or requires working for a time.

The direct surroundings of the hotel aren`t exactly the picturesque Prenzlauer Berg I`ve discussed, but it has a very convenient location for accessing that neighborhood and Friedrichshain (I`d say it`s on the border between the two areas). Landsberger Allee train station is a brief stroll away and on the Ringbahn.

Hotel Oderberger: A Nice Midrange Hotel

Guess which street this hotel is on? And it’s just as beautiful. This might be the best setting in the neighborhood, and you’ll be within easy walking distance of just about anything you could possibly want.

This moderately priced facility was formerly used as an aquatic center – in fact, you can have your evening meal in the old converted swimming pool area if desired.

The accommodations are very comfortable and rather luxurious. The hotel is very near the Kulturbrauerei and there are many eateries and cafes nearby.

Pension Absolut Berlin: An Affordable Guesthouse

This guest house is somewhat further north than others but remains very conveniently located. They offer modern, cozy apartments and rooms that are fully outfitted. They cater to solo travelers, couples, and families.

The Schönhauser Allee Arcaden shopping center is nearby, as is Mauerpark. There are numerous train and tram stops around to easily access Friedrichshain, Mitte, and Kreuzberg (U2 and U8 lines).

Limehome Berlin Prenzlauer Allee: A Perfect Aparthotel

These accommodations are really practical and really well designed. Even the basic rooms have cooking facilities. They’re just a 15-minute walk from Alexanderplatz but are still in a lovely area of Prenzlauer Berg.

You’re near the bars and restaurants around Kollwitzkiez and there are many public transportation choices.

A note from Matt & Alysha: We stayed in a limehome property in Granada and LOVED it. Now they’re one of the first places we look when we’re hunting for apartments in European cities.

Brilliant Apartments: Nice Apartments in Prenzalauer Berg

These artistically designed living quarters are also situated on Oderberger Straße – so they offer not only aesthetic appeal but also prime location. They exhibit modern, stylish design at moderate cost.

The apartments are well equipped with everything for cooking and there are many grocery stores nearby. Both Mauerpark and Bernauer Straße are very close by.

Belfort Rooms & Apartments

Belfort provides accommodations with fully equipped kitchens and additional rooms similar to hotel styles. They are decorated elegantly and comprise everything required.

They are located just off a truly lovely park featuring a water tower – you must hike up the hill to watch the sunset colour the city. They also lie close to Kollwitzkiez, with plenty of tram and subway lines nearby.

Linnen Berlin: A Super Stylish Boutique Hotel

First of all, we have a whole guide to the Highline Trail that you absolutely should go read if you’re planning to tackle it. It contains all sorts of useful information for hikers – like what route to take, and a play-by-play of the trail so you know precisely what to expect.

It`s situated on Eberswalder Straße and is just a stone`s throw from Mauer Park and Oderberger Straße.

Myers Hotel: A Stylish Boutique Hotel

Myers Hotel is a little more upscale, located in the heart of Kollwitzkiez – which is an amazing location.

It’s stylishly elegant and offers a selection of rooms for differing budgets. There’s a bar and a restaurant too, although in that area there are some amazing bars and eateries to go to (so I’d maybe do that)!

Chotto is an excellent Japanese restaurant known for their amazing gluten-free ramen and is a brief walk away.

Mitte: Central and Good for Short Trips

I understand what I stated earlier about this not being the most favored area of Berlin to stay in, but there are truly great spots outside the core of the city.

Mitte is a sizable neighborhood, and it is really just the central section surrounding Alexanderplatz and the Brandenburg Gate that you should circumvent.

If your main goal in Berlin is sightseeing, you may want to stay somewhere more central to easily access the top attractions.

Pros/Cons of Staying in Mitte

Pros

As the name implies, Mitte is (physically) in the central location of everything. You can easily get everywhere as it’s really well connected by trains, trams, and busses.

There are some beautifully crafted structures and monuments in Mitte, such as the notable Hackescher Markt and Museum Island. The stunning Hackesche Höfe feature exquisitely decorated inner courtyards sheltering boutique shops, superb ice cream parlors, and a magnificently designed cinema.

The main advantage of staying in Mitte is that you have many of the major attractions to see right on your doorstep

Landmarks like the TV Tower, Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island, the Jewish Memorial, Berlin Cathedral, and the Reichstag are all situated in Mitte, to name just a few. You can effortlessly walk between one and another.

Another argument for staying in Mitte is its proximity to Tiergarten – the large park in the center of the city. It is appealing to go for walks throughout the seasons, but in winter, when the lakes and canals freeze, people can observe others gliding along them on ice skates.

Berlin Zoo is also on the far side of Tiergarten and just from wandering outside one can see a few of the animals.

Cafe Am Neuen See is a truly novel cafe in the center of Tiergarten (towards the zoo and in front of the Spanish Embassy). In winter they have roaring fires outside and inside and it appears the construction is made of really beautiful scraps.

I can only describe it in so many words. The walls consist of diverse wood pieces and windows that fail to match completely. But they do excellent hot chocolate, coffee, and food.

Cons

A downside of Mitte (particularly central Mitte around the tourist attractions) is that everything is part of a chain.

There aren’t many independent shops, cafes, or restaurants. In fact, I think all the Starbucks in Berlin have to be in this area.

The city is renowned for its relaxed cafes, cozy bars, and independent shops, so it seems unfortunate to be in central Mitte and miss them. There are also very few spätis (the meaning of this term is not clear? Here’s a primer).

It’s certainly more frequented by visitors, which doesn’t necessarily have to be an issue, but it does imply that everything is aimed towards that target market. Souvenir shops can be found on nearly every corner, bus tours pass by every few blocks, and the prices tend to be a bit inflated.

One downside to staying in central Mitte is that you may leave having seen a version of Berlin which isn`t entirely authentic. Many around the world wouldn`t recommend staying in the tourist areas of their cities.

• If you enjoy shopping, Mitte holds promise. There are a few complexes, including the sizable Mall of Berlin which is enormous and you can find many well-recognized stores there.
• Potsdamer Platz is located in Mitte and at Christmas time, the buildings always have interesting decorations and there’s an enormous tree. Keep an eye out for the old traffic light in the middle of the square, it was Germany`s first ever one!
• There are several museums located in Mitte, such as the notable Bodemuseum, the historic Pergamon, and the revealing DDR museum about East German history.

Places to Stay in Mitte

Motel One Hackescher Markt (Mid-Range Hotel)

This hotel chain has several sites across the city, but the one at Hackescher Markt is best situated in Mitte. It’s a mid-range hotel, offering contemporary rooms that are tastefully decorated.

You’re very close to Alexanderplatz (but not actually there) and not far away from the river – if you have time, walk along it towards the legislative building and main train station, it’s a really beautiful walk.

Circus Hotel (Boutique Hotel)

The simplest approach to seeing both sides is by crossing the Rainbow Bridge. That said, crossing an international border still requires the proper documentation, such as a passport, visa or Electronic System for Travel Authorization. You can check below what type of documentation is needed.

It’s a moderately priced hotel that offers rooms of varying sizes and has its own (great) bar. They also have a hostel and apartments in Berlin.

Casa Camper (Boutique Hotel)

Casa Camper is situated near the Hackesche Höfe. The rooms are sparsely created, modern, and have everything necessary.

Rather than providing traditional minibars, they have a 24/7 rooftop bar, where guests can get free drinks and snacks whilst looking out over the city. It’s also very near to Five Elephants coffee!

Flowers Boardinghouse Mitte

The lodgings are in a charming building near Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz and Tor Straße. They provide standard, upgraded, and deluxe suites which all have well-furnished and spacious areas. You can readily walk to key attractions and up to Prenzlauer Berg from here.

Adina Apartment Hotel Berlin Hackescher Markt

This accommodation is perfectly positioned for sightseeing. You’re very near to Hackescher Markt and to Alexanderplatz, so perfect if you want to do a bit of shopping too! The Berlin Cathedral, Museum Island, the Spree river, and the DDR Museum are all within walking distance.

All accommodations include a fully-stocked kitchen, washing machine, and nearby large grocery options.

The apartments are also near the famous Unter den Linden avenue, which can be walked entirely along to the Brandenburg Gate, Jewish Memorial, and Tiergarten.

Generator Hostel

This hostel is truly distinctive in a really pleasurable area of Berlin. Oranienburger Straße has beautifully elegant structures and courtyards. It’s also home to the stunning New Berlin Synagogue (which is undoubtedly worth strolling by and being awestruck at the amazing roof).

They provide a nice assortment of rooms and beds, like private dorms, beds in all-female dorms, and private deluxe king rooms. There’s a rooftop patio, a cafe, and a bar to meet other travelers.

Circus Hostel

Similar to its related hotel, Circus Hostel is located at Rosenthaler Platz, thus conveniently situated for accessing Prenzlauer Berg or walking into central Mitte. The U8 stops just in front of the hostel and takes you straight down to Kreuzberg too. There are great bars, cafes, and parks nearby.

The hostel provides a mix of private rooms and dormitories and caters very well to larger groups. Breakfast is served buffet-style, a free walking tour is offered, and bike rentals are available. They also have no curfew – convenient if you`re in Berlin for late nights!

Friedrichshain: The Best Place to Stay on a Budget

This neighborhood is located to the east of the center of Berlin. It’s roughly a 10-minute subway ride directly to Alexanderplatz (on the U5) and has a few different train stations on the Ringbahn – meaning you can easily travel all over Berlin.

If one desires to stay in a neighborhood that’s a really popular place for people to live in, then Friedrichshain should be chosen. The area surrounding Boxhagener Platz is full of independent, hipster cafes that serve amazing brunches and coffee.

The area also has numerous quality bars, boutique shops selling unique items, vintage stores, and examples of street art. It`s a great place to go for a night out in Berlin, as it has some of the largest clubs in the city.

Pros/Cons of Staying in Friedrichshain

Pros

The pros of staying in Friedrichshain are endless. I live here, so that should give you an idea.

As mentioned, it has superb public transportation connections. In addition to trains, there are trams providing access to Mitte and Prenzlauer Berg.

One of the best aspects about Friedrichshain is that you can easily walk to other parts of the city – and they’re generally really beautiful walks. You can stroll across Oberbaumbrücke (a beautiful, turreted bridge pictured above) to Kreuzberg, or up through the city park to Prenzlauer Berg.

Friedrichshain has a truly laidback atmosphere and is very secure. One can find whatever they`re looking for there, whether it`s a more upscale wine bar, a casual bar, someone selling beer on the street, or a cocktail bar. Independent eateries offering foods from locales like Mexico, Turkey, Vietnam and Sudan can also be discovered.

As a former section of East Berlin, the area has an interesting historical and structural heritage. One of the best spots to view remnants of the wall is the East Side Gallery south of Friedrichshain, known for vivid murals like those depicting Leonid Brezhnev and Erich Honecker sharing an embrace.

Due to Berlin`s divided history and the extensive destruction it sustained following World War II, there has consistently been a strong underground culture in the city. Berlin remains one of the last European locales where squatting in vacant buildings, some examples of which can be seen in Friedrichshain, is still practiced.

Cons

I’m trying my best. Perhaps there is too much graffiti? Though that seems widespread throughout Berlin. Is there no canal where one can sit during summer? There are certainly many excellent parks though, and the river.

I’m sure some people would say it’s a bit over-hyped and not that authentic anymore. That could be valid, but the same could be said of neighborhoods in cities all over the world, so I wouldn’t let that deter you.

Friedrichshain Highlights

• Boxhagener Platz and the surrounding streets are truly the center of Friedrichshain. There’s a fantastic market on a Saturday with farmers selling local, fresh produce and small companies offering everything from aloe vera items to homemade kimchi. On a Sunday it’s a flea marketplace.
• There are numerous parks situated throughout Friedrichshain, as is commonplace throughout Berlin generally. Some of the finest options include the Volkspark Friedrichshain,Weberwiese, and Boxhagener Platz.
• Some of the most famous clubs are in Friedrichshain, including the notorious Berghain,Wilde Renate,Kater Blau, and About Blank.
• There are many Spätis throughout the area – a type of convenience store Berlin residents frequently visit to purchase beer, drinks, snacks, and other necessities.
• There are some renowned stores, such as Humana, an enormous vintage boutique covering 5 floors. Even if you don’t want to obtain anything, it’s worth going into the building as it’s really exceptional. So unique, it’s been in quite a few series, such as the Queen’s Gambit.

Places to Stay in Friedrichshain

Hotel Indigo Berlin – East Side Gallery (Mid-Range Hotel)

This is a fantastic, very stylish hotel very close to the East Side Gallery. They’ve combined the urban graffiti of Friedrichshain with contemporary luxury.

There’s a superb restaurant covered in art and the bedrooms are roomy and well decorated. It`s well placed for accessing Kreuzberg and you can walk to Alexanderplatz.

It’s near Mercedes Benz Platz, which isn’t necessarily a plus. It’s a square full of bright lights, chain eateries, and a very expensive Odeon. There you have it, I knew I’d find a downside about Friedrichshain.

Schulz Hotel East Side Gallery (Mid-Range Hotel)

Hotel information is provided for the El Conquistador Resort including their website, phone number, and price range. Also included is a link to check prices on Booking

If fortunate, a room with a vista overlooking the wall may be obtained. They cater to extended family groups as well as solitary travelers.

Moxy Hotel Berlin (Boutique Hotel)

The Moxy Hotel in Berlin is an intelligently designed, boutique hotel near Ostbahnhof (a significant train station) – so it’s very well connected. It’s close to East Side Gallery, across from Holzmark and near Yaam (two excellent bars to visit, right on the river).

From this hotel, you can also easily walk to Alexanderplatz and Mitte. The rooms are stylishly furnished, well-equipped, and relatively affordable.

STAYERY Apartments Friedrichshain (Apartments)

Stayery is a unique residence (that’s housing where each unit has an apartment-style space) situated accurately in the center of Friedrichshain. There are quite a few amazing dining establishments and bars in the surrounding area and it’s excellently connected by tram with a short distance from Ostkreuz.”

The apartments contain everything required, there’s a common TV area, a coworking space, and the best part – they have their own in-building convenience store.

Backpacker Berlin (Hostel)

This hostel provides affordable single rooms, shared dormitories, a kitchen, laundry services and bike rentals in a superb location close to RAW Gelände – an enjoyable urban courtyard full of clubs, bars and exhibition spaces.

Kreuzberg: The Coolest Part of Berlin

Kreuzberg is a really entertaining neighborhood located to the south of Mitte and near Friedrichshain. It’s renowned for its art, multiculturalism, and music.

Indeed, it was where David Bowie lived during his time in Berlin. He drew inspiration for his song Heroes from seeing a couple kissing in front of the Berlin Wall, which he observed from the recording studio located there.

Many people would say it’s the finest region to remain in Berlin because you truly get a mix of everything.

Pros/Cons of Staying in Kreuzberg

Pros

Kreuzberg has a significant Turkish population, enabling excellent restaurants serving delicious cuisine. Also found are some truly ‘Berlin-style’ bars and clubs with dark, enjoyable, one-of-a-kind vibes.

The region surrounding the Landwehr Canal is one of the most scenic areas in all of the metropolis. On a summer day, many individuals grab some drinks and head to the canal to sit down and appreciate the weather.

There are also other great Kreuzberg parks such as Görlitzer Park, Böckler Park, and Gleisdreieck.

If you happen to be visiting Berlin on May 1st or when the Carnival of Culture is occurring, most of the fun is in Kreuzberg. On May 1st, there are lots of street parties, live music, and dancing on nearly all the streets.

During Karneval der Kulturen, there is a huge parade of floats moving through the streets of Kreuzberg playing live music with traditional dances. You can either watch as they pass by or join one you like and walk/dance behind it.

Cons

While I enjoy Kreuzberg, when I brought a friend there once, she commented it seemed a little too authentically Berlin for her preferences. I believe she meant it has a very hipster vibe and feels less polished than other parts of the city, which some other areas are to a greater extent.

However, walk just a brief distance elsewhere and you`ll find truly beautiful architecture, outstanding cafes, and a truly relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

Kreuzberg Highlights

• Kreuzberg has some exceptional cafes, such as Five Elephant Coffee and La Maison.
• It also has some incredible bars. One of my favorites in Berlin is Das Hotel, a beautiful, small bar near the canal.
• Every Thursday, Markthalle Neun, a large former market space, hosts an amazing street food market with tasty dishes from many countries. They also have a superb cheese and wine station!
• Bergmannkiez and Graeferkiez are excellent areas in Kreuzberg to wander through aimlessly. The structures are aesthetically pleasing and it’s filled with delicatessens, artisanal bakeries, bars, and cafes.
• Some of Berlin`s finest street art can be found in Kreuzberg, including a geisha, astronaut, and enormous elephant.

Places to Stay in Kreuzberg

Motel One Berlin Mitte (Mid-Range Hotel)

Don’t be misled by the name. We’re still in Kreuzberg. This establishment is really near to Moritzplatz and is within walking distance to popular destinations such as the Jewish Museum, Checkpoint Charlie, and the Berlin Gallerie.

Situated near the canal and parks, it features stylish decor with large chairs and low hanging lamps. Children under 12 can lodge free with parents.

Hotel the YARD (Boutique Hotel)

This beautifully crafted, stylistically planned lodging near Böckler Park and the canal. You can walk up to Mitte and east towards additional pieces of Kreuzberg.

It carries a slightly higher price tag but the restaurant and cozy lounge excel. An inviting garden also provides a scenic spot to enjoy refreshments.

Lekkerurlaub (Boutique Hotel)

This is a wonderful place to reside that merges some aspects of a hostel with others of a hotel. There are no dormitories, but there are a few shared bathrooms.

It’s perfectly situated in the center of Kreuzberg, near Admiralbrücke, which is a great bridge to sit on and enjoy the sunset. The rooms are good and it has great facilities.

Three Little Pigs Hostel Berlin (Hostel)

This accommodation has shared rooms with bathrooms, private rooms, and large rooms for groups. It’s well located near famous sites like Checkpoint Charlie, Tiergarten park, and Potsdamer Platz for visitors.

It’s somewhat more towards Mitte, rather than being in the heart of Kreuzberg, but you can walk or easily use public transportation. The best of both worlds. The rooms are clean, you can rent bikes, and they have a washing machine and a bar.

The Cat’s Pajamas Hostel (Hostel)

This accommodation is in the truly cool Kreuzkölln area, the part of the city situated between Kreuzberg and Neukölln. Hermannplatz train station is directly in front of the hostel so you can easily access other parts of the city.

Within walking distance, there is the really intriguing Graefekiez district, as well as numerous nice eateries, bars, and peculiar shops. Guests can choose between shared dormitories and private rooms, and there is also a communal kitchen and terrace for all to utilize.

A Quick Berlin Geography Overview

Before delving into exactly where to stay, let’s briefly discuss geography to provide you a baseline understanding of the city’s layout.

Berlin essentially functions in a concentric pattern. Mitte (meaning middle) is, surprisingly, at the center. Then additional inner neighborhoods encircle Mitte, and outer but still central ones encircle those.

There is actually a train (the Ringbahn) circling the city on the outskirts of the more central neighbourhoods. Most Berlin residents desire living inside the Ringbahn – it is genuinely referenced on their apartment applications – thus for your Berlin trip, you should aim for the same.

Depending on how much time you plan to spend in Berlin, you certainly have the ability to venture beyond the Ringbahn and explore some of the neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city. Many of them were once small villages that gradually became part of Berlin over time. They are really pleasant areas for walking around and have a different atmosphere than the city center.

If you’re in Berlin for sightseeing, beautiful cafes, and a night out , you’ll want to stay somewhere more central.

It is impossible to discuss the geography of Berlin without mentioning the city`s history. For twenty-eight years, the city was split into East and West by a concrete wall that wound its way through the middle. While now united, it is often possible to know which part of the city one is in based on architecture and street names.

Both sides also had their own pedestrian crossings and when the wall fell, East Berliners wanted to retain their iconic little man. They’re a bit mixed up now, but you can still see him proudly crossing the streets in Berlin.

Where NOT to Stay in Berlin

Where to stay in Berlin varies depending on proximity preferences and vibe sought. Most agree avoiding Mitte while neighborhood choice relies heavily on asker.

Mitte is a sizable neighborhood, so obviously there are some pleasant places to stay and it`s certainly worthwhile to visit, but I wouldn`t stay in the area where most of the tourist attractions are (around Brandenburg Gate). It contains chain eateries, tourist shops, and there are quite a few offices around there too. It isn`t somewhere many people in Berlin routinely go, and not somewhere they`d want to reside.

The Fernsehturm (TV Tower) located at Alexanderplatz in Berlin is one of the most iconic structures in the city. This area is very well connected to the airport and other parts of Berlin, and while the tallest building may help locate your way home, I do not recommend staying there. The architecture is much nicer in other sections of Berlin (putting it gently) and it is highly frequented by tourists. It is definitely worth visiting for a look around, even going up the tower or for the Christmas market in December, but travel elsewhere in the city.

However, if you’re in town for a very short period (24 hours) and want to be super close to all the main attractions, then Mitte might be the right choice for you, which is why you see it in the list below.

However, it’s probably not the right choice for the vast majority of travelers coming to Berlin.

Outside the Ringbahn

As already mentioned, it’s best to remain within the Ringbahn for ease of navigating around. The further one ventures out, the longer it will take to arrive at any tourist attractions and walking around won`t be as simple. Berlin is a fantastic city to explore on foot and by bicycle, and that incorporates returning to your lodging after dinner or drinks. It’s not equivalent if you must spend the better part of an hour on a train.

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Berlin is an amazing city with many great places to stay for travelers. They all have something different to offer visitors. Which neighborhood will you select for your trip?