Where To Stay In Berlin – The City’s Best Areas And Attractions

Berlin is an exciting city with gorgeous architecture, fascinating history, and a unique subculture that gives life to many art forms and nightlife opportunities. Attracting famous artists and musicians and boasting unmissable vestiges of the past – first and foremost, the Berlin Wall – Germany’s capital city is a destination that will leave you craving trip after trip. 

Once you select the city as your destination, the question quickly becomes which are the best places to stay in Berlin. This article will help you narrow down the best area of the city for your trip while also giving you a list of useful tips and the top attractions in each neighborhood.

Where To stay In Berlin

Berlin is a big city in Germany and, as such, is broken up into many different neighborhoods, so deciding where to stay in the city can be overwhelming. This breakdown of the best places to stay in Berlin will help you decide.

The main neighborhoods of Berlin 

There are many neighborhoods in Berlin, and the best ones to stay in are listed below.

1. Mitte – Hosting Berlin’s biggest attractions, Mitte has something for everyone, from museum lovers to history buffs. This neighborhood is ideal for first-time travelers.

2. Kreuzberg – The multicultural and LGBTQI+ neighborhood, Kreuzberg features famous sights like Checkpoint Charlie and Viktoriapark.

3. Prenzlauer Berg – Offering a bohemian and bourgeois atmosphere, this district will enchant you with beautiful buildings, hip wine bars, and the unmissable Berlin Wall Memorial.

4. Friedrichshain – Boasting Berlin’s characteristic artsy-alternative vibe, in Friedrichshain, you will find fantastic clubs and the murals-filled East Side Gallery. 

5. Schöneberg – The best shopping area in the city, Schöneberg was frequented by legends like David Bowie, and it delights visitors with gorgeous turn-of-the-century buildings.

Berlin travel tips

Berlin’s public transportation system is one of the best Europe, let alone the world. Using it, you can reach every corner of the city. However, with so many different lines and transfers, you might feel overwhelmed, especially if this is your first time visiting Berlin.

Metro (U-Bahn)

The metro is the fastest way to get around Berlin. With 173 stations and 9 lines, the U-Bahn yellow coaches operate from 4:00 am to 1:00 am on weekdays and 24 hours on weekends. 

Suburban train (S-Bahn)

The S-Bahn network connects Berlin’s center with its suburban area thanks to 15 lines and almost 170 stations. 

On weekdays, trains run from 4:30 am to 1:30 am, while on weekends, they operate continuously for 24 hours.

Trams

The tram system is also pretty efficient, with 20 streetcar lines mainly serving the eastern part of Berlin. 13 of the 20 streetcars are normal tram lines (numbers 12 to 68), while 9 of them (M1 to M17) are Metrotram lines which are faster and run more frequently.

Buses

In Berlin, you will find different bus types: daylines, metrobuses, and night buses. Daylines (numbers 100 to 399) ride from the suburbs to the city’s center during the daytime. The same routes are operated by night buses (numbers N10 to N97) at night.

Metro buses (numbers M11 to M85) run seven days a week at 10-minute intervals and serve the most important stops of Berlin’s urban center.

Neighbourhood map

As you narrow down the best hotels in Berlin, this handy map will help you orientate in the city.

Plan Your Trip 

One Ticket Serves All – Every transportation in Berlin is managed by the BVG company so that you can buy one single-day ticket to board U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, and buses. Tickets can be purchased at ticket machines on metro/train platforms, sales points in larger stations, or via the official BVG app. 

Get the Berlin Welcome Card – A great idea to make your life easier is getting the Berlin Welcome Card. It will offer free public transportation and up to 50% discounts on over 200 attractions. 

Make Sure You Have Cash – It might surprise you that many facilities in Berlin do not always accept credit cards for payment. Having those extra euros with you will spare you awkward moments at restaurants, shops, and markets.

Eat Street Food – Berlin has an epic street food scene. You will see currywurst stands and fast-food stalls on every corner. Plus, the city has a huge Turkish population, so you will easily find cheap and delicous kebabs and falafels for as little as 3 euros!

Bring a Reusable Water Bottle – Having a reusable water bottle with you will save you money and drastically limit plastic waste. Water in Europe is always drinkable, so you won’t have an issue!

#1 Mitte 

What’s there and why visit

Mitte is, without a doubt, the best area to stay in Berlin for first-time visitors. As the name of the neighborhood suggests, it is in the “center” of the city. You will find fantastic attractions everywhere you turn, from the unmissable Island Museum to the historically-relevant Reichstag and Holocaust Memorial. Besides boasting Berlin’s top attractions, Mitte is also packed with delicious restaurants serving a wide variety of cuisines, making it a great choice for foodies. 

Mitte is one of Berlin’s iconic neighborhoods, very chic and touristy. However, if you are looking to explore the city’s more edgy and artsy vibe, Mitte is not the ideal district to stay in.

Suggested hotels near Mitte

Things to see near Mitte

Museum Island – Comprising five museums, Museum Island is an unmissable attraction for everyone loving art and history. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Museum Island is a unique ensemble of buildings encompassing the Altes Museum, the Alte Nationalgalerie, the Bode Museum, the Neues Museum, and the Pergamon Museum.

Each museum displays art and artifacts from a different period, so you can decide to visit your favorite one.

Reichstag – Germany’s main Parliament building, the Reichstag has a central place in the country’s recent history. It’s sadly famous for the ‘Reichstag Fire’ that was used as a ploy to cement Nazi political power. Today, the Reichstag’s building has a wonderful glass dome to symbolize how far the country has come from its dark past. The dome was designed by architect Norman Foster after the reunification of Germany, and it boasts a walkway with 360-degree views over Berlin.

Holocaust Memorial – To get an emotional experience, there is no better place than the Holocaust Memorial. This monument is officially called the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, and it covers a huge area of 19,000 square meters where you will see concrete slabs. The look of this memorial is of great effect, as it resembles rows of big coffins. The concrete columns are wide enough for one person to walk through which will surely give you an unsettling feeling. Venture under the memorial to arrive at the information center where is a contemporary installation where the names of three million Jews read aloud while pictures are projected on a wall.

Brandenburg Gate – Berlin’s most famous landmark, the Brandenburg Gate was built in 1791 with a design inspired by the Acropolis of Athens. It was erected on the site of a former city gate where starts the road that from Berlin arrives at the town of Brandenburg an der Havel. The Brandenburg Gate is truly monumental, crowned with the sculpture of a four-horsed chariot driven by Victoria, the winged goddess of victory.  

Getting there

Museum Island – Take the metro (U5 line) and get off at the stop ‘Museumsinsel’, and you will be right at Museum Island. 

Reichstag – Take the metro (U5 line) and get off at the stop ‘Bundestag’. From there, walk east toward the Sprea River and follow its path south for 5 minutes to get to the Reichstag.

Holocaust Memorial – Take the metro (U5 line) and get off at ‘Brandenburger Tor Station’, proceed easterly on Wilhelmstraße. After 280 meters, turn right to take Hannah-Arendt-Straße. In 220 meters, the destination will be on your right.

Brandenburg Gate – The Brandenburg Gate is right outside Brandenburger Tor Station.

Suggested activities In Mitte

Berlin Reichstag and Glass Dome Private Tour – Join this private tour of the Reichstag to discover the parliament’s impressive architecture and history and enjoy the view from the building’s dome. 

Berlin: Mitte Culinary Food Tour – Explore Berlin’s Mitte neighborhood with this 3-hour guided tour leading you through its history while sampling delicious international cuisines.

#2 Kreuzberg 

What’s there and why visit

Famous for its multiculturalism and underground music scene, Kreuzberg is the perfect accommodation in Berlin if you are looking for that hip vibe that makes the city so popular. Punk rock and LGBTQI-friendly, the neighborhood is split into two distinct areas. East Kreuzberg is the edgier side, with lots of cool decaying buildings, third-wave coffee shops, and awesome nightlife. 

West Kreuzberg is more upmarket, so it’s ideal for families and higher-budget travelers.  

Suggested hotels near Kreuzberg

Things to see near Kreuzberg

Checkpoint Charlie – This historical site was the crossing point between East and West Berlin. Today signs the entry point from Mitte to Kreuzberg. Checkpoint Charlie takes its name from the NATO phonetic alphabet, and it was the third checkpoint opened by the Allies in Berlin. This site is widely featured in movies and books about divided Berlin, which makes it one of Berlin’s biggest attractions.

Viktoriapark – This unique green space is Kreuzberg’s hidden gem. Viktoriapark’s main spot is Kreuzberg Hill, boasting an impressive Neo-Gothic memorial built in 1821 to celebrate the liberation of Europe from French domination during Napoleon. Another great spot inside the park is a charming waterfall, a replica of the waterfall from the Krkonose Mountains, which divides Poland and the Czech Republic.

Bethanien – This exhibition space for contemporary art is a must-visit in Berlin. Besides hosting avant-garde art pieces and exciting workshops, Bethanien’s building is gorgeous and has a long history. A 19th-century hospital, Bethanien became the hub of Berlin’s alternative culture in the 1970s. Even if you are not interested in contemporary art, you will love Bethanien’s atmosphere!

Markthalle Neun – A market hall from the 19th century, Markthalle Neun is locals’ favorite spot in the city for shopping for fresh produces. The market has small restaurants and bars, so it’s a perfect area in Kreuzberg for a lunch break. Markthalle Neun is also popular for the events it hosts, such as Coffee Festival and Cheese Festival.

Getting there 

Checkpoint Charlie – Take the metro (U6 line) and get off at the ‘Kochstraße’ stop. The site is one minute away from there.

Viktoriapark – Take the metro (U6 line) and get off at ‘U Platz der Luftbrücke’ stop. Proceed in a northerly direction on Fidicinstraße, and after 174 meters, turn left on Methfesselstraße to get to the park.

Bethanien – Take the metro (U1, U3, U8 lines) and get off at the ‘U Kottbusser Tor’ stop. Walk on Adalbertstraße for 700 meters, and then turn right on Bethaniendamm. In 160 meters, you will arrive.

Markthalle Neun – Take the metro (U1 or U3 lines) and get off at ‘U Görlitzer Bahnhof’ stop. Proceed in an easterly direction toward Skalitzer Str, and in 250 meters, turn right on Lausitzer Pl. Follow the length of the square and take Eisenbahnstraße. In 120 meters, you will be at Markthalle Neun.

Suggested activities in Kreuzberg

Berlin: Street Art and Alternative Tour – Discover Berlin’s alternative culture and street art with this small-group walking tour through the alternative quarter of Kreuzberg.

Kreuzberg Berlin: Off the Beaten Track Private Walking Tour – Enjoy Berlin’s eastern side from a different perspective by joining this 3-hour kayak tour. Paddle along the Landwehrkanal and Spree River following an expert guide.

#3 Prenzlauer Berg 

What’s there and why visit

Prenzlauer Berg features the best hotels in Berlin and offers a bohemian-meets-bourgeois atmosphere that everyone will love.

With streets lined with green trees, boutique shops, and fabulous wine bars, Prenzlauer Berg is a great spot for foodies and shopaholics. The neighborhood also has two unmissable attractions, the Berlin Wall Memorial and Mauerpark, both testimony to the city’s past.

Thanks to the efficient public transport, it is well-connected to most tourist sites and both airports. 

Prenzlauer Berg boasts a laid-back and residential vibe, so it’s ideal for travelers looking to stay off the tourist trail.

Suggested hotels near Prenzlauer Berg

Things to see near Prenzlauer Berg

Berlin Wall Memorial – An unmissable thing to do in Berlin is to see the infamous wall that divided the city during the Cold War era. The Berlin Wall Memorial preserves a section of the wall for visitors to see, and it also has a documentation center where you can learn in detail the history of West and East Germany. 

Mauerpark – This park gets its name for being located at the Berlin Wall. In particular, the park is where the so-called “death strip” used to be. This strip was East Germany’s portion of the wall, an area filled with watchtowers and trip-wire machine guns to impede people from crossing over. Today, the area is a pleasant green space that Berliners love frequented during the summer. Every Sunday, Mauerpark hosts an enormous flea market with live music and many other events.

Kulturbrauerei – Once a brewery, Kulturbrauerei is today a popular cultural center where locals love spending their free time. The building complex hosts over 500 events annually, from concerts to theater performances to film festivals. At Kulturbrauerei, you will also find the Museum of Everyday Life, where you can discover more about life in East Germany. If you are visiting Berlin during the winter holiday, don’t miss the famous Lucia Christmas Market in Kulturbrauerei.

Kollwitzplatz – This vibrant and charming square is among the best spots in Berlin to mingle with locals. Packed with cafes and restaurants, Kollwitzplatz houses a market every Thursday and Saturday, with stalls selling various items, including regional food products. The square is beautiful, lined with historic buildings and leafy trees, and a hub for cultural events. 

Getting there

Berlin Wall Memorial – Take the metro (U8 line) and get off at the ‘U Bernauer Straße’ stop. Walk southwesterly on Bernauer Straße for 500 meters, and the destination will be on your left. 

Mauerpark – Take the metro (U2 line) and get off at the ‘U Eberswalder Straße’ stop. Walk for 550 meters on Eberswalder Straße to arrive at the park.

Kulturbrauerei – Take the metro (U2 line) and get off at the ‘U Eberswalder Straße’ stop. Once out of the metro, look for Schönhauser Allee and walk it for 260 meters to get to Kulturbrauerei. 

Kollwitzplatz – Take the metro (U2 line) and get off at the ‘U Senefelderplatz’ stop. Proceed in a northerly direction on Schönhauser Allee, and in 95 meters, turn right to take Metzer Straße. Turn immediately left on Kollwitzstraße, and walk it for 450 meters. Turn left, and you will have arrived. 

Suggested activities in Prenzlauer Berg 

Berlin: Guided Bike Tour of the Berlin Wall and Third Reich – Discover Berlin’s Nazi history and Cold War sites by cycling around, following an expert guide. 

Prenzlauer Berg Tour: Kulturbrauerei, Kollwitzplatz & More – Wander through the beautiful neighborhood of Prenzlauer Berg and hear authentic insights and interesting background information on the former workers’ district for a different morning in the city.

#4 Friedrichshain 

What’s there and why visit

With an artsy and alternative vibe and the best nightclubs, Friedrichshain is among the best areas to stay in Berlin for nightlife. The area around Ostbahnhof and Revaler Straße is packed with clubs playing state-of-the-art techno music. But if you want a quieter stay, you just need to look for accommodation around Lichtenberg.

Friedrichshain’s main attraction is the East Side Gallery, the longest-surviving section of the Berlin Wall, all covered in politically-centered and satiric murals. 

Vibrant, with lots of activities to do, and bars for amazing happy hours, Friedrichshain is unmissable!  

Suggested hotels near Friedrichshain

Things to see near Friedrichshain

East Side Gallery – This is the longest-surviving section of the Berlin Wall. The reason why you should visit the East Side Gallery is that this part of the wall was turned into a contemporary open-air museum. Colorful murals painted by well-known artists cover the grey-concrete wall. Originally, the East Side Gallery contained 102 murals by artists from 21 countries which were quickly replaced by other street art pieces. The murals you can see today are repainted replicas of the originals. Most murals have a political overtone, and the most famous is the iconic one showing Leonid Brezhnev and Erich Honecker kissing.

Karl-Marx-Allee – This wide boulevard perfectly displays Stalinist-era architecture. Originally named after Stalin, Friedrichshain’s main street was renamed after the dictator’s death. The boulevard construction was a major project of East Germany’s post-war reconstruction. It saw the work of great German architects who lined this 2-kilometer-long street with impressive socialist-looking buildings. Visit it for a trip back in time!

Computer Games Museum – You will love this museum if you enjoy nerdy things! The Computer Games Museum is located right on Karl-Marx-Allee. The best part of the museum is that it is interactive, and you can play most of the games. Displaying everything from 1980s milestones videogames to contemporary 3D simulators, the Computer Games Museum is the perfect spot to learn about the cultural history of computer gaming and to spend a fun and alternative afternoon.

Oberbaumbrücke – Berlin has more than 960 bridges, and the Oberbaumbrücke is the most iconic one! Built in the 18th century in place of the former wooden bridge, Oberbaumbrücke is central in the city’s history as it served as a border crossing between East and West Berlin. This bridge is today one of the symbols of the united city as you can cross it and freely go between the neighborhoods of Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg.

Getting there 

East Side Gallery – Take the metro (U1, U3 lines) and get off at the ‘U Schlesisches Tor’ stop. Once out of the metro, turn left to take Oberbaumstraße. After 210 meters, turn left on Mühlenstraße, and the destination will be on your left in 550 meters. 

Karl-Marx-Allee – Take the metro (U5 line) and get off at the ‘U Schillingstraßer’ stop. The Karl-Marx-Allee is 3 minutes away, following a southeasterly direction.

Computer Games Museum – Take the metro (U5 line) and get off at the ‘U Weberwiese’ stop. Once out of the pedestrian tunnel, turn left, and you will be at the museum in 100 meters. 

Oberbaumbrücke – Take the metro (U1, U3 lines) and get off at the ‘U Schlesisches Tor’ stop. Proceed in a northeasterly direction toward the Spree River, and in 200 meters, you will be at the bridge.

Suggested activities in Friedrichshain 

Berlin: Karl-Marx-Allee 2-Hour Tour – Explore the fascinating Karl-Marx-Allee with this 2-hour guided tour, and see interesting and history-filled streets and buildings, including the Church of the Resurrection.

Alternative Berlin by Bike: Kreuzberg & Friedrichshain – Get on a bike and join this 3.5-hour tour of Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg neighborhoods, enjoying the River Spree, the raiming piece of the Berlin Wall, and the city’s alternative vibe.

#5 Schöneberg 

What’s there and why visit

Schöneberg is one of Berlin’s most beautiful neighborhoods. With wide boulevards lined with West German glamourous buildings, this district was incredibly popular in the 1980s. Its bohemian bars were frequented by legendary artists like David Bowie, Iggy Pop, and Lou Reed.

On every corner, you will find art galleries, churches used as live music venues, and charming cafes. 

Schöneberg also boasts one of the largest department stores in Europe, the KaDeWe, and many historical places, like the Rathaus Schöneberg. 

Two other pros of this district are that it is blissfully quiet and well-connected to Kreuzberg, so it’s an ideal area for every traveler.

Suggested hotels near Schöneberg

Things to see near Schöneberg

Rathaus Schöneberg – West Berlin’s former city hall, Rathaus Schöneberg is among the historical sites in the city you shouldn’t miss. The Rathaus Schöneberg is particularly famous as it is the spot in which President John F. Kennedy gave a speech declaring himself a Berliner just months before his assassination. The building’s architecture is impressive, with a 70 meters clock tower housing a replica of the Liberty Bell.

Kaufhaus des Westens – Also known as KaDeWe, this is where to be for shopping fans. Kaufhaus des Westens is mainland Europe’s largest department store. It was built in the early 20th century by the famous architect Emil Schaudt, and it was almost completely destroyed during WWII. It was reconstructed in the 1950s as a symbol of Western Berlin’s emerging economic power. Today, it attracts over 50 000 visitors a day. 

Museum of Unheard Things – For a special visit, don’t miss this wunderkammer! The Museum of Unheard of Things displays curious items and objects skillfully arranged by weight and plastered all over the walls. However, the true peculiarity of the museum’s collection is the engaging storytelling surrounding the displayed items, which creates “unheard of” stories that will surely strike you. Located in an East Germany factory building, the Museum of Unheard of Things is curated by artist Roland Albrecht.

Matzfabrik – Matzfabrik isn’t like any other story malt factory you might find. This six-story building is a center of creativity and sustainability, perfectly showing Berlin’s artistry and edgy side. The Matzfabrik’s main attractions are the LED lighting installations, the art exhibits, and legendary parties occasionally hosted. 

Getting there 

Rathaus Schöneberg – Take the metro (U4 line) and get off at the ‘U Rathaus Schöneberg’ stop. Turn right on Freiherr-vom-Stein-Straße, and after 190 meters, turn left and then slightly right, and you will be at your destination. 

Kaufhaus des Westens – Take the metro (U1, U2, U3 lines) and get off at the ‘U Wittenbergplatz’ stop. Proceed in a northwesterly direction on Wittenbergplatz and take the pedestrian crosswalk. Then turn right, and you will be at KaDeWe in 100 meters.

Museum of Unheard Things – Take the train (S1 line) and get off at the Julius-Leber-Brücke Station. Walk in a northwesterly direction on Kolonnenstraße, and in 240 meters, turn right to take Crellestraße. The destination will be on your right in 83 meters. 

Matzfabrik – Take the metro (U6 line) and get off at the ‘U Alt-Tempelhof’ stop. Walk in a westerly direction on Alt-Tempelhof, and in 500 meters, take Schöneberger Straße. After 110 meters, turn left on Eresburgstraße. After 660 meters, turn left to take Bessemerstraße, and your destination is on the right.

Suggested activities in Schöneberg

Berlin’s Gay, Lesbian, and Queer Scene Small-Group Walking Tour – Explore Berlin’s queer side with this walking tour of the Schoeneberg neighborhood while learning about the monumental work of Magnus Hirschfeld.

Berlin: DIY & Subculture Sightseeing in a 1972 Ford Van! – Join this 2-hour tour to discover Berlin’s subculture scene by exploring legendary past sites and edgy present hangout spots.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Final Thoughts 

Berlin is an iconic destination. You will love every second of the time spent in the city, visiting art-filled museums, strolling around history-rich streets, and experiencing a vibrant and edgy (sub)culture. 

The city is pretty big, and at first, it might be challenging to answer the question: ‘Which are the best places to stay in Berlin?’. Following this detailed guide, you should have a clear perspective on the best neighborhood to stay in Berlin for your travel needs.