Berlin is renowned for its remarkable history, ultra-hip clubs, alternative art scene, and liberal culture - a cosmopolitan hub with plenty to offer all kinds of people and interests, it just depends on what you are looking for. With such diversity, it makes sense to figure out where to stay in Berlin as each district offers different things, so situate yourself in a Berlin neighborhood that appeals to you.
We've put together a break down of the pros and cons of the best Berlin districts to stay in, the things to see and do there, and the average accommodation cost in these different Berlin neighborhoods to help you decide where's the best place to stay in Berlin for you!
Berlin's divided history
Berlin is organized into 12 distinct districts, which are then subdivided into smaller neighborhoods and blocks, each of which has its own unique character and vibe. The city was, of course, once carved up into east and west zones (controlled by either the Soviets or the Allied Western powers), and those harsh historical divisions can still be felt in different ways today. Don't worry though, we've got you covered there too - join our
free walking tours in Berlin to get to grips with the vast and fascinating history of the German capital.
The price tags can vary widely between neighborhoods too, something to keep in mind if you're hoping to save or splurge on accommodation in Berlin. Prenzlauer berg and Mitte are more upscale districts, for instance, while parts of Neukolln, Tempelhof and Wedding are still on the affordable side of Berlin. Noise or access to public transport is rarely a problem in Berlin, though it’s also maybe helpful to consider pros and cons of accommodation located in residential areas versus those on busy commercial streets.
Friedrichshain
If you’re travelling for nightlife and that’s a major draw for you, stay in Friedrichshain for easy access to the Berlin nightlife scene.
You'll arrive in mere minutes to various clubs like
About Blank, Kater blau, and the self-proclaimed “best club in Europe” – the
Berghain; the club which has earned a reputation for being notoriously difficult to get into - so, if you're staying in Friedrichshain, you can easily hit a different club or stroll home once you're denied entry there. And, should you party the night away at any of the other excellent clubs happy to have you, you're easy stumbling distance back to your bed...whatever time that might be.
Even if you're not up for nonstop, three-day-long electro-warehouse parties, staying in Friedrichshain is also ideal for the history or architecture buff wanting to see the likes of the Cold War-era Oberbaum Bridge. Or, if you’re the type of traveler that enjoys visual art, Friedrichshain is home to the East Side Gallery, the free open-air art gallery that stretches over a kilometer of the historic Berlin Wall.
In low season, you can expect to pay, on average, €22 per night midweek and €32 per night on weekends in an 8 bed dorm in a decent hostel in Friedrichshain, and €41 and €55 respectively in high season, averaging €83 per night midweek and €94 on weekends for a standard 4 star hotel room in low season, rising to €90 and €115 in high season, while a night in a good quality Airbnb will set you back €78 midweek, €84 at weekends in low season, and €84 midweek, €117 at weekends in high season.
You can also find RAW here, the multi-functional creative space which houses clubs, bars, even a swimming pool and climbing wall for sporty travelers. Don't forget about the special drag shows at Monster Ronson's to round out your weekday nights. And if you want to socialize while enjoying local Berlin nightlife, the bars and venues of Warschauerstrasse and Raw are unmissable when in the Friedrichshain district - join us on our
Berlin pub crawl to experience the best of them!
Mitte
Here you’ll be close to chic boutiques and designer brands, hipsters rocking the latest street styles on the busy sidewalks of Mitte, as well as tons of restaurants for the foodie travelers. If you're traveling to shop or experience a buzzing district, you'll enjoy the hustle and bustle of Berlin's commercial center, Mitte, the heart of Berlin's commercial, tech and start-up culture.
The residential zones of Mitte have a cozy feel but still remain close to major sights like the Reichstag and Brandenburg Gate.
In low season, you can expect to pay, on average, €25 per night midweek and €32 per night on weekends in a dorm room in a decent hostel in Mitte, and €37 and €53 respectively in high season, averaging €117 per night midweek and €132 on weekends for a standard 4 star hotel room in low season, rising to €125 and €175 in high season, while a night in a good quality Airbnb will set you back €30 midweek, €40 at weekends in low season and €50 midweek, €61 at weekends in high season.
Our tip: wake up smack dab in the middle of the action at Circus Hostel and Apartments. You'll be perfectly situated to shop at chic boutiques, try international food (like pierogi at Polish deli tak tak, or blini pancakes at iconic Russian tearoom Tajik), and take free
Third Reich tours that cover Museum Island and Berlin's incredible history.
Kreuzberg
Kreuzberg is for the people, truly. It's become one of the most popular districts in Berlin for its colorful reflection of the city's diversity: this is a part of the city where you'll hear a wide range of languages beyond German.
Chill at peaceful gardens and parks, such as Viktoriapark, which has a mini-waterfall. Or meet new people at Gӧrlitzer park, where you can often hear music, like live drumming or a piano that's sometimes rolled out for informal jazz shows on the curving green.
Walk along Bergmannstrasse in Kreuzberg to find markets, restaurants, and dirt-cheap thrift shops like
Humana, along with warehouse vintage shops like
Pick N Weight, where you pay for clothes by the kilo. Or head to the canal on Tuesdays and Fridays for a long stroll along the outdoor Turkish fresh food market.
In low season, you can expect to pay, on average, €36 per night midweek and €38 per night on weekends in a dorm room in a decent hostel in Kreuzberg, and €41 and €48 respectively in high season, averaging €78 per night midweek and €92 on weekends for a standard 4 star hotel room in low season, rising to €88 and €119 in high season, while a private room in a good quality Airbnb will set you back €44 midweek, €48 at weekends in low season and €54 midweek, €58 at weekends in high season.
For nightlife you'll do well for live music at legendary
SO36, or go feel the red fur walls at cult favorite
Rosi's down the street. Kottbusser Tor (lovingly nicknamed “Kotti” by locals), is just a wacky and weird place to find yourself at any hour, and especially at night. Kreuzberg is also the secret spot for hidden dance clubs and underground speakeasies, though it might be hard to find out exactly where to go without the help of a local or some serious research online. Here's a local's tip though: start the night off at
Das Hotel on Mariannenstrasse, or at
mobel olfe, and go from there.
Day or night, Kreuzberg is where you'll quickly recognize the multicultural, punky and bohemian vibe that Berlin is known for. If you’re the type of traveler that enjoys nature, live music, spontaneous encounters and a young and multicultural vibe, then Kreuzberg is where to stay in Berlin. If alternative life, sub-cultures, and the underground scene are your bag, you can get to grips with all of this as well as the incredible urban art, street art and graffiti of the city on a
free Berlin alternative tour which takes in the intriguing Mitte and Kreuzberg.
Neukӧlln
Want to see all that is hyper-local and specific to Berlin? Look no further than Neukӧlln, the Turkish neighborhood where you can find high-quality breads, meats and cheeses at local bakeries, discover new music in dusty record stores and find all kinds of funky local bars and clubs.
Spend a rainy day at cozy surfer's cafe
board'eau or in the English-language bookshop
Curious Fox. Head to Neukӧlln to shop at tiny designer boutiques, pop-up, and vintage shops. If you're looking to drop some dough on a strange and interesting object of clothing, Neukӧlln will be where you'll find it.
If you’re the type of traveler that likes high culture at a casual pace, try the nightlife in this Berlin neighborhood. If you want to hear live, intimate poetry in multiple languages, go to
Du Beast on a Thursday: you can sign up to perform at the door. Or see what's happening at
Villa Neukӧlln for more quirky nightlife. For a romantic evening, check out
La Malo, the chic wine shop with an impressive selection. French owner Pierre's generous tips (and tastings) add to the relaxed vibe.
The Clash is one of the grungier representations of Berlin's punk scene, and well-worth a visit if you're looking for a cool place to have a round of beers with friends.
In low season, you can expect to pay, on average, €26 per night midweek and €34 per night on weekends in a dorm room in a decent hostel in Neukӧlln, and €29 and €38 respectively in high season. A standard 4-star hotel room in low season averages €70 per night midweek and €86 on weekends, rising to €80 and €97 in high season. A private room in a good quality Airbnb will set you back €41 midweek, €43 at weekends in low season and €50 midweek, €64 at weekends in high season.
Prenzlauer berg
Stop at award-winning
No Fire No Glory for your third-wave coffee fix, and then grab the best home-made bagels you'll find in Berlin at
Schlomo's. Both cafes are found in Prenzlauer berg, in Berlin's western corner, the city's haven for young German families. Expect to see plenty of lovely parks (like Mauer park), cafes, ice cream shops, and preppy designer stores all around here.
It can cost a pretty penny to take up residence in this part of town, though unlike the grittier charm of Kreuzberg, Neukӧlln and Friedrichshain, in the sidewalks are wide, more like boulevards, graced by young, well-dressed people pushing prams. Many of the buildings here were preserved throughout the Second World War, giving Prenzlauer berg a more residential feel as a result: it seems almost like an upscale suburb of the city. This is the best area to stay in Berlin if you enjoy nature, excellent restaurants and a relaxed and family-friendly vibe.
In low season, you can expect to pay, on average, €31 per night midweek and €42 per night on weekends in a dorm room in a decent hostel in Prenzlauer berg, and €48 and €66 respectively in high season. A standard 4-star hotel room in low season averages €80 per night midweek and €96 on weekends, rising to €96 and €102 in high season. A private room in a good quality Airbnb will set you back €48 midweek, €53 at weekends in low season and €53 midweek, €63 at weekends in high season.
Schӧneberg
For those seeking out the city's vibrant LGBTQQ scene, Schӧneberg is where to stay in Berlin. Head to the historically gay-friendly area around Nollendorfplatz (including Motzstrasse and Fuggerstrasse), which offer a range of clubs, cafes, restaurants, and shops that are specifically queer-friendly.
Schӧneberg also offers some interesting finds, like the Museum of Unheard Things, a giant local flea market, and a six-story malt factory. Don't forget to pause at Tempelhof park, the former airport-turned-park taking over a large section of the district. If you’re the type of traveler who likes to poke around flea markets and to relax at the park, find your happy place in Schӧneberg.
In low season, you can expect to pay, on average, €20 per night midweek and €24 per night on weekends in a dorm room in a decent hostel in Schӧneberg, and €34 and €38 respectively in high season. A standard 4-star hotel room in low season averages €85 per night midweek and €90 on weekends, rising to €90 and €105 in high season. A private room in a good quality Airbnb will set you back €41 midweek, €53 at weekends in low season and €45 midweek, €59 at weekends in high season.
There you have it, dear Berlin-bound travelers, our run down of the best Berlin districts to stay in, the highlights of each area, some local tips and advice, and the average accommodation price of staying in Berlin districts. We hope it helps you to choose the right part of Berlin to stay in for you and we look forward to seeing you on our free tours soon in the German capital.
Do you have any recommendations on where to stay in Berlin? If so, share them in the comments below.
