Are you planning a trip soon and wondering where to stay in Berlin? You have come to the right place! In this article, I have outlined the best areas to stay in Berlin for every travel style and budget.
I have included an overview of each neighborhood, the type of traveler it is best suited for, and the hotel recommendations in every budget.
Although many love it or hate it, Berlin is an incredible city. With its turbulent history, unique architecture, and plenty of things to do, it surely doesn’t leave anyone without impressions.
Whether you are looking for a 5-star hotel or a hostel bed, there are many good places to stay in Berlin. It’s important to stay in an area that reflects your travel style and it’s a cool fact that in Berlin each area has a distinctive vibe!
Where to stay in Berlin – at a Glance
Where to stay in Berlin for first-time travelers?
Berlin Mitte
Berlin is a huge city, so there is no one specific city center as we are usually used to. The closest to that term is a Berlin Mitte (which means middle).
If you are traveling to Berlin for the first time, this is the best area to stay in Berlin as you will have easy access to most of the city’s attractions such as the Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate, and Berlin Cathedral. From here, many of them you can even explore by foot!
Strolling down the streets of Mitte, you’ll find everything. From high-end shopping on Friedrichstraße to cozy cafes tucked into charming side streets. In need of some history boost? Straight head to Museum Island! There are even five museums and art galleries to explore!
Hackescher Markt is perfect for those who want to explore boutique stores and local art galleries. Alexanderplatz provides access to Berlin’s most famous landmark, the TV Tower. With its revolving restaurant and panoramic views, a visit to the tallest building in Germany is surely an experience!
Extra tip: For an enhanced experience, you can enjoy lunch or dinner at a rotating restaurant located atop the TV Tower. The “Sphere” restaurant is quite popular, so be sure to book your tickets in advance.!
Best hotels to stay in Berlin Mitte
Budget – The Circus Hostel. Traveling on a budget? No problem! The Circus Hostel is a fantastic option that doesn’t skimp on style. With a vibrant, communal atmosphere, it offers both private rooms and dorms in a cool setting. Plus, the on-site café and microbrewery are fun spots to relax and connect with fellow travelers.
Mid-range – Hotel ZOE by AMANO. Hotel ZOE is a trendy boutique hotel near Hackescher Markt. You’ll love the stunning views from the rooftop bar and the stylish design that appeals to travelers with an eye for aesthetics. It’s a great choice for those seeking a chic getaway!
Luxury – Hotel Adlon Kempinski. If you’re looking for a truly luxurious experience, the Adlon Kempinski is the place to be! Located right next to the iconic Brandenburg Gate, this historic hotel has welcomed stars, dignitaries, and even royalty over the years. Enjoy beautifully designed rooms, a fabulous spa, and dining at a Michelin-star restaurant. If you wish to experience Berlin in style, this is your place!
Where to stay in Berlin when traveling with family?
Prenzlauer Berg
If you are traveling with family, Prenzlauer Berg is the best place to stay in Berlin. With its charming streets, green areas, and plenty of coffee shops and restaurants, fun for everyone is guaranteed!
Once a gathering place artists and bohemians, Prenzlauer Berg has turned into one of Berlin’s most charming neighborhoods. What are the best things to do here? Well, the famous Mauerpark Flea Market is a must-visit on a Sunday! Here you can find everything – from vintage clothing to handmade goods, all followed by some yummy food and music performances.
The Berlin Wall Memorial, located along the border of Prenzlauer Berg and Mitte, is another city’s benchmark to find here.
Looking forward to coffee shop hopping? Great news – Prenzlauer Berg’s café culture is legendary! You can spend entire days hopping between the organic markets, and charming coffee shops around Kollwitzplatz.
This is my favorite area of Berlin. It’s more affordable than the central touristy areas and features a very chill, laid-back vibe. It’s a local residential area, less touristy, more local, and hipster. Berlin Mitte is a bordering neighborhood, so sightseeing is also an easy task from here.
Best hotels In Prenzlauer Berg
Mid-range – The Circus Apartments. These fully furnished, stylish apartments are perfect for families or groups who want more space. Located close to the vibrant shopping and dining areas of Prenzlauer Berg, these apartments offer the comfort of home with hotel-like amenities.
Budget – Ackselhaus & Blue Home. A boutique guesthouse offering individually decorated rooms with a quirky, artistic touch. This hotel has a relaxed atmosphere and is perfect for those seeking a unique, personalized experience.
Luxury – Myer’s Hotel Berlin. A beautifully restored 19th-century building that blends old-world charm with modern comfort. Located on a quiet street, this boutique hotel offers elegant rooms with period details and is just a short walk from the area’s top cafes and shops.
Where to stay in Berlin when traveling on a budget?
Friedrichschein
Not many people will love Friedrichschein, but I think it has its charm! With colorful buildings, amounts of graffiti, and a laid-back atmosphere, it gives a different perspective of Berlin!
Friedrichshain is a favorite among students, backpackers, and budget travelers because the accommodation is very affordable here. The neighborhood is also known for its bars, alternative cafes, and street art, so it is perfect for young travelers.
What are the best sights to see here?
The longest stretch of the Berlin Wall is not to be missed, of course! The area around Boxhagener Platz, with its weekend markets and quirky cafes, is particularly lively. You’ll find plenty of cheap eats and affordable places to stay.
The RAW-Gelände, an industrial complex-turned-party space, offers an always-bimming nightlife.
The Oberbaumbrücke and the riverbanks filled with cafes and green surfaces invite you to stretch on a blanket and enjoy the sun! It’s a whole other experience to be here on the first spring days!
Best hotels to stay in Friedrichschein
Budget – Industriepalast Hostel. A budget-friendly hostel located in a former industrial building. Its large common areas, bar, and outdoor terrace make it a great spot for meeting fellow travelers.
Mid-range –nhow Berlin. This 4-star hotel is known for its striking design, blending modern art with music-themed decor. It’s located along the River Spree, near the iconic East Side Gallery, and offers stunning river views, contemporary rooms, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Luxury – Michelberger Hotel. Although not classified as a luxury hotel in the five-star sense, it offers a unique, creative atmosphere with high-end design and exceptional service. The hotel attracts a trendy, artistic crowd and offers beautifully designed rooms, organic food, and a lively bar.
Best areas to stay in Berlin for nightlife
Kreuzberg
With similar vibes as Friedrichschein, Kreuzberg is another good place to stay in Berlin. Known for its diverse mix of cultures, street art, and lively music scene, Kreuzberg is synonymous with Berlin’s counterculture. A short stroll through Kreuzberg will reveal colorful murals, vintage shops, and outdoor markets.
If good nightlife is a mandatory part of your travels, you are in the right place! You’ll find legendary clubs like Berghain, located just across the border in Friedrichshain, and smaller venues hosting live music, electronic DJs, and underground parties.
The area around Görlitzer Park is filled with cozy cafes, global street food stalls, and hipster bars.
If you are a foody, on the other side, you should check out Markthalle! This food market with the amount of diverse food stalls doesn’t leave anyone’s palate unsatisfied!
For all those sports enthusiasts, Tempelhofer Feld is a place to be! This once-upon-a-time Hitler’s airport area is a completely different world in summer! This 355-hectare big area has abandoned its original purpose (thank God) and turned into a main spot for jogging, picnics, gardening, fashion shows, etc. A must-see place!
The best hotels to stay in Kreuzberg
Budget – Das Shipotel Berlin. For something truly unique, this floating hostel on the River Spree is a fun choice! It’s affordable and offers comfy cabins with stunning views of the river and the East Side Gallery. Staying here is an experience to remember.
Mid-range – Hotel the YARD. If you want a peaceful retreat amid the lively Kreuzberg scene, this boutique hotel is ideal. It has a minimalist design with some ‘posh’ touches, a beautiful courtyard garden, and even a wellness area with an indoor pool. It’s a nice blend of comfort and calm!
Luxury – Orania.Berlin. This 5-star boutique hotel captures the artistic spirit of Kreuzberg. With its stylish design, elegant rooms, and a lovely piano lounge, it’s a perfect fit for anyone looking to soak up the local vibe. Plus, you’re just a quick walk away from fantastic nightlife and amazing restaurants!
Where to stay in Berlin for shopping?
Charlottenburg
If you are looking for nice and quiet neighborhoods and a polished experience, Charlottenburg is a place to go. Located in West Berlin, is one of the best areas to stay in Berlin, if not the best one. It’s heaven for all stylish travelers, who like to deepen their cultural knowledge by visiting museums, but also go on shopping sprees.
The most famous area here is Kurfurstendamm. It offers plenty of things to do to keep you entertained all day long. Ku’damm, Berlin’s most famous shopping boulevard, is filled with designer shops, department stores, and chic cafes.
Kaiser – Wilhelm – Church offers a quick pitstop but impressive insight into the turbulent city’s history. Charlottenburg Palace offers a glimpse of the Royal family in 18 and 19th centuries.
Charlottenburg is also a hub for classical music and opera, with the Deutsche Oper Berlin and the Berlin Philharmonic nearby.
Feel like jogging? You have all 520 acres of Tiergarten to exercise till you drop!
Best hotels in Charlottenburg
Budget – Ibis Styles Berlin an der Oper. This hotel offers clean, modern rooms at affordable prices and is conveniently located near the Deutsche Oper. It’s a great base for exploring the cultural offerings of Charlottenburg. It’s within walking distance of public transport, so getting around Berlin is easy. Plus, breakfast is for all guests free of charge!
Mid-range – Max Brown Hotel Ku’damm. This boutique hotel offers stylish, cozy rooms with a retro design, and is located near the famous Kurfürstendamm. It has a vibrant atmosphere, with an emphasis on comfort and quirky decor. The hotel also has an on-site café, The Benedict, known for its excellent 24/7 breakfast and laid-back vibe. Be prepared to wait for a free table, because a reservation in advance is not possible!
Luxury – Waldorf Astoria Berlin. If you don’t mind to splurge a little, this luxurious 5-star hotel near Ku’damm is the perfect spot! With stunning panoramic views from its elegant rooms, a Michelin-starred restaurant for your culinary cravings, and a relaxing spa, it’s an ideal choice for those wanting to treat themselves.
Best areas to stay in Berlin – Final Thoughts
Berlin’s diversity means you’ll find a neighborhood that fits your travel style. Whether you want to explore the city’s historical landmarks from Mitte, party hard in Kreuzberg, or relax in a family-friendly area like Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin has the perfect place for you. But, even if you decide to stay in other, less popular areas of the city, you should not be worried. With excellent public transportation, no matter where you stay, the rest of the city will always be within easy reach.
Planning also a day tour from Berlin? Check out my article The best day trips from Berlin!
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