There are few cities in the world that can replicate the culture, history and vibrancy of Berlin, a welcoming city centered on art, tolerance and development.
Historically, Berlin has existed since the 1870th century, and has also been the German capital since XNUMX. Today the city is full of things to do and see, and is a great destination for travelers from all over the world. .
For first-time visitors it can be quite difficult to decide where to sleep in Berlin. This is because, with an extension of almost 900 square kilometers and 45 kilometers from end to end, it is one of the largest cities in the world, about 5 times larger than Paris. Also its structure is a bit complicated because it has been divided by the Berlin Wall for so long. It is a city of urban contrasts, with very different neighborhoods.
Although Mitte is the most in demand area, the other neighborhoods can be a great option, or even better, depending on what you are looking for for your stay in the German capital. The best neighborhood to sleep in Berlin depends on what you love to do, visit the most famous monuments, go shopping, see the more alternative Berlin, enjoy its intense nightlife, or stay in a quiet and green area.
The districts of Berlin
Officially, Berlin is made up of 12 districts. Each district is further divided into smaller areas. The most recommended areas to stay in Berlin are in Mitte, which is the center of the city, and in the different districts that surround it such as Charlottenburg, Tiergarten, Schöneberg, Kreuzberg or Prenzlauer Berg.
Severely damaged during the Second World War, the city has been significantly rebuilt. Berlin is unique because until 1989 it was separated by a wall that divided the city into two parts. As a result, the city itself is incredibly different depending on where you are.
The German capital is a collection of unique neighborhoods, each with its own atmosphere, and the choice of where to sleep in Berlin will have a great influence on your entire travel experience. Even if you choose a certain area to stay in Berlin, we recommend that you also visit other neighborhoods or areas to see what they have to offer.
The best areas to sleep in Berlin
Mitte
Mitte is a rather gigantic neighborhood that stretches from the Brandenburg Gate to the TV Tower and further afield.
This is the central section of the former East Berlin. Before the war and the division of the city, it was the center of Berlin. After reunification it has regained its former importance to such an extent that many tourists never visit the western part of the city.
As the oldest and most historic area of Berlin, Mitte has numerous cultural attractions and more and more restaurants, clubs, shops and art movements. At its western end are the Potsdamer Platz and Brandenburg Gate.
The district extends along the great boulevard Unter den Linden, which houses palaces and monuments of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Here you will also find two of the three most important theaters in the city such as the State Opera Unter den Linden and Weird opera.
In this district there is also the Museum Island (Isle of Museums), declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is a part of the city full of incredible museums and galleries. On the eastern edge of Unter den Linden is the colossal berlin cathedral. These are just some of the things you can find in this area.
Within Mitte there are various areas, differentiated from each other. The most popular areas for booking hotels in Mitte are Friedrichstrasse, Alexanderplatz, the Brandenburg Gate and Potsdamer Platz. However, any area of this district is a success.
disadvantages: Mitte is a very expensive area of the city, both for accommodation and for the purchase of food, drinks or souvenirs. This is the tourist center of the German capital, so you see more tourists than locals. Mitte is very different between day and night. During the day it is full of crowds of visitors, but in the evening, especially in winter, things slow down considerably.
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Kreuzberg
Kreuzberg was once the poorest and most populated district of the western districts of Berlin. Today a process of social transformation is underway. However, it still retains some of its traditional alternative character.
Still 35% of its population is made up of immigrants from countries such as Turkey, Greece and the former Yugoslavia, many of whom have lived in Kreuzberg for more than 40 years.
Today, Kreuzberg is known as one of the most eclectic parts of the city and is famous for its amazing nightlife. The neighborhood is full of shopping opportunities and the streets of Bergmannstraße e Oranienstraße are the main destinations for shopping lovers.
Tourists also travel to the area to explore world-class museums such as the Jewish Museum of Berlin and Topography of terror, which examines Nazi history in Germany.
As it is a very central neighborhood and there are a good number of restaurants and some of the best bars and clubs in the city. It is a place to consider to stay in Berlin.
disadvantages: Kreuzberg is another district that can be very affordable, but falls short when it comes to high-end accommodation. As a nightlife destination, this part of the city can be very noisy, and is not recommended for those who want a quiet spot or a family-friendly place.
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Zoo
The word Zoo means zoo in German, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that this neighborhood is home to the huge Berlin Zoo and the city's impressive aquarium. The real center of the district also includes the immense Zoo park, the green lung of Berlin.
Tiergarten is probably the only district in Berlin, aside from Mitte, with a large number of world-class historical attractions. To get started, here you will find the Reichstag building and Congress Hall, two of the most important buildings of German politics. Nearby is the Bellevue Palace, a palace that was the residence of the German president for more than 20 years. Located in Tiergarten is the Siegessäule, or Victory Column, which was designed in the 19th century to celebrate Germany's military victories.
Other attractions not to be missed are the Bauhaus Archive Museum of Design and Berlin Philharmonic Building, While the Brandenburg Gate it is located right on the border with the Mitte area.
It is one of the best areas to sleep in West Berlin. It's a'very central area bordering Mitte, it is an ideal green area to get away from the urban hustle and bustle of other areas and has a good supply of restaurants.
disadvantages: Due to the relatively central location of Tiergarten, the price of accommodation is not very cheap. Even though there is an endless array of things to do and see by day, Tiergarten can be a bit empty at night.
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Friedrichshain
The Friedrichshain district was once a central part of East Berlin and this history is instantly recognizable when you visit the area. This is a popular spot for young travelers, as it tends to be cheaper and full of a youthful, eclectic and artistic population.
One of the main reasons for staying in Friedrichshain is that it contains the longest remaining stretch of the Berlin Wall, much of which has been transformed into what is known as the East Side Gallery. You can walk along nearly a mile of the wall, which has been treated as a canvas where thousands of works of art have been painted.
Also not to be missed Oberbaumbruecke, probably the most beautiful bridge in Berlin and the only connection between Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg, e Karl-Marx-Allee, main street with East German neoclassical buildings and fountains.
As an arts and youth center, Friedrichshain is home to numerous affordable cafes and quirky bars. The district can be reached via one of the main train stations in Berlin, Ostbahnhof.
disadvantages: Friedrichshain may seem unpleasant to those unfamiliar with East German aesthetics. The abundance of graffiti on concrete buildings may seem unappealing, but for locals it is an important expression of creativity and independence in a formerly communist area. Friedrichshain offers a wide range of budget restaurants and hostels, but it falls short when it comes to luxury restaurants and four-star hotels.
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Schöneberg
This is one of the best neighborhoods as well one of the most beautiful areas of Berlin. Located near the Ku'Damm, it is a neighborhood that without being the most central, is quite near the center and it is a good option to sleep in Berlin. Has excellent connections by public transport that allows you to reach Mitte in a few minutes.
One of the best areas to stay in Berlin to do Shopping, Schöneberg offers charming turn of the century buildings and wide open boulevards. Traditionally it has been theepicenter of the gay community in Berlin.
Schöneberg is an elegant, quiet area with few tourists, but still has a good number of hotels, cheap guesthouses and apartments for rent.
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Charlottenburg
The Charlottenburg district is the richest and most commercial district in the west of Berlin. Along the famous Kurfürstendamm (Ku'Damm) boulevard, which crosses it, is the best concentration of hotels, restaurants, theaters, cafes, night clubs, shops and department stores.
Probably the main reason for staying and exploring Charlottenburg is because of the Charlottenburg palace, around which a large part of the modern city has been built.
In addition to the palace, you will be able to see the incredible Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, one of the most representative symbols of Berlin, museums such as the Bröham Museum and Berggruen Collection, and German opera in Berlin, one of the three most important opera houses in Berlin.
This neighborhood is an excellent option to stay in Berlin for a number of reasons: it is an elegant, clean, safe area with plenty of leisure opportunities and is well connected to Mitte.
Charlottenburg has a good offer of accommodation. There are several luxury hotels, but also a good number of budget hotels and budget guesthouses.
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Prenzlauer Berg
Located northeast of Mitte, Prenzlauer Berg is the most modern district of East Berlin. The neighborhood, which was very modest after reunification, attracted many artists and bohemian people attracted by its central location and low rents.
Nowadays Prenzlauer Berg has undergone a major gentrification process which has made it a very popular area to live in. The neighborhood is experiencing a growing proliferation of cafes, night clubs, trendy boutiques, art galleries and good restaurants.
Prenzlauer Berg is a great neighborhood to sleep in in Berlin, as it is bordering on Mitte, and has excellent public transport links. Here you will find beautiful buildings, modern design, trendy cafes and wine bars.
It is an easy introduction to Berlin and is a 'excellent choice for families. In addition, its hotels offer a excellent value for money, one of the best in the city.
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Friedrichstrasse
Friedrichstrasse is the most important shopping street in Berlin. In it you will find the main international brands, boutiques and many luxury shops. Restaurants abound and the street is also known for its theaters.
It is a good area to stay in Berlin, although the accommodation offer is almost exclusively made up of expensive hotels. The cheapest options in this area are near Checkpoint Charlie.
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Alexanderplatz
Alexanderplatz is one of the most famous squares in the city. Completely destroyed during the Second World War, it was rebuilt during the Soviet era following a very communist style.
It is home to one of Berlin's most iconic sites, the TV tower which rises to 368 meters and is still one of the tallest structures in Europe.
A short distance from the square, to the south and near the River Spree, is the charming district of San Nicolás. The neighborhood has riverside tavernas and restaurants making it a great place to go out for lunch or dinner and for a fun stroll.
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