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The German capital of Berlin offers a fabulous wealth of things to do and see on a Euro-city getaway.
A city once divided but now fully reunited, you can dive into the past or keep both feet firmly in the present. There’s tons of street art to admire and fans of urban architecture won’t be disappointed. There’s a cool and quirky night scene and an abundance of great places to eat. Multicultural, charming, edgy, welcoming, modern, and tolerant … are just a few words to describe Berlin. You already know there’s plenty to keep you busy—but, what about where to stay in Berlin?
Berlin is broadly split into six districts, each further split into diverse neighborhoods. With a great public transportation system, exploring the huge city is a cinch from wherever you choose as your city base. Simply grab a Berlin map and explore! In fact, with more time to spend, why not check out a couple of Berlin’s different areas to experience the city’s diversity?
Are you looking for places to stay across different cities in Europe instead? Well, look no further. Whether it's Madrid, Amsterdam, Istanbul, Rome, or even a castle in a different part of Germany, we've got you covered. Check them out here.
If you're only here for Berlin, then we’ll take you through the city’s top three neighborhoods to help you choose where to stay in Berlin, Germany (not to be confused with where to stay in Berlin Ohio!), and even give you some great recommendations for awesome Berlin hotels to suit all budgets and tastes. Plus, we’ll help you decide the best area in Berlin for different types of visits. Ready? Let’s dive right in!
Is Berlin Safe?
For a large city, Berlin is generally considered pretty safe. While organized crime exists in Berlin, tourists and short-term visitors are rarely exposed to it. Violent crimes are uncommon. You should, however, be aware of your belongings at all times as petty thefts and pickpocketing are fairly common. Overall, Berlin is a safe city for visitors.
How Can I Stay in Berlin for Cheap?
Berlin has a great range of accommodations to suit all budgets. Hostels can be a great option for budget travelers, and many have affordable private rooms if you want privacy at cheaper costs and with the social aspects of a hostel. There’s a wide selection of hotels, including those that offer really reasonable prices, and you’ll find Airbnbs and similar that can be ideal for groups looking to save on accommodation.
Some areas of the city are generally cheaper than others. For example, staying in West Berlin can be cheaper than staying in East Berlin. Pocket-friendly neighborhoods include Charlottenburg, Tiergarten, Wilmersdorf, and Schoneberg.
Where to Stay in Berlin: East or West?
Whether you opt to stay in the East or in the West, you’re sure to have a great time in Berlin! West Berlin is ideal for shopaholics, and you can find some great budget accommodations this side. East Berlin is home to many of Berlin’s major historical attractions and is known for its thriving nightlife and hipster scene.
What is the Best Area to Stay in Berlin?
With so many cool areas, choosing the ultimate best area to stay in Berlin really depends on what you want to do while in the city. These recommendations should help you narrow down your choices!
Where Should I Stay in Berlin for the First Time?
Most first-time visitors to Berlin want to hit up the city’s most famous attractions, while also being close to great dining options and nightlife. We love Mitte—it’s home to lots of cool things to do in Berlin and awesome historical places of interest, like Checkpoint Charlie, the Brandenburg Gate, TV Tower, the Berlin Wall Memorial, and the Reichstag.
Want even more? How about Museum Island, the Holocaust Memorial, and charming Hackescher Market? Plus, if you’re wondering where to stay in Berlin for New Year's Eve to be close to the countdown and street parties around Brandenburg Gate, Mitte is perfect.
If you’re looking for a home from home, the apartments at Rosenthal Residence are tough to beat. The beautiful apartments come with a double bed and a sofa bed, full self-catering facilities (like a fridge, stove, and dishwasher), ample storage space, and everything else you could need for a comfortable stay.
Jasper's boutique hotel boasts stylish modern rooms, and plus points of the elegant Classik Hotel Alexander Plaza include a restaurant, fitness area, and sauna. Alternatively, do your bit for the planet and check into the sustainable and eco-friendly Lulu Guldsmeden, which boasts sleek Nordic-inspired designs and a restaurant that dishes up an organic fare.
H2 Hotel Berlin-Alexanderplatz features lovely twin or double rooms with a private bathroom, desk, TV, and free Wi-Fi, and the onsite restaurant is handy for grabbing a quick bite to eat after a long day of sightseeing. Rooms at Hotel Aquino Berlin have a balcony, and the hotel has a beautiful terrace and garden where you can unwind, as well as a restaurant and cool displays of art. ADELANTE Boutique Hotel and Generator Berlin Mitte are other terrific mid-range options.
Ballhaus Berlin Hostel and Amstel House Hostel are great for budget travellers who want a private room but don’t mind sharing a bathroom. The en suite rooms at EasyHotel Berlin Hackescher Markt are basic but comfortable, or you and your BFF could crash in the bunkbeds in an affordable twin en suite room at Hotel Lutzow, just on the edge of Mitte.
Where to Stay in Berlin for Nightlife?
Dynamic and lively, Kreuzberg is one of the best areas to stay in Berlin for nightlife. Centrally located, Kreuzberg boasts a huge number of clubs and bars that keep the party pumping until the wee small hours. There are plenty of places to grab a meal too, whether it’s a pre-party feast or a hangover buster. The popular area is also one of the most colorful and quirky parts of Berlin, and you’ll find many excellent entertainment options here.
Treat yourself to a stay at Orania.Berlin, a classy hotel that is housed in a historic building and just steps from the nightlife. Refresh yourself under the rain showers after a night on the tiles and make full use of the hotel’s fitness center, library, and excellent restaurant. Alternatively, the Hotel Johann is another top-notch hotel in Berlin’s vibrant area of Kreuzberg.
Awesome mid-range accommodations in Kreuzberg include Hotel The Yard, which has a restaurant, swimming pool, fitness center, and wellness facilities, the greenery-filled Lekkerurlaub, and the stylish apartments at The 5 Lofts.
Whether you’re traveling solo, with your best mate, or in a group of friends or family, the cost-friendly Excellent Apartments Kreuzberg is comfortable and close to the action. There are single, double, twin, and family rooms, each with a fridge and access to a shared bathroom and shared kitchen. Nena Apartments Moritzplatz is another good accommodation for budget travelers, and each room has a private bathroom and kitchenette.
Where to Stay in Berlin for Young, Hip Appeal?
If you want to stay in one of Berlin’s hippest and coolest areas, look no further than the funky Prenzlauer Berg. Brimming with gorgeous buildings, quaint cobblestone streets, and open green spaces, the laid-back area attracts many artists and other creative souls. The overall vibe is one of Bohemian-meets-hipster, with whispers from the past merging with modern trends.
Hotel Oderberger sits on the site of an old public swimming pool and, on certain days, today’s guests can still take a dip in the 1902 pool. The lounge is perfect for relaxing and the restaurant serves tasty cuisine. Even better—breakfast is included! The atmospheric loft-style rooms at Hotel Die Schule were once schoolrooms, and the two-bedroom apartments at Urbn Dreams exude a natural ambiance.
The cute Pension Freiraum is a fabulous base for two people. All rooms have a private bathroom and a TV and you can chill in the small common area. Hotel & Apartments Zarenhof Berlin Prenzlauer Berg is a large hotel with modern rooms in a splendid Art Deco building, and the Melarose Feng Shui Hotel is a top Berlin hotel for a soothing stay.
Save money at the popular MEININGER Hotel Berlin Alexanderplatz, with a choice of twin, triple, and quad rooms, as well as six-person rooms for you and your mates or beds in a dorm room if you’re traveling alone and want to mingle with other travelers. Hostel 199 has beautiful interiors and the private en suite rooms are cost-friendly, while Old Town Hostel and Pension Prenzlberg are other affordable accommodations in Prenzlauer Berg.
Planning Your Trip to Berlin
Berlin really does have so many great areas to stay. If you’re trying to choose where to stay in Berlin with family, Charlottenburg is a top choice. And, if you’re wondering where to stay in Berlin for the Christmas markets, Tempelhof-Schoneberg offers easy access to two of the city’s most enchanting festive markets.
Hopefully, our list of the best places to stay in Berlin has given you lots of inspiration. Start planning with Pilot now!