Where to stay in Berlin

Of all Europe’s capitals, Berlin carries the biggest buzz. In the three decades since it was reunified, the city has developed into a heady meld of grit and glamour that’s vastly different from anywhere else in Germany – or the rest of the world for that matter. Today, this is a city of distinct districts, and deciding where to stay may be your most important choice. Whatever kind of trip you’re planning, here’s the lowdown on where to stay in Berlin.

The information in this article is inspired by Pocket Rough Guide Berlin, your essential guide for visiting Berlin.

Mitte and Hackescher Markt: where to stay in central Berlin

Mitte (in English, middle) serves as Berlin's "downtown" area. This is a vibrant but touristic part of the city that's dense with boutiques, bars and restaurants. This is the most obvious area to choose when deciding where to stay in Berlin, particularly if you’re after a major hotel.

This area is also home to many world-class museums. The Berlin Jewish Museum and DDR Museum are both found here for example. Hackescher Markt is also within walking distance from Museum Island, an aptly named small island and hub for educational institutions. Don't miss the Pergamon Museum or Berlin Cathedral when in this part of town

Where to stay near Hackescher Markt:

• For a centrally located hotel: Casa Camper Berlin. Located metres away from the U Bahn station and walking distance from Aleksander Platz, and museum island this comfortable hotel with modern rooms is worth staying in.
• For a stay with character: The Circus Hotel. This boutique hotel offers rooms with lovely and quirky decor. Have a drink at the hotel's bar.
• Or browse hundreds of accommodations in Mitte for any budget.

Potsdamer Platz: to see the Brandenburg Gate

The Potsdamer Platz area is a great place to stay in Berlin if you are looking to see some of Berlin's most iconic tourist attractions. Don't miss the opportunity to take a photo with the Brandenburg gate, or to see the Reichstag.

For budget travellers, don't miss the option to see the Berlin Philharmonic, which plays free at lunchtime on Wednesdays.

Potsdamer Platz is within walking distance from the Berlin Wall Memorial, The Holocaust Memorial, and many other major Berlin historical sites. For many, the Potsdamer Platz area is an important reason to visit Berlin.

Where to stay near Postdamer Platz

• For a luxurious stay: Grand Hyatt Berlin. This five-star hotel offers clean, comfortable air-conditioned private rooms. Take a swim at the stunning city-view indoor pool.

• For a budget friendly stay: Alper Hotel at Potsdamer Platz. This bright and modern hotel is centrally located and comes with a breakfast buffet.

• Or browse hundreds of accommodations near Potsdamer Platz.

Our Berlin and Potsdam trip takes you through many of the historic sites this area has to offer, including the Berlin Wall, Museum Island and Checkpoint Charlie. Our trips are completely customisable and are crafted by local craft experts.

Prenzlauerberg: for a hip and youthful part of town

If you prefer a hipper and less touristic neighbourhood, Prenzlauerberg is where to stay in Berlin. A bit more residential, Prenzlauerberg is known for its delicious food and Alt-Berlin atmosphere.

Built-in the nineteenth century as a working-class district, the area has seen huge gentrification. Today’s refurbished buildings and handsome, cobbled street make for a fantastic place to have a few drinks. The energy in this part of town is one part bourgeoisie, one part bohemian.

It is beloved by wealthy creative types and middle-class families. Try a stroll through laidback squares like Helmholtzplatz and Kollwitzplatz. There are plenty of independent bars and cafes nearby, as well as a buzzy Sunday flea market at Mauerpark.

• For a trendy stay: Vienna House Easy Berlin. This boutique hotel offers cosy, and brightly decorated chic rooms. Located centrally in Prenzlauer berg.
• For an easy place to stay: Holiday Inn Berlin City Center. This chain hotel offers fantastic rooms and included breakfast buffet.
• Or find your dream accommodation in Prenzlauer Berg.

Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf: near the Berlin Zoo

The glittering heart of former West Germany, Charlottenburg is known for its wealthy residents and expensive shops. A great residential area, and very family-friendly. You won't want to miss the Charlottenburg Palace or the large park around it. Or take a day to visit the historical Berlin Zoo.

You’ll find plenty of options in every category here, although it’s a little away from Berlin’s brightest lights, so nightlife is very thin. Visitors in search of a more relaxed trip might be well suited to lodgings here. That said, the restaurant scene is generally very good and public transport links first-class.

Where to stay in Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf:

• For a modern stay: Hampton by Hilton Berlin City West. This hotel in west Berlin is bright, funky, and comfortable. You won't want to miss the buffet breakfast.

• Or find your dream accommodation in Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf

Looking for a place to stay? Don't miss our list of the world's weirdest hotels.

Schönenberg: for shopping and more

This Berlin district is located in former West Germany, and is an affluent residential area that is great for shopping. You won't want to miss the chance to have oysters at the top of KaDeWe, Berlin's premier department store. Or try the dizzying amount of chocolates available at Winterfeldt Schokoladen — a vintage and beautifully ornate chocolatier.

The most visited historic landmark in this district in the Kaiser Wilhelm memorial church, a symbolic area of West Berlin. This church is partially in ruins after being destroyed in second World War. The church remains intentionally destroyed as an anti-war memorial.

Where to stay in Schönenberg:

• For a hotel near KaDeWe: Riu Plaza Berlin. This chic hotel offers modern rooms and breakfast buffet. Located directly on Kurfürstendamm.
• Best for a step back in time: Hotel Pension Funk. This historic hotel is an interesting re-creation of a prewar flat, with furnishings from the 1920s and 1930s, when Danish silent-movie star Asta Nielsen lived here.
• Or browse many accommodations in Schöneberg.

Our Capitals of Europe trip takes you through Berlin, Prague, and Vienna. Our trips are completely customisable and are crafted by local craft experts.

Friedrichshain: for a stay in former East Berlin

This former east Berlin neighbourhood is known for being a magnet for lefties, anarchists and students. It has managed to resist the same levels of gentrification thanks to an organised squatter scene, activist demos and the occasional car-burning frenzy.

The area is most popular for bar-hopping and clubbing – which can be an important factor when considering where to stay in Berlin. The German capital is home to some of the most famous European clubs, and there's a good concentration of them in Friedrichshain. So if you're a night owl, Friedrichshain is where to stay in Berlin.

But the area does offer some heavyweight public monuments, too. The world-famous East Side Gallery — the largest section of the Berlin Wall to still survive is found here.

Where to stay in Friedrichshain:

• For a boutique hotel in Friedrichshain Hotel Indigo Berlin. This modern hotel faces East Side Gallery and is nearby the U Bahn and other public transport.
• Best for warehouse cool: Michelberger Hotel. Modern, trendy and relaxed haunt with anything but workaday accommodation.
• Or find your perfect accommodation in Friedrichshain

Kreuzberg: where to stay in Berlin for a grungy, vibrant feel

Kreuzberg is one of Berlin's most colourful districts. It has proved a magnet for left-wing anarchists, the LGBTQ community and, increasingly, hipsters and tourists.

Kreuzberg maintains a grungy, vibrant feel. Its energy and atmosphere is fuelled by an ever-expanding series of cool bars, excellent international cuisine, and independent clubs. The street art here is one of its main attractions.

Spend a lazy afternoon at Görlitzer Park, or try shopping at Oranienstrasse.

• Best for flashpacking: Eastern & Western Comfort Hostelboat. The hostel boat features cosy cabin rooms with their own bathrooms. There are great views of the Oberbaum Bridge from its spacious deck area.
• Best for beatnik beds: Baxpax. Cheerful beatnik hostel in a happening area of Kreuzberg.
• Or browse hundreds of accommodations in Kreuzberg

Travelling on a budget? See our guide to the best things to do in Berlin for free.

Neukölln: where to stay for a multicultural feel

The up-and-coming Neukölln is known for its multicultural scene. Some of the city's best Syrian and Turkish food can be found here. There aren't many tourist attractions in this part of town, but it is a great place to visit if you wish to have a relaxed trip.

Walk down the extremely trendy Weserstrasse for some of the city's best vintage shopping and natural wine bars. Spend time at one of the area's many dive bars, or, spend time as many of the locals do by lounging by the canal.

• For a stay that is well-connected: Estrel Hotel. This large luxury hotel is also a convention centre and is centrally located near public transport.
• For a cottage stay: Easy Lodge. Easy Lodges Berlin offers modern cottages in a green area in Berlin's Neukölln district.
• Or browse hundreds of accommodations in Neukölln

When planning a trip to the German capital, check out our list of things to do in Berlin.

If you prefer to plan and book your trip to Berlin without any effort and hassle, use the expertise of our local travel experts to make sure your trip will be just like you dream it to be.

Ready for a trip to Berlin in Germany? Check out the snapshot Pocket Rough Guide Berlin. If you travel further in Germany, read more about the best time to go, the best places to visit and best things to do in Germany. For inspiration use the itineraries from The Rough Guide to Germany and our local travel experts. A bit more hands on, learn about getting there, getting around the country and where to stay once you are there.

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