Where to stay in Berlin - the best areas for tourists

Berlin is huge, and this can pose some challenges when planning your first visit. The city is divided into several districts, each with its own distinctive atmosphere and unique neighborhoods.

So Berlin has 12 official districts, called Bezirke in German. These districts, which vary greatly in size, contain between two and fifteen neighborhoods (Ortsteile).

If you are coming to Berlin as a tourist or have only a few transit days, then you can immediately disregard half the districts. If you are traveling to Berlin for tourism, it is of course better to choose districts closer to the city’s main sights.

So below you’ll find the top five most interesting districts, all with quick access to the city center.

In Short – The Best Districts to Stay in Berlin

Mitte – many of Berlin’s iconic sights worth visiting are located here. In fact, this is one of the largest districts in the city. If you are looking where to stay in Berlin for sightseeing, this is the best area.

Kreuzberg — a vibrant Berlin neighborhood with a lively nightlife and plenty of cool bars and nightclubs that stay open until morning.

Friedrichshain – this is one of the best places to stay in Berlin for art lovers.

Kreuzberg and neighboring Friedrichshain offer plenty of street art, river beaches, and a bohemian vibe. Each has a diverse choice of eateries, mainly thanks to large ethnic communities. Kreuzberg, in particular, is also famous for its bustling nightlife and abundance of clubs. Friedrichshain also boasts a lively neighborhood and some of the cheapest hostels in Berlin. These are districts that never sleep.

Prenzlauer Berg – once a bohemian neighborhood, now has a trendy and youthful atmosphere with numerous health food stores, fashionable bars, art galleries, boutiques, and a variety of family activities. It is located slightly northeast of Mitte. Because more open-minded and generally relaxed people live here, Prenzlauer Berg has become one of the coolest areas of Berlin.

Charlottenburg – is one of the most exclusive areas in Berlin with many first-class restaurants, boutiques, and accommodations. There are several historic sites here – one of them is the famous Charlottenburg Palace – and the district in general has a friendly atmosphere. It is located to the west of Mitte and is considered one of the safest districts in Berlin. There are several family attractions, making it one of the spots for family vacations in Berlin.

Mitte

Mitte, which literally means “middle” in German, is where Berlin originated, when it began as a handful of modest fishing villages on the Spree river. Over time, trade routes emerged here, leading to greater city growth over the following centuries. Today, Mitte is the spiritual, historical, and geographical center of the city.

Most locals consider Mitte to stretch from Alexanderplatz in the east to Tiergarten Park in the west and Potsdamer Platz in the south, nearly to all the northern parts of the city.

Thus, in this central district is the tourist heart of Berlin: Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, TV Tower, Museum Island, Checkpoint Charlie, Unter den Linden, DDR Museum and Nikolaiviertel. There are also several major transport hubs here, such as Alexanderplatz, Potsdamer Platz and Hackescher Markt.

So, if you stay in Mitte, you’ll have a huge number of the most famous sights nearby. And whenever you want to explore other parts of the city, you will have incredible public transportation to get you there. There is no better place for sightseeing.

Although Mitte consists of many sub-districts, most hotels and short-term apartments are located around the more touristy areas.

The Best Things to See and Do in Mitte

See the Brandenburg Gate – one of Berlin’s most famous landmarks.
Go inside the Reichstag – Hitler’s former seat of power before and during World War II. Today this is the German parliament building, which you can visit on a free tour. You need to register in advance on the Reichstag website for a specific day and time.
Admire the beautiful architectural details of Berlin Cathedral. This luxurious building, built in the 1800s, houses royal tombs and a dome with stunning views of the city.
Learn more about local life before German reunification in the DDR Museum.
Admire ancient art at the Pergamon Museum (unfortunately, it is currently closed for renovation).
Travel back in time into Berlin’s terrifying past in the Berlin Dungeon.
Take a relaxing cruise on the river.
Gendarmenmarkt – a very lovely square, also here, and right there you’ll find the Berlin Concert Hall (Konzerthaus) and several impressive cathedrals.
Friedrichstrasse – a historic street with many luxury shops next to embassies and cultural institutions. Among them is Checkpoint Charlie, an iconic crossing point where the Cold War reached its peak as Allied and Russian tanks faced each other.
Plan some shopping at Hackescher Markt, which is just a few minutes’ walk from Museum Island.
Potsdamer Platz – within walking distance are Tiergarten Park, the Reichstag, Philharmonic, Kulturforum, and the Holocaust Memorial.
Alexanderplatz – another large and main square, surrounded by communist buildings Haus des Lehrers and Haus des Reisens, which are decorated with frescoes and reliefs depicting the glory of Soviet years, the looming TV tower, and the famous World Clock.
Red City Hall (Rotes Rathaus), the residence of the governing mayor of Berlin, is also just around the corner.
If you plan to go to museums – then you need to go to Museum Island.
The trendiest heart of Mitte is located at Rosenthaler Vorstadt and Spandauer Vorstadt. Here you’ll find fashion-conscious youth crowds. And the cafes, restaurants, and bars are more modern and stylish. You’ll also find a good selection of boutique hotels, as well as some interesting small galleries.

Where to Stay in Mitte

Hotel Rossi≫ – Friendly staff, delicious breakfasts, clean and cozy rooms, the hotel itself is in a quiet and green area near Berlin Hauptbahnhof central train station.
Hotel Gat Point Charlie≫ – Excellent hotel location, many attractions are within walking distance. Rooms have air conditioning and are cleaned daily. There are two metro stations nearby – Stadtmitte and Mohrenstr.
Motel One Berlin-Hauptbahnhof≫ – Hotel three minutes’ walk from the central train station, a great spot if you’re traveling by train. Convenient to leave your luggage for early arrival or late departure. Museum Island is just a 20-minute walk away. Friendly staff, beautiful café in the inner courtyard with hydrangeas, comfortable beds, TV, air conditioning.

Prenzlauer Berg

The trendy and busy district of Prenzlauer Berg is considered the coolest place to stay in Berlin. The former bohemian party area is now a place for people from all walks of life and has gained a reputation as a family-friendly district with a touch of hipster influence.

Spend a week wandering one of Berlin’s largest flea markets in Mauerpark. Or visit other neighborhoods to find even more art galleries and cozy cafes. Since Prenzlauer Berg is located northeast of Berlin-Mitte, you also have excellent public transportation – a mix of subway, trams, and buses well connected to the city center.

As for housing, this is mostly a residential area, so there aren’t many hotels here, but you will find many short-term rental apartments.

What to See and Do in Prenzlauer Berg

Feel the energy of Mauerpark: green spaces filled with food stalls, barbecues, and street performers. Every Sunday there is a large open-air flea market. Don’t miss the big graffiti wall either.
The most famous square in this district is Kollwitzplatz, and the streets around it — Rykestrasse, Husemannstrasse, and Kollwitzstrasse — are among the most beautiful, with broad cobblestone streets, finely restored buildings, as well as restaurants and cafes that spill out onto the sidewalks in summer. It’s really lovely.
The weekly Saturday market at Kollwitzplatz is also popular, as is the Sunday market at nearby Kulturbrauerei – a former brewery that now hosts concert venues, a cinema, and nightclubs.
Have a cold beer at Prater Garten, one of Berlin’s oldest beer gardens.
North of Kollwitzplatz lies the equally picturesque Helmholtzplatz.
Three nearby streets – Lychenerstrasse, Schliemannstrasse and Dunckerstrasse – were nicknamed the LSD quarter during the GDR era, reflecting their dissident character. Today, punks and squatters are a thing of the past, and the area is surrounded by the usual mix of playgrounds, bars, cafes, private shops, and restaurants.
Buy unusual gifts and souvenirs at quirky shops on Sredzkistrasse and Oderbergerstrasse.
Take a walk and admire the elegant old buildings that survived the aftermath of World War II.
See the Berlin Wall Memorial.
A walk through Kollwitzplatz.

Where to Stay in Prenzlauer Berg

Be in Berlin Apartments in Prenzlauer Berg≫ – Fully equipped apartment, has everything you need. Very clean and cozy. Grocery stores, bakery very close by. Very convenient public transport to the city center.
Private Rooms in Prenzlauerberg≫ – Good location just a few minutes’ walk from Alexanderplatz, nice room, and a kitchen with a refrigerator, coffee-maker and all amenities. Also suitable for longer stays.
Leonardo Royal Hotel Berlin Alexanderplatz≫ – Very pleasant staff, good breakfasts, clean, location not far from Alexanderplatz station, modern fitness center with new equipment.

Charlottenburg

One of the best districts in Berlin for a family vacation. Charlottenburg, located in West Berlin, was once a separate independent city. It is famous for the vast park surrounding Charlottenburg Palace, as well as a somewhat wealthier community. This area is one of the safest in Berlin.

The western counterpart to Mitte, separated from the city center by the large Tiergarten Park, Charlottenburg is synonymous with what is called “West City.” It’s an unpretentious commercial area with lots of shops, cultural facilities, and hotels. It’s a bit of a world of its own but is still well connected to Mitte and other neighborhoods by excellent public transport.

What to See and Do in Charlottenburg

Learn more about the region’s history and culture in the child-friendly Charlottenburg Museum.
Browse and shop on the famous Kurfürstendamm shopping street.
Take photos of the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church.
Visit the German Resistance Memorial.
Descend into an old underground bunker to learn more about Berlin’s history in Berlin’s history.
Admire the architectural beauty of the Ludwig Erhard House.
Spend time exploring Tiergarten, Berlin’s oldest public park.
If you stay closer to Savignyplatz square, you’ll definitely enjoy walking through the surrounding streets, which exude a certain bourgeois charm. A little farther away is Charlottenburg Palace, a wonderful attraction with baroque gardens and the Käthe Kollwitz Museum.
Tip: not exactly in the neighborhood, but between Charlottenburg and Mitte lies the Berlin Zoo – a must-visit for both adults and children.
Famous for its mix of tourists and affluent locals who flock around the iconic Ku’Damm and Zoo Bahnhof areas (this is the name of the area around the metro station, not the zoo itself). In the pre-war period it was the domain of intellectuals and fashionistas, but it largely retained its charm during the Cold War era, providing an alternative to edgy Kreuzberg.

Where to Stay in Charlottenburg District

Leonardo Hotel Berlin≫ – Good hotel location, near the metro and plenty of shops. The hotel itself is modern and tidy. The price matches the service and expectations. Good hotel location, near the metro and plenty of shops. The hotel itself is modern and tidy. The price matched the expectations.
Goodman’s Living≫ – Well-equipped apartment in a good location. There is a supermarket nearby – one practically three steps away, another like in a neighboring entrance; opposite is a very tasty bakery, and there are various cafes all around.

Kreuzberg

Kreuzberg – located to the west across the river from Friedrichshain and directly south of Mitte. Kreuzberg is the former heart of central West Berlin and the center of punk and counterculture that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s.

This is a lively area of Berlin with an active nightlife and plenty of cool bars and nightclubs that stay open until the early morning (if they close at all). It’s the best district to stay if you want to experience one of the best party cities in Europe.

Nevertheless, Kreuzberg also has several historical, cultural sites and a variety of world-class museums. There are also a few beautiful parks, a wide choice of fantastic cafes, and examples of amazing street art. Let’s just say — it’s never boring in Kreuzberg.

If you stay here – most likely in a rented apartment, since there are not many hotels in the area – you’ll easily be able to reach several very interesting places.

What to See and Do in Kreuzberg

Spend sunny days relaxing in the wonderful Görlitzer Park with a small petting zoo, glow-in-the-dark mini-golf, barbecue, lake, and playgrounds.
Visit chic restaurants on Bergmannstrasse, where there is a food hall in the historic Markthalle. Also the renovated squares Altbau and Chamissoplatz.
Visit the elegant Victoria Park, which offers not only green zones but also gorgeous views of the city.
Walk around Kottbusser Tor, or as some locals call it, Little Istanbul—Turkish families settled here in the 40s and the Eastern atmosphere still remains.
Neighboring Oranienstrasse is packed with bars and art galleries, lively cafes and music venues.
Admire the interesting artworks at the Berlin Gallery.
Learn more about Berlin’s tumultuous history at the Topography of Terror, Jewish Museum, and Berlin History Bunker.
Dance all night to techno beats at one of the many clubs.
Along the southern edge of the district runs the Landwehr Canal, surrounded by greenery, where people go for walks, enjoy drinks, or just relax.

Where to Stay in Kreuzberg District

Mondrian Suites Berlin am Checkpoint Charlie≫ – Spacious, clean, comfortable apartments with a private kitchen and everything you need. Very close to all the sights. Option to leave your luggage after check-out. The room is very comfortable and clean with everything you need. Great kitchen with dishwasher, microwave, stove, and all tableware.
aletto Hotel Potsdamer Platz≫ – Very good hotel. Easy online check-in. Friendly staff. Excellent soundproofing, couldn’t hear neighbors at all. Clean and spacious rooms, clean linens and towels. Very comfortable bed. 20 minutes’ walk to the center, 10 minutes to a good supermarket.

Friedrichshain

Located in former East Berlin, Friedrichshain is a district with an alternative vibe. Friedrichshain is ideal for budget travelers. And thanks to its lively nightlife, it’s also where you’ll find a lot of Berlin’s party venues. It can’t boast as many attractions as West Berlin. But this is one of the most affordable areas for those looking to save money.

Here live many young students and families who are trying to save money. Hipsters and young creative people who are regulars at bars, cafes, and restaurants also love this area, and there are plenty here. This district is also well-connected with the rest of the city via trams, buses, and trains.

We have stayed in this district several times and it is really inexpensive compared to central Berlin.

What to See and Do in Friedrichshain

Walk along the East Side Gallery – part of the notorious Berlin Wall, painted by a team of international artists with various social messages and images from the Cold War and occupation of West Berlin.
Enjoy diverse cuisine on Simon-Dach-Strasse – known as the “party street” thanks to its abundance of bars.
Nearby is Raw-Gelände – a former railway repair station, with a lot of international street art, various bars and clubs, a climbing wall located in a former bunker, and a great roller skating hall.
The main central square of the district, Boxhagener Platz, is surrounded by cafes, bars, and shops.
Visit the Wall Museum to learn more about local history.
Check out art and photography at Urban Spree.
Take a trip through the memorable trail at the Computer Games Museum.
Look for original souvenirs, vintage finds, and collectibles at the weekly RAW Flohmarkt flea market. You’ll also find food courts with a wide selection of food here.
Visit the former prison at the Berlin Hohenschönhausen Memorial and check out the former Stasi headquarters at the Stasi Museum.
Warschauer Strasse and the district’s southern border end at the historic Oberbaumbrücke (Oberbaum Bridge) made of red brick, formerly a border checkpoint, which crosses the Spree river to Kreuzberg.

Where to Stay in Friedrichshain District

Homaris Apartments Frankfurter Allee≫ – good apartment location, very easy contactless check-in per instructions sent, clean, everything needed for comfortable living and relaxation is available. The price for Berlin is just excellent!
Hotel FFA 62≫ – The hotel is very quiet, beds are comfortable, staff are welcoming and helpful. The metro station is about 10 meters away. Supermarket across the road and many places to eat and drink nearby.

Bonus – Where to Stay Near Berlin Hauptbahnhof

Berlin Hauptbahnhof – a multi-level station with a view of the glass dome of the Reichstag. Located right in the center of the German capital. This is Berlin’s main train station – out of five city railway stations.

In the Mitte district, there are various fine restaurants, perfect for festive dinners, and those seeking authentic currywurst or Wiener schnitzel will find plenty of street food vendors along the way.

The following eateries are located right at the station: HANS IM GLÜCK – BERLIN Hauptbahnhof, an Asian restaurant – Asia Gourmet. Also, fast foods – Fatih Servet Döner, McDonald’s. For coffee – Starbucks, and there is a supermarket – REWE.

Regular schedules of railway companies – Deutsche Bahn, ÖBB, SNCF connect Berlin with the country’s major cities – Munich, Hamburg, and Leipzig. Also, from here it’s easy to take a train to other countries – Amsterdam, Prague, Warsaw, Paris, and more. In addition, the station receives regional and high-speed ICE, S-Bahn, U-Bahn, and EuroNight trains.

Sights Near Berlin Hauptbahnhof:

Reichstag – 15 minutes from the station, just cross the Spree river.
Brandenburg Gate – another 3 minutes’ walk and you’ll see them not far from the Reichstag.
Memorial Denkmal für die ermordeten Juden Europas – another 5 minutes’ walk from the Gate.
Hamburger Bahnhof – an art gallery located in a former railway station, 3 minutes’ walk from Berlin Hauptbahnhof.
Naturkundemuseum – a 10-minute walk further along Invalidenstraße brings you to the museum with captivating fossils and prehistoric creatures.

Hotels Near Berlin Hauptbahnhof:

Steigenberger Hotel Am Kanzleramt≫ – nice hotel near Hauptbahnhof.
IntercityHotel Berlin Hauptbahnhof≫ – also – the closest neighboring hotel to the station with a good rating.
Hotel Rossi≫ – you’ll need to walk 10 minutes to the hotel, but it’s quite comfortable for relaxing.

Useful Articles and Links:

Travel medical insurance, Green Card for traveling by car abroad – online at HotlineFinance
Hotel booking and apartments – Booking.com

Where to stay in Berlin – the best areas for tourists

In Short – The Best Districts to Stay in Berlin