A big city made of small worlds
Berlin is spread out, with no single historic centre in the way many European cities have. Instead, it is made up of neighbourhoods, or Kieze, that each feel like a small town with their own cafés, markets and parks. Choosing where to stay shapes your whole trip.
The S-Bahn and U-Bahn are frequent and reliable, and BER airport is connected to the city by regional and S-Bahn trains, so staying near a good station is the most important practical consideration.
Mitte
Mitte is where you find many of the city's best-known landmarks, from the Brandenburg Gate to Museum Island. It also has quieter, characterful streets around the Scheunenviertel, with galleries and courtyards. For first-time visitors who want to walk to the big sights, Mitte is the obvious choice, with hotels for every budget.
Just south of Mitte, the area around Potsdamer Platz is modern and business-like, with large hotels and cinemas. It is practical and well connected, though it has less neighbourhood character than the districts further out.
Prenzlauer Berg and Charlottenburg
Prenzlauer Berg, north of Mitte, has tree-lined streets, beautifully restored older buildings, playgrounds and weekend markets. It is calm, safe-feeling and popular with families and couples looking for a relaxed base.
In the west, Charlottenburg is elegant and more traditional, with a palace, grand boulevards and classic shopping streets. It suits travellers who prefer a quieter, more refined atmosphere and good connections to the western parts of the city.
Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain and Neukölln
Kreuzberg is diverse, creative and full of energy, with canal-side walks, street food and a long-established bar and club culture. Friedrichshain, across the Spree, shares that spirit, with remains of the Wall nearby and a young crowd. Both are excellent for nightlife and for travellers who want to see Berlin's alternative side.
Neukölln, to the south, is lively and good value, with an international food scene and easy access to the vast open space of Tempelhofer Feld. It suits budget-conscious travellers and anyone who enjoys a neighbourhood that is still changing.
Good to know
- Pick a hotel within a few minutes' walk of an S-Bahn or U-Bahn station.
- Buy a day or multi-day transport ticket if you plan to cross the city often.
- Many shops close on Sundays, so plan markets and cafés for that day.