Locals share where you REALLY should stay in Berlin as a tourist. From the best places to stay for nightlife, shopping, on a budget, or a family vacation with kids, to the best neighborhoods and areas to stay in for Christmas markets, and events like the Berlin Marathon and UEFA EURO 2024 football games.
Visiting Berlin and wondering where’s the best place to stay in the capital city of Germany? We’re here to help! As expats who have lived here for 5 years (and counting), this is one of the most common questions we get.
It’s a great question to ask by the way!
You see, Berlin is one of the largest cities in Europe. It’s not walkable like Prague or Amsterdam. If you want to explore beyond the neighborhood you’re staying in, you’ll need to take public transport or ride a bike. That’s why it’s important that you pick the best location to stay in.
We’re pretty sure that you don’t want to spend your few days (or weekend) in Berlin, sandwiched in a crowded train instead of enjoying the city, right?
Finding the best area to stay in Berlin isn’t a one-size-fits-all. Contrary to what most travel guides and blogs will tell you, staying in Mitte (Berlin’s city centre) isn’t always the best option. The best location depends on what you plan to do and see in the city, as well as your budget.
That’s why we’ve written this ridiculously detailed travel guide. To give you our honest recommendations on where you REALLY should stay based on your travel style, itinerary, and budget. We know the city intimately, after all!
There are literally thousands of places to stay in Berlin. We’ll help you narrow down where to stay for nightlife, shopping, families with kids, a romantic weekend getaway or Christmas markets, to the best areas to stay in for events like the Berlin Marathon and UEFA EURO 2024.
We’ve also handpicked hotels and vacation apartments from budget to luxury, so you can easily find one that suits YOU best.
Where To Stay in Berlin As A Tourist
Most travel guides and blogs say Mitte (the city centre) is the best area to stay in Berlin as a tourist. We beg to differ.
Don’t get us wrong, Mitte is nice. It’s close to the most famous landmarks in the city. The location is central so you can easily get to other districts in less than 15 to 20 minutes. But the downside? It’s expensive. Hotels cost an average of €150 to €300+ per night!
Demand to stay in Mitte is high thanks to every Tom, Dick and Harry who say that you MUST stay in Berlin Mitte when you visit.
We’re going to be honest and say that it’s not – not always. There’s more to Berlin beyond Mitte.
The only time we’d recommend Mitte is if you’re only spending a night or two in the city and plan to explore nothing but downtown Berlin. That, or the fact that you don’t mind spending an arm and a leg on luxury accommodation because you want to spoil yourself.
You deserve to spoil yourself, of course. We’re simply saying that you don’t have to feel that Mitte is your only option (more on this later).
Where To Stay in Berlin Mitte
Berlin Mitte is known for its luxury, boutique hotels. Many of which are famous for their vibey rooftop bars that offer magnificent panoramic views over the city. If that’s what you’re going for (or you’re planning a romantic weekend getaway), here are some options:
Luxury Hotels With Rooftop Views
- Hotel De Rome, Rocco Forte Hotel
- Hotel ZOE by AMANO
- Soho House Berlin
- The Weinmester Berlin-Mitte (adults only)
Boutique Hotels in Berlin Mitte
If rooftop views are not a must, but you do love a more personalized, intimate stay. These are some of the best boutique hotels to stay in Mitte:
- Telegraphenamt
- Chateau Royal
- ADELANTE Boutique Hotel
- AC Hotel by Marriott Berlin Humboldthain Park (free bikes)
Hostels and Budget-Friendly Hotels
Looking for something more budget-friendly in the city centre? We’ve got you. There aren’t that many options, but here’s what we found:
For more options, compare hotel prices in Berlin below.
Booking.comBonus Tip: Like most places in Berlin, Mitte is safe to walk at night whether you’re alone or not. As a woman, I’ve never felt unsafe walking home at night as long as I stick to well-lit paths.
Where To Stay in Berlin On Your First Time
If not Mitte, then where, you ask?
Honestly speaking, as long as you’re staying within Berlin’s Zone A, you’ll be central enough to get to any neighborhood in the city within a 45-minute bus or train ride (max!).
But if that’s too long for you, don’t worry – we’ve got you.
You’ve got two options: stay in other central neighborhoods (that’s not Mitte), or stay close to the things you plan to do and see in Berlin (i.e. nightlife, Christmas markets, BMW Marathon, UEFA EURO 2024 games).
We’ll share exactly which areas these are next.
Bonus Tip: Easily get around Berlin using public transport with the Berlin Welcome Card. It gives you access to all modes of public transport (buses, trains and trams). Plus, you’ll get up to 50% discount at over 180 venues and attractions. Alternatively, you can just download the BVG app and purchase your tickets directly on your phone.
Save Me For Later
Other Central Areas Besides Mitte
Mitte is central. But it’s not the only central location to stay in.
There are pockets within the surrounding districts that are just as central, but at a cheaper price tag.
This is the perfect option for you if you don’t have a fixed travel itinerary and want as much flexibility as possible.
Related Guide: Visiting Berlin for the first time? Then you’ll absolutely love this self-guided Berlin Wall by bike tour. It’s a great way to see the top attractions in Berlin for FREE and perfect to do over a weekend.
Tiergarten
Tiergarten is the neighbourhood just west of the city centre. The area is famous for being home to the Central Park of Berlin.
Most of the district is occupied by the park, but there is a small area called Tiergartenviertel that’s a great option to stay in. This little pocket borders Potsdamerplatz which is very central, yet cheaper compared to staying in downtown Berlin.
There aren’t many options, but here’s what we found:
- Budget: Hotel M68
- Mid-Range: Motel One Potsdamerplatz
- Luxury: Grand Hyatt Berlin
Kreuzberg
Most tourists visiting Berlin have no doubt heard of the hip and trendy neighborhood, Kreuzberg. It’s mentioned in many movies and often dubbed the coolest suburb in Berlin.
This district is known for its incredible diversity and bustling atmosphere. There’s a myriad of trendy cafes, restaurants and bars in the area. So you’ll never run out of options if you love eating and dining out.
Kreuzberg is a big neighborhood. If you want to be as close to the city centre as possible, we’d recommend staying in the north part of Kreuzberg. Anywhere north of the Landwehr Canal between the train stations S-Bahn Anhalter Bahnhof and U-Bahn Moritzplaz train station.
There are plenty of hotels and vacation apartments in this area. Here are some options to get you started:
- Budget: Three Little Pigs Hostel
- Mid-Range: Select Hotel Berlin
- Luxury: Hotel Orania
For more options, compare prices on Booking.com.
Friedrichshain
You’ll love Friedrichshain if you’re a night owl and want to experience Berlin’s famous punk and alternative scene. This district never sleeps and is very popular amongst solo travellers and backpackers.
For the most central location, we’d recommend staying on the west part of Friedrichshain around S-Bahn Ostbahnhof train station or along the tram line on Landsberger Allee.
Here are some options:
- Budget: Pegasus Hostel Berlin
- Mid-Range: Hotel Amano Eastside
- Luxury: sly Berlin
Prenzlauerberg
Prenzlauerberg – also lovingly called ‘Pberg’ for short – is another great suburb to stay in Berlin.
The district has the best of both worlds. It’s relatively close to the city centre, yet far enough so that you’re not right in the hustle and bustle of the city.
If you’re a foodie, you’ll love Prenzlauerberg for its big variety of cute cafes and booming restaurant scene.
This neighborhood is also home to the largest organic food and vegan community in the city. So if you’re looking for a vegetarian- or vegan-friendly suburb, this is it!
If you want to be as close to the city centre as possible, we’d recommend staying in the south part of Prenzlauerberg around the area, Kollwitzkiez.
Here are some options:
- Budget: The Circus Hostel
- Mid-Range: Hotel Kastanienhof
- Luxury: Hotel Oderberger
Bonus Tip: A universal tip to travel Berlin (or anywhere) on a budget is to get a local SIM card. Never pay exorbitant, heart-wrenching rates for international roaming! Just get an eSIM – it’s cheap, convenient and eco-friendly.
Where To Stay in Berlin For Nightlife
Berlin is world famous for its nightlife and unique club culture! It’s so renowned, that UNESCO has listed Berlin’s techno scene as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Germany!
You’ve probably heard of the infamous club, Berghain. The one where it’s ‘normal’ to queue 4 hours just to get bounced at the door (even if you’re Elon Musk). That’s the one!
Berghain is iconic, of course. But if you’re looking for other famous nightclubs to experience Berlin’s one-of-a-kind nightlife, there are other options. Like KitKatClub, Sisyphos, Watergate and Kater Blau, just to name a few.
All these nightclubs are concentrated in the party district of Friedrichshain. So if you’re in Berlin for nightlife, then make sure you stay in this neighborhood.
- Budget: Sunflower Hostel Berlin
- Mid-Range: Nu Wave Hotel
- Luxury: sly Berlin
Is Berlin LGBT Friendly?
Absolutely! In fact, Berlin is one of the great gay capitals of the world. Whether you’re gay, lesbian, transexual, bisexual, asexual, or whatever you identify yourself to be – you’re welcome (and safe) anywhere in Berlin!
If you want to mingle with the city’s huge LGBT community, then we’d recommend staying around Nollendorfplatz and Victoria-Luise-Platz in Schoneberg. It’s the most LGBTQ friendly neighborhood in Berlin. Home to the densest concentration of gay bars, clubs and hotels in the city.
- Budget: ibis budget Berlin Kurfurstendamm
- Mid-Range: ArtHotel Connection
- Luxury: TWO Hotel Berlin by Axel
Where To Stay in Berlin With Family
If you’re traveling to Berlin as a family with kids, you probably don’t want to stay in the nightlife or party district. Don’t worry – there are less busy and quieter suburbs in the city too.
The most family-friendly neighborhoods that are still relatively close to the city centre (within 30 minutes by public transport) are Prenzlauerberg, Potsdamerplatz and Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf.
They’re especially great for families because there is still a great selection of cafes and restaurants in these districts. But bars, spätis (i.e. late night shops), and basically any nightlife are few and far between.
Related Guide: Looking for free things to do in Berlin with kids? Check out our Berlin Outdoor Things To Do Guide. We’ve shared some of our favorite nature spots (forests, lakes and parks) to enjoy the city.
Potsdamerplatz
Potsdamerplatz is the most central and closest to downtown Berlin. From here, you can easily walk to Checkpoint Charlie, the Holocaust Museum, the German Spy Museum, Tiergarten, Mall of Berlin, and Manifesto Market with your family.
The city centre is only a short 5 minute bus ride away. So if you plan to take the kids to Museum Island, Madame Tussauds, SEA Life Berlin, The Illuseum (Berlin’s Illusion Museum), or other family-friendly activities, it’s easy to get to.
Best Places To Stay in Potsdamerplatz
- Budget: Apartments am Brandenburger Tor
- Mid-Range: HighPark Berlin am Potsdamerplatz
- Luxury: Precise Tale Berlin Potsdamerplatz
Prenzlauerberg
Prenzlauerberg is another great area to stay in if you’re visiting Berlin with family. The neighborhood is relatively close to the city centre (less than a 10-minute tram ride). Yet far enough to avoid the commotion of the city.
This is a particularly great neighborhood to stay in if you’re family is vegan or vegetarian. You’ll easily find a huge selection of cafes and restaurants to eat.
Best Places To Stay in Prenzlauerberg
- Budget: Karlito Apartmenthaus
- Mid-Range: GreatStay Apartment – Paul Robeson Str.
- Luxury: Holiday 33 Apartment K (3 bedrooms)
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against injury, illness, theft and even trip cancellation. It’s comprehensive cover in case anything goes wrong. We never go on a trip without it as we’ve had to use it many times in the past. Here are our favourite companies that offer the best value and service:
- SafetyWing (best for everyone)
- AXA (for US residents)
- Outbacker (for UK residents)
- Allianz (for Germany residents)
Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf
Another family-friendly area to stay in is the Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf district.
This neighborhood is especially great for families with kids. It’s close to the longest shopping avenue in the city, the biggest park in Berlin (Tiergarten), as well the famous Berlin Zoo. And the cherry on top? It’s only a 15 minutes bus or train ride from Berlin Mitte.
Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf is a big suburb. We’d recommend staying within walking distance of the Zoologischer Garten train station so you can easily get around the city.
Best Places To Stay near Zoologischer Garten
- Budget: ibis budget Berlin Kurfurstendamm
- Mid-Range: H10 Ku’damm Lofts
- Luxury: Hotel Bristol Berlin
Where To Stay in Berlin For Young Adults
Berlin is a very popular travel destination for young adults, whether you’re a solo traveler, traveling with a group of friends, or as a couple.
It may not be the most beautiful city in Europe. But what makes Berlin unique is its non-conformist, free-to-be-who-you-want-to-be culture.
It’s hard to explain it, but once you’ve experienced it yourself, you’ll never forget it. This is probably why so many young adults fall in love with Berlin. It’s certainly why we fell in love with the city and decided to move here 5 years ago.
The best neighborhoods to experience this, in our opinion, are Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain. These areas are known for their grungy, alternative, and hippy vibes, and are popular with the youth for a reason.
Best Hostels and Hotels To Stay in Kreuzberg
- Budget: Die Fabrik Hostel
- Mid-Range: Holiday Inn Express Berlin City Centre
- Luxury: Orania.Berlin
Best Hostels and Hotels To Stay in Friedrichshain
- Budget: MEININGER Hotel Berlin East Side Gallery
- Mid-Range: B&B Hotel Berlin City-Ost
- Luxury: Emma by Schulz Hotel
Related Post: Traveling doesn’t have to be expensive, especially when you’re visiting the German capital. We’ve revealed our secret (and not-so-obvious) tips and tricks for traveling the city on the cheap in our Berlin On A Budget guide.
Where To Stay in Berlin On A Budget
If you don’t mind where you stay in Berlin, as long as it’s cheap, we’ve got you!
These are some of the cheapest places you can stay in the city for under €20 per person sharing per night!
We’ve handpicked these budget rooms because they’re still within Berlin’s Zone A:
- Grand Hostel Berlin Classic
- Grand Hostel Berlin Urban
- Generator Berlin Prenzlauerberg
- MEININGER Berlin Alexanderplatz
- Sunflower Hostel
- 36 Rooms Hostel Kreuzberg
Related Guide: A great way to explore Berlin on a budget is to get around the city by bike. You can easily rent one on your phone. We’ve explained exactly how you can do this in our Berlin Bike Sharing guide.
Where To Stay in Berlin For Shopping
Shopping is great in Berlin, especially for tourists. Not only is there a huge variety of brands from luxury to fast fashion to choose from, but as tourists, you’re entitled to tax-free shopping!
This means you’re eligible to get a VAT refund of between 7% to 19% on your shopping depending on what you buy.
The only downsides? Shops aren’t open on Sunday and the VAT refund doesn’t happen automatically. You’ll need to fill out some forms and show the original receipt at the airport to get your money back.
We’re not eligible for a tax refund because we live here. So we’re probably not the best people to ask how the exact process works. But you’ll find more information on VAT-free shopping on the Visit Berlin website.
The best areas to stay in Berlin for shopping are in Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf (along Kurfurstendamm) and around Potsdamerplatz.
Kurfurstendamm
Kurfurstendamm – lovingly referred to as Ku’Damm for short – is the 5th Avenue of Berlin. As the name suggests, it’s home to some of the world’s most famous brands and an absolute mecca for shopaholics.
This is the district where you’ll find the iconic KaDeWe (short for Kaufhaus des Westens). Basically Berlin’s equivalent of Harrods in London.
And if you’re more of a bargain shopper, there are options for you too! Simply catch the FREE shuttle to the McArthur Glen Designer Outlet Berlin to get 30% to 70% off brands like Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, Adidas, Asics, and more!
All you have to do is book your seats on the free shuttle bus (only on Fridays and Saturdays) and arrive in front of Hard Rock Cafe on time to get your shopping on.
There are plenty of great places to stay near Kurfurstendamm. Here are some options:
Best Hotels To Stay in Kurfurstendamm
- Budget: Hotel-Pension Charlottenburg
- Mid-Range: Leonardo Hotel Berlin Ku’damm
- Luxury: Waldorf Astoria Berlin
Hotels in Kurfurstendamm With Unforgettable Rooftop Views
Potsdamerplatz
Potsdamerplatz is another great area to stay in for shopping. This suburb is home to the largest shopping centre in the city which is aptly named – the Mall of Berlin.
It’s also just two train stations away from the famous shopping street along Friedrichstrasse.
- Budget: Three Little Pigs Hostel
- Mid-Range: Scandic Berlin Potsdamerplatz
- Luxury: The Tale Luxury Suites
Where To Stay in Berlin For Christmas Markets
We’re going to be honest and say that it’s difficult to give a straightforward answer to this question given that there are over 80 Christmas markets in Berlin.
But if it’s your first time in the city and you’re staying for less than 3 days (basically a weekend), we’d recommend staying in Mitte. It’s the best area to stay because it’s within walking distance of 3 of the most famous Christmas markets in Berlin – Gendarmenmarkt, Rotes Rathaus, and Alexanderplatz.
Christmas time is the peak travel season for many European countries, including Germany. Make sure you book your hotel as early as possible to avoid paying sky-high prices.
Here are some hotel options in Mitte to get you started:
- Budget: Singer109 Hostel
- Mid-Range: Capri by Fraser Berlin
- Luxury: Boutique Hotel Chateau Royal
Don’t want to stay in Mitte and looking for something more budget-friendly over the Christmas season? We’ve got you! Check out our Berlin Christmas Markets guide for more choices on where to stay.
Related Guide: Visiting Berlin during winter? Make sure you check out our 3 day Berlin Winter Itinerary for free things to do in the city that will keep you warm and dry.
Where To Stay in Berlin For BMW Marathon
The Berlin Marathon is one of the most anticipated annual events in the city. Every year, it brings over 50,000 runners from all over the world to run 42.2km (26.2 miles) across the city.
The Berlin Marathon is famous for not only having the flattest running course in the world but also for being the place where the most world records have been broken.
This massive event has been held annually since 1974. This means that 2024 will mark the 50th anniversary of the Berlin Marathon. So if there’s one event that you shouldn’t miss this year, it would be this one!
The marathon is held on the last weekend of September. Make sure you book early if you plan to attend. Runners often book these months if not a year in advance so hotels get booked up very quickly.
If you are taking part in the event, the best area to stay is in Mitte or around Potsdamerplatz. The marathon route ends at Brandenburg Gate. If you stay in these two neighborhoods, you’ll be able to walk back to your hotel after the race and avoid the chaos of taking public transport or catching a taxi.
Where To Stay in Berlin For UEFA EURO 2024
Soccer fans unite! The highly anticipated UEFA EURO football tournament will be hosted in Germany this year between 14 June to 14 July 2024. And of course, the grand opening and closing ceremony will be held in the capital city, Berlin!
If you managed to get tickets – CONGRATS! We’re officially jealous. But even if you didn’t, there will be plenty of activities and things to do whether you got match tickets or not.
But first – accommodation! You have three options.
For The Grand Opening Ceremony
If you’re here for the UEFA EURO 2024 opening ceremony (held on 12 June 2024), then the best place to stay is in Mitte, as close to Brandenburg Gate as possible.
Yes – hotel prices are going to be EXPENSIVE but Mitte is where all the action will be.
Public transport will be chaotic that day. The train stations nearby will likely be closed for crowd control. If you want to attend the opening ceremony, you’ll either have to arrive hours ahead or cycle or walk there.
The opening ceremony is taking place right in front of Brandenburg Gate. Most likely facing in the westerly direction towards Tiergarten and the Victory Column (Große Stern).
We say most likely because we don’t know. We aren’t the event organizers. But we do know that other major events that have been held at Brandenburger Tor have faced the westerly direction. So this is our best guess.
If you’re a super fan looking for a hotel room that has a view of the UEFA EURO 2024 opening ceremony, I’m sorry to say that this will likely be impossible…
There are no hotels in Tiergarten (it’s the city’s biggest park). The only hotel that has a direct view of Brandenburg Gate is Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin. And even so, it will likely be a view of the rear of the opening ceremony… If you’re even able to get a room there.
You see, Hotel Adlon is probably THE most luxury and sought-after place to stay in Berlin. It’s where most of the VIPs and celebrities stay. If you manage to get a room there, good for you. Otherwise, don’t worry – there’s a second option.
Stay Near The Fan Zones
Another option is to stay close to the fan zones. During the UEFA games, the street – Strasse des 17 – will be transformed into the longest fan mile in the world.
If you don’t want to miss out on the action, then your best bet is to stay in and around the city centre. So basically anywhere within Mitte, Potsdamerplatz and Alexanderplatz.
Again, hotel prices are going to be sky-high due to the event, as well as the fact that it’s summer in Europe. Make sure you book and secure your accommodation as soon as possible to avoid paying crazy prices.
Here are some options:
Hotels Near The UEFA Fan Mile Road
- Hotel Chateau Royal Berlin
- The Westin Grand Berlin
- BLNCTY Am Brandenburger Tor
- Berlin Marriot Hotel
- The Ritz Carlton Berlin
- The Mandala Hotel
- Grand Hyatt Berlin
Besides The Fan Mile, there will also be fan zones at Alexanderplatz and Breitscheidplatz.
Stay Near The Match Games (Berlin Olympic Stadium)
The last option is to stay close to where the UEFA match games will be played in Berlin – the Olympic Stadium (or ‘Olympiastadion’ in German).
Five football matches as well as the finals and UEFA closing ceremony will be held here.
There are hotels around the stadium, but not many. The closest is the Westlife Apart Hotel and Westendperle am Olympiastadion. You can basically walk (less than 1km) to the football games from these two hotels.
But before you rush and book, we want to warn you that there is nothing much to do in the immediate area. No restaurants, cafes, bars, late-night shops or kiosks. Nothing. Nada.
Unless you plan to spend your free time in the forest (Grunewald), you’re going to have to travel to the other neighborhoods to grab a bite, enjoy a beer, and pretty much everything else.
If that doesn’t bother you, you could also stay in the district, Westend. It’s a little closer to civilization but won’t have much of a vibe. In this case, stay close to Theodor-Heuss-Platz so you’re only a quick 15-minute train ride away from the Berlin Olympic Stadium.
Now, if you want the best of both worlds – aka be able to enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city but not stay too far from the stadium either – then the Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf area is for you.
There are plenty of hotel and accommodation options in this neighborhood. We’d recommend staying along Kant Street or Kurfurstendamm so you can easily grab a train or bus to and back from the stadium.
Where Not To Stay in Berlin
And finally, are there areas where you should NOT stay in Berlin?
Fortunately, no. Berlin is quite a safe city. There aren’t any ‘bad’ neighborhoods that you should avoid. But some areas within districts will feel more unsafe and ‘unsavory’ than others.
They’re often limited to certain train stations, parks, or streets within a suburb and they’re few and far between.
As someone who has lived here for 5 years, the only place I can say is a no-go is walking through parks like Mauerpark or Gorlitzer Park at night.
Wrapping Things Up
Berlin is a big city and finding the best area to stay as a tourist isn’t a one-size-fits-all. It depends on how many days you’re spending in the city, what things you have planned to do and see, as well as your travel budget.
As expats who live in the city, we know the city inside out. That’s why we’ve written this travel guide to help you narrow down the best locations to stay based on YOUR travel style, itinerary, and budget.
From the best neighborhoods to stay in Berlin for shopping to nightlife, to where to stay for Christmas markets, the Berlin Marathon, and UEFA EURO 2024 football matches, whether you’re a solo traveler or a family traveling with kids.
There are thousands of hotels and vacation apartments in Berlin. From cheap rooms to ultra-luxury, boutique hotels.
We hope our local insider tips have helped save you time, money, and stress planning your vacation in Berlin. As always, feel free to send us a message on social media or e-mail if you have any questions.
