There are lots of cool places to stay in Berlin, the capital of Germany, and lots of attractions and sights to see. This big and sprawling city is a modern centre for art, culture, nightlife, and history. However, it was not too long ago that the city was divided into East Berlin and West Berlin by the infamous Berlin Wall.
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The city sees around 14 million tourists each year who come to visit the attractions and best areas in Berlin, Germany like the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag (Parliament), and Museum Island. High end shopping can be found on Kurfürstendamm and there are plenty of WWII remains around the city. There are tons of parks, fun local festivals, and events that are always going on around the city. There really is something for everyone in Berlin, Germany.
If you’re visiting for the first time, figuring out where the best places to stay in Berlin Germany are can be tricky. The Berlin city center is large and very spread out, so no matter where you choose to stay in Berlin, you won’t be close to everything.
The best part of Berlin to stay in for tourists really depends on what you most want to do while you’re there and what kind of traveler you are.
Once you choose the best neighborhood to stay in Berlin for your taste, selecting from thousands of accommodation options in town can also be a challenge. To aid your search we have compiled this post to help you choose the best place to stay in Berlin, Germany during your trip to the country’s fascinating capital.
Where to Stay in Berlin
When it comes to hotels, the neighborhood your hotel is in should play a big factor in choosing where is best to stay in Berlin. So, we’ve broken down the most sought after areas in Berlin to help you choose.
Mitte
If you are asking yourself where to stay in Berlin, city centre, then Mitte might be the answer. Located in the middle of the city, Berlin, Mitte is the best district to stay in Berlin to be close to attractions like the Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island, the TV Tower, Potsdamer Platz, and the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe.
This is where to stay in Berlin if you want to be as close to the center as possible. You can walk to many of the sights in this neighbourhood, as well as take a lovely stroll along the River Spree that cuts through the center of town. The Berliner Dom (Cathedral) can also be found here.
Due to Mitte’s central location, it can get very busy at times but if it gets too crazy, you can easily seek refuge in the Tiergarten, Berlin’s most beloved public park.
If you are visiting during the holiday season and wondering, “where to stay in Berlin for Christmas Markets?”. Mitte tends to be the best area to stay in Berlin for Christmas Markets. It is located within walking distance to the city’s most popular Christmas Market, Gendarmenmarkt.
Where to Stay in Mitte
Luxury: Hotel Adlon Kempinski
This is really the best place to stay in Berlin to be in the city center.You could not find a more central location than where the Hotel Adlon Kempinski is located, right next to the Brandenburg Gate.
There are 14 different room types at this luxurious hotel, including 13 different types of suites. All of which have a classic design and amazing amenities. It is also the best place to stay, Berlin, if you don’t want to leave your hotel (although we would suggest you do!). There are 2 bars, 3 restaurants and a spa on-site.
Mid-Range: Scandic Hotel Postdamer Platz
Scandic Hotel’s superb eco-friendly practices was the reason we chose to stay here during our most recent trip to Berlin. We were pleasantly surprised by the hotels contemporary Scandinavian design and comfort. Their breakfast buffet offers a great variety of local and organic produce, which was a welcomed bonus.
Scandic Hotel tops the best hotels to stay in Berlin for their sustainable practices despite its large size. There are over 550 rooms spread over 8 floors. The terrace is a popular hang out spot with views over Potsdamer Platz.
Budget: Citystay Hostel
Where to stay in Berlin, Mitte on a budget? We would suggest Citystay. It is also great if you’re looking to meet other travelers. They offer both dorm rooms and private rooms with or without ensuites.
You’ll be right at the center of the action without breaking the bank, at Citystay, in one of the best areas to stay in Berlin. The hostel offers tours, bicycles for rent and tips and tricks for getting around town. But more so, we love that they get their energy from atomic Greenpeace Energy and carbon-free generators and that they have an eco friendly mindset.
Prenzlauer Berg
A charming and relaxed part of Berlin that is great for families, couples, or those looking to be close to the city but away from the craziness.
Prenzlauer Berg is also one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Berlin if you want to experience laid back local living.
Besides a variety of Berlin hotels, Prenzlauer Berg is a popular neighbourhood for Airbnb and other rental properties for those looking to spend a bit longer in the city.
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In Prenzlauer Berg, you’ll find attractions like the Mauerpark, the Berlin Wall Memorial, and Zeiss Major Planetarium. Foodies will agree that Prenzlauer Berg is one of the really good areas to stay in Berlin since the streets are sprinkled with countless cafes, restaurants, and bars that stay open until the early hours. You’ll also find loads of public parks, street art, and places to relax in Prenzlauer Berg too. We particularly liked Ernst-Thälmann-Park.
Where to Stay in Prenzlauer Berg
Luxury: Hotel Oderberger
If you are wondering, “Where should I stay in Berlin for the perfect mix of history and luxury?”, Hotel Oderberger is the answer. Located in a renovated historic building, this boutique hotel has 70 guest rooms, 5 suites and 2 apartments.
The restaurant and bar, art gallery, boutique, and great city views just add to its charm, making it undoubtedly one of the best places to stay, Berlin.
Mid-Range: Linnen Hotel
Linne Hotel has made active steps to reduce their carbon footprint and does it all with style and grace in Prenzlauer Berg. This boutique hotel has 6 guest rooms, a ground floor studio and a 3 bedroom apartment for rent. Every room is individually styled and breakfast is included.
We are not the only ones who think it’s a good option when it comes to where to sleep in Berlin. Linnen Hotel is a multi-award winning hotel in Prenzlauer Berg and a recipient of the covenant National Geographic Traveler Award.
Budget: The Circus Hostel
The Circus Hostel has long been a favourite amongst travelers choosing where to stay in Berlin. First time visitors will benefit from its close proximity to the Rosenthaler Platz subway station which makes exploring the city from Prenzlauer Berg a breeze.
The lively atmosphere, comfortable rooms, and fun activities will make you feel like you’re family at the Circus Hostel. They offer dorm beds, single private rooms, and double private rooms with or without en-suites bathrooms.
Charlottenburg
Charlottenburg in West Berlin tends to be the best place to stay in Berlin for tourists that are slightly older. It is a bit removed from the city and more residential than touristy. It is also more upscale than other parts of the city. Located in the old West Berlin, Charlottenburg has lots of beautiful buildings that boast decorative architecture.
This is where to stay in Berlin if you love to shop, as Kurfürstendamm in West Berlin, is one of the most famous shopping streets in all of Germany. You’ll also find the stunning Charlottenburg Palace here, which you can tour to see some of the best examples of Prussian history in Berlin. Like Mitte, Charlottenburg borders the Tiergarten.
There are some nightlife options too and some excellent dining. So ensure you make some time to dine out while staying in one of the best neighborhoods in Berlin – Charlottenburg!
Where to stay in Charlottenburg
Luxury: Hotel Zoo Berlin
There is lots to like about Hotel Zoo Berlin. It’s a Green Globe certified sustainable property, offering comfortable rooms, great facilities and great design .
This grandiose hotel in Berlin Germany has guest rooms and suites of various sizes as well as a restaurant, bar, and rooftop to enjoy. It is located walking distance to Kurfürstendamm.
Mid-Range: Landmark Ecohotel
This mid-range option is located right around the corner from Kurfürstendamm and public transport. It was recently renovated in 2014 and the hotel now has a number of great sustainable practices in place.
The rooms are relatively bare bones but comfortable. Breakfast is included and is made up of regional and seasonal fresh produce.
Budget: Energie Hotel
For a comfortable and clean stay, check in to the Energie Hotel, located right at Savignyplatz in Charlottenburg. For value, the Energie Hotel is the best location to stay in Berlin. The hotel has 60 rooms and prides itself on only using high quality linens. In the evenings guests can wind down with a drink at the Energie Hotel Design Bar.
This Berlin hotel is located just 500 metres from Kurfurstendamm, making it one of the best places to stay in Berlin if you want to explore some of the great restaurants and cafes in town.
Kreuzberg
There are a lot of things that make Kreuzberg one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Berlin, Germany. It is a neighborhood pulsating with youth, energy, street art, alternative lifestyle and great nightlife. If you like nightlife, Kreuzberg is the best place to stay in Berlin. The clubs and bars here are second to none.
This area is also known for its popularity with artists and expats who live just across the river in the Friedrichshain neighbourhood.
Kreuzberg is also the coolest place to stay in Berlin for eco-conscious travelers. Since there are lots of eco-conscious shops, cafes, and restaurants dotting the area. There is even a “Green Berlin Tour” which takes guests through the diverse mix of ecocentric shops in the Kreuzberg area.
Aside from the edgy, gritty flavour of the neighbourhood which has made it the top choice when people consider where to stay in Berlin for nightlife, it is also often ranked the best area to stay in Berlin for sightseeing. Kreuzberg has many well known attractions like the Jewish Museum, the Landwehrkanal, and Markthalle Neun in Kreuzberg. Just across the river, you’ll find the East Side Gallery in the neighbourhood of Friedrichshain, and to the south, you’ll find Tempelhof Field, a huge airport-turned-public park.
Where to Stay in Kreuzberg
Luxury: Hotel Orania
No list of best places to stay in Berlin would be complete without a mention of the Hotel Orania. Built in 1913, this 5-star hotel has strong ties to the city’s music scene.
There are 41 rooms spread over 5 floors, at Hotel Orania, as well as a restaurant, bar, and lounge. The latter of which often hosts live musical acts and film screenings.
Mid-Range: Lulu Guldsmeden Hotel
Super comfy beds, eco friendly practices and stylish rooms is what you’ll get at the Lulu Guldsmeden Hotel. It’s a recommended choice when locals are asked where to stay in Berlin neighborhood of Kreuzberg.
Each of the 81 rooms and 6 suites are uniquely decorated in “Hygge” style, as the brand comes from Copenhagen. With an excellent restaurant and bike rentals to boot, this is one of the best places to stay in Berlin.
Budget: Hotel Die Fabrik
When it comes to where to stay in Berlin for tourist on a budget, Hotel Die Fabrik fits the bill. It is an inexpensive choice with loads of character. The building is a former factory from the 1900’s.
Hotel Die Fabrik is an independently owned hotel and has an impressive list of sustainable practises in place. They offer dorms and private rooms with shared bathrooms, in the heart of the Berlin best area to stay for eco conscious travelers – Kreuzberg.
Any trip to Germany’s capital comes with the question, “where is the best place to stay in Berlin”. As we have demonstrated it is all up to you as a traveler. The best neighborhoods in Berlin to stay are those that speak to your taste or what you want to see.
However, with so much to see and do, you could spend weeks here without getting bored. Each of the Berlin neighbourhoods is unique in its own way, with its own personality, and something special to offer.
Hopefully, this guide has given you a better idea of where to stay in Berlin as well as the best neighbourhoods to stay in Berlin. Wherever you decide to stay we know you will have a blast exploring this dynamic city.
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Oooh really looking forward to Berlin at Christmas, thanks for this list, I’m planning for when my sister comes to join me! Lovely hotels but actually this trip I’m staying longer so I’m going to do the co-living option Vonder Europe , they’re really nice and a bit more sensible for a longer stay. Definitely thinking about which hotel on your list would suit my sister though.