Where to Stay in Berlin | 2023 Guide

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. 

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 at Kurfürstendamm, and plenty of WWII remains remain 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 can be tricky. The Berlin city centre 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 traveller you are. 

Once you choose the best neighbourhood 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 neighbourhood your hotel is in should play a big factor in choosing the best place 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 central 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 centre 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 centre of town and leads to world-class museums. The Berliner Dom (Berlin 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 of 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 if you prefer a centrally located hotel. You could not find a more central location than the Berlin district, 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, a double Michelin-star restaurant, a shopping arcade, and a spa on-site.

Hotel Adlon Kempinski is just a 10-minute walk from some of Berlin’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Brandenburg Gate, the Holocaust Memorial, Checkpoint Charlie, and Pariser Platz. You’ll also be within steps from an S-Bahn and subway train station.

Mid-Range: Scandic Hotel Postdamer Platz

Scandic Hotel’s superb eco-friendly practices were the reason we chose to stay here during our most recent trip to Berlin. We were pleasantly surprised by the hotel’s 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.

You’ll have plenty of ways to get around Berlin, with bicycles available for rent from the hotel. plus, Potsdamer Platz is on service routes for buses, the S-bahn, and the subway.

Budget: Wallyard Concept Hostel

Where to stay in Berlin, Mitte on a budget? We would suggest the Wallyard Concept Hostel. It is also great if you’re looking to meet other travellers. They offer both dorm rooms and private rooms with or without ensuites. There is an onsite cafe and bar, and guests have access to laundry facilities and secure luggage storage spaces. 

You’ll be right at the centre of the action without breaking the bank, and this hostel is one of the best areas to stay in Berlin. The hostel offers free Berlin walking tours, bicycles for rent and tips and tricks for getting around town.

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 neighbourhoods 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.

In Prenzlauer Berg, you’ll find attractions like the Mauerpark, the Berlin Wall Memorial, and the 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. The historic building that houses the hotel was once a public bathhouse, and the huge indoor pool has been beautifully restored. Hotel Oderberger offers guided tours through the building, and guests are free to swim in the pool and even make reservations for a Private Midnight Swim for 2, complete with a bottle of Oderberger sparkling wine.

Mid-Range: Urbn Dreams II

Urbn Dreams II has made active steps to reduce its carbon footprint and does it all with impeccable style in Prenzlauer Berg. This boutique hotel has apartment-style accommodations with excellent German mattresses, fully equipped kitchens, private balconies, and several smart home features for a comfortable stay. The modern rooms feature organic designs with themes of nature and landscape. 

Urbn Dreams II is conveniently located 2.4 km from Alexanderplatz Underground Station, making this a perfect home base for exploring the Berlin area. The hotel is less than 3 km away from popular attractions such as the Memorial of the Berlin Wall and the Berlin Cathedral. At the heart of Berlin’s culinary scene, the neighbourhood is full of cozy cafes, bars, and lots of interesting restaurants.

Budget: The Circus Hostel

The Circus Hostel has long been a favourite amongst budget travellers 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-suite bathrooms.

Guests have the option of enjoying a breakfast buffet, and the hostel has its own microbrewery onsite that offers pub fare and craft beer. The Circus Hostel also has a bicycle rental station, is just 50 metres from a subway station, and arranges shuttle services upon request.

Charlottenburg

Charlottenburg in West Berlin tends to be the best place to stay in Berlin for tourists who 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 neighbourhoods in Berlin – Charlottenburg!

Where To Stay In Charlottenburg

Luxury: Hotel Zoo Berlin

There is a lot to like about Hotel Zoo Berlin. It’s a Green Globe-certified sustainable property, offering comfortable rooms, great facilities and great design. This historic property has accommodated countless movie stars and cultural icons, the likes of Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren, Hildegard Knef, and Romy Schneider.

This grandiose hotel in Berlin Germany has guest rooms and suites of various sizes as well as a restaurant, bar, and rooftop to enjoy. Guests also have access to the hotel’s winter garden, a cozy, year-round lounge enclosed by large windows and flanked by a 5-metre long fireplace. It is located very close to the renowned Kurfürstendamm shopping district and is just a 10-minute walk from the Berlin Zoo and Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church.

Mid-Range: Landmark Ecohotel

This mid-range option is located right around the corner from the Kurfürstendamm shopping boulevard 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. You’ll be just 750 metres from a subway station, a few minutes from Charlottenburg Baroque Palace, and just a short walking distance from lots of eateries.

Budget: Happy Go Lucky Hotel & Hostel

For a comfortable and clean stay with convenient access to public transportation, check out Happy Go Lucky Hotel & Hostel, which is located very close to Savigny Square in Charlottenburg. For value, the Happy Go Lucky Hotel & Hostel is the best location to stay in Berlin. The hotel offers modern rooms with the option of shared or private accommodations, a breakfast buffet, an onsite mini-market, and bike rentals for guests. 

This Berlin hotel is located just steps from the Charlottenburg S-Bahn Train Station, which provides connections to all local attractions, including those in former East Berlin. There are cafes and restaurants surrounding the hotel, and a grocery store is just a 10-minute walk away.

Kreuzberg

There are a lot of things that make Kreuzberg one of the best neighbourhoods to stay in Berlin, Germany. It is a neighbourhood 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 travellers. 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. 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 historic 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 are what you’ll get at the Lulu Guldsmeden Hotel. It’s a recommended choice when locals are asked where to stay in the Berlin neighbourhood of Kreuzberg.

Each of the 81 loft-style rooms and 6 suites are uniquely decorated in “Hygge” style, as the brand comes from Copenhagen. With an excellent restaurant and bike rental to boot, this is one of the best places to stay in Berlin.

All dishes served at Lulu’s Signature Breakfast and Restaurant Lu Liba are created with 100% organic, locally sourced ingredients. Vegan, lactose-free, and gluten-free options are available on all menus.

Budget: Hotel Die Fabrik

When it comes to where to stay in Berlin for tourists 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. The restored building has been converted to house modern accommodations but retains an industrial feel with tall windows, high ceilings, and a courtyard where guests can relax.

Hotel Die Fabrik is an independently owned hotel and has an impressive list of sustainable practices in place. They offer dorms and private rooms with shared bathrooms in the heart of Berlin best area to stay for eco-conscious travellers – Kreuzberg. This hotel is within a very short walking distance to famous clubs, bars, and restaurants, as well as the historical East Side Gallery. 

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 traveller. The best neighbourhoods 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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