Finding where to stay in Berlin can be confusing and stressful, especially if you’re visiting for the first time. There are loads of questions to ask and consider: would the area be nice? Would we like it? Would it be close to public transportation– and what about shops and restaurants? Scouring the web and asking friends and family for suggestions may help ease the stress, but we are here to help you even more!
We DO NOT want you to be stressed out when figuring out the best places to stay in Berlin. Finding the best area to stay in Berlin can be confusing for anyone, and especially for first-time visitors, which is why we created this guide just for you with specific recommendations!
Below, we will break down the best places to stay in Berlin by neighborhood and price. Although many of your personal needs and preferences will influence where you want to stay in Berlin, we hope this guide can help you navigate the city while ensuring you can plan your trip with ease!
Hands Down, This is Where to Stay in Berlin By Neighborhood
Understanding Berlin Neighborhoods
Before you can choose where to stay in Berlin, you must understand Berlin neighborhoods and how they are set up. This will help you further understand our guide and where each location is in a bit more detail when maps and hotel booking sights are showing you the best places to stay in Berlin.
Below you can find a map of the Berlin Neighborhoods, but be aware– Berlin is huge. So large, in fact, that it is around 5x bigger than Paris. Keeping this in mind, it is also important to realize that the layout of Berlin can be somewhat complicated to understand as the city was once divided by the Berlin Wall. Within Berlin, there are a few “mini-centers”, which ensure that you have sights and attractions in any neighborhood you stay in. And even better yet, each neighborhood has its own vibe. From Mitte to Friedrichshain, each of these neighborhoods are wonderful and have their own charm which will only add to your traveling experience.
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Mitte is in the Middle of Everything!
If you’re looking for a neighborhood that is centrally located, Mitte is the place to go. Located in the heart of Berlin, Mitte has been well known as one of the best neighborhoods in Berlin, especially to first-time visitors, because it is smack dab in the middle of all the action.
Although Mitte was once divided between East and West Berlin, this rich history is great for visitors who want to experience Berlin’s historic core. Mitte also includes some of the most important tourist sites of Berlin, such as the Museum Island, and the TV tower. This neighborhood should be added on your where to stay in Berlin list!
Upsides: This neighborhood is located in the heart of Berlin due to its center, and it has some of the most important tourist sites of Berlin!
Downsides: Because this is the “heart” neighborhood, it can be a bit touristy at times, and the activity of the city is close to you, so this may not be a good option if you’re looking for a quiet/peaceful location.
Best Hotels in Mitte
Affordable: ARCO Hotel
Just a 7-minute walk to nearby department stores, this quiet hotel is located in the heart of the city and offers views of a gorgeous garden as well as good underground connections. Between its modern rooms, breakfast, and closeness to shopping areas, ARCO Hotel is well-reviewed for travelers who are visiting for shorter periods of time. And they offer parking badges!
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Mid-Range: Crowne Plaza Berlin City Centre
This 4-start hotel is less than a 2-minute walk from one of Mitte’s finest shopping streets and has excellent transport links. With an indoor pool, spa area, and wellness facilities, the Crowne Plaza Berlin City Center is one of the best hotels in Berlin well known for its varied breakfast buffets, Prime Rib Restaurant, and it’s location in proximity to churches as well as other underground stations.
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Upscale: Rocco Forte Hotel De Rome
This 5-start hotel is located on Berlin’s Bebelplatz Square and offers gourmet cuisine, a luxury spa, and a 50-foot long swimming pool. Close to historic monuments like the Under den Linden Boulevard, the elegant rooms at Rocco Forte Hotel de Rome feature beautiful mosaic floors and high ceilings with warm brown and gold colors. From high-speed internet and panoramic views of central Berlin, this is where to stay in Berlin!
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Photo credit: Booking.com via Rocco Forte Hotel de Rome
Potsdamer Platz is Another Central Location
Potsdamer Platz is also known as one of the best neighborhoods in Berlin because of its central location. As an important public square and traffic intersection in the middle of Berlin, this neighborhood is close to the Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag.
After the neighborhood was destroyed during World War II, Potsdamer Platz has been the site of major redevelopment projects and thus is great for tourists and those who want to explore all the city has to offer.
Upsides: This neighborhood is a central location for many tourists, and it has some of the most important tourist must sees– like the Brandenburg Gate!
Downsides: The redevelopment of this area can call for a lot of construction, as well as some inconsistencies of architecture, and a “modern” take on Berlin.
Best Hotels in Potsdamer Platz
Affordable: Upper Room Hotel Kurfurstendamm
Situated in the heart of western Berlin, this hotel is a close walk to famous shopping streets, offers free Wi-Fi, and is a great base for travelers who love sightseeing and traveling. The Upper Room Hotel’s rooms are cozy and provide a work desk, great space, a TV, and a private bathroom. The hotel itself is close to many bus stops, including the underground and city rail stations. It comes highly recommended as a best hotel in Berlin!
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Mid-Range: Park Inn by Radisson Berlin Alexanderplatz
This 4-star hotel has 3 restaurants, a spa, rooms with flat-screen TVs and air conditioning. But better yet? It is Berlin’s tallest hotel and it is located directly on Alexanderplatz square! All rooms and suites at the Park Inn have marble bathrooms and power showers along with heated floors. The wellness center has a sauna and a gym, but most guests really seem to love the top-floor terrace which offers great views of Berlin.
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Upscale: Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin
The Aldon is a legendary 5-star hotel in Berlin, close to the Brandenburg Gate. From state-of-the-art faculties, a shopping arcade and a 5-star restaurant, this hotel’s central location gives travelers easy access to Berlin’s main landmarks. Their rooms are sophisticated, their bathrooms marble. Their technology includes modern media systems and they also have a neoclassical indoor pool and a spa that offers Ayuveda treatments. It is where you should stay in Berlin for a pretty penny!
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Photo Credit: Booking.com via Park Inn
Kreuzberg is Diverse and Fun!
Located south of Mitte, Kreuzberg was once one of the poorest areas of Germany, but has become more gentrified and is now known for its art scene, shopping, and dining life! As Kreuzberg is home to many immigrants who are from Turkish ancestry, this neighborhood thrives off of its diverse culture and counterculture traditions.
Historically, Kreuzberg is home to Berlin’s punk rock movement as well as other subcultures in Germany. It is well known for its music scene and its annual Carnival of Cultures includes great festivities that include entertainment, food, art, and craft stalls. Being known for its art and music scene, Kreuzberg is also one of the best neighborhoods in Berlin for those who want to explore and be accepted. The neighborhood has long been an epicenter for LGBTQ life and art in general– its ultimate goal is to preserve and exhibit culture.
Upsides: This neighborhood full of fun culture and is lively! From music to art to festivals and crafts– it is a very cultured area of Berlin.
Downsides: Because of the counterculture of this area, the festivities are often constant and can be overwhelming if you’re looking for a calmer vacation!
Best Hotels in Kreuzberg
Affordable: Hotel Transit
Hotel Transit is located right in the middle of Kreuzberg, and it is only a 3-minute walk from the famous and popular Bergmannstrasse street. Although this hotel was once a factory building, Hotel Transit now offers bright and peaceful rooms with private bathrooms. Each morning, the hotel prepares a breakfast buffet and is well known for it’s bar– the Bar Transit. The staff is always helpful and kind, and thus, this is one of the best hotels to stay at in Berlin!
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Mid-Range: Hotel Riehmers Hofgarten
This 4-star hotel is a protected historic landmark and features a GORGEOUS courtyard garden. From its spacious rooms, close access to underground stations, and individualistic artwork in each suit, each hotel room at Hotel Riehmers Hofgarten offers a lovely view of the quiet courtyard. Combined with the furniture that was specially made for this hotel and the breakfast buffet, couples particularly liked this location and voted it one of the best hotels in Berlin!
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Upscale: Orania.Berlin
Located in a historic building that was once famous for hosting artists, Orania.Berlin is a building that dates back to 1913 and features cultural and historical legacies. All rooms at this hotel feature flat-screen TVs, free WiFi, coffee machines, luxury toiletries from local sources, and more. Guests are welcome to dine at the on-site restaurant, and they are encouraged to attend musical and cultural events– concerts and poetry readings are a must! This really is where to stay in Berlin if you are looking for a slice of culture!
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Photo Credit: Booking.com via Orania.Berlin
Prenzlauer Berg is Full of Character!
Similar to Kreuzberg, Prenzlauer Berg is where to stay in Berlin if you’re interested in counterculture! The counterculture of Prenzlauer Berg is well known to include christian activists, Bohemians, state-independent artists, and the LGBTQ community. Historically, this neighborhood was known for its peaceful site and revolutions that helped bring down the Berlin Wall in 1989.
Characterized by Wilhelmine buildings, countless pubs, and a unique atmosphere to its nightlife, this is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Berlin. From multiple places to visit such as the Gethsemane Church and flea markets at Maurepark, this is a hot spot to see– whether you are a first time tourist in Berlin or not!
Upsides: This neighborhood is also full of fun culture. The people here are friendly and diverse and there are loads of things to do.
Downsides: Prenzlauer Berg can be seen as the “younger” and “more hip” area of Berlin, so if you don’t want to necessarily go out or be fully immersed in the area, a quieter or quaint neighborhood might be better for you.
Best Hotels in Prenzlauer Berg
Affordable: StadtRaum-Berlin
StadtRaum isn’t exactly a hotel, but self-catering apartments! They are some of the best bang for your buck in Berlin, as each apartment is fully equipped with a kitchen, a stereo system, and a modern bathroom. They are located close to underground services, offer free parking, and are great for travelers who are invested in convenient transport as well as easy access to the city. Every room is designed with a “Hollywood Legends” theme and has been well-reviewed for their access to the trendiest areas of Prenzlauer Berg.
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Mid-Range: Belfort Berlin
Belfort Berlin offers a shared lounge, a gorgeous garden, a terrace, and free Wifi. With it’s quick access to the airport, Berlin TV Tower, and German Historical Museum, this hotel was well-reviewed by travelers who are looking for atmospheric places, access to culture, and convenient access to public transportation!
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Upscale: Holiday Inn Berlin City Center East Prenzlauer
Surprisingly, one of the most upscale hotels in the Prenzlauer Berg neighborhood is a Holiday Inn! This hotel is a direct tram ride from Alexanderplatz. It offers soundproof rooms and is centered in the lively area of Prenzlauer Berg district of Berlin. The rooms themselves have floor to ceiling windows and are very comfortable. From breakfast each morning and a lounge serving light Berlin specialties, many couples love this hotel and vote it as one of the best hotels in Berlin.
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Photo Credit: Booking.com via Belfort Berlin
Friedrichshain is Hipster!
Following the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, Friedrichshain began to develop a reputation as as a young and dynamic district. This is in part thanks to low rent and empty apartments that attracted squatters, however, the peaceful green oases like Volkspark Friedrichshain also appealed to those moving into what is now know as one of the best neighborhoods in Berlin.
Leafy nature, walks along the riverside, and diverse culinary options are fantastic selling points of this neighborhood, and we can personally vouch that this neighborhood is where to stay in Berlin if you are on a budget. We stayed here on our first trip and fell in love with the vibe, vegan options, and shops!
Upsides: This neighborhood is full of adventure– from great culinary options to cheap food and wonderful nature, it’s one of the best areas in Berlin!
Downsides: Friedrichshain, due to the cheap rent and squatters, can be a bit grungy at times. It isn’t as ritzy as other neighborhoods, but the people are wonderful and the area cheaper to stay at!
Best Hotels in Friedrichshain
Affordable: Meininger Hotel
Meininger Hotel is located on the opposite side of the East Side Gallery, making it a central and wonderful location. Between its on-site bar and 24-hour staff at the front desk, this hotel has been well-reviewed for its relaxing nature and gaming areas. Aside from this, it’s a convenient location to train stations and must-see sights make this hotel a where to stay in Berlin a must!
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Mid-Range: Schulz Hotel
This recently opened hotel is located directly next to the East Side Gallery in Friedrichshain. With rooms that are individually and functionally furnished, the Schultz Hotel also offers a guest kitchen, a laundry salon, a youth lounge, and a cinema screen. Between this and the bakery that boasts about great coffee as well as fresh muesli, this hotel is family-friendly, and thus, one of the best hotels in Berlin to stay in if you are traveling with someone other than yourself!
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Upscale: Moxy Berlin Ostbahnhof
The Moxy Berlin Ostbahnhof is a new and stylish hotel that is one of the best hotels in Berlin as it is already well known (despite being so new!) for its contemporary styled rooms and friendly staff. A free welcome drink is provided on arrival and a continental breakfast can be purchased every morning. Better yet? Snacks and drinks are readily available 24/7. Guests are encouraged to relax when at the Moxy, either in the lobby or public areas that have lots of seating, writing walls, and TVs. Pets are also welcome to join in on the fun, and this hotel is placed in the heart of the neighborhood, making traveling easy.
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Photo Credit: Booking.com via Moxy Berlin
Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf is a bit Ritzy!
Charlottenburg-Wilmerdorf covers the western city side of Berlin and is known for its adjacent affluent suburbs. Bordering the Mitte, this neighborhood is well known for its dependence on retail trade and schools, making it a family-friendly neighborhood to stay in, and even live in!
From the Berlin University of the Arts to the Berlin Stock Exchange house that was designed by Nicholas Grimshaw, this neighborhood is a bit more pricey and upscale for wealthy Berliners. But it is also great for families as there is less of a grunge and party scene, making it perfect if you are looking for the best neighborhood in Berlin for a family vacation.
Upsides: This neighborhood one of the best areas in Berlin because it is family-friendly, quiet, and a bit more quaint! Think of the suburbs!
Downsides: It can be really expensive to stay here! So if you’re traveling on a budget, maybe avoid this neighborhood or take a day trip to see it!
Best Hotels in Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf
Affordable: AZIMUT Hotel
AZIMUT is located directly on Berlin’s Kurfurstendamm shopping street, making it a quick walk to different sightseeing churches and a fantastic hub for public transportation links. Featuring baroque interiors with pillars and wall paintings, the soundproof rooms of this hotel are modernly adapted for the city and travelers. Windows offer a direct view of the city and guests can enjoy breakfast every morning and lounge by the cozy fireplace in the evenings. The atmosphere of this hotel makes one of the best hotels in Berlin!
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Mid-Range: Leonardo Hotel Berlin
This 3-star hotel is located in the Charlottenburg district, right between Berlin’s Exhibition Center and the Kurfurstendamm shopping street. The Leonardo offers spacious and air-conditions rooms, as well as hot drink facilities, a work desk, and private bathroom. An optional breakfast is served every morning, and many guests have raved about the drinks in Wilma’s bar. Close to the Duestche Oper (opera house) and the underground station, this is the best hotel in Berlin for easy travels to and from the airport as well as other site seeing adventures.
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Upscale: Louisa’s Place
Known for elegant suites and a spa area that includes an indoor pool, Louisa’s Place is the best area to stay in Berlin. Since it’s location is close to famous shopping streets, and provides easy access to the underground station, many travelers enjoy the ease and comfort of this hotel. In fact, many positively review this hotel for its spacious rooms and fully equipped kitchens. Between that and their beauty parlor and spa– it is the ultimate place to rest and relax in-between site seeing!
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Photo credit: Booking.com via Louisa’s Place
Moabit is a Well Connected Neighborhood!
Moabit is where to stay in Berlin if you are looking for a well-connected city! As a part of an inner-city, Moabit is great for day trips as it houses one of the largest train stations in the city. Thus, if you are using Berlin as a “hub” to explore nearby areas and tourist attractions, this is a great neighborhood to stay and return to each night!
This neighborhood is not overloaded with places that have been gentrified– you won’t find a push for “cool” startups or “ritzy” cafes. It is a grounded neighborhood, known for its former correctional facility and embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Historically known for hosting and trailing many criminal cases here, Moabit now extends beyond its history and is a neighborhood that offers countless opportunities.
Upsides: This neighborhood one of the best areas in Berlin because it is so well connected and allows for easy travel and exploration of the surrounding areas! It also has connections to its historic roots!
Downsides: This area is wonderful, but it is not as “hipster” compared to some of the other neighborhoods, if that’s what you’re looking for! It is much more modern.
Best Hotels in Moabit
Affordable: Hotel Garni Aaberna
Each room in Hotel Garni Aaberna is equipped with TVs and seating areas, with suites having their own private bathrooms. But what makes the Hotel Garni Aaberna one of the best hotels in Berlin is its location– a large selection of restaurants and bars can be found within a ten-minute walking distance from the hotel. Combined with popular sh
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Mid-Range: Adrema Hotel
This 4-star hotel is conveniently located on the Spree River, offering a great view of the city and all it has to offer. The Adrema Hotel itself also offers modern rooms and a restaurant that is famous for its Berlin specialties and international dishes. From this restaurant to the 24-hour lobby bar and spa facilities, this hotel comes highly recommend to those who are interested in seeing museums, historical elements, and monuments of the city. Centered in Moabrit, this is one of the best areas in Berlin, and thus a great hotel to check out!
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Upscale: Steigenberger Hotel am Kanzleramt
Steigenberger Hotel am Kanzleramt is located close to the German Parliament buildings, and is well known for its great accommodations, such as their air-conditioned rooms, minibars, facilities, and TVs. Guests rave about this hotel’s comfort– from the private bathrooms to the provided bathrobes and slippers, this hotel captures the heart of travelers who like to be cozy while traveling abroad. Because we highly recommend staying in Moabit, as Moabit is one of the best areas in Berlin to use as a travel hub, this hotel also provides a quick walk to Berlin’s main station and the Tegel airport.
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Photo Credit to Booking.com via Steigenberger Hotel am Kanzleramt
And there you have it! We hope we were able to help you choose where to stay in Berlin with ease. We know planning a trip to Berlin or Germany, in general, can be confusing, and we understand how important having a great place to stay is. We wanted to create this guide with suggestions for the best neighborhoods in Berlin, and hopefully, our suggestions lend themselves well for your personal adventures!
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