Where To Stay In Berlin

Berlin can fend off most competitors for the prize of the world’s most fascinating city. A creative, eclectic hub popular with everyone from couples to families, Berlin has something for all tastes. From the artistic and cultural neighbourhoods in central Berlin, home to stunning museums filled with art, sculptures and artefacts, to the buzzing Kreuzberg, which hides Berlin’s wild and infamous nightlife, not to mention the many streets which are bursting with hundreds of years of history, you simply won’t get bored. 

In a city where you can learn about the shocking tragedies of World War II in the morning, enjoy city views from the glass-domed Parliament building in the afternoon, and stay up until the early hours in an underground club each evening, it can be hard to know where to stay in Berlin. While the city may have a heady mix of activities and attractions, certain neighbourhoods are perfect for visitors, whether you’re looking on a family holiday, a city break with friends or exploring Berlin solo.

Where To Stay In Berlin

Mitte

Berlin Mitte is the perfect neighbourhood for first-timers visiting Berlin, thanks to its central location and many historic sights and attractions.

One of the capital’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, staying in Berlin Mitte means many major attractions are within walking distance, such as the iconic Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag building and the Berlin Wall Memorial.

Museum Island is also a great rainy-day escape or day out for art lovers, boasting world-renowned institutions like the Pergamon Museum.

Elsewhere in Mitte, you can check out the many great cafes, quirky boutiques, and local restaurants scattered throughout the district.

Alexanderplatz Station and other central train and bus stops also mean you’ll have no trouble travelling if you want to explore other city areas.

There’s accommodation for families, couples and solo travellers of all ages, so if you’ve never been to Berlin, this is the neighbourhood to stay in.

Where To Stay In Mitte 

Luxury – Hotel Adlon Kempinski

Arguably Berlin’s most luxurious and famous hotel, the Hotel Adlon, is the best place to stay in the city’s centre to splash out or for a special occasion.

The hotel sits right next to the Brandenburg Gate, and inside, you can find stunning architecture, a Michelin-starred restaurant and a shopping arcade.

The huge rooms have antique furniture and marble bathrooms, and other hotel amenities include a huge swimming pool, spa and an 800m/sq fitness centre.

Mid-range – Park Plaza Wall Street

Although the name sounds more like it’s in New York than Berlin, then Park Plaza is an ideal mid-range hotel option in the city centre.

The hotel is unsurprisingly NY inspired, from the artwork to the decorations, plus the spacious rooms have king-sized beds, flat-screen TVs and city views.

You can also enjoy breakfast in the stunning glass conservatory, and they also have a bar, lounge and sauna.

The Park Plaza is just a short way from Potsdamer Platz, meaning most major sights are just a short walk away.

Budget – Arte Luise Kunsthotel

It can be hard to find a budget option in central Berlin, but Arte Luise Kunsthotel, meaning ‘Art Hotel’ is a beautiful choice.

The contemporary interiors feature funky designs, and rooms have amenities like spacious beds and free-standing baths.

There’s a big terrace perfect for having drinks, a snack bar and a restaurant serving German and Mediterranean cuisine.

It’s also a 10-minute walk from the Brandenburg Gate and Berlin’s main train station.

Prenzlauer Berg

Prenzlauer Berg is a trendy, bohemian neighbourhood in the heart of Berlin and is one of the city’s most quirky cultural districts.

This eclectic neighbourhood is perfect for taking a stroll to admire the old architecture or stopping by the many modern cafes, bars and boutiques.

The Kulturbrauerei and the Mauerpark Sunday flea market are must-visit attractions if you’re visiting on the weekend.

There are many green spaces here too, so families can enjoy the various parks and playgrounds to keep kids entertained.

Like most of Berlin, there are super convenient transport links, including tram and subway stations, making exploring Berlin’s major landmarks, museums, and theatres easy.

Accommodation here can often be more expensive, but it’s worth spending a little more for peace and quiet in a central location.

Where To Stay In Prenzlauer Berg 

Luxury – Victor’s Residenz

Sitting on the edge of Prenzlauer Berg, Victor’s Residenz enjoys a great, quiet location while still being central to the city.

The modern and stylish hotel offers spacious rooms with separate living areas or balconies.

The hotel also has its own Mediterranean courtyard, where guests can have breakfast, and two excellent restaurants, one serving international cuisine and one for casual dining.

The best part is that the hotel is just two tram stops from Alexanderplatz, providing quick access to the whole city.

Mid-range – Gold Palais Hotel

Gold Palais is a lovely, grand hotel with amenities like a leafy terrace and fitness centre while close to sights like Berlin TV Tower and Alexanderplatz.

All the rooms here are huge, offering big marble bathrooms and balconies with city views.

Previous guests have noted that its location right next to the park is ideal for families, and the staff are extremely friendly and helpful.

Budget – Hotel Oderberg

For such a stunning hotel, it’s hard to believe it’s a budget option and is slightly more expensive due to its great location.

However, Hotel Oderberg is located on a former public swimming bath site, which leads to its most beautiful amenity- a stunning swimming pool with high ceilings and a sauna.

The rooms all have flat screens, rain showers and fluffy robes, plus it’s just a short tram ride from Alexanderplatz.

Kreuzberg

Where Prenzlauer Berg is a cultural district for theatres, opera and galleries, Kreuzberg is for street art, quirk museums, and nightlife and is also known as ‘Xberg’.

It’s particularly well known for having some of Berlin’s best restaurants and nightclubs, so it could be perfect for students or those looking to party.

Staying here means it’s easy to explore the iconic East Side Gallery, a preserved section of the Berlin Wall covered in colourful murals, along with other historical museums and spots relating to the fall of the Wall, like Checkpoint Charlie.

As it has grown in popularity, it’s become a multicultural hub, so food, drink and markets come from all over the world.

Although there’s accommodation for all budgets, this neighbourhood is best suited to those looking for a wild time in Berlin as the locals here often party until the early hours.

Where To Stay In Kreuzberg

Luxury – Precise Tale Berlin

Simply one of the best places you can stay in Kreuzberg, Precise Tale Hotel packs in stunning accommodation and a host of amenities.

Expect a fitness centre, spacious garden, terrace, restaurant and a bar, just 500m from Potsdamer Platz.

The elegantly designed rooms all come with minibars and flat-screen TVs, while many also have kitchenettes and balconies and come with daily continental breakfast.

Mid-range – Mondrian Suites at Checkpoint Charlie

You can usually be certain you’ll receive excellent hospitality at a Mondrian, and their Berlin hotel has precisely that.

Guests don’t choose rooms but whole studios equipped with a balcony or terrace, kitchenette and designer toiletries.

Although there’s no restaurant, the area is full of great eateries, and you can rent bikes at the front desk.

Checkpoint Charlie and other historical attractions are less than two minutes away.

Budget – Hotel Prens

Hotel Prens is an ideal budget option for those wanting to stay in Kreuzberg.

The hotel sits right on the Landwehrkanal and is only 100m from the nearest metro station, making it easy to get around.

Flat-screen TVs, private bathrooms and comfy beds all come as standard, and breakfast, drinks and snacks can be enjoyed at the onsite bistro.

For sports fans, the Mercedes Benz Arena is just three tram stops away.

Friedrichshain

Another of Berlin’s student hubs, Friedrichshain is a quirky, fun neighbourhood with a young atmosphere, many alternative art galleries, clubs and restaurants and is popular with those wanting to stay in Berlin on a budget.

The district is very similar in what it offers to Kreuzberg, which borders it to the south, so there’s still some great nightlife, street art and attractions here shared between the two neighbourhoods.

It also has the longest remaining section of the Berlin Wall, stunning architecture and excellent, affordable restaurants around Boxhagener Platz.

Accommodation here is notably great value, so if you want to do Berlin on a budget while still staying in the city’s heart, Friedrichshain is the place to stay.

Where To Stay In Friedrichshain

Luxury – Leonardo Royal Hotel

Leonardo Royal has excellent luxury hotels around the world, and the great thing about their Friedrichshain hotel is that you can get luxury at a more affordable price.

The hotel has a stunning top-floor sauna and gym, while another feature is its own Vitruv restaurant serving breakfast daily and Mediterranean cuisine.

The sleek rooms are decorated with soft furnishings, stunning artwork, and big bathrooms and living areas in the suites.

It’s next to Friedrichshain’s main park and otherwise borders Mitte, meaning the main attractions are less than 15 minutes away.

Mid-range – Schulz Hotel

Schulz Hotel is the perfect mid-range option in Friedrichshain, next to the Eastside Gallery.

Much like the neighbourhood, this is a trendy hotel with a bar, canteen and beer garden right at the Berlin Wall.

All the rooms have Smart TVs and modern bathrooms, and aside from breakfast, you can also grab hot drinks, paninis and snacks from their bakery.

There’s a youth lounge and games room for younger guests, and the nearest train station is right around the corner.

Budget – Hotel Klassik

Hotel Klassik is a sleek, modern yet budget option in Friedrichshain, which provides daily breakfast, Mediterranean food at its bistro, a bar and a garden terrace.

The rooms are modern, with big comfy beds and floor-to-ceiling windows or balconies with city views.

The Mercedes Benz Arena is just 10 minutes away, and the area has many fun clubs, bars and restaurants.

Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf

The area of Charlottenburg is home to sights like the majestic Charlottenburg Palace and Kurfürstendamm Boulevard, renowned for its high-end shopping and dining experiences.

The nearby Zoologischer Garten is one of Europe’s oldest zoos and a fun day trip for kids.

Charlottenburg is arguably the best Berlin neighbourhood for families, despite also being the most luxurious.

There are some excellent cafes and restaurants around Savignyplatz, surrounded by classic architecture and beautiful buildings.

There are also many parks, such as the large one surrounding the Palace and Lietzensee Park and lake.

Although it’s slightly further from central sights such as the Brandenburg Gate, it has excellent transport links.

Where To Stay In Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf

Luxury – Hotel am Steinplatz

One of Berlin’s most gorgeous luxury hotels, Hotel am Steinplatz is a self-proclaimed boutique hotel that offers a rooftop spa with a panoramic gym, a restaurant, a bar and daily breakfast options.

The hotel is set inside a stunning 1913 Art Nouveau building around a central atrium, and the rooms are equally pretty, with living spaces, iPod docks and flat-screen TVs.

It’s just 600m from Kurfürstendamm, the area’s high-end shopping street, or a couple of stops from Berlin’s other main sights.

Mid-range – The Hoxton

The Hoxton brand has an unparalleled reputation worldwide, and their Berlin hotel is beautifully designed, complete with its own restaurant, bar and sun terrace.

The stylishly decorated rooms have king-sized beds, flat-screen TVs and spacious bathrooms, while larger rooms have living areas and small balconies.

It’s 800m from Kurfürstendamm and even less from the nearest station.

Budget – Hotel-Pension Funk

Finding a good budget hotel in Charlottenburg can be hard, but Hotel Pension Funk is a stunning, traditional old hotel with reasonable prices.

It features original Art Nouveau interiors and has daily buffet breakfasts and stunning rooms with antique furniture and private bathrooms.

Kurfürstendamm is less than 200m away, perfect for a shopping spree and has quick links to the city centre.