Berlin: choosing which neighbourhood to stay in
Berlin is a HUGE city - its 'center' is 9 times bigger than Paris, so it's important to choose a neighborhood that will allow you to make the most of your stay. Berlin is very well connected though - so wherever you stay, you will be able to visit all the big attractions.
Below, I've put together a summary of each neighborhood as well as some recommendations of places to stay depending on your budget.
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A note: I only recommend hotels I have stayed in myself or where friends and family have stayed and liked.
Mitte
Mitte is the geographic heart of the city. While most sightseeing spots are in Mitte, like many other major cities, few people live here, making it more of a commercial/touristy area. There are plenty of shopping malls around this area with a mix of local brands and big international chains.
Because Mitte attracts large numbers of tourists, it's also more expensive for eating out or having a few drinks. It is VERY well connected, however, with public transport to all other areas of the city. It is generally a quiet neighborhood at night, making it great if you're coming to Berlin for the museums rather than the nightlife.
Hostels and hotels under €100 per night
Something a bit more luxurious...
Kreuzberg
This is a lively and exciting neighborhood located close to many of Berlin's main attractions, with a buzzing bar scene. Kreuzberg has a well-established Turkish community and is a lively, happening district. This is where students, hipsters, as well as expats, want to settle due to its hip atmosphere, great bars, and plentiful clubs. There is a more family-friendly part south of the canal (which is a very popular place to hang out in summer). Probably one of the coolest parts of Berlin - too cool for its own good as it's becoming more and more expensive.
Hostels and hotels under €100 per night
Something a bit more luxurious...
Friedrichshain
This is one of the liveliest parts of the city - there is plenty to do here with lots of shops, restaurants, bars, and clubs. Staying near Boxhagener Platz, you'll never want to sleep.
Friedrichshain used to be full of punks and anarchists, but it has gentrified a lot over time. However, you can still find some pockets of anti-establishment vibe around town. The Simon-Dachs-Strasse is one of the most popular spots to visit, as well as the RAW compound, which has many clubs and lots of attractive street art.
If you're looking to party, Friedrichshain could be a great place to stay - where you can walk back to your hotel in the early hours. That said, it is also quite kid-friendly, with lots of families in the area and cute pocket parks and kid-friendly restaurants.
Hostels and hotels under €100 per night
Something a bit more luxurious...
Prenzlauer Berg
Prenzlauer Berg used to be one of the poorest neighborhoods in the city and attracted a young, bohemian crowd. But as they got older and had children, the area has become more gentrified and is now a rather affluent area.
There are lots of prams and strollers everywhere, with parks and playgrounds for kids, as well as little design shops selling kids' clothes and toys.
That said, it also has a laid-back bar scene, and you can still find hints of the artists that were once plentiful throughout the area. It's very clean and beautiful with plenty of organic supermarkets and vegan restaurants. It has the best flea market in the city at Mauerpark on Sundays.
Hostels and hotels under €100 per night
Something a bit more luxurious...
Charlottenburg
Charlottenburg is one of the wealthiest areas in Berlin - no wonder, with the Charlottenburg Palace nearby. It's a very posh area with lots of beautiful old buildings and high-end shops, and it is generally more expensive to eat out.
It's a beautiful part of the city and quiet - it almost feels like you're in a completely different city.
Neukölln
This is the up-and-coming area in Berlin. It is becoming more gentrified, but it still retains Berlin's edgy vibe. There is a long-standing Middle Eastern community in the area, which means you are never very far from some delicious and cheap food. Lots of students and hipsters have been moving to the area, and this has meant more cheap bars and clubs along with communist bookshops. It has one of the best bar scenes.
The city's biggest park is also nearby - Tempelhofer Feld (an old airport), which is great on a warm day, as well as the Volkspark Hasenheide, another beautiful place for a picnic or walk.
As you can see - Berlin does not have one center. Each neighborhood is unique and has plenty to offer!
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