Where to stay in Berlin: Tips for first time visitors and our favorite neighborhoods

Berlin is one of those European cities that we just love coming back to. We’ve spent so many days here over the years that we don’t really need a detailed Google map to know where we’re going and how long it’ll take us to get there.

Such an impressive ability comes from us constantly trying new things when in Berlin: Each trip we’ve taken here, we chose a different neighborhood (or kiez, as they call them in these parts) to explore and get the general vibe of. In this article, we want to share our findings and personal reflections on the best areas to stay in Berlin, be it your first visit or a tenth one! Where to stay in Berlin for one night? What is the coolest neighborhood in the city? We’ve got all of this covered and more.

Article contents

1. Quick guide: Best places to stay in Berlin
2. How we choose the best area based on hotels
3. The neighborhoods of Berlin:
   3.1. Alexanderplatz — for first-timers
   3.2. Kurfürstendamm — for shopping
   3.3. Kreuzberg — for culture
   3.4. Friedrichshain — for nightlife
   3.5. Potsdamer Platz — for running a marathon
   3.6. Charlottenburg — for a family trip
4. Our list of 10 great Berlin hotels (sorted by price)
5. Our tips for traveling to Berlin

Quick guide: Best places to stay in Berlin

It’s no secret that Berlin is a massive city. But unlike many other iconic European destinations with a designated “downtown” area housing all the major attractions, Berlin does things differently, essentially having no one dedicated city center (some even call it a “polycentric” city). We believe that in the case of the Grey City, the peculiar layout is better for an average tourist to grasp — Berlin has a variety of diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique style.

We’ve been to Berlin countless of times and have made it our mission to get to know each neighborhood inside and out. So think of the following guide as your friendly A to Z directory through this multicultural and vibrant hub.

• We are not going to get all official and talk about Berlin’s administrative districts, because they’re not that important: Borders don’t make each area inside the neighborhood feel and look the same.

Take Mitte, for example — it practically takes up half the city and combines the uncombinable: You’ve got Alexanderplatz, Tiergarten, and a bit of Kreuzberg sitting under one Mitte roof, each area with a totally different vibe from the rest! Instead, let’s focus on the best places to stay in Berlin according to tourists (us) and locals (our friends).

The only divide that you should care about when looking for an area to stay in Berlin is between West and East Berlin. You’ll notice significant differences in architecture and urban design between the two. If you’re a history or architecture buff, it’s worth keeping that difference in mind while planning your visit to Berlin simply because it can make your stay in the city so much more fulfilling.

Fun fact: Any time you need help with identifying which side of Berlin you’re on, look out for the pedestrian crossing lights! Their Ampelmännchen (the crossing men) are more fun (toting a hat and all) in the East, while the West’s are way more conventional and boring in comparison.

How to choose the best area to stay in Berlin for the first time?

There are so many ways to answer this question — none of them are wrong. Here is our thought process for discovering the best areas to stay in Berlin.

During our first several visits to the city (ah, how fast time flies!), we prioritized looking for a suitable hotel over finding a neighborhood that looked promising on paper. If we spotted a cute, modern option relatively close to the main attractions, with a good rating and a nice price tag, we’d take it.

That’s how we ended up staying at some of the more fascinating Berlin hotel options:

• 4* NH Berlin Alexanderplatz (Alexanderplatz, from €100 a night) — nice middle-of-the-road hotel near a large open green space (very park-centric — a novelty in an urban jungle like Berlin), perfect for early morning strolls after a good night’s rest
• 4* Urban Loft Berlin (Hauptbahnhof, from €100 a night) — great hotel near the central train station, with a nice rooftop bar to boot
• STAYERY Berlin Friedrichshain (from €120 a night) — cool apartment hotel for all of you modernistic purists (zero patina of history over here)

Thanks to having more comfortable stays early on, we managed to narrow down our list of best Berlin neighborhoods to just six options (an incredible feat, given just how large the city is). You don’t have to shoot blind anymore though, because we’ve created this guide based on lots and lots of hands-on research on the topic. Enjoy the fruits of our labor!

The best areas to stay in Berlin: Our guide to neighborhoods

Berlin has twelve administrative districts, and each of the districts is further broken down into smaller neighborhoods, so you can imagine how frustrating it can be looking up where to stay in Berlin if it’s your first time ever traveling here.

Without giving too much away (although we know you can already see what neighborhood is coming next), this area is often put into the category of “where you should NOT stay in Berlin”. Why? Honestly, we have yet to see what’s so terribly wrong with the neighborhood we’ve been calling home for our past few forays onto the German soil. Without further ado, our personal picks of Berlin’s top neighborhoods to stay in:

Alexanderplatz — where to stay in Berlin for first-timers

Even though we’ve discovered the beauty of Alexanderplatz only with time, we would vote for this neighborhood as the best place to stay in Berlin for first-time visitors. Alexanderplatz is our favorite part of Berlin for both short and long stays. The neighborhood is both relatively cheap and enticingly vibrant, but it has to have something much heftier to draw hordes of tourists each season.

So, what does the allure of Alexanderplatz consist of?

First off, its location is pretty perfect — you can easily get anywhere, anytime, using any mode of transport. Plus, there’s plenty of room for leisurely strolls in Alexanderplatz. Museum Island is just around the corner, and taking a walk to Kreuzberg via the Berlin Wall is a delight. Hackescher Markt Square, with its chic side streets, is another great spot to explore. And if you’re up for it, you can practically walk to iconic landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate, Tiergarten, and the Reichstag, discovering the city as you go!

Secondly, the local shopping scene is great. Hackescher Markt Square is packed with all the famous brands you’ve heard of, as well as local artisan brick-and-mortars (our recent finds — conscious beauty store Nø Cosmetics and ceramics shop Miio are great places to start your shopping escapades), and a huge European version of TJ Maxx — TK Maxx.

But the pros of Alexanderplatz don’t stop here: The area is practically teeming with budget-friendly chain hotels (by Berlin standards), which is always a good thing for a spending-conscious traveler.

And finally, the prevalent architecture of the area is nothing like your typical European look with polished and restored buildings. Instead, you’ll find traces of monumentalism all throughout Alexanderplatz’s wide avenues and panel buildings. Lively atmosphere, bustling streets, and loads of sights — there’s plenty to love about Alexanderplatz despite what others might say!

Rich food scene is also the paramount part of our deep appreciation of Alexanderplatz. Trust us, nothing makes your life easier in a new environment than insider knowledge on where to dine and what eateries to steer clear of. Having stayed numerous nights in Alexanderplatz accommodations, we’ve collected a handful of personal recommendations for first-timers:

• KoRo — a cafe with excellent vegetarian and plant-based porridge and sandwiches (€5.6–€6.2)
• Dump Ling — home to tasty homemade dumplings and noodles. A perfect option for a quick lunch. My rec is “32” — jian jiao zi with chicken (€7.3).

• Zeit für Brot — haven for baked goods! Their buns (€4) on Rosenthaler Platz pair really well with coffee from the neighboring The Barn.

• Father Carpenter is another hip spot for coffee and brunch (€14–€18) that comes with a really cute courtyard (and really long lines on weekends).
• Hofbräu Wirtshaus Berlin — your go-to place for an authentic German beer experience. It has everything you imagine when someone says Bavaria: Wooden benches, tons of beer options, and delicious sausages (Charlie’s Angels’ Oktoberfest style).

If all of these characteristics sound quite appealing to you, then Alexanderplatz might be THE neighborhood for your next Berlin getaway. Here are some great accommodations if you pick this area:

• 4* The Social Hub (from €120 per night) — a perfect option for travelers who combine work and travel. The rooms are modern and spacious enough and come with a work desk. Once you feel the need to socialize, check out their wonderful courtyard or the bar.
• 4* The Weinmeister Berlin-Mitte (from €140 per night) — something a bit more luxurious. The rooms are extraordinarily cozy, and the location is pretty golden. The hotel is situated at Hackescher Markt, within walking distance from the popular touristic area — Museum Island.
• The Circus Apartments — the Circus group offers a range of diverse options. If you are looking for an affordable hostel, they have 8- and 6-squad dorms (from €25 a night) and a bunch of hangout activities and events to keep up the community spirit.

For those desiring privacy, you can book a whole apartment for the price of a hotel room (from €220 per night). Needless to say, the apartments are well-decorated and unique. Nice bonuses available to all the visitors of the Circus group include yoga lessons and visits to a microbrewery.

Kurfürstendamm — where to stay in Berlin for shopping

If you’re into that classic European vibe but still want to stay connected to other parts of the city, Ku’Damm (short for Kurfürstendamm) is a solid bet. Located in West Berlin, Ku’Damm is known far and wide for its shopping scene. Think New York’s Fifth Avenue and Paris’ Champ-Elysees — it’s got all you need: Major retail chains, designer boutiques, and luxurious brands, all close to each other.

However, Ku’Damm is actually more than just a paradise for a shopaholic. The iconic old Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church is located here. And Berlin Zoological Garden is right around the corner.

Ku’Damm is close enough to the city center and metro which makes it one of the best places to stay in Berlin. The vibe of this neighborhood is very original. But fair warning: Ku’Damm can get pretty jam-packed, especially on weekends and holidays. If you’re after a more relaxed atmosphere, you may want to consider staying in a different area of Berlin.

We strongly believe that sometimes the best souvenirs aren’t just memories but tangible treasures you can bring home. And if you’re up for maxing out your credit cards on local designer finds in the breaks between your sightseeing, Ku’Damm is the best area.

This neighborhood also has a wonderful food and bar scene. So, once you’ve settled on where to stay in Berlin, it’s time to uncover some local gastronomic gems beyond the typical Kurfürstendamm guidebook recommendations:

• The Visit Coffee & Eatery — one of the rare budget-friendly all day breakfast establishments in the area: Their perfect combo of grilled haloumi bagel + batch brew costs just €14.
• Schwarzes Café — a famous place that was once favored by celebrities like David Bowie. This is a perfect spot for lunch and/or dinner that is super cozy and quite cheap (€11–€20 for the main course).
• The Hat Bar — if you’re craving a night out, head to The Hat, — an intimate jazz bar hosting jam sessions every single night! It’s a great way to immerse yourself in Berlin’s eclectic nightlife scene.

Even if you’re not a big fan of shopping and everything that comes with it, we believe that Kurfürstendamm is an iconic place you shouldn’t miss when in Berlin. If you do decide to call the neighborhood your home for your next trip over, here is the list of hotels that we’d give rave reviews to:

• 4* Sorat Hotel Berlin (from €100 per night) — a perfect hotel that has a winning location and offers free delicious breakfast to all the guests!
• 4* Max Brown Hotel Ku’Damm (from €100 per night) — a lovely hotel with a really charming design. It has a small bakery right inside the hotel; and what can be better than starting your day with a freshly-baked croissant and a cup of coffee?
• 4* H10 Berlín Ku’damm (from €110 per night) — a modern classic with a superb location. One of its standout features is the spa which is available for free to every guest.

Kreuzberg — where to stay in Berlin for culture

Without a doubt, Kreuzberg stands out as one of the most culturally diverse neighborhoods in the city. Once the poorest part of West Berlin, it has since transformed into the trendiest district in town. Since the neighborhood is often misunderstood and not fairly represented, we’re here to explain why you shouldn’t discount Kreuzberg when deciding where to stay in Berlin, especially if you’re traveling on a budget in 2024.

For us, Kreuzberg isn’t just one neighborhood — it’s actually three distinct areas:

• Just beyond the Oberbaum Bridge, on the way to the Five Elephant Café, you’ll find an area with a vibe akin to that of a thug-ridden Brooklyn. While this section can feel a bit unsettling at times, especially in Gorlitzer Park, it’s undeniably authentic.
• The scene is completely different around Albatross Bakery — here, Kreuzberg transforms into a family-friendly neighborhood with interesting architecture, old houses with ornate facades, vintage and vinyl shops, — all the works!
• And then there’s “Little Istanbul” — both charming and loud plot of land nestled in the heart of Berlin, mostly known for Mustafa’s Gemüse Kebap — a phenomenal food truck that always draws long queues (we’ve never been able to wait out one).

This diversity is what makes Kreuzberg one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Berlin. The neighborhood has the highest concentration of best things to do in Berlin, so much so that we created an entire guide just for exploring Kreuzberg.

If you don’t have much time to look for the best eateries through trial and error, here are some tried-and-true spots for you to start with:

• Albatross Bakery — perfect for a delicious pastry pick-me-up (€5). My advice is to get here as early as you can to not to witness empty shelves.
• Annelies — all day breakfast with incredibly short yet engaging menu (I vote for €11 scrambled eggs with smoked yolk!!)
• If you need to fuel up on coffee (Berlin’s coffee scene is thriving as of late, and our coffeeshop guide is here to help you navigate your way around the city’s caffeine-clad haunts), our two favorite coffee shops in Kreuzberg are Five Elephant, a small chain of micro-cafes with delicious cheesecakes, and Bonanza Coffee Roasters.
• Mom’s Creation — a vegan restaurant with a fantastic menu and a cozy patio. What about… a vegan duck?!

While accommodation options in Kreuzberg might not be significantly cheaper than in the rest of Berlin (though we did find lots of cheaper places for this particular neighborhood), you’re guaranteed to get more for your buck here. From unique design choices to outstanding levels of service, Kreuzberg hotels are a treat at any price point:

• Three Little Pigs Hostel (from €25 per night) — ideal for budget-conscious travelers seeking a prime location. Choose from private rooms with bathrooms or beds in shared dormitories.
• Die Fabrik (from €30 a night) — housed in a former 1900s factory, the hostel is charming. The owners have thoughtfully designed the common areas to build a strong sense of community, making them a delight to explore. There is a range of rooms from well-designed private ones (from €80 per night) to dormitory-style accommodation.
• 4* Hüttenpalast (from €90 per night) — this hotel is quite unique and offers a memorable stay in cozy cabins or tiny houses on wheels. Standard rooms with private bathrooms are also available for a slightly higher price.

Friedrichshain — where to stay in Berlin for nightlife

Across the Spree River from Kreuzberg lies Friedrichshain, the hippest district of former East Berlin. Much like in Kreuzberg, the streets here pulsate with a punk, alternative spirit. In our opinion, Friedrichshain can actually rival Kreuzberg for the title of the coolest neighborhood in Berlin!

• Friedrichshain is known for its nightlife and is home to legendary techno clubs like Berghain that attract partygoers from all over the world making it a perfect option for those wondering where to stay in Berlin for stag do.

However, this district’s charm extends well beyond its nightlife. It is also a magnet for socialist architecture lovers. Landmarks like Karl Marx Allee stand as monuments to the city’s socialist past and are considered to be meccas for the certain kinds of aesthetes (Ayn Rand readers in particular, we believe). What makes Friedrichshain one of the best places to stay in Berlin is this unusual combination — you can explore the cultural heritage of the city all day and party all night.

If you feel like taking a breather from the clubs, we’ve got some alternative recommendations to keep you entertained (and well-fed):

• RAW-Gelände — a perfect place to spend your weekends in. RAW is a hub of art spaces, street food stalls, and beer gardens.
• Boxhagener Platz — a go-to area for bars, food trucks, and Sunday markets! Just pick any place you fancy in the area — they all tend to be wonderful.
• Katerschmaus — a restaurant that’s located in another art cluster — Holzmarkt 25. When we’re in the neighborhood, we never miss the opportunity to pay a visit to Katerschmaus. Great food comes with a fantastic view of the river here, and it cannot possibly get any better than that!

All of our research concludes that if you come to Berlin for the pulsating beats on the dance floor, then Friedrichshain is your ultimate destination. It is ranked as home to the highest density of clubs in the city and the number of choices will probably blow your mind. Even though sleep will probably be the last thing on your mind, here is a list of hand-picked accommodations in the area:

• 3* Amano East Side (from €80 a night) — cute, stylish, and boasting a prime location, — this hotel is a good fit for anyone planning to spend most of their time exploring the city and just crashing here at night (or day!)
• 4* New Berlin (from €100 a night) — simple and functional choice that stands out because of free spa access for all the guests.
• 4* Michelberger Hotel (from €110 a night) — a lovely hotel with impeccable attention to detail. Particular highlights are uniquely decorated rooms and super friendly staff.

Potsdamer Platz — where to stay in Berlin for running a marathon

Is it better to stay in East or West Berlin? What about something in between? Historically positioned as the midpoint between the divided city halves, Potsdamer Platz has been completely revitalized and definitely gives off futuristic cityscape vibes.

For a first-time visitor who wants to fit all the important landmarks in 3 days, Potsdamer might be a great fit. You have easy access to both East and West Berlin and can enjoy the best of both worlds. The Jewish Memorial Site and the Brandenburg Gate are within walking distance (the locations are usually included in the most popular Berlin walking tours, like this one). Reichstag, probably the most popular tourist attraction, is nearby too.

If you’re visiting Berlin in September, Potsdamer Platz is ideal for the Berlin marathon lovers (and, most importantly, runners!). The route gloriously starts in Tiergarten, between Brandenburg Gate and the Victory Column. Book your accommodation in advance — the hotels fill up really fast!

What is worth checking out in the area besides the obvious must-see landmarks? Our personal food-related destinations of Potsdamer Platz are:

• Pots — if you’re feeling festive, come try seasonal German dishes at Pots, the Ritz-Carlton restaurant. People say they actually run a bargain for quality, but be ready to spend over €60 for your meal.
• Manifesto Market — a famous food court in Potsdamer Platz neighborhood for when you’re looking for something less posh, but still delicious. You can expect a curated selection of cuisines from all over the world on a friendly budget.
• The Barn — your best option for drinks in the area. You can start your day here with excellent espressos and end it with natural wines or coffee-based cocktails.

Potsdamer Platz holds a certain allure of luxury, given its association with the prestigious Berlinale Film Festival and the glamorous red carpet events. So the closest options are expensive 5-star hotels with grand names like Marriott or the Ritz. But just one more S-Bahn stop going south, and you’ll find a range of cheaper accommodation options:

• 3* The Suite Novotel (from €120 a night) — simple, clean, and functional. A real game-changer is a kitchenette with a microwave and some other small appliances that can help you enormously if you’re on a budget.
• 4* Fjord Hotel Berlin (from €90 a night) — the name says it all. The hotel with nordic minimalistic vibes and very reasonable prices guarantees an amazing stay in Berlin!
• 4* Precise Tale (from €140 per night) — this one is our honorable mention. Incredible service, commitment to sustainability, and a great location. Here is a nice bonus — a quiet lovely garden for you to take a beat in.

Charlottenburg — where to stay in Berlin with family

Charlottenburg often gets overlooked in guides aimed at where to stay in Berlin for the first time. The reason is simple — it is a bit off the routes you choose as a tourist in the city. It is situated next to Kurfürstendamm and is often lumped together with it.

Charlottenburg is very clean, pleasantly green, and with a touch of luxury. There are a lot of residential and family-friendly areas around. Grunewald Forest — Berlin’s largest green space — is right around the corner. Charlottenburg Palace is stunning and is a nice option for leisurely walks not too far from your hotel.

Despite being away from the main tourist attractions, the neighborhood is well-connected to the rest of the city, making commuting easy. Keep in mind that locals often call Charlottenburg a bourgeois kiez, which means it is not a budget-friendly neighborhood.

If you’re traveling to Berlin with family, staying in Charlottenburg might be a good idea. Having a fancy reputation made the neighborhood very safe. Despite the higher costs of accommodation and dining, there are many free things to do here with your kids — like picnics in spacious green areas.

As expected, Charlottenburg has more elegant and Michelin-type restaurants in the area then hole-in-the-wall eateries. Still, we wanted to give you some alternatives to prove that this neighborhood can be quite laid-back and budget-friendly (-ish):

• Koshary Lux — a wonderful simple restaurant that serves Egyptian, Middle Eastern & North African food. It’s nothing fancy or out-of-pocket, but the food here is extremely delicious.
• Lon Men’s Noodle House — a tiny Taiwanese place that accepts only cash and walk-ins. It’s quite popular, so you might have to wait a bit to get seated.
• A Never Ever Ending Love Story — the best breakfast spot in the area with a name to match!

We’ve tried to stay on the more affordable side of accommodation options in Charlottenburg, but let us tell you, it’s not an easy undertaking:

• 3* Leonardo Hotel (from €80 a night) — a hidden gem in this luxurious area. For a very modest price, you get a great room and good service.
• 4* Art Nouveau Hotel am Kurfürstendamm (from €100 a night) — something a little bit different. Your home away from home if you will. This hotel does live up to its name, spreading enchanting old-world charm and creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for its guests.
• 4* Sir Savigny Hotel (from €140 a night) — be ready to be blown away by the decor of your room. This hotel is chic and classy (but not related in any way to Chloë Sevigny, which is kind of a bummer).

Our list of 10 great Berlin hotels (sorted by price)

If you’re still on the fence about which district is best to stay in Berlin for your personal plans and needs, here’s a simple solution: Choose a hotel that speaks to you and let it guide your exploration.

Take a peek at our top-ten hotels in Berlin:

• 3* Leonardo Hotel (Charlottenburg; from €80 a night) — tourists are consistently impressed with the quality and value offered by this hotel. Despite its very modest price, expect to move into a clean, modern room, chat with friendly staff, and make total use of its excellent location. It’s a testament to the idea that exceptional experience doesn’t need to break the bank.
• 3* Hotel Augusta Am Kurfürstendamm (Kurfürstendamm; from €110 a night) — this place is family-run; stepping inside feels like visiting your favorite aunt. The sweetly decorated rooms immediately warm your heart, and every breakfast in the gorgeous dining area feels like a special occasion.
• 3* The Suite Novotel (Potsdamer Platz; from €120 a night) — here’s another gem offering excellent value for its price. If you’re the type of traveler who values predictability and getting exactly what you expect, this hotel is right up your alley. It’s straightforward, simple, and consistently meets the standards you’re looking for.
• 4* The Social Hub Berlin Alexanderplatz (Alexanderplatz; from €110 a night) — as you’ve probably already picked up on this — it is our favorite hotel in all of Berlin. With cozy rooms, prime location, and great options to actually build your own social hub, this hotel has it all (even an outdoor cinema).
• 4* Fjord Hotel Berlin (Potsdamer Platz; from €90 a night) — the hotel lives up to its name with its Nordic minimalistic vibes and reasonable prices. Other perks include a delicious breakfast buffet and convenient room configurations, which can make decision-making a breeze.
• 4* URBAN LOFT Berlin (Heidestrasse; from €100 a night) — if you’re a digital nomad seeking a blend of work and play, this place could be your haven. Everything else is in order too — big rooms, free gym, and friendly staff.

• 4* NH Berlin Alexanderplatz (Alexanderplatz; from €100 a night) — as part of a reputable chain, this hotel automatically guarantees high-quality service. While there may not be any standout features, it is consistently reliable and comfortable. You get what you paid for, and we mean that in the best possible way.
• 4* Michelberger Hotel (Friedrichshain; from €110 a night) — our top pick for families. The decor is very imaginative and the rooms are quite spacious. The band rooms (the ones with stylishly elevated bunk beds) will get your kids very excited.
• STAYERY Berlin Friedrichshain (Friedrichshain; from €110 a night) — if you’re a fan of Bauhaus and its principles, you’ll adore this aparthotel. Everything here screams smart, yet stylish functionality. For the price of a hotel room, you get an entire apartment to yourself.
• The Circus Hotel (Alexanderplatz; from €130 a night) — it’s always refreshing when a hotel offers more than just a bed to sleep in. You’ve already read about the Circus group’s diverse range of options. What’s even more impressive is their commitment to ensuring your time in Berlin is filled with positive experiences. Whether it’s taking a break from sightseeing with a yoga class or indulging in a fancy cocktail on the rooftop, they have something for everyone to enjoy.

Our tips for traveling to Berlin

How many days do you need in Berlin? We have visited this city numerous times — on our last two visits, we stayed here for a week each time, totaling 2 weeks. While it’s certainly possible to get a taste of Berlin during a shorter trip (our three-day itinerary is the living proof of the theory), we recommend spending at least a week to fully experience the city.

One of the most important things you need to know before visiting Berlin is that it is a large city, with neighborhoods very spread out. So having a week allows you to visit key attractions and immerse yourself in the local culture. When planning your accommodation, consider the purpose of your trip — selecting a neighborhood that aligns with your interests will make your life so much easier.

If you want more insight into particular aspects of visiting Berlin, check out our other articles dedicated to the city:

• For example, which museums are worth your time
• or where to find a damn good cup of coffee in this Grey City

While each neighborhood in Berlin has many sides to it (both literally and figuratively), the general gist of the space remains the same. We have covered quite a few of what we think are the best areas to stay in Berlin here, so it makes sense to offer you a quick rundown of their main characteristics. Don’t forget to use our map for planning your next trip to Berlin; that way, you’ll know which neighborhood makes most sense for your itinerary.

When is the best time to visit Berlin?

We have two different, but equally important recommendations for you. If you’re planning to discover the city and enjoy it to the fullest, then summer is your best bet. The weather is great but not too hot, and locals love to spend their time outside, making people-watching that much more exciting.

But if you’re more of a culture geek, then come here in February. You can combine your tourist experience with one of the biggest film festivals in Europe — the Berlinale. The best part of the festival is that it’s open to the public, so you can always buy a ticket for a film screening and Q&A session with the filmmakers.

Make sure to share your favorite Berlin haunts and other neighborhoods’ bits and bobs in the comments down below — we love learning other people’s unique Berlin experiences!