Planning a trip to Germany’s capital? No challenge is greater than figuring out where to stay in Berlin. Sprawling over 890 square kilometers, Berlin is home to over 3.5 million people, with loads of interesting areas and neighborhoods spread throughout the city for travelers.
Many of the best hotels in Berlin lie within Mitte, the historic city center that’s home to many of the city’s top attractions. Not far away from Mitte, areas like Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain show off the city’s edgier side. Here, tourists can scope out Berlin’s cool street art scene along with plenty of fantastic restaurants, cafes, and bars.
Shopaholics and culture lovers will love spending their nights in Charlottenburg, located just west of the city center. Spend your days shopping at boutiques before ending your evening catching a performance in its theaters. For families and foodies, on the other hand, no area in Berlin pleases more than Prenzlauer Berg. This former East Berlin neighborhood offers plenty of family-friendly accommodation options and a superb restaurant scene.
Overwhelmed with your Berlin lodgings search? Find the perfect hotel with this complete guide to the best places to stay in Berlin!
Looking for more ideas for your trip? Check out our other hotel & accommodations guides and our Berlin Travel Guide for tips and recommendations on when to visit, where to go & what to do on your vacation!
Best places to stay in Berlin
Berlin is a canvas of unique areas and neighborhoods. Which one you choose will affect your travel experience, as each area, neighborhood, and district shows off a different face of the city.
For most travelers, Mitte is the logical choice. The city’s central-most area is home to many of its top attractions and has an excellent selection of lodgings spanning every travel budget. Looking for more edge? Shoot for the gutsiness of the Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain districts, each loaded with cool street art, restaurants, bars, and clubs.
If you’re looking for more upscale accommodations just outside the center, head for Charlottenburg. The area is a fantastic spot for shopping and cultural activities. Alternatively, families will love Prenzlauer Berg, a mostly residential neighborhood with loads of family-friendly lodgings.
The price of accommodations in Berlin is neither bargain basement nor unreasonable. On the whole, you’ll find the prices in Berlin in line with the rest of the Central Europe region. They’re often even cheaper than in other popular European destinations.
The best areas to stay in Berlin include:
- Mitte is the top choice for first-time visitors. This area is home to many of the top attractions in the city.
- Kreuzberg is the coolest area in Berlin to catch a glimpse at the city’s alternative culture. Best of all, you can do it without venturing too far outside of the tourist center.
- Friedrichshain is another cool central neighborhood and a fantastic option to experience the city’s famed nightlife.
- Charlottenburg is located to the west of central Berlin and is the perfect choice for shopping and attending cultural events.
- Prenzlauer Berg is a popular area in the former East Berlin. With plenty of family-friendly amenities and excellent restaurants, it’s one of the most popular neighborhoods to stay in Berlin for families and foodies.
Mitte
✓ Best area to stay for first-time visitors & for sightseeing
Want to be close to the coolest Berlin attractions? Whether you have one day in Berlin or a week, there’s no better place to base yourself than Mitte. The city’s centralmost area, Mitte occupies what was, at the height of the Cold War, the historic city center of East Berlin. Many of the city’s most famous landmarks, most popular museums, and finest architecture lie along the streets here.
The walking distance between most attractions in Mitte is reasonable. The area is a great choice for travelers who want to be close to all the action. On top of that, Mitte also offers convenient public transportation links. It’s a fantastic base for exploring the fringes of the city or embarking on some awesome day trips from Berlin.
For its convenience, there’s a trade-off. As the most central district, Mitte tends to be more expensive than other neighborhoods in Berlin. It’s not impossible to find good rooms at a reasonable price, though. Those on a tight travel budget, however, might want to consider nearby Friedrichshain or Kreuzberg instead.
Attractions in Mitte: Alexanderplatz, Berliner Dom, Brandenburg Gate, DDR Museum, Nikolaiviertel, Museuminsel
Recommended hotels in Mitte
The quality of accommodations in Mitte is generally quite good. Wherever you choose to stay in Mitte, you’ll be close to cafes, restaurants, bars, and a never-ending selection of things to do.
- Generator Berlin Mitte is a stylish hotel in northern Mitte with bright, modern rooms. It offers a superb location near some of the top restaurants and nightlife in the city.
- art’otel berlin mitte is a modern design hotel with classic touches. The hotel is a short walk away from Nikolaiviertel, Alexanderplatz, and even Kreuzberg to the south.
- Grimm’s Hotel am Potsdamer Platz is a quirky hotel located at the southwestern fringes of Mitte close to Potsdamer Platz. The hotel offers excellent city views from most rooms.
- Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin is Berlin’s most legendary 5-star luxury hotel. It’s located steps away from Brandenburg Gate. There’s a classic grand hotel vibe here that’ll make you feel more like royalty than a traveler. The hotel is so famous you’ve probably seen it in at least half a dozen movies!
Kreuzberg
✓ Top area to stay for an alternative vibe in a central city neighborhood
When trying to find the perfect place to stay in Berlin, don’t limit your search to Mitte. Kreuzberg is the city’s hippest central district and one of the coolest districts for travelers looking to experience a more “local” vibe.
And it’s not so far away.
Kreuzberg is located just south of Mitte. The area even hangs on to a handful of the city’s top attractions. Stop by Checkpoint Charlie, the former East/West border checkpoint. Spot interesting WWII relics like the Topography of Terror. And step back into the Cold War by searching out some of the city’s few remaining sections of the Berlin Wall. Outside of Mitte, Kreuzberg is the next-best alternative to base yourself while visiting Berlin.
Kreuzberg doesn’t quite have the glamour of Mitte or Charlottenburg. In fact, it’s quite the opposite, at least in parts. Whereas there’s little distinction between West Kreuzberg and the rest of West Berlin, East Kreuzberg has a truly lived-in feel.
The area has changed over the years—and for the better. Kreuzberg is now one of the hottest residential spots for young Berliners. An ever-changing resident profile has given way to vintage shops, hip restaurants, and clubs. The streets also show off some of Berlin’s coolest street art.
Mature travelers will feel more at home in Mitte or Charlottenburg. Younger travelers, however, should seriously consider staying in Kreuzberg. It’s among Berlin’s coolest places to eat, drink and let loose.
Attractions in Kreuzberg: Checkpoint Charlie, Jewish Museum Berlin, Tempodrom, German Museum of Technology, Berlinische Gallerie, Topography of Terror, Berlin Wall
Recommended hotels in Kreuzberg
Kreuzberg hasn’t always been a top choice for accommodations in Berlin. The area is just beginning to fulfill its potential as a top-notch neighborhood for travelers. Stylish boutique hotels and hip hostels round out much of the selection here.
- Grand Hostel is a hostel/guesthouse occupying a beautiful 19th-century building in Kreuzberg. It offers both private and shared rooms.
- Motel One Berlin Mitte is a modern hotel featuring stylish rooms in the heart of Kreuzberg. It’s steps away from excellent restaurants and bars. You’ll also be minutes to most of Berlin’s popular attractions by U-bahn.
- Mondrian Suites Berlin am Checkpoint Charlie is an elegant 4-star property. It offers excellent value modern studios and apartments. The hotel is conveniently located close to Checkpoint Charlie and the Kochstraße U-bahn station. The heart of Berlin Mitte is a quick walk away.
Friedrichshain
✓ Best neighborhood to stay for experiencing Berlin’s nightlife
Along with Kreuzberg to the west, Friedrichshain is one of central Berlin’s most colorful districts. But staying in Friedrichshain won’t be right for everyone.
The district has a gritty reputation that even East Kreuzberg can’t quite beat. That’s not to say Friedrichshain is necessarily unsafe. A little rough around the edges, though? No doubt.
Friedrichshain sits inside the former East Berlin. It helps to explain its not always well-kept physical appearance. The area is, however, central Berlin’s most up-and-coming residential quarter. The youthful vibrance has, like Kreuzberg, filled the streets of Friedrichshain with creativity. Boutique shops, vintage second-hand clothing shops, and yummy eateries have blossomed in the shift.
For going a little loco, Friedrichshain might be your go-to. Some of the city’s most famous bars and clubs call the neighborhood home. Many are conveniently located within stumbling distance of some of the most popular hotels in Friedrichshain. (If that’s your kind of thing.)
Friedrichshain is not quite as central as Mitte or Kreuzberg. The district is, however, well connected to the rest of the city by public transportation. The Berlin Ostbahnhof and Warschauer Straße S-bahn stations are only a couple of stops away from the center of town.
Attractions in Friedrichshain: East Side Gallery, Oberbaumbrücke, Mercedes-Benz Arena Berlin, Volkspark Friedrichshain, Karl-Marx-Allee
Recommended hotels in Friedrichshain
Friedrichshain’s growing popularity has sparked an explosion of new hostels, guesthouses & hotels. The top hotels in Friedrichshain are surprisingly sophisticated and stylish.
- Industriepalast Hostel & Hotel Berlin is a cool budget design hotel & hostel close to the Warschauer Straße U-bahn. Comfy and clean rooms are complemented by great amenities. Facilities include a shared outdoor terrace and a recreation area with a pool and foosball table. It’s a good choice if you want to dig into Berlin’s club scene.
- MOXY Berlin Ostbahnhof is a contemporary budget hotel near the Berlin Ostbahnhof. The cozy rooms and stylish common areas feature trendy designs that create a homey atmosphere. The hotel is within short walking distance of the East Side Gallery and Oberbaumbrücke. Plenty of restaurants & bars in Friedrichshain and across the Spree in Kreuzberg are also nearby. Get the best price guaranteed and earn Marriott Rewards on your stay by booking directly at Marriott.com.
- Michelberger Hotel is another stylish design hotel in Friedrichshain. The hotel features a hip café and restaurant focusing on healthy, organic food, including vegan and vegetarian options. The hotel is a short walk to the East Side Gallery. It’s well connected to Berlin’s most famous tourist attraction by U-bahn. Über-rad Kreuzberg is just across Oberbaumbrücke from the property.
Charlottenburg
✓ Top neighborhood in Berlin for shopping & culture
In the grips of West Berlin, Charlottenburg had less catching up to do than the eastern districts upon Germany’s reunification. During the intra-war period, Charlottenburg was Berlin’s most modern sector and its most important cultural center.
With Prenzlauer Berg, Kreuzberg & Friedrichshain beckoning Berliners, Charlottenburg lost its once booming popularity. Still, it’s arguably the best place to go shopping in the city.
Charlottenburg is Berlin’s premier district for unloading your Euros in style. Shopaholics will love shopping at the upscale boutiques along Kurfürstendamm. Bring plenty of Euros along as you browse through Kaufhaus des Westens (KaDeWe). This massive complex is continental Europe’s biggest department store.
Besides shopping, visitors to Charlottenburg will be overjoyed by its cultural activities. The district still holds sway among devotees of the performing arts. Several theaters celebrating musicals and operas draw crowds from all around the city. It’s also home to one of Berlin’s most beautiful tourist attractions, Schloss Charlottenburg. The palace lingers in the district’s northern fringes.
Charlottenburg is a little too far from Mitte to be considered comfortable walking distance. Getting to the center of Berlin, however, is just a few U-bahn or S-bahn stops away.
The neighborhood is close to the city’s top tourist attractions and offers great hotels. Charlottenburg is one of the top districts in Berlin for travelers looking for an elegant yet quieter alternative to Mitte.
Attractions in Charlottenburg: Berlin Zoo, Tiergarten, Kurfürstendamm, KaDeWe, Schloss Charlottenburg, Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, Theater des Westens, Deutsche Opera Berlin, Schillertheater
Recommended hotels in Charlottenburg
There’s a wide selection of sophisticated accommodations in Charlottenburg. It’ll suit you well when pinpointing where to stay in Berlin. The most popular hotels in Charlottenburg are steps away from transit connections, excellent restaurants, and cool cafés.
- Leonardo Hotel Berlin is a good value 3-star hotel situated in a quiet corner of Charlottenburg. It’s located close to the U-bahn (Bismarkstraße) for easy access to the rest of the city.
- H10 Berlin Ku’damm is an elegant and modern hotel steps from the Kurfürstendamm shopping area. The soundproofed rooms are a huge bonus. Easy metro access makes it easy to jet around Berlin and outside of the city.
- H’Otello K’80 Berlin is a charming 4-star boutique hotel with a minimalist touch. It’s located close to the cafés, restaurants, and shopping. The famous KaDeWe department store is a 15-minute walk away.
Prenzlauer Berg
✓ Recommended district for foodies & families
Tucked into Berlin’s northeast, Prenzlauer Berg can’t be ignored when choosing where to base yourself in Berlin. The area is more elegant than Kreuzberg or Friedrichshain, but with just enough grit to keep it interesting. Prenzlauer Berg is now one of the most coveted neighborhoods for Berliners.
For foodies, selecting Prenzlauer Berg as your Berlin base is almost obligatory. The diverse restaurant scene in Prenzlauer Berg is among the best in the city. The selection is especially good around Kollwitzplatz, Oderberger Straße, and Kastanienalle.
Prenzlauer Berg is noticeably greener than other districts in central Berlin. The tree-lined boulevards and historic architecture are a boon to any walk around Prenzlauer Berg. Parks and playgrounds are also scattered throughout. Prenzlauer Berg is an excellent choice for families traveling together to Berlin.
Even with all the amenities at its heart, Prenzlauer Berg is a residential neighborhood. An experience here presents the more relaxing side of Berlin.
And just in case you were worried, Prenzlauer Berg is still mere minutes from Mitte via public transportation. The pleasant 20- to 30-minute walk to the center of the city isn’t so bad either!
Attractions in Prenzlauer Berg: Mauerpark, Kastanienallee, Volkspark Prenzlauer Berg, Velodrom, Prater, Kulturbrauerei, Judischefriedhof (Jewish Cemetery)
Recommended hotels in Prenzlauer Berg
Compared to other districts, Prenzlauer Berg doesn’t have much traditional accommodation. What’s offered here, however, is often high quality.
- Old Town Hotel is a no-frills contemporary hotel in the heart of cool Prenzlauer Berg. The clean and bright rooms are an excellent value for Berlin. The hotel is a short walk from some of the tastiest restaurants in the city on Kastanienallee and Oderberger Straße.
- Victor’s Residenz-Hotel Berlin is an elegant 4-star hotel in a quiet neighborhood of central Berlin. The on-site restaurant serves international cuisine, including a delicious breakfast buffet. (Breakfast is included in the room price). Alexanderplatz is a 20-minute walk or 10-minute tram ride away.
- Myer’s Hotel Berlin is a 4-star boutique Berlin hotel with stately classic decor. The brand-new spa area is free for guests. It’s perfect for ending a day of sightseeing with grand relaxation. Senefelderplatz U-bahn station is a 3-minute walk from the hotel. Via the station, the center of Berlin is less than 10 minutes away.
Final recommendations
- Looking to get face-to-face with Berlin’s main attractions? Narrow your search to Mitte, the city center of Berlin. Grimm’s Hotel am Potsdamer Platz is excellent value. It offers a prime location near Potsdamer Platz and superbly stylish rooms.
- Want to see what makes Berlin tick? Dig into hip Kreuzberg or the even edgier Friedrichshain. The Motel One Berlin Mitte in Kreuzberg and spunky Michelberger Hotel in Friedrichshain are good places to start looking.
- Stomach growling for the tastiest food in Berlin? It’s hard to find a more palate-satisfying neighborhood than Prenzlauer Berg. The Old Town Hotel is close to the tasty restaurants huddled around Kollwitzplatz and along Kastanienallee.
