Berlin is a city of distinct villages, each with its own rhythm. It’s decentralized, gritty, green, and endlessly creative. Where you stay depends entirely on the Berlin you want to see: the historic monuments of Mitte, the polished elegance of the West, the club-fueled nights of the East, or the laid-back café culture of the north.
Mitte
Mitte literally means 'middle', and it is the historic core of Berlin. Home to the Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island, and the TV Tower, it sits right at the intersection of former East and West. It’s polished, gallery-filled, and the most convenient base for first-time sightseers.
What we love
- +Unbeatable walking access to major landmarks
- +High concentration of galleries and boutiques
- +Clean, safe, and English-friendly
Worth noting
- –Can feel touristy and lacks 'kiez' (local) vibe
- –Accomodation is generally more expensive
- –Nightlife is tamer compared to Kreuzberg
Nearby
Brandenburg Gate · Museum Island · Alexanderplatz & TV Tower · Hackescher Markt · Reichstag Dome
Prenzlauer Berg
Once a center of counter-culture, 'Prenzlberg' is now Berlin's most affluent bohemian family district. Beautifully restored pre-war buildings line cobbled streets filled with organic cafes, playgrounds, and indie shops. It offers a relaxed, village-like atmosphere just north of Mitte.
What we love
- +Charming, leafy streets and great architecture
- +Fantastic Sunday flea market at Mauerpark
- +Huge variety of restaurants and cafes
Worth noting
- –Can feel a bit like a 'yummy mummy' bubble
- –Prices have risen significantly
- –Fewer edgy nightlife options
Nearby
Mauerpark (and Flea Market) · Kulturbrauerei · Kollwitzplatz · Prater Beer Garden · Oderberger Straße
Kreuzberg
Kreuzberg is the legendary heart of alternative Berlin. Historically West Berlin's punk enclave, it remains politically active, multicultural, and vibrant. From the canal-side chilling at Admiralbrücke to the street food of Markthalle Neun, it bursts with energy day and night.
What we love
- +Incredible nightlife and bar scene
- +Great mix of Turkish and hipster culture
- +Centrally located near the canal (Landwehrkanal)
Worth noting
- –Can get very loud and gritty (graffiti is everywhere)
- –Görlitzer Park is known for drug dealers
- –Crowded with party tourists on weekends
Nearby
East Side Gallery (nearby) · Landwehrkanal · Markthalle Neun · Jewish Museum · Bergmannkiez
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Friedrichshain
Across the river from Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain is former East Berlin's raw party hub. Home to the world-famous Berghain and the RAW-Gelände complex, it attracts a young, hedonistic crowd. Beyond the clubs, Boxhagener Platz offers a lovely local square with weekend markets.
What we love
- +Epicenter of Berlin's techno club scene
- +More affordable dining and drinking
- +RAW-Gelände offers unique cultural space
Worth noting
- –The 'party strip' (Simon-Dach-Str) is touristy
- –Can look quite rough/industrial in parts
- –Not ideal for light sleepers
Nearby
East Side Gallery · Berghain (if you get in) · RAW-Gelände · Boxhagener Platz · Oberbaum Bridge
Charlottenburg
For decades the center of West Berlin, Charlottenburg exudes old-world elegance. It’s home to the Ku'damm shopping boulevard, the palace, and high-end savory dining. If you prefer white tablecloths and quiet, clean streets over graffiti and techno, this is your quarter.
What we love
- +Sophisticated shopping (KaDeWe, Ku'damm)
- +Safe, clean, and orderly environment
- +Great access to Zoo and Palace gardens
Worth noting
- –Far from the 'cool' action of East Berlin
- –Nightlife is traditional (opera/theater) vs clubs
- –Can feel a bit sleepy for younger travelers
Nearby
Charlottenburg Palace · Kurfürstendamm (Ku'damm) · KaDeWe Department Store · Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church · Savignyplatz
Neukölln
Ideally positioned south of Kreuzberg, Neukölln is the current 'cool kid' on the block. It’s gritty, diverse, and rapidly gentrifying. Old dive bars sit next to natural wine spots and vegan donut shops. It offers a raw, authentic Berlin experience for those who don't mind a bit of edge.
What we love
- +Tempelhofer Feld (abandoned airport park) is unique
- +Cutting-edge bar and food scene
- +Cheaper than Mitte or Kreuzberg (for now)
Worth noting
- –Some areas are still quite rough
- –Further south means longer travel times
- –Rapid gentrification can cause friction
Nearby
Tempelhofer Feld · Klunkerkranich (Rooftop) · Schillerkiez · Wesertraße (Bar hopping) · Maybachufer Market
Schöneberg
Rich in history (David Bowie lived here), Schöneberg is a leafy, welcoming district known as the center of Berlin's LGBTQ+ community. It feels established and local, with a fantastic mix of pre-war architecture, weekly markets, and a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere.
What we love
- +Historic LGBTQ+ hub around Nollendorfplatz
- +Excellent Winterfeldtmarkt (market)
- +Central but distinct from the tourist crush
Worth noting
- –Not as visually 'famous' as Mitte
- –Nightlife is specific (mostly gay bars)
- –A bit quieter than the eastern districts
Nearby
Winterfeldtplatz · Nollendorfplatz · Rathaus Schöneberg · Akazienstraße · KaDeWe (border)
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