Best hotels in Berlin: where to stay by area

Berlin is a vast, ever-changing capital of recent history, art, clubs and huge parks, and the area where you sleep completely changes the trip: the monuments of Mitte, the calm cafes of Prenzlauer Berg, the alternative Berlin of Kreuzberg, the nightlife of Friedrichshain, the western elegance of Charlottenburg. The U-Bahn and S-Bahn reach everywhere and the neighbourhoods are walkable, but the city is big, so location matters. Here are the best areas to stay, the prices to reckon with and, at the end, a selection of real hotels with live rates.

Where to stay in Berlin, area by area

Mitte

The historic centre around the Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island and the Unter den Linden boulevard. It is the right call for a first-timer who wants the monuments on foot, with maximum centrality and mid-to-upper prices.

• The Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag
• Museum Island and the Berlin Cathedral
• Alexanderplatz with the TV Tower
• The lively Hackescher Markt

For monuments and centrality, look for hotels in Mitte.

Prenzlauer Berg

Elegant and tree-lined, it is the restored district full of cafes, boutiques and families. It is the choice for anyone after a relaxed but fashionable feel, markets and brunch, a few stops from the centre.

• The Kollwitzplatz square with its organic market
• The Mauerpark with its Sunday flea market and karaoke
• The former brewery Kulturbrauerei
• Cafes, brunch spots and neighbourhood shops

For calm and style, see hotels in Prenzlauer Berg.

Kreuzberg

Alternative, multicultural Berlin, between street art, Turkish food and nightlife. It is the choice for anyone who loves creative energy, street food and bars, accepting a raw, lively feel.

• The East Side Gallery, the painted stretch of the Wall
• The Gorlitzer Park and the Bergmannstrasse
• The Turkish market on the Maybachufer
• Checkpoint Charlie on the border with Mitte

For creativity and food, look for hotels in Kreuzberg.

Friedrichshain

Young and nocturnal, it is the Berlin of clubs and bars, with lively squares and converted old factories. It is the choice for anyone on a tighter budget who loves nightlife and a no-frills feel.

• The East Side Gallery along the Spree
• The Boxhagener Platz square with its market
• The bar zone of the RAW-Gelande
• Some of the most affordable prices

For nightlife and budget, see hotels in Friedrichshain.

Charlottenburg

West Berlin, elegant and quieter, with the department stores and the shopping of the Kurfurstendamm. It is the choice for anyone after comfort, shops and calm, with the charm of old West Berlin.

• The shopping avenue Kurfurstendamm
• The KaDeWe department store
• The Charlottenburg Palace
• The Memorial Church

For shopping and calm, look for hotels in Charlottenburg.

What it costs

Indicative figures: Berlin stays more affordable than Paris or London for a major capital.

• A double room in a mid-range 3-4 star: roughly 90-180 euros a night.
• A dinner for two with drinks: about 45-75 euros; a beer 3.50-5 euros, a coffee 3-3.80 euros, a currywurst 3-4 euros.
• Transport: a single AB ticket around 3.80 euros; a day ticket is worth it (about 9.90 euros).
• Tourist tax: Berlin's City Tax is 7.5 percent of the net overnight price (excluding breakfast and extras). Verify the amount at booking.

For a real sense before you choose, compare current prices in Berlin.

Getting there and around

The airport is Berlin Brandenburg (BER), about 24 km southeast, linked to the centre by the Airport Express trains and the S-Bahn (S9 and S45) in a good half hour. In town the U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams and buses cover everything and the neighbourhoods are walkable.

A car is unnecessary and parking is a hassle. With a good location, almost everything is on foot or a few stops away.

When to go

• April-May: a mild spring, parks in bloom, maybe the best window.
• June-August: warm and long, beer gardens, lakes and festivals, the peak.
• September-October: crisp air, the cultural season and the Festival of Lights in October.
• November-December: cold, but with Christmas markets like the one at Gendarmenmarkt.
• January-February: freezing, fewer crowds and, in February, the Berlinale film festival.

Good to know

Which area is best on a first visit? Mitte for the monuments, or Prenzlauer Berg for a calmer base.

Do I need a car in Berlin? No, the U-Bahn and S-Bahn cover everything and the neighbourhoods are walkable.

How much is the tourist tax? The City Tax is 7.5 percent of the net room rate, excluding breakfast.

How far is the airport? About 24 km, with the Airport Express or the S-Bahn in a good half hour.

Is Berlin expensive? Less than Paris or London: good value for food, transport and culture.

How many days do I need? Three or four nights for the monuments, a couple of museums and an alternative district.

The best hotels in Berlin

Below is a selection of real hotels in Berlin among the highest rated by guests, with live rates to compare right now. Choose the area first, then compare prices and book at the right moment.