The Best Areas to Stay in Berlin for Any Budget

At the heart of modern-day Berlin, Mitte (which means ‘middle’) was at one point the westernmost city of East Berlin. Since reunification, it has slowly but surely established itself as Berlin’s true centre, and now attracts the tourism it deserves. Home to the German parliament and iconic landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate, the Potsdamer Platz and Checkpoint Charlie, Mitte is perfect for those wishing to explore Berlin’s cultural and political heritage, whilst still taking advantage of chic cafes and restaurants.

Attractions in Mitte

• Berlin Wall
• Brandenburg Gate
• Fernsehturm Berlin
• Pergamon Museum
• Berlin Cathedral
• Neues Museum
• Altes Museum
• Bode Museum
• Egyptian Museum of Berlin
• St. Hedwig's Cathedral

This district, bordering Mitte, is dynamic and exciting, popular with young designers and entrepreneurs. History and modernity sit in contrast here: on the one hand, the memory of the East-West divide looms large, with the exceptional Jewish Museum and the longest intact section of the Berlin Wall. On the other, sleek, modern buildings and museums dedicated to modern architecture, science and technology show that this district is stepping confidently into the future. There are plenty of green spaces here and riverboat cruises are available on the canal, making it a good choice for families, whilst the area’s legendary nightlife will attract young revellers.

Attractions in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg

• Jewish Museum Berlin
• East Side Gallery
• German Museum of Technology
• Topography of Terror
• Berlinische Galerie
• Martin-Gropius-Bau
• Berghain
• Computerspielemuseum Berlin
• SO36
• Matrix

Charlottenburg is true city chic. As Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg has asserted itself as the nightlife and cool-kid district of choice, Charlottenburg in turn has become ever-more upmarket. One of Berlin’s major boulevards is located here: Kurfürstendamm is the German equivalent of Paris’ Champs-Elysees. As well as Berlin’s best shopping district, this district also boasts the oft-photographed Charlottenburg Palace, once a royal residence, and plenty of museums. For those seeking a bit of respite from the city, Charlottenburg offers easy access to the Grunewald forest, a nature reserve covering over 7,000 acres within Berlin’s city limits.

Attractions in Charlottenburg

• Deutsche Oper Berlin
• Berggruen Museum
• Theater des Westens
• Bröhan Museum
• Museum of Photography
• Beate Uhse Erotic Museum
• Scharf-Gerstenberg Collection
• Keramik-Museum Berlin
• Zentralbibliothek der TU und UdK Berlin
• Swissôtel Berlin

Traditionally Berlin’s gay neighbourhood, Schöneberg is a district which practises tolerance and brings together a diverse set of people. The Winderfelt Markt offers wonderful fresh produce and is a great place to browse, whilst the district’s range of quirky, independent restaurants and bars have something from just about every culture, from Turkish to Cuban. Top this off with a few old-fashioned cabaret venues and Schöneberg has the perfect mix for an off-beat Berlin experience.

Attractions in Schöneberg

• Kaufhaus des Westens