Where to stay in Berlin: the city’s best neighbourhoods

Best for: vibrant, fast-paced living

At the heart of the city, Kreuzberg is hard to put in a box, with bustling markets, bar streets, cultural sights like the world-famous Jewish Museum, easy access to other districts, but also slower residential sprawls and cobblestone streets.

Start the day with mimosas at annelies, book a few rounds of nine-pin bowling at the queer-friendly bar Tante Lisbeth, right next to the food market Markthalle Neun, jammed in with a Berliner Pilsner among the exuberant, uber-cool crowd at Café Luzia, and finish with a party at the relaxed Club der Visionäre.

Stay here: Budget travellers should check out Three Little Pigs or Die Fabrik, or the more refined experience at GINN City & Lounge.

Best for: multiculturalism and creativity

The district is one of Germany’s most diverse and is famous for its international culture, and thriving arts and music scene. Its delectable dishes range from €4 döner to a Michelin-starred degustation at Hallmann & Klee. You can also do like the locals do, and sit with friends, sipping strong mint tea and heaped Turkish breakfast plates at Azzam.

Save time for a skate at the former airport turned public park of Tempelhofer Feld, watch the sunset at Klunkerkranich, sip spritzes at Orangerie in Körnerpark, listen to poetry at Das Gift, and belt out tunes at Poison Rock Karaoke Bar, if you dare. 

Stay here Orania Berlin Hotel in ‘Kreuzkölln’ (the border of Neukölln and Kreuzberg) has luxurious rooms, live jazz, and its multi-course ‘X-Berg Duck'. Or rent an Airbnb above Maybachufer Canal to experience its markets. 

Best for: upscale and luxury

Located in the former West Berlin, the area is best known for its sophistication as a refined (read: moneyed) centre. The area’s Chinese food is a must – go to Kantstrasse to find a spot. Rum Trader serves cocktails in style, and Schwarzes Cafe is best for people-watching. 

Suit up for a grand night out at Deutsche Oper Berlin, visit the Christmas markets at the Prussian palace Schloss Charlottenburg, and take a long stroll through Savignyplatz in the sun.

Stay here

Indulge in a night at the serene Wilmina for a taste of peace and quiet, or opt for the buzzing Sir Savigny Hotel just down the road. 

Best for: getting out in nature

Tiergarten takes its name from the sprawling park in Berlin’s centre, where you can take in the massive Victory Column and endless greenery, before heading to the Zoologischer Garten station to cross the city. 

Shop in the designer boutiques and high street shops of Kurfürstendamm (or Ku’damm) and the KaDeWe shopping complex, one of Europe’s largest department stores. Indulge in classic German beer garden fare at Schleusenkrug, and dinner at Café am Neuen See overlooking endless waterways. Monkey Bar is a fan favourite for drinks with a view.

Stay here: 25Hours Hotel at Bikini Berlin has one of the best views across the city zoo and the trees of the Tiergarten, while Hotel Zoo is all old-school glamour.

Best for: history and culture

Mitte is Berlin’s broad central district, with embassies, art galleries, skyscrapers and former squats. You can spend days at its museums, like the DDR Museum and the Topography of Terror, dedicated to victims of the Gestapo, as well as on the UNESCO-World Heritage-listed Museum Island.

Take a nightcap at Café Cinema after a silent film at Babylon Berlin, and in summer, eat Japanese-American brunch at House of Small Wonder, and learn how to tango (or sip on an Aperol) at the seasonal Strandbar Mitte. Stop for a break and a Radler or two at Haus Schwarzenberg nearby.

Stay here: For flat-out luxury, go for Hotel de Rome on Bebelplatz. Circus Hostel and St Christopher’s Inn are more affordable options.