Where to Stay in Berlin: First Time Visitors Guide to Berlin Hotels
Berlin is a big city, and many things are spread out. Even though there are many wonderful neighborhoods, some are more suited to tourists who are here for specific reasons, like seeing the sights or experiencing the nightlife. When planning your trip, my where to stay in Berlin first time visitors’ guide will help you choose the right area and the right hotel.
I’ve been living in Berlin since 2015, so hopefully my local point of view will help you pick the best place to stay in Berlin for first time visitors to this great city. With so many things to do in Berlin, deciding where to stay can help make the most of your time.
And while this article focuses on the best areas to stay in Berlin for a first visit, you can also read my more in-depth hotel guide: Where to Stay in Berlin: A Local’s Guide to Berlin Hotels & Neighborhoods.
Tips to choose the best area to stay in Berlin for the first time
View of Gendarmenmarkt from the top of the French CathedralBefore I dig into the different areas to stay in Berlin that are good for a first time visit, it’s important for you to think about what kind of traveler you are and why you’re coming to Berlin.
Do you enjoy luxury or are you traveling to Berlin on a tight budget?
Are you interested in seeing Berlin’s top sights and wandering through museums? Or are you interested in the alternative side of Berlin and the city’s nightlife?
Some neighborhoods are better suited for families traveling with kids, while other areas are great for singles or young couples.
These are all important factors to consider so you don’t end up staying in an area that doesn’t fit you.
Traveling in summer? Make sure you look to see if the hotel you’re considering has air conditioning. It can get hot in Berlin in the summer, and not every hotel has air conditioning in Berlin or other parts of Germany.
Not sure when you’re traveling yet? Check out When is the Best Time to Visit Berlin?
Where to stay in Berlin first time visitors
If you’re visiting Berlin for the first time, here are some areas to stay in based on what kind of traveler you are.
Sightseeing and Museums: Mitte
Mitte is the best area to stay in Berlin for first time visitors who want sightseeingSeeing some of Berlin’s most popular attractions is a big part of why many people come to Berlin. Staying in a central location, like the Mitte district, will get you close to most of these sights, minimizing the amount of time you spend getting around Berlin.
Sights like the TV Tower, Berlin Cathedral, Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island, Holocaust Memorial, Reichstag Building, and more are all located in a 3km (less than 2 mile) stretch of Mitte. For your first time in Berlin, especially if you want to spend your time sightseeing, staying near here is a good choice. And there are lots of good places to eat in Mitte.
Hotels in Mitte
If you’re interested in where to stay near the popular sights in Mitte, you have lots of options that are well connected to public transport and easy walking distance to some of the sights. Here are some recommendations for Berlin hotels in Mitte.
Luxury hotel where Michael Jackson infamously dangled his child, located steps from Brandenburg Gate
Upscale hotel between Unter den Linden and Gendarmenmarkt where you can book a time to chisel off your own piece of the Berlin Wall
4 star hotel at Alexanderplatz with views of the TV Tower
Midrange hotel near Rosenthaler Platz Ubahn in a nice, lively neighborhood a couple stops from Alexanderplatz
Middrange hotel located close to the Friedrichstrasse S&U station and just a few minutes from Unter den Linden
Popular budget hostel located near Oranienburger Strasse Sbahn station
Budget hostel with a lively atmosphere and its own bar and brewery, plus a quirky David Hasselhoff Museum, a couple stops from Alexanderplatz
Alternative Berlin and clubs: Friedrichshain
View of the TV Tower and Frankfurter Tor in FriedrichshainIf the main reason for your trip to Berlin is to go clubbing and enjoy the nightlife and the more alternative side of Berlin, Friedrichshain could be a good choice.
The famous Berghain night club is in this neighborhood, plus several other clubs. This is also an excellent neighborhood for exploring street art.
That said, Friedrichshain isn’t all about clubbing. I’ve been living in Friedrichshain for 8 years, and I am not a club person.
There are some great places to eat here, and you’ll be near the East Side Gallery, the Boxhagener area, and have easy connections to Kreuzberg, Mitte, and Prenzlauer Berg. So this can also be a good neighborhood for first time visitors to Berlin who aren’t quite as focused on the famous sights and like a little grit.
And despite that grit, if you end up staying near Mercedes Platz, which is across the street from the East Side Gallery, it will feel anything but gritty. It’s kind of a sterile area but with nice hotels, some food options, and it’s not far from less touristy sections of Friedrichshain.
Where to stay in Berlin: Friedrichshain
Street art is a big part of BerlinIf you’re looking for an area to stay in Berlin that’s a bit more alternative or a little less central, yet still well connected, check out these hotels in Friedrichshain.
1 Day in Berlin: Perfect for fast travelers and people short on time.
2 Days in Berlin: Gives you a better look at what Berlin has to offer.
3 Days in Berlin: The ideal amount of time to spend in Berlin.
4 Days in Berlin: Lots of options for enjoying Berlin and taking a day trip.
Shopping, families: Charlottenburg
Charlottenburg Palace is a gorgeous place to visit in BerlinCharlottenburg is a more posh area on the western side of Berlin, and it’s a great place to be if you’re interested in high end shopping. It can also be a good area to stay in Berlin for families, although Mitte is also good for people with kids.
The Berlin Zoo is located here, as well as Kaiser Wilhem Memorial Church, and Charlottenburg Palace. At the KaDeWe department store and all along the famous Kurfürstendamm street, you’ll find fancy brands like Prada, Gucci, and more.
This area of Berlin is a little farther from the big attractions like Museum Island and the East Side Gallery. If you choose to stay here, you’ll have to commit to a little more time on transport to go see those sights.
Charlottenburg also has fewer options for budget travelers.
Where to stay in Berlin: Charlottenburg
Jungle room and view at 25Hours Hotel BerlinFor a more upscale atmosphere than you might find in some eastern neighborhoods in Berlin, Charlottenburg is a good choice for where to stay in Berlin for first time visitors. My personal favorite is the 25Hours Hotel with excellent views of the Zoo and Tiergarten (book a “jungle” room) and delicious cocktails at the hotel’s Monkey Bar.
Where to stay in Berlin: first time visitors’ neighborhood guide
Prenzlauer Berg is also a lovely area to stay in BerlinOther areas in Berlin, such as Prenzlauer Berg or Kreuzberg, can also be great choices for where to stay. I didn’t list them here because there aren’t as many sights in those neighborhoods, and I think the areas I mentioned above are better suited for where to stay in Berlin for first time visitors.
But other areas can be really appealing to some travelers. If you’re still not sure where you want to stay, check out my local’s guide to Berlin hotels and neighborhoods for a more in-depth look at Berlin’s neighborhoods and hotel recommendations.
Book a tour for your trip to Berlin
Berlin Travel Resources
I want you to have the best trip to Berlin, and hopefully this guide for where to stay in Berlin for first time visitors is helpful. But there are lots more tips on the site!
- 101 Best Things to do in Berlin
- 23 Impressive Castles in Berlin (And Nearby)
- 27 Best World War II & Cold War Sights in Berlin
- 29 Fun Day Trips From Berlin
- 75 Things to Know Before Visiting Berlin: Essential Berlin Travel Tips
- What to Wear & What to Pack for Berlin, Germany: Your Ultimate Berlin Packing List
- How to Get Around in Berlin: An Easy Guide to Berlin Public Transportation
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Ali is originally from the US, but she’s been living in Germany since 2011. In 2015, she and her husband moved to Berlin where they now live with their small dog. They even bought an apartment in Berlin in 2021 – Berlin is definitely home now! Ali’s goal is to show you everything you need to know for enjoying a trip to Berlin.
