Where to live in Berlin? Best Neighborhoods in Berlin
MITTE
Being the very heart of Berlin, Mitte (german for center) is one of the best neighborhoods in Berlin, displays a miniature of how life feels like in the German capital. Paying tribute to the recent history, while setting foot in the future, this urban and posh neighbourhood is the place to be if you’re craving some action. Home to most of Berlin’s unmissable landmarks, including the Brandenburger Tor, the Reichstag Parliament Building, the Berlin TV Tower at Alexanderplatz and the Jewish Memorial site and in proximity to Berliner Dom on Museum Island, Mitte makes the ideal place for first time explorations.The district is also famous for having a great dining and nightlife scene.Trendy cafes, cosmopolitan restaurants, busy shopping streets, and art galleries are some of the things you should expect to find here if you live in Berlin. The streets around Hackescher Markt are known for their little upscale boutiques while most of Berlin’s fast growing start-up scene is located around Torstrasse. Tiergarten, the city’s largest park, is perfect for a lovely stroll while serving as a venue for cultural events. With Berlin Metropolitan School, Berlin Cosmopolitan School, and the Berlin Kids International School all located in the area, Mitte gives young professionals and international students a reason to house hunt in the city center of Berlin.
NEUKÖLLN
Neukölln, set in south east Berlin, offers an eclectic mix of old and new, as it has undergone a major transformation in recent years, from an old worker’s district into becoming an artists and immigrants’ hub. Its increasing reputation resulted in the opening of many cafés, independent galleries and vintage stores. Home to a large Turkish community, the area has become known as “Little Istanbul”, with the typical shisha bars overflowing with tourists. During the day enjoy some chill time by the canal, in one of the street cafés all along Westerstrasse or at Maybachufer. As the sun goes down, let the increasingly young, alternative and international crowds guide you to the northern part of the neighborhood, where the best bars, funky clubs and trendy restaurants are located. Maintaining a multicultural atmosphere, Neukölln is also a top pick among expats, seeking a bohemian – hipster zone in Berlin, with very affordable rents and a budget friendly market can be a good option while searching for the best neighborhoods in Berlin.
CHARLOTTENBURG
Charlottenburg, positioned directly west of Mitte, calls for an exploration of Berlin’s royal past, as it is dominated by the spectacular Schloss Charlottenburg, a baroque-rococo palace that dates back to the 17th century, featuring one of the most delicately manicured gardens you will find in the city. Charlottenburg’s elegant architecture houses some of the greatest museums like C/O Berlin, the Helmut Newton Foundation and is also home to Berlin’s Opera House; all perfect picks for an introduction to the city’s history and culture. This classy neighborhood, filled with green oases, like Grunewald and Teufels Fenn park, offers visitors a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle being one of the best things you can do in Berlin, providing them also with a more up-scale vibe regarding shopping and dining. Stroll down Kurfürstendamm street to discover the finest selection of high-end boutiques and luxury designer brands and prepare to elevate your food experience in one of the many international restaurants around Savignyplatz or Kantstraße. For the true food lovers a day at Charlottenburg is not complete without a visit to KaDeWe, and especially its eclectic food hall, located on the top floor of the luxurious building. If you are seeking the best Schnitzel in Berlin or want to try a piece of Kobe beef this is your place!
PRENZLAUER BERG
SCHÖNEBERG
Schöneberg, in the southwestern Berlin, is the perfect blend of peaceful and residential, one of the best neighborhoods in Berlin for those looking for a chill stay. Full of coworking spaces, well-connected to the city center, and a bit more upmarket than some other parts of the city, this district is ideal for young professionals who aren’t necessarily into party life. Although not super trendy, due to its proximity to some of the city’s trendier districts, Schöneberg grants you access to the alternative parts of Berlin whilst living in a lovely, quiet suburb. Surrounded by countryside, the area supports outdoor activities, especially around Tempelhof Airport which is now a public park with spots to chill, cycle, and skate. Cool small dive bars and speakeasies (good luck finding them!) are proof that nightlife exists in the neighborhood while local, cozy restaurants on Akazienstraße and in Winterfeldtplatz are ideal for romantic dates. Another highlight of Schöneberg is its open mindedness as it is known to have one of the largest LGBTQ+ communities. For gay bars and clubs in Berlin head to Nollendorfplatz and Victoria-Luise-Platz.
LICHTENBERG
Lichtenberg, is one of the best neighborhoods in Berlin but also one of the biggest and most up-and-coming neighborhoods enchants all the nature lovers who are getting ready to live in Berlin. Close to the Spree river and with a variety of leafy parks, this district makes the perfect destination for peaceful walks and outdoors activities. In addition to the great surroundings, Lichtenberg is a very convenient starting point for your getaways. The nearby station has international trains for your trips to Europe, while its light traffic makes the city center easily accessible. Home to Tierpark, one of the world’s largest zoos, and Dong Xuan, a famous local market where you can find anything from plastic gadgets to authentic Vietnamese cuisine, cheap haircuts and fresh flowers, this suburb will treat you and your Erasmus buddies with unique, budget friendly experiences.
