Solo Travel Berlin: My Tips & Tricks For An Amazing Berlin Solo Trip

Berlin is definitely one of the coolest cities to visit in Germany and honestly, I’d put it up there as one of the best in all of Europe if you ask me.

The city has everything: fascinating history, world-class museums, amazing cafés and restaurants, some of the best thrift shops I’ve ever found, and that edgy, creative vibe I’ve really only ever experienced in Berlin. And of course, the nightlife is as notorious as you’ve probably heard.

I’ve been to Berlin more times than I can count, sometimes with friends, sometimes as a couple, but there were also plenty of times when I went completely on my own, backpack slung over my shoulder like a true solo traveler.

I love backpacking and solo traveling, and I know a lot of you are planning to backpack through Europe, go interrailing, or maybe take your first solo adventure.

So it only makes sense to share some of my own experiences and advice on solo travel Berlin. Hopefully, these tips and stories will make your time in the city a little smoother and a lot more fun.

In a Rush? Here Are Our Favorite Hotels in Berlin Germany

⭐️⭐️⭐️ Boutique Hotel Chateau Royal – Click here for rates & availability

⭐️⭐️ Locke at East Side Gallery – Click here for rates & availability

⭐️ Sly Berlin – Click here for rates & availability

Solo Travel Berlin: My Tips & Tricks For An Amazing Berlin Solo Trip

What I Think About Solo Travel in Berlin

I’ve been backpacking and solo traveling for most of my twenties, and by now I’ve made it to over 50 countries. Out of all of them, Berlin still stands out as one of the best cities for solo travelers at least from my own experience.

I grew up in Germany, not in Berlin but about six hours away, so the capital was always on my radar. With its mix of culture, history, and nightlife, I’ve ended up visiting more times than I can count.

Most of my solo trips to Berlin happened in the summer, which I think is the best time to go if you like being social. When I was in my early twenties, I usually stayed in hostels and absolutely loved them. Berlin has some really fun, super social hostels where I met people from all over the world (so many Australians, honestly). Pub crawls, walking tours, random nights out, it was the perfect way to make friends while traveling.

These days, I’ll admit I’ve changed a little. Now that I’m in my 30s, I usually stay in hotels, I just value sleep and comfort a bit more. But that’s the beauty of Berlin: it works for both types of solo travel. Whether you’re a backpacker looking for community or someone who wants a more comfortable base while exploring, Berlin works either way. There’s always something to do, someone to meet, and a sense of being in a true melting pot.

These Are My Top Things to Do in Berlin

Where I Stayed in Berlin as a First Time Visitor (And Solo Traveler)

When it comes to where to stay in Berlin, the first thing I always think about is what kind of trip I’m on. Am I in full backpacker mode and happy with a hostel, or am I leaning more toward comfort and picking a hotel?

Just because you’re a solo traveller doesn’t mean you have to stay in a hostel. The older I got, the more I realized I still love solo travel, but I also love a proper bed, good sleep, and my own bathroom. These days I mostly stay in hotels, though I’ve done a fair share of hostels in Berlin in the past and both worked really well.

The second thing I think about is location. Berlin is very spread out and it doesn’t have a “classic” city center like Paris or Rome. I’ve stayed all over the place over the years, and each area comes with its own perks.

If you want to do a lot of sightseeing, then being somewhere around Brandenburg Gate or Alexanderplatz makes life easier because you can reach most landmarks quickly. But if you’re more about the vibe with cute cafés, bars, and nightlife then I definitely prefer Kreuzberg or Friedrichshain.

Here are some hotels in Berlin that I enjoyed staying at and would recommend to you:

Hostels in Berlin for Solo Travellers:

Book Here: The Circus Hostel Berlin

Book Here: Pfefferbett Hostel

Hotels in Berlin for Solo Travellers:

Book Here: Boutique Hotel Chateau Royal

Book Here: Locke at East Side Gallery

Book Here: Sly Berlin

Is Berlin Safe for Solo Female Travelers? How Did I Feel?

For this part, I actually asked Carae for her input, since she’s done Berlin solo as a woman and can give a perspective I personally can’t.

Overall, Berlin is a very safe city for solo travellers, female or not. It’s the German capital, packed with tourists year-round, and the crime rate here isn’t high at all.

I’ve never once felt unsafe wandering around during the day, whether sightseeing, joining walking tours, or hopping between museums. Berlin also has a really well-established hostel scene, which makes it easy to meet people and not feel isolated if you don’t want to be.

That said, Berlin does have a bit of an edge. Some areas are rougher than others, so as a solo traveller it makes sense to stick to busier, more central neighbourhoods, at least until you’re comfortable.

In recent years I’ve noticed more “characters” around (people clearly struggling with homelessness or mental health issues), which is something to just be aware of rather than worried about.

Nightlife, of course, is another story. Like in any big city, alcohol plus late nights can mean situations where you need to stay alert. But in my experience, Berlin’s nightlife felt relatively safe compared to other major cities.

So in short: yes, Berlin is safe for solo female travellers. Just keep your wits about you (especially at night), but don’t let safety worries stop you from enjoying everything this city has to offer.

Solo Friendly Activities in Berlin

I’ve always believed that if you can do something in a group, you can also do it solo. Technically, there aren’t really activities in Berlin that you can’t do alone—but since a few of you have asked me specifically about “solo-friendly” things to do, I figured I’d put together some thoughts from my own experience.

For me, it often depends on my mood: do I want to be social and meet people, or do I want to just enjoy an activity entirely on my own?

If I’m feeling social, group activities are perfect. Platforms like GetYourGuide.com have endless options—from walking tours to pub crawls to day trips outside the city. It’s such an easy way to meet people naturally, have a chat, or even make a couple of friends along the way. I found this worked especially well back when I stayed in hostels, because everyone around me was already in that mindset of wanting to connect.

On the other hand, if I want something more low-key and independent, I love heading to Berlin’s museums. Visiting a museum solo just feels so normal—almost meditative sometimes. You can take it at your own pace, dive into the exhibits that really interest you, and not feel rushed. Some of my favorites are the Topography of Terror, the Pergamon Museum, and the Neues Museum (the “New Museum”). They’re all fascinating, affordable, and ideal if you want to spend a few quiet hours exploring by yourself.

My Top activities in Berlin Germany

A Guided Walking Tour: I’m a huge fan of guided walking tours in Berlin. First, because I don’t love just wandering around and staring at landmarks without knowing the stories behind them. Having a guide adds so much context, and you actually understand what you’re looking at.
Second, they’re incredibly social. Most tours are full of travelers and visitors, so it’s such an easy way to meet people. You just have to put yourself out there a little, say hi, ask where someone’s from and suddenly you’re chatting away with new friends.
Pub Crawl: Pub crawls are another favorite of mine, and honestly, they make meeting people even easier (a little beer or wine tends to help with that). I’ve joined a few organized by hostels I stayed in, but you can also find tons of options on GetYourGuide.
They’re always packed with solo travelers, small groups, and couples who are open to meeting others, because let’s be real, nobody signs up for a pub crawl if they don’t want to be social. It’s just a fun, low-pressure way to experience Berlin’s nightlife while making connections along the way.

How to Navigate Berlin as a Solo Traveller

I’ve said this before, but it’s worth repeating: Berlin is big. The city is really spread out, and from a tourist’s perspective, that doesn’t always make it the easiest place to navigate. That said, after visiting countless times, I’ve found the public transport system to be excellent, though I’ll admit it can feel overwhelming if it’s your first trip.

Personally, I usually base myself somewhere fairly central, somewhere between the Brandenburg Gate and Alexanderplatz. That way, I’m within walking distance of a good handful of landmarks, museums, and sights. But for everything else, the U-Bahn (subway) is your best friend. It’s what locals use, and it’s hands-down the easiest and quickest way to get around Berlin.

When it comes to figuring out directions, I always use Google Maps. It shows you which subway line to take, how long it’ll be, and when the next train is coming. Honestly, it’s seamless, but of course, that only works if you have data on your phone.

That’s where eSIMs have completely changed the game for me. I’ve used a few providers over the years, but lately I’ve been sticking with SimLocal. They’ve got great deals for Germany (and pretty much any other country in the world), and the setup couldn’t be easier. Basically, I just click once when I land, and I have data instantly. No hunting for SIM cards, no stress. If you’re planning a Berlin trip, I can definitely recommend them (click here to sign up for SimLocal and use my discount code GIRLONAZEBRA).

More Berlin Travel Tips & Things to Know for Solo Travelling in Berlin

Cash is king: I always make sure to carry at least €50 in cash. Berlin is full of bars, pubs, bakeries, and little corner shops that still don’t accept cards. I don’t love it (welcome to Germany), but it’s just the way it is.

Pack properly: Berlin weather can be unpredictable. In summer you’ll need shorts, but you’ll also want a rain jacket and proper shoes in case it suddenly pours. And if you’re planning on hitting the nightlife, keep in mind that some clubs do have dress codes or at least a certain “look” you’ll want to match. This isn’t your average backpacker party spot, so pack smart so you’re not caught off guard.

Get an eSIM: As I mentioned earlier, an eSIM makes everything easier, especially if you’re traveling across multiple countries in Europe. I’ve been using SimLocal recently and it’s been great: quick setup, reliable, and no more stress about swapping SIM cards. Sign up here and use my discount code GIRLONAZEBRA.

Use public transport: The subway might look intimidating at first, but it’s honestly the easiest way to get around Berlin. Everyone uses it, and once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder why you ever hesitated.

Know your neighborhoods: Berlin doesn’t really have one single city center. Mitte is where you’ll find the landmarks, government buildings, and museums, but if you want real atmosphere, head to Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain, Neukölln, or Prenzlauer Berg. Each has its own vibe, cafés, nightlife, and personality.

FAQs About Solo Travel Berlin Travel Guide

Is Berlin worth visiting?

Absolutely. If you only visit one city in Germany, I’d make it Berlin. It has the most to see and do, layers of history and culture, a diverse international community, and nightlife that’s famous for a good reason.

Are there backpackers in Berlin?

If you mean people then yes. If you mean hostels, also yes. Berlin has loads of hostels, many of them super social and filled with backpackers from all over the world (and yes, plenty of Australians). It’s one of the best cities in Europe if you’re after a proper backpacker vibe.

Is Berlin safe?

From my experience, yes. I’ve visited Berlin many times, both solo and with friends, and I’ve never had a bad experience. Like any big city, there are a few rough patches, but overall it feels very safe for sightseeing, museums, cafés, and even nightlife.

Is Berlin expensive to visit?

Berlin has gotten pricier in recent years, but I wouldn’t call it super expensive (it’s still Europe though). Hostel dorm beds start around $30 USD per night, while mid-range hotels can often be found under $100 USD. Food and drinks can also be very affordable if you stick to local spots and street food. Of course, like anywhere, Berlin can get expensive if you want it to, but it doesn’t have to be.

Final Thoughts on Backpacking Berlin & Berlin Solo Travel

Out of all the major European cities, Berlin is one of my favorites to visit solo.

If you’re chasing that social backpacker vibe, Berlin has it in spades. I’ve stayed in hostels, joined pub crawls, and, like everyone else, I met more Aussies in Berlin than I met in my time in Australia. It’s lively, easy to make friends, and in my opinion, more social than Paris or London. Maybe only Amsterdam compares in that sense.

On the flip side, Berlin is also an incredible city for independent exploring. I’ve spent days here on my own, visiting museums, wandering neighborhoods, grabbing dinner solo and never once felt out of place.

There’s so much to see and do that you’ll never get bored, whether you’re looking for connection or just enjoying your own company.

I hope this guide, based on my experiences and a few tips and tricks helps you plan your own solo travel Berlin adventure.