Where to Stay in Berlin Germany: My Top Areas & Hotels 2025

Berlin is probably my number one city to visit in Germany. Honestly, if someone told me I could only pick one German city to visit for the rest of my life, I’d pick Berlin without even thinking twice.

The city is absolutely packed with things to do, from iconic landmarks and world-class museums to edgy neighborhoods and late-night adventures.

What I personally love most about Berlin is how diverse it is. Every neighborhood feels like its own little world, with different communities, cultures, and atmospheres. I could happily spend hours just wandering through Kreuzberg or Prenzlauer Berg, hopping between cafés, street art walls, and thrift shops.

I know a lot of travelers love coming to Berlin in summer for the festivals, rooftop bars, and long warm evenings, but I recently visited in December and had an amazing time at the Christmas markets too. Berlin really works in every season, which makes picking the right area to stay in even more important.

Because Berlin is so spread out, choosing where to stay can feel overwhelming. That’s why I’ve kept this guide simple and focused on just my top 4 neighborhoods, the ones I’ve personally stayed in and loved.

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

Where to Stay in Berlin Germany: My Top Areas & Hotels 2025

Where to Stay in Berlin – My Experience

Since I’m German, I’ve naturally been to Berlin more times than I can count. My very first trip was on a school trip as a teenager, but over the years I’ve also done plenty of weekend getaways, solo trips, and visits with friends. So, I’ve stayed all over the city and gotten a good feel for how different neighborhoods work depending on the type of trip.

On my early visits, I almost always stayed in Berlin Mitte. It’s the obvious choice if you’re new to the city, close to many of the famous landmarks, museums, and sights. For sightseeing, I still think Mitte is my favorite area because I can simply walk out the door and already be within reach of places like the Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island, or Alexanderplatz.

Later on, though, I started staying in Kreuzberg or Friedrichshain, which I personally love for their atmosphere. These neighborhoods don’t have as many big-ticket landmarks, but they’re packed with cool cafés, bars, restaurants, street art, and markets. They feel more like “real Berlin,” where locals actually live and hang out. If I’m visiting friends or just want a laid-back weekend with minimal sightseeing, that’s always where I book my stay.

So truthfully, I don’t have a single favorite neighborhood, it really depends on the trip. If I’m doing a sightseeing-heavy visit, I’ll base myself around Mitte or Alexanderplatz to keep things central and convenient. But if I’m in Berlin just to enjoy the city vibe, eat good food, and explore the edgier side of things, then Kreuzberg or Friedrichshain is for sure where I’ll be satying.

Best Areas to Stay in Berlin

Berlin Mitte (City Center)

Berlin Mitte is the heart of the city, though to be fair it’s not just one neighborhood, it’s more like a whole borough with different parts inside it. To keep things simple, when I say “Mitte” here, I’m really talking about the central stretch between the Brandenburg Gate and Alexanderplatz.

I love this area purely for the location. If I stay in Mitte, I know I’m within walking distance of the Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate, TV Tower, Museum Island, the Berlin Cathedral, you name it. From a tourist perspective, it’s unbeatable because you can cover a lot of sights just by walking around.

The only downside in my opinion is that some parts can feel a little quiet once you’ve ticked off the big landmarks. Personally, I prefer staying a bit north of Alexanderplatz near Hackescher Markt. That pocket of Mitte has a really cool vibe with lots of cafés, restaurants, and little shops, so you’re not just surrounded by government buildings and tour buses.

Berlin Friedrichshain

Friedrichshain is exactly what pops into my head when I picture “Berlin.” It’s edgy, creative, and just a little chaotic. This is where you’ll find the East Side Gallery, the RAW Gelände, warehouses covered in graffiti, and some of the city’s most notorious clubs, including the infamous Berghain.

I personally love staying in Friedrichshain because it feels like the perfect mix of local life and sightseeing. Yes, it’s alternative and full of nightlife, but it’s not just that, there’s actually a great food and coffee scene here too. A couple of my favorite cafés in Berlin are located in this neighborhood.

On one of my recent trips, I spent a day exploring Friedrichshain beyond the street art and bars and ended up at the Stasi Museum. It was such an eye-opening visit and gave me a whole different layer of Berlin history. That’s what I like most about staying here, you get the vibe of everyday Berlin, but you’re also never far from a proper museum or landmark.

Berlin Kreuzberg

When I was younger, Kreuzberg had a reputation for being the “sketchy” part of Berlin. Fast forward twenty years and now it’s one of the coolest, most creative neighborhoods in the city. These days it’s full of young people, expats, and plenty of locals who’ve been here for generations. I’ve got friends who live in Kreuzberg, and whenever I visit them, I’m reminded why this is one of my favorite areas.

The neighborhood itself isn’t the prettiest, it’s concrete blocks and street art rather than polished boulevards but that’s part of the charm. What makes Kreuzberg shine is its food scene though. I’ve had some of my best meals in Berlin here, from iconic spots like Mustafa’s Gemüse Döner and Curry 36, to some of my personal favorites like Die Horn and The Mortimer Social.

Berlin Charlottenburg

The last area I’d recommend for staying in Berlin is Charlottenburg. I’ll be honest, it’s not one of my personal favorites, but it’s so different from the other neighborhoods that I think it deserves a spot here. Charlottenburg is Berlin’s more polished, posh side. You’ll find the famous Kurfürstendamm (great for shopping) and, of course, Charlottenburg Palace with its baroque gardens.

I’ve only stayed here once, and for me it felt a little too neat compared to the edgier neighborhoods I prefer, like Kreuzberg or Friedrichshain. But that’s exactly why Charlottenburg is perfect for some travelers, if you want to experience Berlin without the graffiti, late-night chaos, and techno clubs, this part of the city is a comfortable alternative. It’s a bit further out, but has a calmer, more refined atmosphere.

1. Hotels in Berlin Mitte (City Center)

Boutique Hotel Chateau Royal // My Favorite Hotel in Berlin

The Boutique Hotel Château Royal is my personal favorite place to stay in Berlin, honestly, I think it might be the best hotel in the city. I’ve stayed here three times now, and I’ve loved it every single time.

From the moment I checked in, the staff were incredibly friendly. They helped with my luggage, gave me local tips on where to go and what to do, and just made me feel super welcome. Big shoutout to the team here, they really are the best.

The hotel itself is gorgeous: sophisticated and stylish, with beautifully designed rooms, a chic bar, and a lovely breakfast area. It feels upscale without being pretentious or super expensive either.

But the number one reason I keep coming back is the location. From Château Royal, I can walk to most of Berlin’s major sights, and if I don’t feel like walking, there’s public transport right outside the door.

All in all, this is hands-down my favorite hotel in Berlin. I’m sure I’ll stay here again on my next visit, big thumbs-up from me.

Book Here: Boutique Hotel Chateau Royal

Hotel Zoe Berlin // Best Cheap Hotel in Berlin

If I had to pick a number two favorite hotel in Berlin, it would definitely be Hotel Zoe near Hackescher Markt. I’ve only stayed here once, but the experience was so good I honestly wished I could have stayed longer.

I had just flown into Berlin from overseas and only booked one night, but even with half a day I was able to walk around and see so much of the city thanks to the location. There are loads of great restaurants and bars right outside the hotel too, which made it perfect for a short stay.

What really stood out to me though were two things: first, the rooftop terrace. I spent my whole evening up there with amazing views of the Berlin TV Tower, it was such a cool vibe. And second, the value. For how affordable it was, I got a super modern, stylish room in a fantastic location plus that rooftop terrace. In my opinion, it’s one of the best-value hotels in Berlin.

Book Here: Hotel Zoe Berlin

Hotel Adlon Kempinski // One of the Best Luxury Hotels in Berlin

I’ll be honest, I’ve never stayed here myself (I’m definitely not in the right tax bracket!), but I wanted to include a luxury option in Berlin Mitte for anyone planning a more upscale stay. If you’re after the classic “luxury Berlin” experience, the Adlon Kempinski is it.

The Adlon is world-famous, celebrities and even world leaders have stayed here, and the location is unbeatable, right next to the Brandenburg Gate. The hotel itself is stunning, and I see it often since I walk past it whenever I’m at the Brandenburg Gate.

Inside, it’s everything you’d expect from a 5-star property: beautiful suites, incredible service, a spa, and an indoor swimming pool.

Even though it’s the most famous luxury hotel in Berlin, I actually don’t think the price is outrageous. If you’re on a honeymoon, celebrating a special occasion, or just want to treat yourself, this is definitely an option worth considering.

Book Here: Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin

2. Berlin Hotels in Friedrichshain

Sly Berlin Hotel // Berlin Hotel with Cool Design

I mentioned earlier that I stayed in Friedrichshain on my recent trip to Berlin over Christmas, and this is where I stayed. It was my first time at Sly Berlin, and I had the best experience.

We arrived late, around 9 PM, after a long flight from Australia, and we were completely exhausted. Despite that, the staff made check-in super smooth. They helped us with our luggage and made the whole process quick and easy.

The next morning, they even offered to show us around the facilities, which was such a nice touch. The reception staff went above and beyond to help us, I wish I remembered his name!

The hotel itself has a really cool and unique design, with a stylish breakfast and bar area. The breakfast was excellent, especially for a German hotel (no offense), and there’s a small gym, which I even managed to sneak a quick workout in. The location is also great: slightly outside the busiest parts of Friedrichshain, which I actually appreciated, but still easy to get around.

All in all, this is my favorite hotel in Friedrichshain, and I’ll definitely stay here again on my next visit.

Book Here: Sly Berlin

Hotel Indigo Berlin

Hotel Indigo is another great option in Friedrichshain that I had looked at before my trip. I ended up choosing Sly Berlin mainly for its unique design, but Hotel Indigo is excellent in its own right.

The location is fantastic, probably one of the best in the area. It sits right by the Spree River, offering beautiful river views, and is essentially on the border between Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg, giving you the best of both neighborhoods.

It’s a modern 4-star hotel with spacious rooms and all the expected facilities. I haven’t stayed here myself, but based on my research, it seems like a really strong choice, especially if you want a prime location along the river.

Book Here: Hotel Indigo Berlin

3. Accommodation in Berlin Kreuzberg

Hotel The Yard Berlin // One of My Top Cozy Places to Stay in Berlin

My go-to hotel in Berlin Kreuzberg, where I’ve stayed a couple of times now, is Hotel The Yard Berlin. One of the perks of visiting Berlin so often is that I’ve been able to try different hotels, which makes it easier for me to share real recommendations with you.

From the moment I arrived, I loved this place. It’s surprisingly quiet, which is exactly what I wanted in busy Kreuzberg. The hotel itself is a small boutique property tucked away in a more residential part of the neighborhood, and it honestly feels like a little oasis. They have an indoor swimming pool (which I obviously had to try out), and hanging out in their garden after a long flight was perfect.

Book Here: Hotel The Yard Berlin

Orania Berlin Hotel

Another fantastic option in Kreuzberg is Orania Berlin Hotel. I haven’t stayed here myself yet, but it’s been on my radar for a while. There’s no particular reason why I haven’t booked it so far, there are just too many hotels to try!

From what I’ve seen on booking sites and in reviews, it looks like a great hotel with large, bright rooms and a central Kreuzberg location. It’s surrounded by plenty of good restaurants and cafés, which I’d definitely enjoy. Honestly, I could totally see myself staying here on a future trip.

Book Here: Orania Berlin Hotel

4. Berlin Hotels in Charlottenburg

Hotel Augusta am Kurfürstendamm

Hotel Augusta am Kurfürstendamm is a charming little boutique hotel right in the heart of Charlottenburg’s shopping district. It’s a small, family-run hotel with cozy rooms and a perfect location for anyone wanting to be close to all the shops and cafés.

The design has a lot of character, it’s a little extra but very Berlin. Honestly, it feels refreshing compared to many of the newer “millennial grey, no-soul” hotels that have popped up all over the city. If you like places with personality and a bit of old-school fancy charm, this one’s a great pick.

Book Here: Hotel Augusta am Kurfürstendamm

Henri Hotel Berlin

My personal favorite in Charlottenburg, though, is Henri Hotel Berlin. I’ve only stayed here once, just for one night, and that had nothing to do with the hotel itself, but more with the fact that Charlottenburg simply isn’t my favorite area (I prefer the grittier, edgier side of Berlin). Still, if shopping and a more polished vibe are what you’re after, Henri is a fantastic option.

It’s a boutique hotel that feels modern yet has a traditional, charming twist. The whole place is stylish, the rooms are spacious, and even though my stay was short, I really enjoyed it. Honestly, it’s one of the most charming hotels I’ve stayed at in Berlin.

Book Here: Henri Hotel Berlin

FAQs About Where to Stay in Berlin

What are the best luxury hotels in Berlin?

I’ve never stayed in one myself (definitely out of my tax bracket), but the most famous luxury hotel in the city is the Adlon Kempinski. It’s right next to the Brandenburg Gate and has hosted everyone from world leaders to celebrities.

Is Berlin worth visiting?

Absolutely. Berlin is my favorite city in Germany to visit as a tourist. I love all the museums and landmarks, but also the cool and edgy neighborhoods like Kreuzberg or Friedrichshain.

What is the best area to stay in Berlin?

If it’s your very first visit, I’d say stay in Mitte. The location is unbeatable and super convenient. Beyond that, Kreuzberg is my personal pick for the food scene.

What is the best hotel in Berlin?

My personal favorite is the boutique Hotel Château Royal. It’s comfortable, stylish without being crazy expensive, and in a fantastic location.

Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Stay in Berlin

Berlin has so many different neighborhoods, and each one offers a completely different vibe. There’s no single “right” choice, it really depends on what you want from your trip.

On my most recent stay, I was in Friedrichshain and loved it. I spent my mornings in little cafés, worked in coffee shops, and tried out some great restaurants in the evenings. It has such a cool, laid-back vibe. Also, the U-Bahn (subway) connection is excellent, so it was super easy to hop into the city center to see the Christmas markets and the major sights.

That said, I still think Mitte is the best choice for first-time visitors. Whenever I’ve stayed there, it’s just been so easy. I could walk to most of the landmarks, which saves a ton of time. I usually book into the boutique Hotel Château Royal when I stay in Mitte, and from there almost everything was within walking distance. It makes life a lot easier than jumping straight on the subway first thing in the morning.

So here’s my take: if it’s your first time in Berlin, stay in Mitte. If you’re here more for the vibes, cafés, and nightlife than sightseeing, Friedrichshain is a great choice. And for me personally, Kreuzberg will always be my favorite.

I hope this guide helps you figure out where to stay in Berlin and gives you a sense of which area might be the best fit for your trip.