Berlin's best neighborhoods

29.08.2023 - 14:03 / lonelyplanet.com

“Poor but sexy” – this is how former Berlin Mayor Klaus Wowereit famously described the German capital almost two decades ago. Rents were low, parts of East Berlin were completely abandoned and the city was embracing its reputation as the place to be for artists.

While the artists stayed, today the neighborhoods have changed. Berlin became a modern multicultural city, with artists hanging out with young start-up executives, cool hipster vibes by day and an incredible nightlife when the sun goes down. Berlin might not be poor anymore, but it's definitely still sexy.

Here are the best neighborhoods to explore on your visit to Berlin.

Destroyed and reconstructed several times, Mitte is the pulsating heart of Berlin. This is a must-visit area for first timers, and you can easily spend a full day touring the exact locations where some key moments of 20th-century history took place.

Start your day at the Brandenburg Gate and follow the path of the Berlin Wall. Visit the powerful Holocaust Memorial, pass by Checkpoint Charlie – the former crossing point between East and West Germany – and learn more about the Nazi atrocities at the Topografie des Terrors.

After that recap on world history, venture into the German Reichstag, one of Europe's most iconic buildings. Remember to book your free admission ticket ahead of time on the official Reichstag website to ensure a smooth visit.

Continue your journey with a stroll along Unter den Linden, where trendy cafes, art galleries, designer boutiques and historical buildings await. Another option is taking a relaxing walk east along the Spree river, where you can see some of the most striking modern architecture in the whole city. 

If you manage to reach the TV tower and feel like you've seen it all, you've truly experienced the essence of Mitte.

Though Prenzlauer Berg is largely known for being a family-oriented neighborhood, it remains a great example of why you shouldn't judge a book by its cover. This Berlin district exudes a boho-chic, laid-back atmosphere, making it a magnet for artists, musicians and young professionals. Its picturesque cobblestone streets are perfect for wandering around and taking pictures, while its diverse array of vintage shops and cozy bookstores make for an ideal rainy-afternoon outing.

If you're a foodie, Prenzlauer Berg won't disappoint. Its streets are lined with hip restaurants representing cuisines from around the world, while charming cafes offer countless options for personalized coffee experiences.

If you find yourself there during a summer weekend, a Sunday trip to Mauerpark should be your top priority. Even if it means missing your train, grab some Späti beers and immerse yourself in the park's bustling flea market, where you can hunt for