Area Guides-Berlin

Home to the largest train station in Europe and close to Berlin Tegel Airport, Charlottenburg is a Berlin neighbourhood that is incredibly popular with business travellers. Its proximity to these major transport hubs enables effortless travel in, out and around Berlin – ideal for those with a busy business schedule during their stay.

Charlottenburg has become popular amongst business travellers due to its sophisticated feel. This western suburb is home to many upscale establishments, ideal for a business lunch or informal meeting. On the weekends, the area is interesting to explore, with the Charlottenburg Palace and gardens open for the public to enjoy.

In addition to convenient transport and sophisticated style, the area is known for its diverse cuisine, modern shopping complexes and cultural destinations. There is a range of museums and galleries in Charlottenburg, as well as plenty of cafés and bars for relaxing and observing the crowds. Those staying in Charlottenburg will find themselves close to some of Berlin’s most famous attractions, including the German Parliament, Brandenburg Gate, the Museum of Natural History and the Revue Theatre. As such, there is always something to do after work and on the weekends – and visitors will never get bored of their surroundings.

Charlottenburg markets are found frequently, meaning that self-catering visitors are never far from excellent quality produce to make their own meals. For a break from cooking, a meal with colleagues or to impress clients, there are also plenty of fine dining restaurants to enjoy in the area.

Located in Berlin’s East, Friedrichshain is one of the most unique and artistic areas of the city. Home to budding artists, writers and musicians, the neighbourhood is akin to one giant art gallery. Everything in Friedrichshain is a form of expression, from a café window to the wall of an old building. Breaking from tradition, local business owners have set up unique and intimate boutiques to explore, and cafés offer a personalised service in cozy settings.

The neighbourhood was once known for its squatters and cheap, rowdy bars – and although this culture remains, Friedrichshain is also increasing in popularity as a destination for young professionals looking for an inspiring place to live. The literal definition of Friedrichshain is ‘community’, and in fitting with its name, the neighbourhood is a welcoming place for all individuals. Friedrichshain markets are an ever-popular neighbourhood tradition, with locals coming together to sell and to browse an eclectic selection of goods. There are plenty of places to visit in Friedrichshain for a lively night out, too – the mix of bars and clubs ensures that there is somewhere to cater for every type of night.

If you are wondering what to do in Friedrichshain for some fresh air, then look no further than Volkspark Friedrichshain. The expansive park is filled with lakes, monuments and beautiful green spaces – perfect for exploring, exercising or enjoying a picnic.

Friedrichshain is also home to a huge part of Berlin’s history: the East Side Gallery is a section of the Berlin Wall, transformed into a work of art by international artists. With this and so much else to see and do, Friedrichshain is the place to be inspired. For more information on Friedrichshain, continue reading our Berlin Area Guide.

Kreuzberg is a rapidly up-and-coming neighbourhood, known for its creativity and new ideas. Filled with characterful old buildings, street art and late-night spots, it is a young person’s paradise and a beacon of counter-culture in Berlin. Neighbouring Friedrichshain – Berlin’s other hip neighbourhood – Kreuzberg is a popular destination for students and young professionals seeking culture in the big city. The neighbourhood is also one of Berlin’s best nightlife venues, so visitors will never be left wondering what to do in Kreuzberg after dark.

By day, the neighbourhood is the perfect brunch spot, and there are plenty of places to visit in Kreuzberg for your art fix. The walls of public buildings have become a canvas for eclectic and creative street art, with hidden messages everywhere you look. After sunset, sidewalks turn into vibrant outdoor seating areas, where late-night meals turn into drinks, and drinks turn into dancing the night away. From cocktails to live music and much more, the diverse nightlife in Kreuzberg offers something for everybody.

Kreuzberg markets and boutiques are as diverse and energetic as the rest of the neighbourhood, so if nightlife isn’t your thing, you can spend your days browsing for vintage goods, food produce and textiles. Surrounding the market are independent art galleries, which are a pleasure to browse on an idle afternoon. For history enthusiasts, Kreuzberg also offers plenty of pre-war architecture and historical monuments to explore. The neighbourhood is also known for its excellent transport connections, so you’re never far from the rest of Berlin. For more information on the neighbourhood’s best restaurants, attractions and shopping options – continue reading our Berlin Area Guide.

At the very centre of Berlin, Mitte is the city’s most exciting hive of activity and culture. The city centre is such that, whether you are an art enthusiast, historian or shopping aficionado, you will never be wondering what to do in Mitte. The perfect blend of European history and contemporary culture makes for a diverse and exciting experience. From heritage sites to memorials and galleries, there are so many places to visit in Mitte. When you get hungry, there are also plenty of trendy cafés and upmarket restaurants to enjoy.

From the Television Tower to Checkpoint Charlie, there are plenty of iconic sights in Mitte. However, turn down a quieter street and you’ll find old-fashioned residential buildings, rebellious street art and cozy restaurants. If you’re interested in hitting the shops, you’ll find high-end designer outlets and expansive shopping centres around every corner. If local hawkers suit your style a little better, you’ll find plenty of markets in Mitte to explore too.

One of the most iconic sights in Mitts is the remaining section of the Berlin Wall, standing as a memorial to the lives lost and a testimony to Berlin’s progress. On your tour of Berlin’s history, you can also visit the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe and Museum Island. If art is more your style, you can explore the dozens of galleries that have appeared in the city in recent years.

With some of the country’s best restaurants, most lively nightlife and most exciting tourist attractions – there is so much to love in Mitte. For more information on the best things to do and places to see, continue reading our Berlin area guide.

Close to Berlin Mitte but far enough removed to escape the hustle and bustle, Prenzlauer Berg has become a popular neighbourhood amongst students, young professionals and first time buyers. It is also popular amongst corporate workers in Berlin, seeking a place to stay that is near the city’s central business district but has its own life and character. Many locals call these peaceful, leafy streets home, but there are also plenty of places to visit in Prenzlauer Berg for tourists.

Prenzlauer Berg has a passionate community of artists living in its homes, and so the neighbourhood has a hip, alternative feel. Its student community brings an academic air to the neighbourhood, with the city’s brightest minds meeting to enjoy the cool nightlife spots in Prenzlauer Berg. Locals in Prenzlauer Berg tend to be stylish, but in a chilled out, unpretentious way – so you’ll be left feeling inspired, not intimidated. If you’re keen to try out the fashions, there are plenty of shops and markets in Prenzlauer Berg to pick up a few distinctive pieces of clothing.

Prenzlauer Berg is perhaps most famous for The Mauerpark – where hundreds of people gather on a daily basis to chill out, socialise or catch one of the many live events that take place on a regular basis. From live bands to stand-up comedy, there is something for everybody to enjoy at The Mauerpark. With the outdoor lifestyle, a vibrant café culture and an undoubtedly cool crowd – there is nothing not to love in Prenzlauer Berg.

For more information on what to do in Prenzlauer Berg, continue reading our Berlin area guide.