Whether you’re a party animal, nature lover or starting a family, there is somewhere for you.
You’re moving to Berlin! Perhaps a new job has brought you here, you’re following your heart or looking for new adventures. Moving somewhere new can be overwhelming, and choosing the right area is always difficult, especially if you don’t have any experience with the city. So, where are the best places to live in Berlin?
Berlin has 12 different neighbourhoods or ‘Bezirke’, each with their own districts. These districts are broken down even further into ‘Kiez’, smaller parts of each district. The 12 neighbourhoods each have their own vibe. Even the districts within them can have different energies.
That’s where this guide comes in. To make it easier for you to decide, we have selected the best places to live in Berlin based on how they suit different lifestyles.
To find out more about each area, such as rental prices and transport links, follow the link to our detailed guides under each location.
Best for Families – Pankow (especially the Prenzlauer Berg district)
The most populous district and it’s understandable why so many make it their home. It is especially great for families as it offers lots of activities and places for children and families to have fun. Its quiet location in the North also makes it perfect for families who want city living without too much noise. Prenzlauer Berg is popular with young families due to the array of family activities it offers. It also has a large wellbeing scene so is good for those who are health-conscious.
Check out our detailed guide to Pankow & Prenzlauer Berg.
Best for Party Animals – Friedrichshain
The coolest of the cool thanks to it being the home of some world famous techno clubs. Not only that but it has a young and alternative population meaning there are lots of hip places to hang out with friends. From cafes and bars, to shops and boutiques, many places here have an artsy, alternative aesthetic which fits with the area. Great for those who want a bustling nightlife but never want to be bored in the day either.
Check out our detailed guide to Friedrichshain.
Best for Creatives – Kreuzberg
Students, artists and young professionals tend to reside here and it isn’t hard to see why. Friendly and bohemian, there are all sorts of creative outlets. Gentrification has been a contentious topic here and has led to an increase in prices, but it still has a lot of charm. There is lots going on with great nightlife and, thanks to a high immigrant population, great places to grab a bite to eat too. Whilst the district is combined with Friedrichshain, the two definitely have distinctive energies.
Check out our detailed guide to Kreuzberg.
Best for Culture Seekers – Mitte
Right in the centre of the city, there is definitely lots to do here. There are lots of cultural and historical attractions which means that it does attract a lot of tourists. However, many people still choose to live here. Due to its central location and convenient access to an array of amenities, it’s more expensive than other areas, but it does mean that you are at the centre of the hustle and bustle.
Check out our detailed guide to Mitte.
Best for Nature Lovers – Treptow-Köpenick
If you’re seeking peace and quiet Treptow-Köpenick is the district for you. With lots of forests and lakes there are outdoor activities to suit anyone’s interests. Treptow is perfect for those who like to be near nature but still want to experience city life, thanks to its industrial feel. Whilst Köpenick is even greener and great for those who want to live the quiet life.
Check out our detailed guide to Treptow-Köpenick.
Best for those on a Budget – Wedding
Authentically Berlin, Wedding is a great place for those looking for a more affordable option. It has recently experienced some development but has not lost its appeal. It is often overlooked for the more popular areas but this means that it is a hidden gem. It’s known for being up-and-coming which means there are always new and interesting places to visit and explore, but thanks to its residential nature it is quieter than other areas.
Check out our detailed guide to Wedding.
Navigating the Rental Process
There you go! We hope this helps give you an idea about the best places to live in Berlin and where might fit your lifestyle best. Berlin is a vibrant, bustling city that really does have something for everyone, and remember, thanks to the excellent public transport, it is easy to get around and enjoy the whole city.
If the area that you’re looking at seems too expensive for you, it’s always worth looking at areas on the outskirts of the neighbourhood as housing is usually cheaper here, and there are usually still good transport links so it is easy to get around.
Once you have chosen where you would like to live when you have moved to Berlin, you will begin the house hunting process. If you would like some more advice about the renting process and key documents you need, this Guide to Renting might help.
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