Hotels in Berlin, Germany

Few cities have quite the same mix of grand buildings, high culture and world-leading nightlife as Berlin. The German capital’s best-known attractions reflect its chequered history, but a stay in Berlin is just as much about exploring one of the world's most modern and creative cities. Book an apartment or an hotel in Berlin's centre to be near the major attractions, or look in one of the city's many distinct areas, each with its own identity, to get a real feel for what Berlin is all about today.

Those seeking culture should head to the Berlin Museumsinsel on a small island in the River Spree. Here, you will find six museums focused on classical antiquities, prehistory and early history, as well as 19th-century European art.

The museum complex itself was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, but if contemporary art is more your thing, visit the Hamburger Bahnhof museum, which is housed in a former railway terminus.

If you have more than a few days to spend in this cutting-edge city, head to nearby Potsdam and Sanssouci Park. The 18th-century palace and vast gardens were created by Frederick the Great as a summer retreat and are often compared to Versailles.

Where to Stay in Berlin

When it comes to accommodation in Berlin, you’ll find plenty of choice from hip hostels and cool design hotels to grand apart-hotels that rival those in any other major city.

To be close to Berlin’s most well-known attractions, such as the Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island and the Reichstag, stay in a hotel in Mitte in the centre of the city. The chic Circus Hotel is centrally located on Rosenthaler Platz and has a lovely courtyard and rooftop terrace. Hotel de Rome, which is housed in a former bank, is also a good choice - the stylish hotel has a spa and excellent Italian restaurant.

For a more laid-back location, choose a hotel in Prenzlauer Berg, north of Mitte. Here you’ll find tree-lined, cobbled streets lined with boutiques, cafés and restaurants.

If you want to splash out, stay in well-to-do Charlottenburg. Here, you’ll find the Kurfürstendamm - shortened to Ku’damm - the legendary shopping street lined with designer boutiques and five-star hotels such as the Waldorf Astoria and Sofitel Berlin Kurfürstendamm.

Kreuzberg is known as “Little Istanbul” because of its large Turkish population and as a result, the area has a vibrant, multi-cultural atmosphere. Hotels in Kreuzberg include budget options such as Grand Hostel Berlin Classic, but there's also a mix of boutique hotels and pensions that reflect the neighbourhood's arty, too-cool character. So alongside cheaper accommodation you'll find hotels like the Dude Berlin Mitte, a small hotel set in an elegant mansion house.

The adjoining district of Friedrichshain, which used to be part of East Berlin still has an edge, despite gentrification – the legendary nightclub Berghain is located here, after all.

Mid-range hotels in Friedrichshain include the relaxed Michelberger Hotel or, if you’re on a budget but want something a little different, Ostel - Das DDR Design Hostel Berlin has a unusual theme – East Germany in the 1970s.

Does Berlin Have Family-Friendly Hotels?

There are plenty of family-friendly hotels in Berlin offering facilities such a cots, rollaway beds and children’s menus. You might want to consider booking a hotel with a swimming pool, such as the Pullman Berlin Schweizerhof, on the edge of Tiergarten and within walking distance of the city’s zoo and aquarium.

Younger kids – and their parents – will love the dedicated “kindercafes” dotted around the city. They have play areas and special menus for younger guests, alongside coffee and cake for the adults.

How Easy is Getting Around Berlin?

Berlin is a large city so it’s difficult to visit all the main sights on foot, but there is an efficient public transport network. Consider buying a Berlin Welcome Card for the length of your stay - it gives you unlimited travel on the public transport as well as discounted entry to many museums.

You can also board one of the many sightseeing boats on the River Spree or a hop-on/hop-off bus tour. Taxis are also cheap and plentiful.

Interested in visiting other historic cities in Europe as characterful as Berlin? Check out our hotels in Prague or our hotels in Budapest.