Hotels in Berlin
Book your cheap hotel in Berlin
Located in the state of Brandenburg in the northwest of GermanyBerlin regained its status as the country’s capital after reunification in 1990. With nearly 4 million people, Berlin is Germany’s and the European Union’s most populous city.
Sitting on the River Spree, Berlin is one of the most famous cities in the world, known for the way it was divided between the Allies after World War II and the wall that separated The East from The West during the Cold War. Synonymous with names like Marx, Einstein, Hitler, and John F. Kennedy, today it is known for its tangible history, powerhouse economy, and vibrant culture.
Berlin is ideal for a city break as there’s a laundry list of attractions and plenty of budget friendly accommodations in hotels, hostels and B&Bs.
Neighbourhoods of Berlin
Berlin consists of a number of eclectic districts, each with their own vibe:
- Mitte: Once the heart of East Berlin, the Central District is now the main tourist hub. Excellent attractions for art and culture lovers abound including Museum Island, the KW Institute of Contemporary Art and multiple galleries along Auguststrasse. The neighbourhood is known for its diverse selection of eateries.
- Kreuzberg: West Berlin’s former punk quarter has become a hipster haven with digital media and creative start-ups occupying the streets along with many cheap fast food joints. Bars stay open very late and there’s a wide choice of street food.
- Graefekiez: In an interesting dichotomy, Graefekiez is part boho where a beatnik vibe exudes from artists and musicians who gather on Admiral Bridge and part futuristic tech centre where the shops and cafes even accept cryptocurrency.
- Rixdorf: A village-like, green area that survived the ravages of war, it retains original cobblestone streets. It’s home to one of the city’s finest green spaces, the Körnerpark.
- Wedding: Still unknown to many tourists but on the verge of discovery, here you will find the Silent Green KulturQuartier which champions underground arts initiatives, Berliner Unterwelten, an underground museum focussing on WWII, and the beautiful Rehberge Park, a haven for nature lovers.
What to see and do in Berlin
Every Berlin visitor’s list should include the top attractions which are the Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, and the small remaining sections of the Berlin Wall. The city’s most prominent landmarks include the Reichstag which is the German parliament building, Schloss Charlottenburg, a huge baroque palace, and the Sammlung Boros, a huge WWII bunker now an art gallery. There are numerous sites associated with the Nazis and WWII open to the public but the Holocaust Memorial is one of the most poignant and memorable sights in the world. Everyone should take a stroll in the Tiergarten, the city’s most popular park.
What to eat in Berlin
21st century Berlin is a cultural melting pot and its food reflects that but there are some staples that remain must-try dishes. Stands all over the city sell currywurst, a kind of hot dog with a unique sauce. Other favourites are schnitzel, a flattened pork or veal escalope in breadcrumbs, and senfeifer which are hard-boiled eggs served with warm potatoes and covered in a creamy mustard sauce. Of course, you must sample the food that JFK so famously misquoted in “ich bin ein Berliner”. The berliner is, in fact, a doughnut, not an inhabitant of the city.
Typical events and festivals in Berlin
Berlin’s biggest event is Berlinale, the annual film festival in February. Others worth travelling for are Karneval der Kulturen, a celebration of the city’s cultural diversity in May, the Christopher Street Day Parade, an LGBTQ+ street party in July, Berlin Art Festival in September, the Hanami Cherry Blossom Festival in April, and Jazzfest in September.
How to move around in Berlin
The city’s public transportation system is comprehensive, efficient, straightforward, and usually very punctual. The network includes the S-Bahn (overground rail), U-Bahn (underground rail), tram and metrotram, buses, and taxis. Tourists can take advantage of special passes and tickets.
The climate in Berlin
The weather is highly variable in Berlin with cold winters and fairly warm summers. Lows can go below freezing while the hottest days can reach temperatures in excess of 30 degrees. Rainfall is spread pretty much evenly throughout the year.