Berlin has 12 official boroughs and 96 localities, which, for the most part, are self-sustained, offering different lifestyles and pros and cons. For example, Charlottenburg, Wilmersdorf, Grunewald, and Prenzlauer Berg are highly sought-after by families with children, whereas Mitte, Tiergarten, Kreuzberg, and Friedrichshain are preferred by young professionals and solo expats who are keen on making the most of Berlin's nightlife.
In this article, you will get a taste of some of Berlin's most popular neighborhoods; however, we recommend you get in touch with other expats via our dynamic Berlin forum in order to learn more about the neighborhoods you have in mind and how they compete with each other.
The most popular neighborhoods in Berlin
In general, the further out of the city center, the more affordable rented accommodation in Berlin becomes. If you would like to live in a trendy, upscale neighborhood close to most of Berlin's tourist sites, then Mitte and Charlottenburg are for you. These central neighborhoods are gentrifying rapidly, so rental prices are going up. Besides great shopping and nightlife experiences, both neighborhoods offer endless food options in Berlin for all budgets and taste buds. Just south of Charlottenburg is Schoneberg, where cultures blend. This area is a meeting spot for families, couples, and single adults from diverse backgrounds. Traditionally, Schoenberg has been formed by the Jewish, immigrant, and LGBT communities, which have given the area a unique personality that values personal freedoms and equal rights. Heading east, Neukolln is considered a grungy area — graffiti and street art are far more noticeable here than in the other neighborhoods mentioned above. This area is more affordable, and it mainly attracts immigrants, younger people, and artists. Thanks to the immigrants who have settled in Neukolln, you can find food and markets selling ingredients from all over the world! Lastly, Lichtenberg, while farther out, is an affordable option with access to other neighborhoods.
Two of the most popular neighborhoods in Berlin are Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg. Young professionals, families, and singles choose these neighboring areas as their homes due to their great location, diversity, abundance of great restaurants, and beautiful parks. There are also plenty of independent shops, cinemas, theaters, and schools to keep everyone happy.
Getting around Berlin
Getting around Berlin is easy as the transportation system is well-organized, and the network is leaving no place disconnected. The train goes just about everywhere and runs all night, and buses are also convenient and on time. Day tickets start from 9.90 EUR, and the price increases as you are adding more fare zones. Most places are within zone AB, but if you're going to the airport, you'll need to make sure you buy an ABC ticket. If you are commuting on a daily basis, you should consider purchasing the monthly unlimited transit pass. Of course, there are plenty of taxis and ride-sharing apps available, but you will most likely need them only on special occasions. Prefer to travel by the most eco-friendly means of transport? There are plenty of bike-share apps available, and Berlin boasts a vast network of bike lanes. You should be cautious when cycling, but overall, drivers and pedestrians look out for bikers.
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Parking is free in the outer neighborhoods and costs between one and three euros per hour in metered areas. Underground garages are common, especially in neighborhoods where there is heavy traffic.
Safety in Berlin
If you are concerned about crime, bear in mind that Berlin is a very safe city, earning top marks in global comparisons. Crime has recently hit its lowest point in at least 30 years, and more than half of reported crimes are solved. Even though it is common to walk down a dark street and feel perfectly safe, we insist that you should exercise caution as in every big city — Berlin has almost the same rates of purse snatching and pickpocketing as other European cities. There have been increases in credit fraud. Luckily, violent crime is rarely targeted at foreigners, but be especially aware when you withdraw from an ATM. Only do so in a well-lit area and stay observant of what's going on around you.
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