Berlin has 12 districts.
The best Berlin districts to stay in during a city trip are Mitte and Charlottenburg.
Here you will find information about these two districts, as well as all the rest of Berlin's districts in more detail.
Tip: If you are looking for the best hotels in Berlin, be sure to check out our Berlin Hotel Guide.
1. Mitte
The heart of the German capital beats in Mitte. It is not only the center of Berlin; it is also the founding place of today's world metropolis. Accordingly, this historic district offers not only the most famous, but also the most sights in the city, including the Brandenburg Gate, the TV Tower, Museum Island, and the Reichstag building, but also this district has numerous top restaurants, hip bars, museums, and theaters that make Mitte the exciting hotspot of the German capital. The most popular neighborhoods in the district are Tiergarten, Mitte, and Wedding.
2. Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg
This exciting district - a merger of the districts of Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg - boasts the two most popular trendy neighborhoods in Berlin. This colorful district is known for its creative streak and alternative lifestyle. While the Friedrichshain neighborhood is famous for its many clubs and legendary nightlife, the former West district Kreuzberg, with the East Side Gallery, stands for colorful culture and is considered a place for artists. The landmark of the trendy Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg district is the Oberbaum Bridge. It’s popular with young people and tourists.
3. Pankow
The district of Pankow is home to the famous Prenzlauer Berg scene district or "Prenzl Berg" as it is called by Berliners. Popular with young families and students, the district attracts with trendy bars, quaint stores, charming cafes, and boutiques and is considered the residence of celebrities. Some of the sights are Mauerpark, Kulturbrauerei, and the Kollwitzplatz. The tranquil Weißensee neighborhood, which is very popular for nature lovers and artists, is located in this district.
4. Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf
Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf or "City-West," as it is called by Berliners, is located in the west of the city and represents the old West Berlin. The district impresses not only with its historical and central location, but especially with its many attractive shopping opportunities. Particularly popular are Kurfürstendamm, Tauentzienstraße, and the world-famous department store KaDeWe. Not only Berlin's high-society likes to be seen in this district, but also more and more young people are attracted by Charlottenburg's exclusive flair.
5. Spandau
The westernmost district in Berlin impresses with a variety of activities. Whether green oases, idyllic lakes, or historical sights - Spandau has a lot to offer. The Havel and Spree rivers provide relaxation and recreation in the midst of the big city. The landmark and most popular sight is the Spandau Citadel, one of the best-preserved Renaissance fortresses in Europe.
6. Steglitz-Zehlendorf
In the southwest of Berlin, the noble district of Steglitz-Zehlendorf awaits with its numerous facets. Several swimming lakes, which are surrounded by numerous villas, offer water lovers a paradise. Green spaces are not neglected either, thanks to Grunewald and the Botanical Garden. Shopping fans will enjoy Schlossstrasse with its numerous shopping centers, while several museums and Glienicke Castle will delight culture lovers. Seven neighborhoods, including Dahlem, Wannsee, Nikolassee, and Zehlendorf, are in this district.
7. Tempelhof-Schöneberg
Tempelhofer Feld is this district's biggest attraction. The site of the former airport, where raisin bombers once landed, is now the largest inner-city open space in the world and also Berlin's largest city park. Since 2010, there has been a green open space for a wide variety of activitiesin a place where airplanes once took off all over the world. Other historical sites in the district also bear witness to Berlin's moving history, including Marienfelde Emergency Reception Center Memorial, Heavy Load Body, Schöneberg City Hall, and Old St. Matthew's Churchyard. It is also worth mentioning that the district is a popular meeting place for Berlin's gay and lesbian scene on Nollendorfplatz.
8. Neukölln
Neukölln is best known for its multicultural flair, its colorful diversity and its different faces. If Neukölln was considered a problem neighborhood a few years ago, but the lively district has since transformed into a bustling scene neighborhood and tourist magnet. As diverse as the nationalities in the district are, so are the gastronomic offerings. A culinary journey of discovery is therefore recommended here. Also nature and culture enthusiasts will find idyllic gardens and an exciting cultural offerings.
9. Treptow-Köpenick
With its many green spaces and water areas, Treptow-Köpenick is considered the greenest district in the German capital. Particularly popular recreational areas are the Insel der Jugend, Müggelsee, and Treptower Park. In the beautiful old town of Köpenick, visitors can take a stroll to admire historic houses and be transported back in time.
10. Marzahn-Hellersdorf
Berlin in transition - this also applies to Marzahn-Hellersdorf. This district in the east of Berlin, known for its many prefabricated buildings with typical GDR architecture, has undergone a transformation, mainly thanks to the IGA (International Garden Exhibition) 2017. The "Gardens of the World," consisting of ten international themed gardens, as well as nine garden cabinets, have been expanded to 100 hectares for the occasion. But other attractions, such as Biesdorf Castle, Marzahn Log Windmill, and Gründerzeit Museum, are also absolutely worth seeing.
11. Lichtenberg
The former working-class district of Lichtenberg in the east of the city has made a name for itself with its prefabricated buildings and industrial areas. The history of the district can be experienced especially through the sights like the former Stasi prison, Gedenkstätte Berlin-Hohenschönhausen, and the Karlshorst German-Russian Museum. Also Tierpark Berlin, Europe's largest zoo, as well as Schrotkugelturm are definitely worth a visit.
12. Reinickendorf
In the north of Berlin is this idyllic district, which inspires with its diversity of green space, industrial areas, villas and working-class neighborhoods. Above all, recreational areas, including Tegeler Fließ and Tegeler See, are some of the highlights of Reinickendorf and give the district the nickname, grüner Norden Berlins (Berlin's green north).
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