Tips for Finding an Apartment in Berlin
Thanks to the city’s role as a cultural hub and one of Europe's rising business centres, apartments in Berlin and especially short-term furnished apartments are in higher demand than ever. A never-ending flow of new startups, galleries, restaurants, and concerts means that the German capital is constantly welcoming new guests and residents. That's especially the case for young Europeans in their 20s and early 30s who love the city's laid-back but productive atmosphere. Here is Wunderflats' guide to some of Berlin’s neighbourhoods.
Living in Berlin-Mitte
The name “Mitte” means middle in German, and that's exactly where you'll find this popular district. Located in the heart of Berlin, Mitte is home to world-famous sights like the Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island, and the Bauhaus Museum. The over 100.000 inhabitants of Mitte would probably agree that it's a fine place to live.
The Berlin-Mitte Neighbourhood
Mitte is many things: Berlin's "Silicon Valley", historical showpiece, and vibrant nightlife area. A host of major global companies are based in the area, so Mitte will suit professionals who need access to offices and conference facilities. But it also offers excellent shopping and dining options and many nightclubs around Alexanderplatz. This neighbourhood has an extremely wide appeal.
Rent Prices in Berlin-Mitte
Being the heart of the city, Mitte is generally a rather expensive place to hunt for a furnished apartment for rent, although affordable deals can be found away from touristy areas. In general, expect to pay significantly more than in other neighbourhoods, with one-bedroom apartments available for €1.100 - €1.700 per month.
Living in Berlin-Charlottenburg
Located west of the city centre and south of the River Spree, Charlottenburg is a popular choice for families and young people who want good connections with the centre, but more affordably-priced apartments in Berlin. Shopping, historical attractions, dining, and parks all mean that it's an excellent base from which to explore the city.
The Berlin-Charlottenburg Neighbourhood
Charlottenburg is a good place for people who love parks and outdoor recreation. The area's eastern half is dominated by the city park Tiergarten, while the district is also home to the Berlin Zoo, plenty of lively bars and restaurants, and the shopping heaven Kurfürstendamm.
Rent Prices in Berlin-Charlottenburg
Expect to find slightly cheaper short term rents than in central Berlin, with furnished one-bedroom apartments available for €950 - €1.450 per month.
Living in Berlin-Kreuzberg
Popular among students because of its affordable short term rentals, Kreuzberg can be found just south of the city centre. It's a vibrant part of Berlin, where the large Turkish population adds some flavour to the local dining options and a bohemian, relaxed vibe is the norm.
The Berlin-Kreuzberg Neighbourhood
Kreuzberg is Berlin's current creative hub, with standout features including quirky cafes, pop-up galleries, street art on every corner, and the lively Turkish market. Add in a dynamic live music and nightlife scene and it's easy to see why Kreuzberg attracts a young, culturally active crowd.
Rent Prices in Berlin-Kreuzberg
Relatively affordable furnished apartments are another draw for younger visitors. Expect to pay around €900 - €1.400 for a furnished one-bedroom apartment.
Living in Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg
When Berlin's recent revival kicked off, Prenzlauer Berg was transformed into a diverse, youthful neighbourhood, with plenty of cafes and art galleries. Located north-east of Mitte, it's now known as more of an eco-friendly family area, with excellent transport links and local amenities.
The Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg Neighbourhood
Prenzlauer Berg's properties tend to have a high proportion of Wilhelmine (late 19th century) designs, including some of the most beautiful apartments for rent in Berlin. Great cafes and bookshops make it appealing as well.
Rent Prices in Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg
As Prenzlauer Berg has attracted more families and professionals, the prices have risen. Expect rent prices similar to the Mitte Neighbourhood, at around €1.050 - €1.550 for a furnished one-bedroom apartment.
Living in Berlin-Neukölln
Located south-east of the city centre and relatively close to Schönefeld Airport, Neukölln is an up-and-coming neighbourhood where new organic cafes open up every week and creative spirit is on the rise.
The Berlin-Neukölln Neighbourhood
For a long time, Neukölln was neglected by people seeking accommodation in Berlin, but that's no longer the case. Its collection of restaurants from around the world, the large new park at Tempelhof and the shopping scene with a constant opening of new markets and boutiques make it popular amongst young professionals.
Rent Prices in Berlin-Neukölln
Prices in Neukölln haven't quite caught up with the neighbourhood's cultural rise, so it's still an affordable area. Expect furnished one-bedroom apartments to cost around €850 - €1.350 per month.
Living in Berlin
Berlin has everything you could hope for from a national capital, from world-class museums and an efficient public transport network to shops, markets, and a dynamic arts scene. Here are some pointers to get you started in the German capital.
Transportation in Berlin
Below are our tips on how to get around during your first weeks in the city.
Public Transport
Locals prefer to get around via Berlin's comprehensive rail network. Overground services are operated by Deutsche Bahn (DB) but the Underground (U-Bahn), operated by the Berlin-based company BVG, can be even more convenient as it reaches most central districts. Day tickets for all public transport cost €8.60 (including buses and trams), and 7-day tickets cost €34. Singles vary from €1.90 for a short trip (up to 3 stops) to €3.60 – quite reasonable for a major city.
Taxi
Taxis are available across Berlin and are more comfortable but also a pricier way to get around. Their base fare is €3.90 with an additional €2 per kilometre. You can hail a taxi on the street if needed, but be aware that when you do, short journeys will cost a minimum of €5.
Sightseeing in Berlin
Berlin has seen plenty of history, so it's no surprise that attractions are everywhere. Here are some highlights:
The Brandenburger Tor (Brandenburg Gate)
The Brandenburg Gate served as the entry to Berlin under Prussian rule and later survived the Second World War, becoming a symbol of rebirth. Even more meaning was added when the Berlin Wall came down and the gate became a sign of German unity.
The Fernsehturm (TV Tower)
The needle-like Fernsehturm (TV tower) soars above Mitte. The summit offers an unmissable 360-degree view of the city, along with a sky restaurant. Nowhere else in Berlin will you get a better view.
Checkpoint Charlie
A famous crossing point of the Berlin Wall between 1961 and 1989, Checkpoint Charlie is now the site of a memorable museum, which tells the story of the divided city.
The Reichstag
Reopened and rebuilt with the help of British architect Sir Norman Foster, the Reichstag is a magnificent testimony to modern Germany. A visit to the rooftop terrace and the guided tour of the dome are highly recommended.
The Jewish Memorial
No visit to Berlin is complete without spending some time in contemplation at Peter Eisenman's Jewish Memorial. Located near the Brandenburg Gate, the memorial's 2.711 concrete monoliths are a fitting reminder of man's darker side.
Museum Island
Home to Babylon's famous Ishtar Gate, a gorgeous bust of the Egyptian queen Nefertiti, an endless array of modern masterpieces and much more, Museum Island is a prominent collection of museums in central Berlin.
KaDeWe
Berlin's premier department store, KaDeWe (short for Department Store of the West) sprawls over 60.000 square metres in Schöneberg. The luxury perfume and shoe departments are celebrated, but the 6th and 7th-floor food halls are the real highlight.
The East Side Gallery
The East Side Gallery is an open-air art exhibit made up of 1.3 kilometres of the Berlin Wall. It was opened in 1990 after artists took over a stretch of the wall, creating an improvised masterpiece.
Useful Services in Berlin
Settling into your new apartment in Berlin can be hard enough. But don’t worry - Berlin’s startup scene provides a wide range of services for new residents in order to make life easier.
Bike-Sharing
Bike-sharing schemes are a nice way to integrate exercise throughout your day without having to purchase your own bike. With nextbike or Call a bike you can register and rent a bike via the app. When you are done cycling, you can park the bike anywhere within the S-Bahn ring.
Gym Membership
Stay fit during your time in temporary apartments in Berlin by signing up with FitX or Mcfit– a network of city centre gyms offering very reasonable membership fees. If you are looking for a more exclusive gym, Holmes Place offers a spa in addition to its sports facilities. If you would rather choose a gym close to your apartment in Berlin, try out the website Urban Sports Club.
Food Delivery
Lieferando is the place for local gourmet food delivery, and with all of the world's cuisines available in Berlin, this is an essential app to have at your fingertips.
Cleaning Service
If you're busy at work or want more time free time outside the office, Book a Tiger can provide professional cleaning service for your apartment in Berlin whenever it's required.
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Now, let's dive into the concepts mentioned in the article "Tips for Finding an Apartment in Berlin" and provide relevant information.
Apartments in Berlin
Berlin is a city known for its cultural significance and rising business centers. As a result, apartments in Berlin, especially short-term furnished apartments, are in high demand. The city attracts new guests and residents due to its vibrant startup scene, galleries, restaurants, and concerts, making it particularly appealing to young Europeans in their 20s and early 30s [[SOURCE 1]].
Berlin Neighborhoods
The article highlights several neighborhoods in Berlin, each with its own unique characteristics and appeal. Here's a brief overview of the neighborhoods mentioned:
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Berlin-Mitte: Located in the heart of Berlin, Mitte is home to famous landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island, and the Bauhaus Museum. It is considered a popular district with a wide range of attractions, including shopping, dining, and nightlife options [[SOURCE 1]].
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Berlin-Charlottenburg: Situated west of the city center and south of the River Spree, Charlottenburg is known for its affordability compared to central Berlin. It offers good connections to the city center, historical attractions, parks, and dining options. The shopping street Kurfürstendamm is a notable feature of this neighborhood [[SOURCE 1]].
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Berlin-Kreuzberg: Located just south of the city center, Kreuzberg is a vibrant and culturally active neighborhood. It is popular among students due to its affordable short-term rentals. Kreuzberg is known for its diverse dining options, street art, and lively nightlife scene [[SOURCE 1]].
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Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg: Situated northeast of Mitte, Prenzlauer Berg has transformed into a diverse and eco-friendly family area. It offers excellent transport links, local amenities, and beautiful apartments with late 19th-century designs. The neighborhood is known for its cafes, art galleries, and bookshops [[SOURCE 1]].
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Berlin-Neukölln: Located southeast of the city center and close to Schönefeld Airport, Neukölln is an up-and-coming neighborhood. It has experienced a cultural rise and attracts young professionals with its diverse restaurant scene, new markets, and boutiques. Neukölln is still considered an affordable area compared to other neighborhoods in Berlin [[SOURCE 1]].
Rent Prices in Berlin
Rent prices in Berlin vary depending on the neighborhood. Here are the approximate ranges mentioned in the article for one-bedroom furnished apartments:
- Berlin-Mitte: €1,100 - €1,700 per month [[SOURCE 1]].
- Berlin-Charlottenburg: €950 - €1,450 per month [[SOURCE 1]].
- Berlin-Kreuzberg: €900 - €1,400 per month [[SOURCE 1]].
- Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg: €1,050 - €1,550 per month [[SOURCE 1]].
- Berlin-Neukölln: €850 - €1,350 per month [[SOURCE 1]].
Please note that these prices are approximate and subject to change. It's always recommended to consult reliable real estate sources or platforms for the most up-to-date information.
Transportation in Berlin
The article also provides tips on getting around Berlin. Here are some key points:
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Public Transport: Berlin has a comprehensive rail network operated by Deutsche Bahn (DB) for overground services and the Underground (U-Bahn) operated by BVG for reaching most central districts. Day tickets for all public transport cost €8.60, and 7-day tickets cost €34. Single tickets vary from €1.90 for short trips to €3.60 for longer journeys [[SOURCE 1]].
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Taxis: Taxis are available throughout Berlin but are generally more expensive than public transport. The base fare is €3.90, with an additional €2 per kilometer. Short journeys have a minimum cost of €5 [[SOURCE 1]].
Sightseeing in Berlin
Berlin offers numerous attractions for visitors. Here are some highlights mentioned in the article:
- Brandenburg Gate: A historic landmark and symbol of German unity [[SOURCE 1]].
- Fernsehturm (TV Tower): Offers a panoramic view of the city [[SOURCE 1]].
- Checkpoint Charlie: Former crossing point of the Berlin Wall, now a museum [[SOURCE 1]].
- Reichstag: A magnificent building with a rooftop terrace and guided dome tour [[SOURCE 1]].
- Jewish Memorial: A contemplative memorial near the Brandenburg Gate [[SOURCE 1]].
- Museum Island: A collection of museums in central Berlin [[SOURCE 1]].
- KaDeWe: Berlin's premier department store with luxury shopping and food halls [[SOURCE 1]].
- East Side Gallery: An open-air art exhibit along a stretch of the Berlin Wall [[SOURCE 1]].
Useful Services in Berlin
The article mentions some useful services in Berlin for new residents. Here are a few examples:
- Bike-Sharing: Nextbike or Call a bike offer bike-sharing services in Berlin, allowing users to rent bikes via an app [[SOURCE 1]].
- Gym Membership: FitX, Mcfit, and Holmes Place are gym options in Berlin with reasonable membership fees [[SOURCE 1]].
- Food Delivery: Lieferando is a popular app for local gourmet food delivery [[SOURCE 1]].
- Cleaning Service: Book a Tiger provides professional cleaning services for apartments in Berlin [[SOURCE 1]].
These are just a few examples, and Berlin offers a wide range of services to cater to the needs of its residents.
Please note that the information provided is based on the content of the article and the available search results. It's always a good idea to verify information from multiple sources and consult official websites or local resources for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
