Considered by many to be one of the best nights out in Europe, Berlin is the perfect place to party without breaking the bank. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, there’s world-class architecture, museums, art galleries, bakeries, rooftop bars and more. Not forgetting the Christmas Markets in December!
Another reason Berlin is so popular with backpackers is the abundance of cheap youth hostels close to the city centre.The youth hostels in central Berlin are relatively cheap compared to youth hostels in other capital cities in Europe. Some of the Berlin hostel highlights include rooftop terraces, in-house microbreweries, free welcome shots and special tours that are only available to guests staying in the hostel.
Some of the most popular areas are Mitte, Prenzlauer Berg and Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg. Mitte is Berlin’s central neighbourhood which puts you in the heart of the action, while Prenzlauer Berg offers a laid-back alternative home to boutiques, brunch spots and bohemian bars.
If you’re travelling solo and looking for a melting pot of culture, alternative lifestyles and an unbeatable club scene, then you’re looking for Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg. It has the highest density of clubs in the city, including Berghain, but you can also find some of Berlin's best bars, cafes and boutiques to enjoy the day after.
Check out our guide on where to stay in Berlin for a rundown of all the best areas.
Many of the city’s sights will give you an insight into the history of Berlin and how it’s helped to shape the city into what it is today. That includes the iconic The Brandenburg Gate, modelled after the Acropolis in Athens, Museum Island where you can find many of the city’s best museums, and the Berlin Wall Memorial, a 1.4km stretch of the Berlin wall that’s been preserved.
Getting around central Berlin is easy with the U-Bahn (subway), while the S-Bahn (light rail) is better for long-distance journeys. You can buy tickets for both from vending machines at the station, which includes a day pass if you’re planning to take more than two trips in one day. There’s also buses and trams, but you’ll need to pay for tickets using cash, which can often mean carrying the exact change.
