Free Walking Tour Berlin

When: Every day 10am & 12pm every day
Where: The meeting point is in front of the ehemaliges Kaiserliches Postfuhramt Berlin, Oranienburger Straße, 10117 Berlin, Germany, next to the entrance.
Price: Free

Discover the Best Neighborhoods for Expats in Berlin

by | Oct 22, 2024 | Original Berlin

Introduction

Berlin is the cultural capital of united Germany enjoying the place of one of the most attractive destinations for foreigners. Living accommodation is always the first thing that residents give much thought prior to making a transition to a new city. Berlin has a vast offer of districts that may differ in character and atmosphere of the places. In this guide on Berlin, we will also look at some of the most common neighborhoods in which foreigners reside in Berlin.

The Friederichschain Kreuzberg district

The Kreuzberg-Friedrichshain part of Berlin is known as X-Berg, and it is rather popular among foreign residents. It wants to be a bohemian neighborhood that has lots of nightlife and art content. If you like murals, independent coffee shops, or modern and fashionable bars, you’re welcome in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg. This suggests that the area is diverse and people from all backgrounds often set up different interdependent communities.

Must-Visit Spots in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg:

Görlitzer Park: This is one of the highly endorsed by many people park that is designed to provide relaxation in the middle of town.

Oberbaumbrücke: The Oberbaum Bridge is one of the most recognizable ones connecting Friedrichshain with Kreuzberg and it includes a view on the Spree River.

Markthalle Neun: A great place for those who love to eat out – this historic market hall will offer visitors a wide choice of food.

Görlitzer Park: This is one of the most favorite parks which provide the opportunity to have a rest in the middle of active city’s life.

Görlitzer Park:

Oberbaumbrücke: The Oberbaum Bridge over the Spree River which is one of the symbols of the division is between Friedrichshain and is home to a spectacular view of the river.

Markthalle Neun: All the gourmets will appreciate this historic building which is a home to the numerous food traders.

Prenzlauer Berg

Although it was part of the former East Berlin, Prenzlauer Berg has been turned into one of the most popular districts of the city with historic feel. This district is all about elegant structures, green lanes and has a great parenting environment. It is estimated that the area comprises of beautiful cafés, elegant shops, and beautiful parks. Prenzlauer berg is a preferred location for those expats, who are seeking more of a residential local atmosphere.

Must-Visit Spots in Prenzlauer Berg:

Kollwitzplatz: This bustling place inhabited with a number of cafes and restaurants also hosts a farmers market happening weekly.

Mauerpark: On Sundays, Mauerpark is famous for its flea market and the outdoor karaoke singing.

Kulturbrauerei: This cultural center is built in the former brewery and stages concerts, exhibitions, and theatres.

Kollwitzplatz: This lively Plaza is also full of Cafes/restaurants and hosts one of the biggest farmers market on the weekends.

Mauerpark: There is a very known Sunday flea market in Mauerpark and there’s also an open karaoke in the park.

Kulturbrauerei: On the site of the former brewery, there is a complex of concert and exhibition spaces as well as theaters.

Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf

For those who like to live in a bit more posh and elegant district Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf will be appealing. It is situated at the western Berlin, and characterized by broad avenues, luxury shops and stately architecture. Some of the interesting features about Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf are that despite of being relatively luxurious area with nice parks and cultural places nearby, many expats like to live there.

Must-Visit Spots in Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf:

Charlottenburg Palace: Visit the baroque palace and it’s the marvelous complex of gardens.

Kurfürstendamm: Kurfurstendamm or Ku’damm for short, is currently a avenue of luxury clothing brands and dazzling department stores.

Schaubühne Theatre: Art lovers will particularly find personally, the performancers at Schaubühne unique, experimental and interesting.

Charlottenburg Palace: Take a tour to appreciate the beautiful Baroque palaces as well as beautiful landscapes.

Kurfürstendamm: This famous shopping street is famous by the name ‘Ku’damm’ and is the hub of luxury stores and departmental store.

Schaubühne Theatre: Students of theatre will find the Schaubühne as one that offers avant-garde performances.

Neukölln

Neukölln is district in the southeastern part of Berlin, which has a rich multicultural feel and many global inhabitants. In the recent past, this district has been on the path of gentrification and many young professional and artists throng this region. Neukölln is a unique place where classic Berliner feeling is intertwined with multiculturalism and infection so the district is very active.

Must-Visit Spots in Neukölln:

Karl-Marx-Straße: This is a commercial zone, with shops, cafés and international restaurants located along the street.

Tempelhofer Feld: Former airport turned into an open field site, Tempelhofer Feld, is a popular place for people to barbecue, cycling, and kiting.

Maybachufer: The weekly turkish market along the canal continues to be an astonishing shopping and food journey experience.

Karl-Marx-Straße: This is a thoroughfare with stores, coffee shops, and restaurant mostly operating foreign cuisine.

Tempelhofer Feld: This used to be an airport but today it is Europe’s largest public park that offers people essentially all facets of leisure as people in Berlin love to barbeque, bicycle, and even kitesurf in this location.

Maybachufer: There is one factor that makes it extraordinary – every week Turkish bazaar by the canal’s side provides a shopping and gastronomic journey.

Conclusion

In the choice of an area of Berlin one can lost in the number of wonderful places to choose from. Depending on the mood and preferences, either attracted by glittering nightlife or wanting to avoid it and find a peaceful district for the family, one will always find it in Berlin. Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg area looks like an artists’ quarter for which foreigners are eager to rent apartments; Prenzlauer Berg looks more like a living city district with more homelike and picturesque flair. The Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf neighborhood caters for the high end while the Neukölln caters for the multi-culture individuals. It is recommended that one should go and visit each of these neighborhoods separately in personal attempt at creating the perfect environment for himself or herself. There is a large expat community in Berlin and no matter where you decide to move to, you will always find a friendly face and make friends easily.

Thank you for reading. If you're inspired by the stories of Berlin and want to delve deeper, why not join us on our Free Berlin Walking Tour? It's a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the city's rich history and vibrant culture. We look forward to welcoming you soon.

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • 3.5 hours walking tour
  • Berlin’s major highlights
  • Brandenburg Gate
  • Reichstag and Berlin Wall
  • Historical sites

Free Walking Tour Berlin

When: Every day 10am & 12pm every day
Where: The meeting point is in front of the ehemaliges Kaiserliches Postfuhramt Berlin, Oranienburger Straße, 10117 Berlin, Germany, next to the entrance.
Price: Free