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

Exploring Berlin: Areas to Avoid During Your Stay

by | Oct 22, 2024 | Original Berlin

Welcome to Berlin, a vibrant and diverse city known for its rich history, thriving arts scene, and bustling nightlife. As with any city, there are areas that may not be as welcoming or safe for visitors. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at some neighborhoods in Berlin that you may want to avoid during your stay. By steering clear of these areas, you can ensure a safer and more enjoyable trip.

The Hauptbahnhof District

This area, which is just a stone’s throw away from the central railway station of Berlin is active for the most parts of the day and night. On one hand the area boasts good transport accessibility and choice of some marvelous hotels, on the other hand the area is very risky in terms of meeting pickpockets and scammers. The fact that there is always a large number of tourists assures that there will always be many touts to flock the given area.

One should be very cautious while moving around this region for this kind of incident is not very surprising. Always have your belongings near you and avoid anyone coming to you with sad story telling or trying to distract them. Also it is advisable to have a hotel in a peaceful and secure area of the town like Mitte or Tiergarten and use Bahnhof only as a transportation center.

Kottbusser Tor

Another site on which people should take precautions is Kottbusser Tor situated in the neighbourhood called Kreuzberg. This great is more bohemian and loose-spirited area of town is characterized by its graffiti, its more diverse crowd, and its alternative subculture. Although, it has to be mentioned that Kottbusser Tor has become also more or less a crime area in the recent years especially at night time.

Despite the fact that there is nothing wrong with restaurants, bars and other cultural attractions nearby, it is recommended not to walk alone in the evening. You should consider visiting during daytime or go to other Berlin’s districts like Neukölln or Friedrichshai where you will find similar vibes but less violent crimes.

Alexanderplatz at Night

Alexanderplatz, the TV tower, though may look so lively and interesting especially during the day. However, the situation alters entirely at night. This place might be crowded with people going back home after clubs or pubs or in the wee hours in the morning, both residents and visitors, which may at times, be associated with a spike in cases of theft, particularly of the petty sort, and peoples’ temperamental extremity.

It’s advisable to spend your time in Alexanderplatz during the day, and go to other districts, for instance Prenzlauer Allee or Friedrichshain for the night adventure without any problems. These areas are full of various bars and clubs to satisfy the tasters of different kinds of venues.

The Eastern Part of Marzahn

Marzahn, which is situated in the eastern region of Berlin, tends to have high rise apartment blocks; though the over all mood in the area is not as hectic as in the middle of the city. Nevertheless, just like with numerous other neighborhoods of Eastern Berlin, there is a caveat; definitely avoid the eastern near Geraer Ring and Allee der Kosmonauten.

Some of these parts of Marzahn bear higher crime indices and some social vices. With regards to accommodation there are many low-budget options in and around Berlin but it is advisable for tourist, especially first-timers in Berlin to stay within or closer to the city central business district. Like this, you can end up getting acquainted with the main attractions of the city and at the same time avoid getting attacked.

The Südkreuz Station Area

Südkreuz station situated in Tempelhof Schöneberg borough is a central transport center in Berlin. The overall safety of the station, however, is rather relative, at least after dark, and so are the areas that may be of interest to visitors.

There are always criminals around these station areas and it is wise to quickly proceed to your destination or a hotel. Schöneberg is another district close to Tiergarten is famous for the hosts of clubs and bars as well as for being rather accepting of the members of the LGBTQ+ community – something that makes it a much more suitable place for spending time and finding a place to stay for the night.

Conclusion

While Berlin is generally a safe city for visitors, it’s important to be aware of certain areas that may have higher crime rates or less desirable atmospheres. By avoiding the neighborhoods mentioned above, you can better ensure your safety and enjoy a more pleasant stay in this incredible city.

Remember, this guide is meant to provide helpful insights for those who are new to Berlin. Use your common sense, stay informed about current local issues, and always prioritize your safety when exploring any unfamiliar area. Now go forth and discover the wonders of Berlin with confidence!

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