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.
FAQs
How much is the average flat rent in Berlin? ›
The average rent price in Berlin is 1,150 EUR (1,245 USD). You will find rental prices to range between 11,400 to 16,200 EUR (12,400 to 17,600 USD) per year.
Is it difficult to find a flat in Berlin? ›Yes, it's really hard.
It's one of the hardest parts of moving to Berlin. You might need to live in temporary places until you find a home. If you are not in Berlin yet, it's almost impossible. Get short-term housing, move to Berlin, then look for a better place.
Most long-term apartments in Germany are unfurnished. In Germany, unfurnished can be quite extreme – you may well find there is no kitchen, no appliances and no light fittings as tenants often take these with them when moving between properties.
Is it better to buy or rent an apartment in Berlin? ›Long-Term Investment
On the other hand, for long-term residents or those who consider property as an investment, buying could be a wise option. Although the initial investment is high, owning a property in Berlin, given its thriving economy and the expected future growth, can be fruitful in the long run.
The cost of living will vary depending on your job and the area to choose to live in Berlin, but you can certainly live quite affordably in Berlin. If you budgeted strictly, you could live in Berlin for €1,500 per month. Without too strict a budget, your monthly expenses should average around €2,000 per month.
What is the best area to live in Berlin? ›- MITTE. Being the very heart of Berlin, Mitte (german for center) is one of the best neighborhoods in Berlin, displays a miniature of how life feels like in the German capital. ...
- NEUKÖLLN. ...
- CHARLOTTENBURG. ...
- PRENZLAUER BERG. ...
- SCHÖNEBERG. ...
- LICHTENBERG.
There is no restriction for a foreigner buyer to acquire a property in Germany. However, owning a property in Germany does not entitle you to a German residence permit like in other countries.
Do Germans negotiate rent? ›Normally rents for apartments are not negotiable. For larger objects like houses they might be, depending on the market. Don't press too much. German landlords very often are feeling offended when pressed hard or impolitely with regards to the rent, and just reject to take you as tenant.
Can you live in Berlin without knowing German? ›Learn basic German: While it's possible to live in Berlin without speaking German, it's important to learn some basic phrases to help you navigate daily life. Knowing how to say hello, goodbye, please, and thank you can go a long way in making connections with locals and getting things done.
Why don t apartments come with kitchens in Germany? ›Why don't German apartments have kitchens? The reason why German apartments don't have kitchens boils down to two things: strict tenant rights laws and the overall high number of renters compared to homeowners in the country. Live in Germany explains that more people rent in Germany over owning a home.
Can I rent an apartment in Germany as a foreigner? ›
Additional requirements for foreigners
Residence permit: If you're not an EU citizen, you'll need a valid residence permit. Guarantor: Some landlords might require a guarantor (Bürgschaft) to co-sign the rental agreement, especially if your economic stability in Germany is not yet established.
Air Conditioning
There are a few exceptions though– Some very modern, expensive luxury flats have them. However, it is safe to say that you won't need air conditioning anyway. The temperature in Germany is rarely hot enough to require an air conditioner, even if it's hot outside.
| District | Average apartment price |
|---|---|
| Steglitz-Zehlendorf | 5.268 EUR per m2 |
| Schöneberg-Tempelhof | 5.175 EUR per m2 |
| Treptow-Köpenick | 5.038 EUR per m2 |
| Berlin city average | 5.388 EUR per m2 |
One is the city's strong economy and high demand for housing. This has led to a shortage of affordable housing and increased competition for rental properties, resulting in higher rent prices. Additionally, Berlin is a popular tourist destination, which has driven up prices for goods and services in the city.
How much should you spend on rent in Berlin? ›The monthly rent for apartments in Berlin varies depending on the size and location of the property. Studio apartments, which typically have just one room, cost around €1,321 per month. Two-room apartments are slightly more expensive, with renters having to shell out about €1,748 per month.