Berlin apartments, airbnb and accommodation

When looking for accommodation in Germany, there is no greater place to begin than the capital! The city dates back to the 13th Century, and. with a turbulent history and remains of that past still standing today, Berlin is one of the most interesting and diverse cities in Europe. It has a fantastic combination of grit and glamour making it a wonderful city to explore. In order for you to fully enjoy Berlins vibrant culture, tangible history and wild parties, it is essential that you find the perfect accommodation. Cheap accommodation can be found in the form of a hotel room if you're travelling as a couple or if you are travelling solo a homestay is a great way to meet some of the locals. However if you are looking for a holiday letting for a big group then self-catered apartments are a great way to keep the cost down, whilst still getting something comfortable, accessible and upmarket.

Best time to visit

Unlike other German cities, Berlin has a relatively cool climate which makes it comfortable to visit most of the year. In the summer, it's warm but not scorching and in the winter it can be extremely cold. Jumpers, hats, scarves and gloves are a must from November through to February. Don't say we didn't warn you!

How to get there

You can visit Berlin in less than 2 hours from multiple airports across the UK, including London, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh, and you will land at Berlin-Tegel Airport or Berlin Schoenefeld Airport, both of which are around a 40 minute drive from the city centre. Alternatively, if you would prefer not to fly, then you can hop to the German capital on the Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels in only 2 hours, then connect for another 2 hours to Cologne. If you are already holidaying in Germany, it could be a good idea to visit Berlin on a day trip, or you could even add on a few nights at the beginning or end of your trip. Travel from a holiday rental in Munich in just under 4 hours by train, and experience two of the biggest cities in Germany in one trip.

Where to stay in Berlin

Friedichshain

Friedrichshain, is one of the best areas to stay in if you're with a large party, like a stag or hen do because you will find an array of bars nearby. One can hope from bar to bar and soak up the many different beers Berlin has to offer. This district is a magnet for the young, it is filled with student accommodation, quirky bars and funky clubs. If you're looking for a busy, bustling, party district then Friedrichshain is definitely the place for you. We have plenty of holiday apartments and hostels available in this part of Berlin so check out our website for more information. Aside from the party scene, this area is home to the world-famous East Side gallery and Karl-Marx-Allee, so not completely a culture free neighbourhood!

Spandauer Vorstadt

If you want to be close to all the major tourist sites, Spandauer Vorstadt is the ideal neighbourhood to stay in and it has several self-catered apartments available. It is situated near the Mitte district and it gives a good balance of tourism and attractions. Spandauer Vorstadt is filled with local bars and restaurants making eating out in this neighbourhood a treat for the tastebuds.

The Mitte District

The Mitte district is one of the most famous and popular neighbourhoods in Berlin unsurprisingly as the Alexandanderplatz, Brandenburg Gate and Museum Island are all situated here. The Mitte is among one of the more expensive places to live in Berlin, however apartment rentals for city breaks are much more reasonable. There are also several hostels and hotel rooms to choose from in this area making it popular with tourists. Before the tourists, this area was once ruled by gangsters but these days you'll find trendy restaurants, designer shops and craft boutiques.

Where to visit and what to do?

Bethanien Freiluftkino

If you are visiting Berlin in the summer then you have to visit Bethanien Freiluftkino, an open air cinema. Curl up with a cosy blanket, a delicious cocktail and enjoy watching a great film underneath the stars.

Mauerpark

If you love to rifle through flea markets and find that special item then head to Mauerpark, the best flea market in Berlin. It is a great place to spend a weekend browsing through eclectic antiques, hand-made jewellery and a huge selection of incredible vintage clothes.

River Spree

Book a cruise on the River Spree and explore Berlin from a different perspective. These tours usually last 3-4 hours, one will see all the main sites the city has to offer in a more civilized manner. You can also hop on and off at different points in the journey and there is food and drink available on board. However if you would rather discover Berlin in a more active way then cycle around Tempelhofer, head through Treptower Park and end up in the Soviet Memorial. One can also cycle the whole of the Berlin Wall, these cycle rides will leave you with some unforgettable memories.

German Bundestag

A great place to visit is the German Bundestag designed in the neo-Baroque style by Sir Norman Foster. It is impressively still standing despite being under threat from wars, Nazis fires, bombing and the divide of the whole country. We would recommend a trip to the top where one can admire the incredible architecture, however make sure you book before.

Where to eat in Berlin?

Street food can be found all across the city, but Kreuzberg district is the place to be for street food lovers. Every Thursday evening, you'll find a food market with every cuisine you can think of, from Japanese to Vietnamese and everything in between. Even without the Thursday market you will find some incredible street food every day of the week in Kreuzberg. The Big Stage Smoked BBQ's pork belly and briskets are to die for. Share the big version with your travelling companion, you'll need some help finishing it, trust us! You'll also find Kumpet & Keule which is a local butcher with fresh cuts of meat hanging from the ceilings. You can choose to sit on site where they will grill your meat in front of you or take it away with you and cook up a storm in your Berlin apartment for a special night in. Every summer a community of Thai women congregate in Wilmersdorf park each weekend and sell authentic Thai food. From homemade noodle soups to Thai desserts, this ‘unofficial' Berlin food festival attracts crowds from all over Berlin. Now for dessert, Jones ice cream truck in Schoneberg is where to get your sugar fix. This mobile outlet is the ice cream child of French chef Gabrielle Jones, where she serves the most incredible ice cream creations on cookies. What is not to love?! The signature, whisky cornflake ice cream on a bacon pecan cookie comes highly recommended.

Where to drink?

Known for its party culture, here's the low down on where to get a good drink and party in Berlin. Barbie Deinhoffs charismatic customers attracts all types of people, it is a barbie themed bar is full of debauchery and it is run by a famous German drag queen, Lena Braun. You will find a happy hour here every day, crazy cocktails plus a wild atmosphere, head here if you're a carefree soul and you're up for a bit of fun! For a more relaxed atmosphere, Prater Garten is the oldest beer garden in Berlin, dating back to 1837. A gorgeous spot during the summer months to sip on a local German beer surrounded by 600 other like-minded people. In the winter, they open their indoor beer hall, serving up their famous German beers along with German delicacies such as Wiener schnitzel and goulash! One to add to the bucket list no matter what time of year you're visiting.