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
Is it hard to get a flat in Berlin? ›
Berlin has a very difficult rental market. Most Germans rent flats, they don't buy. On top of that, the big cities are really suffering from an over-demand and lack of offers. So, it's very rare to find a temporary flat for yourself.
What is the difference between furnished and semi furnished flats? ›While unfurnished houses do not usually have light and fans installed, furnished properties are like serviced apartments with every amenity you would like. A semi-furnished home is a kind of in the middle with light and fan fixtures and cupboards, cabinets and shelves in most cases.
Are apartments in Germany furnished? ›In Germany, most long-term apartments are unfurnished – by unfurnished, this means that there are often no curtains, light fittings or even a kitchen! By opting for a furnished, short-term apartment, you will have all the furnishings you need for a comfortable start in Germany.
How much does it cost to rent an apartment in Berlin? ›How much is the rent in Berlin? The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Berlin ranges from €800 to €1200. A one-bedroom apartment is €1,150 per 72 square meter in Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin. The average rent for a 59 sq m apartment in Mitte and Wilmersdorf is more than €1,200 per month.
Can an American buy an apartment in Berlin? ›There is no restriction on foreigners buying property in Germany, no matter whether they live in Germany or elsewhere. You can, therefore, buy property as a non-resident with the expressed purpose of renting it out, or you can choose to rent out your own home if you move away from Germany.
Is renting in Berlin hard? ›It's difficult to find housing in Berlin as nearly 85% of Berlin's population rents. Add to this, there's a housing shortage in Berlin, which is driving up rental prices and making renting a time-consuming process.
Is furnished or unfurnished better? ›Well, if you're looking to rent long-term, then an unfurnished property could actually work out to be more cost-effective. Rental charges will generally be lower, which could make buying your own furniture a less expensive option if you going to rent for a while.
What is meant by fully furnished flat? ›A fully furnished apartment is a type of rental property that comes equipped with all the necessary furniture and appliances needed for a comfortable living experience. It includes everything from beds, sofas, and chairs to kitchen utensils, electrical appliances, and linens.
What is a bare unit? ›The term “bare” describes an apartments where there's really nothing in it, aside from the main door. There will be no tiles (just concrete for the pavement), no paint for walls and ceiling, no internal doors, no electrical wirings.
Do German apartments have air conditioning? ›Most German homes do not have air conditioning and while there are many factors to consider, primarily: air conditioning is highly inefficient; it's expensive to install and operate; it's not cost effective, and it's only really beneficial for a few weeks out of each summer.
Why are German apartments unfurnished? ›
Germans also are much more likely to live long-term as tenants than in the UK or USA. Some two-thirds of Germans rent their residence, many for decades. So they are happier putting in a kitchen that suits them, rather than just taking whatever the landlord decides to provide.
Do rental apartments in Germany have kitchens? ›“In Germany, apartments don't normally come with a kitchen. It's purchased/installed by the Tennant.
How much salary is enough to live in Berlin? ›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.
Is 1200 euros enough in Germany? ›What is the average cost of living in Germany? The average monthly living expenses in Germany (for non-students) is around €1,200, but there are many factors which can affect this, especially location.
How hard is it to find a place to live in Berlin? ›Find a place to live
It's really hard to find an apartment in Berlin. The best option is to rent a temporary furnished apartment, then move to Berlin and look for something better. Temporary housing is expensive, but it might be your only option.
The sooner you start looking for a rental apartment, the better. The demand for apartments in Germany is high, especially in major cities such as Berlin, and Munich and properties are often snapped up quickly. It's advisable to start searching for your dream home at least three months before you plan to move.
Can a foreigner buy a flat in Germany? ›Foreign ownership is permitted in Germany, and an important advantage of purchasing a property in Germany is that a foreigner is not required to have to have a residence permit, as may be the case in other countries.
How long does it take to find an apartment in Berlin? ›First things first: finding an apartment in Berlin takes time! On a low budget, it can take weeks, even months, before finding the right match. Secondly, even if you have an ideal Kiez (neighborhood) in mind, be ready to look into other options less in demand.