In the middle of it all: old meets new in Mitte
Mitte is where old meets new in Berlin. The city's rapid development into a lively, modern metropolis has left clear traces here. Spectacular new building projects along Friedrichstrasse, the cultural destinations on and around the Museum Island and the government quarter define the new center. In addition to these anchors, there is an interesting mix of alternative culture, boutiques, galleries and unique event venues around Oranienburger Strasse.
Residences near the government quarter, at Hackescher Markt and in the centrally located Stadtmitte area are extraordinarily sought after. More affordable apartments can be found in the Spandauer Vorstadt or the Scheunenviertel, a purely residential area in which property renovations are regulated to ensure a supply of affordable housing.
Prenzlauer Berg
Prenzlauer Berg is one of the most densely populated areas of Berlin. Many of the buildings there include several rear tenements and side buildings that formerly housed commercial and industrial enterprises. Kollwitzplatz, with its popular and multifaceted cultural life and many different kinds of restaurants and bars, is considered the center of the district. Attractive apartments in good locations can be found around this lively square.
This traditionally working-class neighborhood is also favored by many students. It is considered a place where the independent-minded can live a lifestyle that suits them and provides them with a specific social milieu. It was an important center for the citizen's movement in the former GDR.
The Volkspark Prenzlauer Berg and the Anton-Saefkow-Park offer plenty of space for recreation.
The centrally-located borough offers good U- and S-Bahn connections.
Urban flair: Charlottenburg
The center of what was once known, as a political and geographical designation, as “West Berlin” and is now simply the western part of the city, stretches from Kurfürstendamm and Tauentzien to the International Congress Center and the Messe Berlin at the Funkturm radio tower. Charlottenburg is truly cosmopolitan: With its spectacular new building projects, it is gaining in importance for Berlin as a location for business. Promenades and shopping districts with elegant boutiques and street-side cafes attract visitors from all over the globe.
Charlottenburg's "Ku'damm" (Kurfürstendamm) Boulevard has always been a meeting place for bohemians, intellectuals and artists. A rich cultural scene and a multitude of important theaters recall the luster of the "Golden Twenties."
There is scarcely a trace of the turbulence of urban life to be found in Lietzensee, Ruhleben and Westend. Close to the city, yet developed with ample space between them, the district's high-end villas and post-war developments are the preferred address for many, not only artists and actors.
Around Kantstrasse and Savignyplatz, there is a concentration of small boutiques and shops, some of which are famous beyond the reaches of the city. The large number of businesses, especially in the service sector, is characteristic for Charlottenburg, and a diverse selection of bars and restaurants attracts more than just locals.
A large proportion of green space further enhances the area's attractiveness. In addition to Lietzensee and Volkspark Jungfernheide, the Charlottenburg Palace and Schlosspark invite visitors to linger.
Exclusiveness and tranquility: from Grunewald to Schmargendorf
Kurfürstendamm is the cosmopolitan promenade in the district of Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf in City West. The western parts of Wilmersdorf offer both the advantages of being close to the city center while also relaxing in the peace and quiet of a fashionable address.
In Halensee and the villa district of Grunewald, an exclusive residential area stretches through lakes and forests.
The detached villas and numerous townhouses and bungalows from the 1960's are among the most attractive and expensive addresses in the city.
Central Wilmersdorf is more modest and quite tranquil. Quiet residential neighborhoods, neat middle-class homes from the turn of the century, trees of all kinds and numerous public squares offer a family friendly environment.
In many parts, Schmargendorf has even retained the character of a small town. The residential areas are also home to classic Berlin small-plot garden complexes.
Alternative Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg
The two halves of this borough straddling the former border between East and West share the same flair for creativity and dynamism that has shaped their development. Innovative projects have sparked the growth of attractive service-industry locations. The surrounding residential areas enjoy growing popularity, not just among people working in the media and creative sector.
Kreuzberg
The neighborhood known by its old postal code of SO 36 is famous far beyond Berlin. The mix of different cultures and alternative lifestyles define this urban district. The colorful diversity of the cultures can be experienced on the lively streets, in the antiques and junk stores, in designer shops and in cafes and bars. The old stronghold of West Berlin's alternative scene now attracts an increasing number of start-ups in the service sector with its affordable office and commercial space. These companies benefit from the district’s central location, the proximity to Mitte and the creative atmosphere that reigns here.
Popular office and residential areas have developed along the canal and around Chamissoplatz, among other places.
Friedrichshain
This traditionally working-class district is especially popular with young people as a stronghold of culture and creativity. This aspect is increasingly being tapped for its economic potential. A number of cultural and service-sector enterprises have discovered Friedrichshain as an attractive location. The lively club scene is still considered an insider tip, but its reputation stretches far beyond the city limits. Numerous cultural institutions, cafes, bars and businesses have found their home here away from the typical tourist attractions. Situated between the former East and West, the alternative scene here has a special pull for young 'creatives'.
Near Warschauer Strasse is Oberbaum City, a super-modern service-sector complex. In the surrounding areas, apartments can still be found at mid-level prices.
