The districts in Berlin: Where should I live?
Berlin is a great city and is characterised by diversity in many ways. The city is the seat of government and a cultural metropolis. But is Berlin a good place to live? In an international comparison, Berlin is one of the most liveable cities in the whole world. Berlin is growing steadily because more and more people want to live in the capital. Cities offer many advantages in terms of jobs and leisure activities. Despite the high demand for living space, Berlin scores with many open spaces that enrich life in the city. For example, about 40 per cent of the city area consists of forests, agriculture, bodies of water, allotments and parks. 13 percent of Berlin is available for recreation, leisure or sports. In order to enjoy the advantages of the city in the best possible way, you should consider which part of Berlin best suits your living needs. Each district is defined by different characteristics, so that the districts of Berlin can almost be considered individual cities.
The districts of Berlin - many cities in one city
After the unification of East and West Germany in 1990, Berlin initially had 23 districts. In 2001, the districts were reorganised and the number reduced to twelve. This made the administration more efficient and closer to the citizens. Since then, all districts have housed roughly the same number of inhabitants. Berlin’s districts are Berlin-Mitte and Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg. Pankow and Reinickendorf are in the north. Steglitz-Zehlendorf, Tempelhof-Schöneberg, Neukölln and Treptow-Köpenick are in the south. Marzahn-Hellersdorf, Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf, Spandau and Lichtenberg are also among Berlin’s districts. Each district has its own charm and offers some special features, for example, in terms of work or leisure opportunities.
- Mitte
- Treptow-Köpenick
- Lichtenberg
- Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg
- Zehlendorf
- Pankow
- Spandau
- Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf
- Tempelhof
- Neukölln
- Marzahn-Hellersdorf
- Reinickendorf
Berlin-Mitte - more than just an administrative district
Berlin-Mitte is one of the most attractive districts of Berlin. Berlin-Mitte is the centre and heart of Berlin. The district has a wide range of sights and attractions. These include the Berlin TV Tower and the Brandenburg Gate. The district is home to theatres, museums, restaurants, bars, cafés, boutiques and businesses. In addition to art collections and exhibitions, Tiergarten and Wedding have also been part of the Mitte district since the reform. Berlin-Mitte is the seat of government and offers nightlife and leisure opportunities as well as an excellent infrastructure, green spaces and educational institutions. The cityscape is characterised by renovated old buildings from the Wilhelminian period. Due to the large number of special features, there is a lot to be said for buying a flat in Berlin Mitte Apartment in Berlin Mitte .
Treptow-Köpenick - big, green and full of water
Treptow-Köpenick is the largest, greenest and most water-rich district of Berlin. As a university location it is known for the Humboldt University in Adlershof and the University of Applied Sciences in Oberschöneweide. Its location in the immediate vicinity of the new major airport “Willy Brandt” makes the district attractive for the settlement of companies and organisations.
Lichtenberg - part of Berlin since 1920
The town, which had 71,000 inhabitants at the time, was granted city status as early as 1908. Lichtenberg has belonged to Berlin since 1920. The district is a beautiful residential area for young and old. One of Berlin’s most famous sights, the zoo, can be found in this district. Those who want to escape the tranquil atmosphere of Lichtenberg will find nightlife and leisure opportunities in neighbouring Friedrichshain.
Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg - lively night and cultural life
The second administrative district, Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, has the highest club density in Berlin. In Kreuzberg, life is colourful and loud. Kreuzberg stands for alternative lifestyles, countless cafés and a variety of leisure activities. The district is particularly popular with young people from all parts of Germany and the world. Discover our range of flats in Kreuzberg and see for yourself one of the most sought-after residential districts. Friedrichshain convinces with a combination of nightlife options and historical charm. If you want to buy a flat in Friedrichshain, you will find both renovated old buildings and modern properties. Apartment in Friedrichshain
Berlin Zehlendorf - the posh district
Berlin Zehlendorf is one of the most affluent areas of Berlin. The district is known for its noble villas and dreamy natural oases. Despite its proximity to the Free University, Zehlendorf is a rather sparsely populated district. Zehlendorf offers a high quality of life not only in sophisticated country houses and city villas. There are also modern penthouses and housing association estates here.
Berlin Pankow - the most family-friendly district
City life and lots of country air – that’s possible in Pankow. The district of Pankow is much quieter than Kreuzberg. The district is particularly popular with families. The cityscape is characterised by villas, single-family houses, isolated prefabricated buildings and even farms. Numerous gardens and the residential character make the district an attractive place to live. The district with its rural character has good transport connections thanks to the S-Bahn and U-Bahn as well as buses and trams. In addition, there is no lack of shopping opportunities in the district. Prenzlauer Berg is particularly famous and is considered a sought-after place to live with its picturesque landscape of small alleys, beautiful housing estates and numerous other amenities. Would you like to live in this unique neighbourhood? Discover our range of charming flats in Prenzlauer Berg. Apartment near Prenzlauer Berg.
Spandau - a metropolitan idyll
Spandau is one of Berlin’s most underrated districts. It is home to one of the cleanest bathing lakes in all of Berlin, the Groß-Glienicker See. The lake is one of the richest in fish and species in all of Berlin. Spandau is known to insiders as an organic district. Here you can find food from direct suppliers. In the Berlin Berry Garden it is possible to pick strawberries and blueberries yourself. Beyond nature, Spandau impresses with its handsome old town.
Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf - Berlin Festival
The district of Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf lies within the Berlin Ring. There are many galleries and theatres here. In the scientific field, the Max Planck Institute is worth mentioning. In leisure time, the Wilmersdorfer Park and various sports facilities are available. The district offers very good residential locations and quiet residential areas. Charlottenburg also enjoys an excellent reputation outside of Berlin due to its diverse gastronomy, idyllic green spaces and numerous cultural features. Buying a flat in Charlottenburg is therefore a dream come true for many.
Berlin Tempelhof - urban open space
Tempelhof is particularly famous for the 300-hectare Tempelhofer Feld. Thousands of people visit the city’s largest open space every day. Berliners meet in the urban green area in all weathers. The sports range from dancing on roller skates to stilt walking and kite surfing. At times, cultural events also take place on the field.
Neukölln - multicultural diversity
The northern district of Neukölln is the most densely built-up. The residents reflect all social strata of Berlin. The spectrum ranges from students and artists to job seekers and well-off entrepreneurs. The district is characterised by pastry shops, hummus shops and the Turkish market. Compared to other parts of Berlin, rents here are relatively manageable. Would you like to live in an exciting district in Berlin? Discover our selection of attractive flats in Neukölln!
Marzahn-Hellersdorf - prefabricated buildings
The cityscape of Marzahn-Hellersdorf is characterised by many green spaces and an overall good infrastructure. Numerous daycare centres, schools and parks are located in this district. The district combines urban life with idyllic meadows, lakes and other recreational opportunities.
Reinickendorf - Water Sports in Berlin
The administrative district of Reinickendorf is known for water and green spaces. It attracts with numerous landscape conservation areas, recreational areas and lakes. The district offers a wide range of activities for hikers and water sports enthusiasts. As in all districts of Berlin, there are good transport connections. The various schools make Reinickendorf a popular place for families to live.
Every district in Berlin has its own special features. Whether culture, party or family idyll – there is something for everyone in Berlin!
