After the end of the Cold War and the later completion of Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Hbf), many hostels and cheap accommodation grew up in the area around the station, giving you a good base for your city adventures, as well as putting you at the heart of the city’s central transport system.
With the wealth of accommodation in the city, it’s easy to find cheap hotels, hostels, pensions, and apartments in all districts, including around the station.
Save even more money by booking online in advance, or visiting out of season, when the weather is cooler, but great deals can be found, even in the more luxurious hotels.
Your choice ranges from youth and budget hostels, with shared dormitory rooms, 2 and 3 star hotels, some offering bed and breakfast, to a variety of chain hotels, which always offer a guaranteed level of cleanliness, service and comfort.
If you want to get a real flavour of city life, consider renting an apartment near Berlin Hbf, giving you the freedom and flexibility of local life. Once you are settled in your hotel, set out to explore the Berlin.
Take in the reminders of the Communist era, as well as visiting the beautiful Schloss Charlottenburg and the imposing Reichstag Building, before taking Europe’s fastest elevator up the Kollhoff Tower on Potsdamer Platz.
For even more spectacular views head to the top of the Berliner Fernsehturm, on Alexanderplatz. This TV tower is nearly 400 m high, and Germany’s tallest structure.
Architecture in the city is a blend of different historical periods, from medieval buildings near Alexanderplatz, to soaring modern structures of glass and steel on Potsdamer Platz.
When staying in the city for a couple of days you can easily take a day trip to Dresden or visit the Babelsberg film studios.