How to Move to Berlin With Ease

Berlin’s history as a divided city has resulted in a gorgeous mix of sights, and many distinctive neighborhoods, each offering its own charm. They all feel and look very different from each other, from old industrial centers converted into thriving cultural areas, to lush green landscapes with large parks, and lakes where you can go swimming.

Berlin is divided into twelve administrative districts, or Bezirke, and these districts are broken down into neighborhoods, or Kiez. As is true in many capital cities, Berlin’s more central districts will be the most desirable and thus more expensive. However, Berlin has excellent public transport, so even living outside the main “Ring” will still, in most cases, mean that a commute to work will not exceed 30 minutes.

Each neighborhood in Berlin has its own unique flair and atmosphere, so we recommend taking the first weeks after your arrival to explore many different parts of the city and see which Kiez you like best.

At the center of Berlin is “Mitte”, which means “middle”. This is where you can find many of Berlin’s historical treasures: Brandenburg Gate, Museum Island, the TV tower, etc. Many start-ups and tech companies have their offices here, side by side with independent fashion boutiques, design shops, cafés, and restaurants.

The neighborhoods of “Prenzlauer Berg”, “Friedrichshain”, “Kreuzberg” and “Neukölln” are also very popular with expats. Rental prices in Berlin have been skyrocketing in the past few years, so if you’re on a budget and need help finding a flat in Berlin, have a look at neighborhoods just outside of the center, such as “Wedding”, “Pankow”, “Lichtenberg”, “Tempelhof”, “Treptow”, “Schöneberg”, “Moabit”, etc. Here you may find much less competition and nicer, larger flats that fit your budget.

Depending on who you ask, Berlin’s signature snack is either a Currywurst mit Pommes (although Bochum claims that as their own invention) or a Döner kebab — washed down with a beer, of course. Either way, they’re both cheap and delicious, and you can enjoy your Feierabendbier (after-work beer) outside in a park or along the river. Yes, you can drink in public here, no need for the quintessential brown paper bag.

If you’re in the mood for something more refined, then you’ll be spoiled for choice. Thanks to Berlin’s multicultural population, there is a plethora of fantastic international restaurants: there’s everything from classic German favorites to authentic Turkish, Peruvian, Italian, Vietnamese, and heaps of vegan-friendly restaurants. If fine dining is your thing you will also find many options, as Berlin has the most Michelin-starred restaurants in Germany. If you want to catch a glimpse of celebrities, then you’re in luck: a number of restaurants are so famous that it’s not unusual to find Hollywood stars at the next table. And of course, the food and wine are excellent.

Berlin hosts the most varied art scene in Germany. There are more than 50 theaters, opera houses, and performance spaces. In May every year, the “Theatertreffen” festival takes place, showcasing a carefully-curated selection of plays performed by international troupes. The plays are mostly in German, but the quality and variety are unparalleled, so make sure to sign up for language classes!

The Museum Island is home to five of the most important museums in the city: the Pergamonmuseum, Bode-Museum, Neues Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie, and the Altes Museum. The Neue Nationalgalerie is Berlin’s biggest venue for contemporary and modern art and is housed in a classic Mies van der Rohe building. Children really enjoy the dinosaurs at the “Naturkunde Museum” (Museum of Natural History), the planes and trains at the “Technikmuseum” (Museum of Technology), and interactive exhibits and activities at the “Kommunikationsmuseum” (Museum of Communication). A visit to the “Gärten der Welt” (World Gardens) is a must; there is everything from a traditional Japanese Zen garden to a Renaissance Italian garden, and a hedge maze to explore.

Every February, the Berlin Film Festival takes place, screening international films in cinemas across the city. In the spring and summer, you can experience Fashion Week, the ”Karneval der Kulturen” (Carnival of Cultures), and a great many other festivals held throughout the city. Athletic types can sign up for the Berlin Half Marathon in April, and the full marathon in September. During the Festival of Lights, the city’s buildings and landmarks are illuminated with spectacular, artistic effects.

There are a number of architectural landmarks in Berlin. The “Schloss Charlottenburg”, the square at the “Gendarmenmarkt”, and the Jewish Museum by Daniel Liebeskind are just a few examples. In the “Bebelplatz” square in front of the “Staatsoper”, there is a powerful monument to the book burning that took place in 1933.