Berlin is the capital and largest city of Germany in both area and population. And, with 3.8 million inhabitants it’s also the most populous city in the European Union. It is an economic hub with strong IT, pharmaceuticals, biomedical, construction, energy, and electronics. Furthermore, Berlin serves as a continental hub for air and rail travel and transportation. If you are moving to the city and trying to find rooms for rent in Berlin, here’s all you need to know!

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Getting to know Berlin

Berlin was founded in the 13th century and became the capital of the Margraviate of Brandenburg in 1417. Furthermore, it later became the capital of Brandenburg-Prussia and the Kingdom of Prussia. Then after 1900, Berlin became a major world city and a leader in science, culture, technology, and development in the region.

If you are planning to move and find rooms for rent in Berlin, keep in mind it has an oceanic climate. In other words, it experiences warm and sometimes humid summers and cool and frosty winters.

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Finding rooms for rent in Berlin

With a population of roughly 3.77 million residents and an area of 891.8 km², Berlin is one of the more bustling and lively cities of the world. With a rather young and progressive population, Berlin is a great place to live. As home to some of the best colleges and a strong and diverse economy, Berlin is popular among students and young professionals. Here is all you need to know about the best neighborhoods, living expenses, and average rent in Berlin.

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Top Neighborhoods in Berlin

  • Mitte: This area is the historical center of Berlin and home to the emerging city center. Mitte has a variety of cafes, restaurants, museums, galleries, and clubs, making it lively and happening for students. If you’re finding rooms for rent in Berlin and are a university student that wants to immerse in the culture, this place is perfect for you.
  • City West: City West is located along Tauentzienstraße, one of the main shopping districts in West Berlin. Known for having luxury goods stores and great restaurants, the district is more expensive than the average rent in Berlin. The district is also home to Charlottenburg Palace, Kulturforum, Tiergarten, and the Olympic Stadium. It is also a diverse area and great for young families and LGBT people.
  • Neukölln, South Berlin: South Berlin has a mixed bag of neighborhoods with something for everyone. Zehlendorf is one of the wealthiest districts in Berlin with many fancy apartments and houses. However, Neukölln is one of the more affordable parts of the city and you can find cheap rooms for rent in Berlin. Apartments in this area are cheaper than the average rent in Berlin and some great options if you’re on a budget.

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Average rent in Berlin

Rooms For Rent In BerlinAverage Rent
Studio Apartment For Rent In Berlin€905
1 Bedroom Apartment For Rent In Berlin€1,082
3 Bedroom Apartment For Rent In Berlin€1,872
4 Bedroom Apartment For Rent In Berlin€2,204
5 Bedroom Apartment For Rent In Berlin€2,610
8+ Bedroom Apartment For Rent In Berlin€4,384

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University life in Berlin

Berlin can be a great place to study if you enjoy lively city life and want to study in a major educational hub. The city also has great options for colleges and is known for its higher education and many attractive qualities for students. Thus, here are the living costs and some of the best colleges if you plan to study and find cheap rooms for rent in Berlin.

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The top universities in Berlin:

How transit-friendly is Berlin?

1. Airports

Berlin is served by the Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) located just South-East border of the city. The Berlin Brandenburg Airport is served by several major international and domestic airlines. British Airways, Delta Air Lines, EasyJet, KLM, and Lufthansa are some of the airlines that serve the airport. If you are finding rooms for rent in Berlin, a taxi ride between the Airport and the center of Berlin costs €45 to €50.

2. Taxis

Taxis in Berlin are generally safe, but they can be on the more expensive side. However, you may run into difficulties finding one in certain places or late at night, so it makes sense to book one in advance. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft are also available, which can be handy if you are looking for rooms for rent in Berlin in an out-of-the-way area. It can often be cheaper and more convenient to use ride-sharing apps, too.

3. Buses

Buses in the city are operated by the Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe, also known as BVG. This service also manages the city’s U-Bahn underground railway, tram, bus, and ferry networks. The BVG has 149 daytime bus routes serving 2634 stops and a total route length of 1,675 kilometers. Additionally, it also operates a night bus network with 63 bus routes serving 1508 stops and a total route length of 795 kilometers. You’ll find that the BVG is a great way to get around if you’re finding rooms for rent in Berlin.

4. Railways

Railways in Berlin are operated by Deutsche Bahn, which is the second-largest transport company in the world. Its services are divided into the DB Fernverkehr (long-distance passenger), DB Regio (local passenger services), and DB Cargo (rail freight). Regional and commuter services are operated by the DB Regio with 310 lines with 22,800 trains. If you are looking for cheap rooms for rent in Berlin, do check if you have train stops nearby.

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Cultural activities in Berlin

  • Memorial of the Berlin Wall: This Memorial is the site of the German division, located in the middle of the capital. Sitting at the historic site on Bernauer Strasse, it extends along the former border strip. This memorial contains the last piece of the Berlin Wall with the preserved grounds behind it. It includes the Marienfelde Refugee Center Museum, dedicated to the history of flight and emigration.
  • Brandenburg Gate: The Brandenburg Gate is an 18th-century neoclassical monument in Berlin, built on the orders of Prussian king Frederick William II. It was located in no man’s land between East and West Germany during the Cold War. This monument is one of the most iconic structures and a must-see if you are finding rooms for rent in Berlin.
  • Museum Island: This museum complex is located in the northern part of Spree Island in the heart of Berlin, and is one of the must-see places if you are finding rooms in Berlin. It consists of the Altes Museum, the Neues Museum, the Alte Nationalgalerie, the Bode-Museum, and the Pergamonmuseum.

Dining in Berlin

  • Restaurant Buschbeck’s: Serving a variety of authentic German, European and Central European dishes, this restaurant is a local favorite. It also has some tasty vegetarian-friendly, vegan, and gluten-free options. It’s also known for its ambiance and enviable location – you need to eat here if you are finding rooms for rent in Berlin!
  • Café KRONE: This cafe is tucked away in a warm and rustic location and serves a variety of great foods. Serving up great sandwiches, brunch & pancakes, this place is great for a quick snack or a meal with friends. Additionally, it also has a terrace where you can lounge in the evenings and have a coffee.
  • Die Eselin von A: This restaurant lives up to its extravagant name with a beautiful setting and great food too. Serving full three-course meals, this place should be on your bucket list if you are new and finding rooms for rent in Berlin. With an outdoor seating area and a cozy indoor area, this place is perfect for anyone.

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