Holiday apartments Berlin: tips I always give to friends & relatives (me, a local Berliner)
I’ve been happily living in Berlin for over a decade now. Over the years, I have had many friends and family members ask about where to find good holiday apartments in Berlin.
We have hosted many guests at home, but since we have had the kids, it’s just not possible anymore. Every time, I share my tips on how to have a nice experience in a short-term vacation flat in the German capital.
I thought those small insights could be of interest to more people than just friends and family, so here it is. Also, i can just point my guests to this in the future and avoid lengthy conversations 🙂 .
Tips on picking a location: what to know to find something nicer and cheaper.
Geographical center is not city center
I won’t be telling you anything new by saying that Berlin has had a complicated history. The East-West divide has profoundly shaped the urban development of the city, its topography and geography. What this means for you is that contrary to most cities in Europe, the geographical center is not the city center.
Take Paris for example, the closer to the center, the older/more historical it gets. It has a concentrical logic so for a tourist, the closest to the center, the better.
Because of the Wall, Berlin is really not like that. It is rather composed of independent districts/neighborhoods, with each their internal logic/points of interest. So yes sure, Mitte (the geographical center) does have most of the must-see sights, but it’s not a very pretty nor very residential area and it does not have all the best options to go out, or eat in a nice restaurants. Other districts like Kreuzberg, Prenzlauerberg, Charlottenburg have a better flair with plenty of good options of things to do, see and enjoy.
So does that mean more distance and more travelling? Read on further to next point
Great transportation system allows for a broader choice
Berlin has invested a lot in public transportation, and it shows. The BVG network is clean, reliable and complete with trains, subways, buses (and even “bus boats”!). It’s rather easy and fast to get from A to B in most cases. So yes, there are occasional mishaps, which are bound to happen in large cities, but they are the exception and not the rule. Bonus: trains and buses are running all night on weekends.
The takeaway for you here: don’t hesitate to broaden your search radius away from the typical touristic districts! Consider Pankow, Weissensee, Köpenick, Schöneberg, Neukölln. Provided you are a walking distance from an Ubahn or Sbahn station (public train stations), you should not experience any problem at all going to your sights, restaurants or nights-out. Booking your holiday apartment in Berlin with this in mind can seriously save you some money.
Look at sublets – Zwischenmiete offers
Zwischenmiete (“In between rentals“) are short-term sublets offered by permanent residents in Berlin. This option for suitable staying at least a week or two. People are often leaving for a few weeks during the holidays, subletting to others for short-term stays. There are few things to remember as a subtenant (sublet guide for Germany here), but prices are usually lower because tenants aren’t allowed to make a profit out of it. You can find those offers on the following platforms:
- WG-gesucht.de: tick the right filters to search for whole flats or rooms, short-term or overnight stays.
- WG-liste.de: tick the “Wohnung auf Zeit” filter.
- Craigslist.org: in the sublet category.
Avoid the party districts
Whether or not you are coming to Berlin to enjoy the clubbing scene, stay away from party districts such as the streets located next to RAW Gelände in Friedrichshain, Motzstr./Fuggerstr. in Schöneberg, Rosenthalerplatz in Mitte, Kastanienallee in Prenzlauerberg or the area around Weserstr. in Neukölln. Bars and clubs are numerous there, which guarantees a great night out, but it’s loud and busy at night. If you can escape the noise by living on a side street sometimes, it’s often preferred by party tourists, making prices go up anyway.
Prefer more residential, well-connected districts instead. Again, transportation options are numerous and efficient. You won’t have an issue coming back home and sleep in a quiet place, since trains, trams and buses are also running on weekends. Also; it’s cheaper.
Consider alternatives platforms
Airbnb and Booking.com are almost indispensable to the modern traveler. They however cater to everybody and therefore can lack character and authenticity. That’s I also suggest to look at other platforms.
- Good Travel: Sustainable accommodations focusing on ecological and social responsibility.
- Green Pearls: Lists eco-friendly apartments and hotels, perfect for environmentally conscious travelers.
- Plum Guide: A curated platform featuring stylish, design-oriented accommodations.
- Wilde: High-quality apartments, often in central or upscale districts.
These platforms often provide more personalized service, authentic accommodations, and support for local providers.
Co-living spaces are actually cost-competitive in some cases
If you’re in Berlin for more than just a weekend but don’t feel like committing to a holiday apartment or navigating Airbnb quirks, coliving spaces might just be the sweet spot. These are fully furnished flats or private rooms in shared buildings, designed for people who want more than a hotel, but less hassle than renting.
For tourists, especially solo travellers or remote workers, they offer a great mix of comfort, flexibility, and a built-in community. Most come with high-speed Wi-Fi, shared kitchens, and communal lounges-plus the occasional rooftop dinner or movie night. You’ll find them in trendy neighbourhoods like Kreuzberg or Prenzlauer Berg, and while they’re not cheap (think €65-100 per night), they do save you the stress of navigating rental contracts or awkward sublets.
That said, coliving isn’t for everyone. If you’re after total privacy, travelling with kids, or on a tight budget, you might find better value in a well-reviewed Airbnb or even a serviced apartment. Some coliving spaces also oversell their community vibes, so it’s worth reading recent reviews or even reaching out to current guests via their WhatsApp groups (yes, that’s a thing). Just make sure you double-check what’s included-towels and kitchen gear aren’t always standard-and try to book early if you’re visiting in summer.
Types of holiday apartments in Berlin
Vacation rentals
Some landlords operate a vacation rental business holding a permit to rent apartments or houses for a short-period of time only. Such rentals constitute a great alternative to hotels because they often can offer alternative, less touristy locations as well as affordable living space for your holiday.
It is also more often than not the guarantee of great customer service, personal touch and communication throughout your stay.
Some of those offers also make they way on flat-sharing platforms such as airbnb, but also other platforms. As usual with listings like those, do your research and read the ratings carefully.
Aparthotels or service apartments
As you might guess from the name, an apart-hotel combines the best parts of a hotel with a luxury apartment. Your apart-hotel will be outfitted with a generous kitchen and living space to make it really feel like a home away from home. So, if you’ve ever stayed in a regular hotel and yearned for more than a travel kettle and instant coffee sachets, this could be the option for you!
Aparthotels are small serviced apartments that combine the comfort of a generous living space and kitchen with the services and amenities of a hotel. Flexible check-in times, cleaning service with sometimes gym and swimming pool complete the experience of a home “away from home”.
Aparhotels and serviced apartments are terms that can be used interchangeably.
What about Bed and Breakfast?
As in other parts of the world, bnbs are not so common in a big city like Berlin. It’s more often found on the country side, in rural Germany. You can try your luck in booking one.
Home exchange in Berlin
It’s a lesser known alternative but it’s definitely the one counting the most enthusiastic supporters. Home exchange or home swap can dramatically reduce the costs of your holiday apartment in Berlin. You won’t be paying it with money, but by lending your own home, wherever you may live.
You earn credits by lending your home. You use those credits when you need a place to stay elsewhere. There are several well known home exchange platforms, usually coming with a paid membership:
You will find the usual features to filter your request by size, dates, type of home, etc. There is no need to exchange homes during the same dates. Thanks to the credits system, simply use or earn points in your own time. Insurance for both guests and hosts are usually included, just like with Airbnb.
Flat sharing restrictions in Berlin, what are the consequences for me?
Berlin has really tried to crack down on platforms such as airbnb, 9flats or Wimdu. In a city with a really big shortage of living space, the aim was to avoid that flats that could be rented to locals, was instead rented out to tourists, for a better profit. Holiday apartments in Berlin are sometimes accused to inflate prices in some districts.
The latest ruling in 2018 imposed strict rules (but not a ban) on platforms like this. Bottom line for you: you can use services like this with peace of mind, even if the host doesn’t hold a permit. Wrong-doings are never blamed on the guest, always on the host.
FAQ: finding short-term holiday accommodation in Berlin
Is Airbnb still legal in Berlin?
Yes, but only if the host has a valid registration number (Registriernummer) issued by the city. This rule helps prevent illegal subletting and protect the local housing market. Look for this number in the listing description-if it’s missing, consider it a red flag.
Can I rent a flat for just a few weeks?
Yes, although it’s not as straightforward as in other cities. Most traditional landlords avoid short-term contracts. Platforms like Airbnb, Wunderflats, and Homelike are your best bets for furnished apartments with flexible durations. For very short stays (under a week), serviced apartments or coliving options are often more practical.
What’s the difference between Airbnb and serviced apartments?
Airbnb listings are often run by private hosts and vary widely in quality and legality. Serviced apartments are run like hotels-they offer professional cleaning, consistent service, and are usually legal for tourist stays. They’re also better if you want a bit more structure or support during your visit.
Do I need to register (Anmeldung) for short-term stays?
No, not if you’re staying for fewer than three months as a tourist. Registration is mainly required for longer stays or if you’re moving to Berlin. That said, some serviced apartments or coliving providers will still offer Anmeldung if you need it for paperwork (e.g. visas, banking).
Where should I stay as a first-time visitor?
For central access and good vibes, aim for areas like Prenzlauer Berg, Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain, or Neukölln. These neighbourhoods are lively, well-connected, and full of cafés, parks, and character. Mitte is more central, but often more expensive or business-focused.
How far in advance should I book?
If you’re visiting between May and September, book at least 4-6 weeks in advance-Berlin fills up quickly in summer and during big events like the Berlinale or Berlin Marathon. Last-minute deals are rare unless you’re very flexible on location and quality.
Are coliving spaces worth considering?
Yes-especially if you’re staying a week or more and want a social, flexible setup without hotel prices. They’re often fully furnished, centrally located, and offer private rooms with shared kitchens and community perks. See our section on coliving for more details.
Can I trust listings on sites like WG-Gesucht?
WG-Gesucht is a great platform, but be cautious-scams do exist. Never send money before seeing the apartment or signing a contract. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Use listings that show verified landlords and “befristet” (temporary) availability.
Do I need German language skills to book accommodation?
Not necessarily-most major platforms and serviced apartments operate in English. However, if you’re dealing with local listings (like WG-Gesucht or Facebook groups), having basic German or using a translation tool will definitely help you communicate with hosts and understand terms.
I hope those few words helped you to narrow down your choice before booking an holiday apartment in Berlin. Feel free to leave a question in the comments. Have a great holiday in the German capital!
Bastien
I would not recommend Friedrichshain, Neukolln or Pankow. Friedrichshain is ugly and boring, Pankow is racist. Mitte is far prettier than any of these, Prenzlauer Berg has been gentrified into a generic boring district that could be anywhere in Europe. Holiday flats and AirB&B should be avoided completely, stay in a hotel or hostel if you want to visit Berlin. Thats what theyre there for. Stealing peoples homes for your holiday is shameful.
Hey, I would like to take some time and thanks to you for sharing these amazing tips with the audience. My sister will be going on a leisure trip to Berlin in the next month and while exploring more about Berlin I came across this useful piece of information. I am definitely sharing this with my sister and damn sure it will be of great help.