Berlin is a popular destination for tourists heading to Germany, and it certainly has a lot to offer. However, it can get pricey. So, that’s why hostels are very popular as you will not only have a great time, but you can save some cash, too. Berlin is also a center for internationalism and liberalism, but it also has a vibrant nightlife and laidback atmosphere for younger travelers. Many clubs, cafes, and bars are scattered around the city, as is a fantastic art and music scene.
There is no shortage of hostels in the city, but it can be quite hard to find the one for you. Whether you’re looking for a place to make new friends, or you’re just hoping to stay on budget, any of these hostels are a great choice.
Top 5 Hostels in Berlin:
- 1. EastSeven Berlin Hostel
- 2. Pfefferbett
- 3. Plus Berlin
- 4. Grand Hostel Berlin Classic
- 5 .Circus Hostel
What Are The Best Hostels in Berlin?
EastSeven Berlin Hostel
Price: $26.72 to $43.59
EastSeven Berlin Hostel is a favorite among many travelers heading to Berlin. Although it’s not a party hostel, it does have a classic backpacker vibe that makes it very easy to meet other guests and socialize. The hostel is also clean and comfortable, and the atmosphere is very chill. Whether you’re a solo traveler or with your friends or family, this hostel makes for an excellent base to explore the city.
The outdoor garden is a good place to hang out or even have barbecues. If the weather’s not conducive to exploring, you can hang out in the common areas or make your meals in the shared kitchen. If cooking’s not your thing, you can start your morning right with the continental breakfast, coffee, and tea, all for a reasonable price. But if this is still not your cup of tea, you could head out and eat in one of the restaurants or cafes close to the hostel.
- Very social atmosphere
- Great common areas
- Complete amenities
- Convenient location
Pfefferbett
Price: $17.21 to $35.85
This hostel is one of the more budget-friendly places to stay in Berlin. It’s a bit far from most tourist areas, but it is close to public transportation so that you can make your way around the city quite easily. There’s also a subway station close to the hostel, and you’ll find plenty of art shops, restaurants, galleries, and bars in the area.
The hostel itself has a social atmosphere, and it’s usually easy to meet other guests. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly hostel that has a laid-back but exciting atmosphere, then this is the right choice. However, you need to know that there’s no kitchen, so you’ll be eating out a bit more than you might otherwise.
- Good value for money
- Access to public transportation
- Very social atmosphere
Plus Berlin
Price: $10.83 to $21.12
Dorm Bed €10.00
Private Room €19.50
This hostel is located conveniently close to some of Berlin’s most interesting nightlife spots, shopping areas, and museums. It’s also near the art districts of Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain as well as the East Side Gallery. It’s also accessible to public transportation, so the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, and tram stops are all within five minutes from the hostel, making the entire city very accessible.
The hostel is very cozy and clean. It also has a social setting that makes it easy to meet other travelers. The hostel is large and accessible, ensuring that there will be a diverse crowd during your stay. It was recently awarded Hostelworld’s #1 Extra Large Hostel in the world.
The hostel also has rooms that range in size from single, double, twin, triple, four-bed dorms, and six-bed dorms. Private bathrooms are available. The staff is very accommodating and well-informed about the city, and there are a lot of amenities convenient for all guests. You can also enjoy a meal in the Opera Bar and Restaurant, or take a dip to beat the heat in the swimming pool. There’s also an on-site laundry facility and a pleasant courtyard garden that you can enjoy.
- Convenient location
- Access to public transportation
- Very social atmosphere
- Helpful staff
- Great on-site bar and restaurant
Grand Hostel Berlin Classic
Price: $13.74 to $30.23
This hostel is housed in a historical building close to the Tempelhofer Ufer. The dorms have comfy beds, and the building itself has been refurbished to add a lounge area and on-site bar, a book exchange, and huge common spaces. At the Grandwich Bar, you can have food and drinks, such as sandwiches, paninis, and German cuisine.
The hostel is situated in the center of Berlin and is a short ten-minute walk from the famous Bergmannstrasse area with its numerous restaurants, bars, and cafes. It’s also a short walk from the Jewish Museum, Checkpoint Charlie, and Potsdamer Platz.
Also included in the price of your room are a complimentary welcome drink, Wi-Fi, movie nights, luggage storage, and travel information from the front desk. They also organize guided tours, a buffet breakfast, and parking available. It is an excellent place to spend a few days while you’re in Berlin.
- Great on-site bar
- Convenient location
- Great amenities
Circus Hostel
Price: $23.84 to $44.20
If you want to be near everything that you want to see and have easy access to public transportation, the Circus Hostel is a great choice. Its large size means it can offer a whole host of amenities for guests (some that come at a surprising cost). Although the on-site bar is a bit small, it hosts all kinds of events such as trivia nights, karaoke, as well as happy hours. Also, the hostel has a buffet breakfast for an added fee and a variety of organized tours to sights around town, such as the art galleries, museums, and more. Make sure you ask about the events and tours at the bar as they’re not always well advertised. If you do start talking with the staff, you’ll find them very helpful and knowledgeable, so don’t hesitate to ask questions.
The hostel’s central location is its main selling point, and whether you’re in town for an extended visit or just a couple of days, you’ll appreciate the ease with which you can get around Berlin.
- Convenient location
- Access to public transportation
- Helpful staff
What Should I Look For in a Youth Hostel in Berlin?
Berlin is a very well-connected city, but every neighborhood has a different vibe. When you’re looking for a place to stay in Berlin, check out the area and see if it suits your needs. So, always ask yourself this question, “What type of traveler am I?”
If you’re one of the weekend warriors who like to explore all the major tourist spots then head back home, make sure that you stay in a central location such as Mitte or P-Berg. But if you like to hang out in coffee shops and take in the city’s vibe, look for hostels in Neukölln or Kreuzberg.
The Youth Hostels in Berlin
1. St. Christopher’s Berlin Alexanderplatz
Price: $17.79 to $207.36
Pros: Secure lockers, great amenities, good showers, convenient location, and access to public transportation
Cons: Rooms are not very clean and have a bad smell, no elevators, and the pub crawl tends to go to the same places
2. St. Christopher’s Berlin Mitte
Price: $16.16 to $168.59
Pros: Helpful staff, convenient location, clean rooms, secure lockers, access to public transportation, great pub crawls, and a lively on-site bar
Cons: Slow Internet connection and bathrooms can be dirty
3. ONE80o Hostel – Alexanderplatz
Price: $18.44 to $164.90
Pros: Convenient location, helpful staff, and comfy rooms
Cons: Expensive storage fees, towel rentals, and breakfast
4. Cityhostel Berlin
Price: $14.81 to $17.09
Pros: Friendly staff, convenient location, and great atmosphere
Cons: The bathrooms in some private rooms can be stinky, and the rooms were not very comfy
5. Wallyard Concept Hostel
Price: $17.36 to $129.08
Pros: Quiet atmosphere, clean and comfy rooms, convenient location, access to public transportation, friendly staff, and beautiful interior design
Cons: Bathrooms can be a bit dirty, and it offers fewer amenities as well as a dull atmosphere compared to other hostels
6. Heart of Gold Hostel
Price: $20.14 to $63.65
Pros: Comfortable beds, spacious bathrooms, helpful staff, on-site bar, and convenient location
Cons: Storage fees are not included in the room price, breakfast is not included, rooms can be a bit dirty, lacks common spaces, no shared kitchen, and the pub crawl tends to go to the same places
7. CityStay Mitte
Price: $27.33 to $63.77
Pros: Very secure, convenient location, access to public transportation, friendly staff, clean facilities, and great amenities
Cons: Limited Wi-Fi coverage and the bathroom’s water pressure is lacking
8. Generator Berlin Mitte
Price: $21.32 to $138.93
Pros: Great location, clean and comfy rooms, lively on-site bar and café, access to public transportation, complete amenities, and friendly staff
Cons: No secure lockers, Wi-Fi issues, and no shared kitchen
9. Amstel House Hostel
Price: $15.48 to $162.38
Pros: Friendly staff, clean and comfy rooms, affordable breakfast, access to public transportation, secure lockers,
Cons: No activities and it’s located far from the city center
10. Meininger Berlin Central Station
Price: $35.79 to $173.53
Pros: Access to public transportation, friendly staff, fun atmosphere, excellent breakfast, and great location
Cons: Rooms can be noisy at night and uncomfortable beds
11. Sunflower Hostel
Price: $14.76 to $103.42
Pros: Very social atmosphere, great location, access to public transportation, lively on-site bar, and excellent breakfast
Cons: Rooms can be noisy, showers and bathrooms were a bit dirty, and unwelcoming staff
12. Meininger Berlin Mitte Humboldthaus
Price: $18.44 to $140.99
Pros: Helpful staff, convenient location, clean and comfy rooms, secure lockers, access to public transportation, and great amenities
Cons: No shared kitchen and laundry room
13. 2A Hostel
Price: $16.44 to $146.72
Pros: Very affordable, access to public transportation, convenient location, clean and comfy rooms,
Cons: Not very social, no shared kitchen, no air-conditioning units, rude staff, and rooms can be noisy
14. Eastener Hostel
Price: $14.10 to $54.23
Pros: Relaxed atmosphere, convenient location, friendly staff, clean and comfy rooms, and access to public transportation
Cons: Wi-Fi issues, no common room, and the shared kitchen is lacking
15. Riverside Lodge Berlin
Price: $25.99 to $34.66
Pros: Friendly staff, secure lockers, free Wi-Fi, shared kitchen, quiet atmosphere, convenient location, access to public transportation, and bike rentals
Cons: Not very social and the hostel can be cramped
16. Viertelvier
Price: $31.07 to $41.82
Pros: Great value, free Wi-Fi, secure lockers, and homey vibe
Cons: Bed linens are not included in the fees, and the atmosphere is not very social
About Berlin
Berlin is Germany’s capital and also known as the State (Bundesland) of Berlin, one of the 16 that comprise the Federal Republic of Germany. With a population of around 3.5 million (4.5 million if nearby suburbs across the state line in Brandenburg are included), Berlin is Germany’s biggest city. Still, the Ruhr area arguably has a lot more people who live in its metro area. Also, since the United Kingdom has now left the European Union, the city is now the largest capital city in the EU.
The focus and dominance of Berlin as the nation’s capital has historically been far weaker compared to that of other European capitals like Paris, London, or Madrid, not least due to the federal nature of the country and the havoc that was caused by the Cold War-era partition on the cityBerlin is unique among European capitals in many aspects, and the four decades of division—28 years of them being physically separated by a towering wall—have also left remnants. Merely a backwater town at the start of the 18th century, Berlin became one of the most important and largest cities in the world by the 1920s, only to lose much of its prestige and historic architecture in the aftermath of World War II and the country’s partition. As the heart of the German Empire and a focal point of the Cold War, Berlin today is coming into its own once again as a cosmopolitan capital of one of the continent’s most prosperous nations.
“Arm aber sexy” (which means poor but sexy) as a former mayor would have it, Berlin attracts the youth, students, and a creative bohème like few other cities in the world. With architectural heritage from Prussian monarchism, Nazism, East German communism, and Potsdamer Platz, filled with the 1990s and 2000s-style glass palaces after having been a “blank canvas” due to the wall, Berlin’s architecture is as diverse as its neighborhoods and its population. Also, its long history as a cosmopolitan capital (from Prussia to Germany), attracted immigrants from around the world for more than three hundred years now. It should thus be no surprise that immigrants past and present continue to leave a distinctive mark on the city.
Berlin is an international city of science and technology, culture, politics, and media. The city’s economy is based on high-tech companies and the service sector, a diverse range of creative industries, research facilities, media corporations. Significant industries also include IT, biotechnology, construction, and electronics. Berlin is also home to renowned universities, museums, orchestras, and entertainment venues, and is host to many sporting events. The city’s Zoological Garden is also the most visited zoo in Europe and among the most popular in the world. With the world’s oldest large-scale cinema studio complex in nearby Babelsberg (Potsdam), Berlin is an increasingly popular location for international film productions. Also, the city is renowned for its festivals, nightlife, contemporary arts, and very high quality of living.
Why Should I Visit Berlin?
There’s a lot of reasons to come to Berlin, here’s some of them:
Beautiful Parks
Berlin has a lot of green spaces and swimming pools. Aside from that, it also has more than 2,500 public parks and gardens that offer locals and visitors alike a happy slice of nature in the city.
Famous Bands and DJs
Berlin’s musical calendar is chockablock year-round with exciting concerts spanning every genre. The German capital is a significant destination for any musician on tour, and the most prominent bands continuously sell-out shows. DJ and club culture is also incomparable, so the most famous international DJs usually head to Berlin and make the city’s partygoers dance.
History & Culture
From the Soviet Memorial housed in Treptower Park, the remnants of the Berlin Wall at East Side Gallery, the unsettling Holocaust Memorial, the Stasi Museum, and the Book Burning Square, the city has been through a lot in only two centuries. But its tumultuous history makes it stand out. The city’s museums, monuments and memorials pay tribute to its tragedies and it will give you an understanding of the past that continues to shape the city today.
Berlin is also home to artistic masterpieces made by classical painters, three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and around 180 museums. There are record stores, art galleries, and workshop spaces on almost every street, and the historical landmarks of the city make it an important cultural center in Europe.
Great Food
Although Germany is not exactly famous for its cuisine, Berlin has about 14 Michelin-starred restaurants, is one of Europe’s best cities for vegans, and it offers authentic German dishes for under €5.
Cosmopolitan Vibe
Berlin has a massive Turkish population, and it is trendy among ex-pats of almost every country, bringing together a vibrant melting pot of culture, language, and cuisine. Most people also speak and understand English, so visitors will never feel out of place.
Wild Nightlife Scene
Berlin is famous for its outrageous nightlife scene, which offers a spectacle of color, hedonism, dance, burlesque, and techno, not to mention a very open fetish culture. From clubs found on the banks the River Spree to the notorious Berghain and underground squat raves, the city’s party scene is ubiquitous, and there is no closing time for most clubs.
Extremely Safe
The city might look a little rough on the edges, but being able to walk around wherever you want and safely is a priceless plus for anyone, especially solo travelers.
Street Art and Graffiti
The city has a vibrant street art scene, and most of Berlin’s façades are covered in whimsical, political, or merely murals and graffiti tags. Street art enhances the grungy aesthetic of the city, and its creativity is written on the wall.
Alternative Lifestyle
Berlin is a champion of alternative living. From an influential culture of up-cycling, dumpster diving, guerrilla gardening, squats, and radical living to the sexual freedom celebrated by the constant wild parties and fetish-infused gatherings. So, everyone can be who and what they want in this city.
What Should I Pack For My Trip To Berlin?
Here are some items you might not have thought to pack.
- Universal Travel Adapter: Covering over 150 countries, you’ll always have the right plug to charge your phone if you bring a travel adapter with you. You can also charge five devices at the same time by using the USB ports.
- Toiletry Bag: A toiletry bag keeps all of your essential bathroom items organized instead of being strewn around your backpack (or worse, your dorm room). Having everything handy and ready to go in one water-resistant bag can be a bathroom lifesaver. This toiletry bag also helps from an awkward situation like walking back to the dorm room, while wrapped in a towel, to grab forgotten shampoo.
- Power Bank: Surviving long bus rides or trips without charging stations can be extremely frustrating, which is why every backpacker should pack a power bank. You can fully charge your phone up to 5 times, or plug in two devices at the same time. With fast charging and enough power to keep your phone going for days, you can survive even the biggest adventures without a problem.
- Microfiber Towel: Having your towel is a must when traveling since most hostels don’t provide them. Plus, as a backpacker, the use of a towel will extend further than just taking a bath, it can be used as a minimalist yoga towel or as a beach blanket/towel combo! The Active Roots Microfiber Towel is the best solution for backpacking.
- Padlock: Unless the thief spends precious time to figure out the right code (they won’t), this three-digit padlock will keep your stuff safe. It’s also great for keeping the zipper of your backpack secured or your locker closed properly. This essential and very flexible padlock saves you from having your essentials stolen. A must-have for every backpacker!
- Playing Cards: Waterproof cards are essential for every backpacker. You can play by the pool, beach, or inside your room with your companions, without your cards being damaged.
Related Questions
After having fun in Berlin, it can be challenging to leave the city. But the trip isn’t over yet, and you have more places to explore like:
Hamburg: Very similar to Berlin and it has a bohemian nightlife scene that is worth experiencing
Prague: One of the most charming cities in Europe, it has a historic city center with impressive architecture
Danzig: Significantly more laid-back than Berlin and the other cities on this list, Danzig is the perfect place for quiet walks along the port area and city center.
Copenhagen: When you go to the Danish capital, you can experience canal boat tours, stunning modern architecture, and the vibrant art and culture scene.
Amsterdam: This Dutch city has a bustling nightlife scene and intense cultural scene, very similar to Berlin
Aside from the on-site bars in some hostels in this list, you can head to:
Matrix Club Berlin
Tresor Berlin
Dunckerclub
KitkatClub
Maxxim
Cassiopeia
Belushi’s Berlin
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GMF Berlin
YAAM
Minimal Bar
1820 Bar
Kaschk
Madame Claude
Belushi’s Berlin Mitte
Berlin is by far the most affordable capital city to visit in Western Europe, so it’s an excellent place for budget-minded backpackers and anyone wanting to get a great deal. Berlin has world-class museums, cheap food, crazy nightlife, and affordable accommodation.
Sure, you can run through the best sights of Berlin in one day, but it takes at least three days to just scratch the surface. Add in a day trip or two if you also want to visit other cities, and before you know it, you need four to five days to complete your trip.
In all, the fact that Munich is much smaller and more accessible by walking than Germany’s capital makes it an excellent first stop on a trip to Germany. Also, it is easier to get your bearings here compared to Berlin, which is forever changing and reinventing itself. Munich will provide context concerning traditional Germany.