Berlin’s most desirable neighborhoods to live in

Ah, to live in Berlin. The capital of Germany is a bustling metropolis welcoming any and all who dare to call her home. Known for an open mentality, a top-notch nightlife scene, and home to a thriving start-up atmosphere, Berlin is an enticing choice to settle down in.

One of the key steps in doing so? Finding a place to live. The housing shortage in Berlin combined with the intricacies of German bureaucracy can make house hunting a headache. In an attempt to alleviate some of the stress, GLOBALS Homes features some of the best apartments in the city.

Choosing just where to live in Berlin is an important choice! The charm of Berlin is the different worlds that can be found depending on the neighborhood you happen to be in. Read on as we highlight three of Berlin’s most desirable neighborhoods – and the apartments that will let you call them home!

Lichtenberg

Just East of Mitte lies the quiet district of Lichtenberg. At first glance it can seem far removed from the vibrant and historic center of Berlin but don’t let that fool you!

In just 15 minutes you can arrive at Alexanderplatz. Strolling through this quiet suburb, its free from the broken glass and hipsters that crowd Kreuzberg and Neukölln’s busy streets.

Within 20 minutes from the Lichtenburg S+U station you can travel back in time and visit the historic former Stasi Headquarters, or travel to Vietnam and step inside the Dong Xuan Center, an Asian market with over 150 stalls. You can also visit one of East Berlin’s most famous attractions, Tierpark, a large zoo where animals have free roam and gives residents an amazing green space in the center of the district. Lichtenberg is a trending gem in Berlin, get here fast!

Mitte

Mitte means “center” or “middle” in German and you can bet that if you live in Mitte you can reach anywhere in Berlin’s city limits very easily. Not only are you well connected with transit, but the multiple bars, restaurants and cafes are not just there for the tourists.

Grab a craft beer around Torstrasse, visit the Berlin Wall Memorial or catch a show at Babylon Berlin or the Volksbühne and discover that thriving Mitte is the heartbeat of the city and one of the best districts to live in.

Schöneberg

Discover all the colours of Berlin within one district. Famous since the 1920s for its vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, Schöneberg really has something for everyone.

You can browse the latest trends at the famous KaDeWe (Kaufhaus Des Westens), one of the largest department stores in Europe. For nature lovers there is the protected biological park Schöneberger Südgelände, a nature reclaimed WWII rail yard and just in the district limits is Templehofer Field, the airport-turned-public-park, where you can catch the best sunsets in the city.

Thank you so much to everyone that could come, it was really nice to meet you and of course, we are looking forward seeing you again next year. Maybe AiRelo become more than just a city registration assistant! 8)

Prices

To find affordable accommodation in Berlin, the first thing you do when looking for a flat is to filter them by price, you have a maximum budget and don’t want to go over it. However, a good tip is to be ready to compromise, sometimes in order to have the flat, you must be ready to pay a little bit more than what was written in the ad. So go for apartments below your maximum so you still have one card up your sleeve when it comes to negotiations. Since the competition is tough, offering a little bit more can change the game. This tactic may not work when applying for a shared flat since some people do not rent their flat for the money but to share a home with other people and to them, you must sell your personality.

Type of apartment

In Germany, shared flats are very common and a great way to meet new people when you’re new in the city. Some flats are of course cleaner than others so you should definitely visit the flat before signing any contract – especially to avoid any online scams. If you are looking for studios or bigger apartments, the price will increase quickly and agencies might be the best option.

The message

The message you send is crucial to get the apartment, it is the first impression that counts. Don’t write a cover letter of 1 page, they won’t read it. The best option is to write a few lines (10 max). You can start with a general presentation; name, profession, languages spoken. Put the date you want to move in and, if any, the date you want to move out. Then you can share your Facebook profile so they know you are “real” and they can learn more about you. At the end write a few lines on why you want the room/ flat. For instance, because it seems clean or the flatmates seem to look for the same thing as you (some small talks occasionally in the shared kitchen or go out together etc.). You should also ask to visit the flat as soon as possible, it will show your motivation. This will also scare away scammers who will ask you to pay first without visiting anything because they are “not in the country at the moment” and then they send you the keys by mail.

Neighbourhoods

Berlin is a huge city with plenty of residential neighbourhoods, some being more lively than others. You should pay attention to the public transportation access in the neighborhood you choose. Some are more accessible than others and it might take you 15 minutes or more to reach the nearest tram/bus/metro station, which is something to bear in mind when working out your commute to work.

Specificities

Regarding the shared flats (WG in German), ads can be really specific; “only girls” or “only vegans” etc. Even if you want the room don’t lie in your email – even if you get the flat it will be a difficult living situation if you don’t agree on certain philosophies. When they ask for specific things (even if it is not fair) they don’t care and will find someone matching the criteria.

Website

Check out our newest platform, GLOBALS Homes where you can find or list apartments to rent, rent furnished or buy. 

Berlin, a cosmopolitan city inhabited by creative people and entrepreneurs

Berlin is getting attractive for people from around the globe. Many of these people are young entrepreneurs with a strong initiative, eager to learn and build their own projects. These people have so many different backgrounds but they have something in common: they all are looking for challenges! This is why I came from Mexico City half a year ago and I know how difficult it can be to start from zero.

The new settlers of Berlin come looking for what we have heard, that in this city we get access to a great cultural scene and a variety of attractions. Furthermore, the city is a creative playground for all kind of minds which dare to start something. Berlin is a vibrant city full of movement, diversity, and surprises for everyone.

However, we need to realize that things are not going to be just put to be taken. We rather have to become proactive and look for the doors and the correct information. Everyone has to be ready to meet new people, groups, and communities to feel comfortable and cosy.

Not surprisingly Berlin is full of people who have gone through the situation of being new to the city. I can speak out of my own experience. On the one hand, I know how it feels to be new without any idea of the German bureaucracy rules and the unknown heartbeat of this vibrant city. On the other hand, I see many people full of a positive spirit who want to share what they know. They are able to create networks to facilitate the experience of coming to settle down in this awesome city.

Stop feeling lost and do networking in Berlin

An excellent way to meet people and do networking is to attend events. There are many free events in which you can learn and be surrounded by people with fresh ideas. Check out all kind of options! It is a great way to connect with new people. There are also a lot of startup events, in some, you have to pay the entry, in others, you can participate as a volunteer. And do not miss social networks like Facebook or Twitter, where you can find very useful pages and groups.

Last week Club Globals was organizing the event Networking Reinvented Event. The coronavirus pandemic has changed how we interact and network with each other. A selected number of experts will come together to answer burning questions as to what extent networking has been impacted since the pandemic hit the world earlier this year, and the perspective of networking in a post-corona climate.

So this is just a bit of this exciting city, I can’t wait to see what comes next. You should get contact with the Mario Paladini network. Share your ideas, plans, visions with proactive people with clear goals, a positive mindset and surely you will find some of the answers you were looking for.

Created by Edalí Cárdenas Beltrán

Once you arrive in Berlin one of the first things to tackle is finding your way around the city. And the best way to do is using the Public Transport.

Berlin public transport consists of several integrated networks including, U-Bahn,  S-Bahn, tramway system, a bus network as well as ferry services which not only cover the city but go app. One tip we highly recommend is planning your route online. This is easily done on the BVG website and can save you a lot of time. You can also download the app and plan your route during your travels!

Read on for some more useful info.

1. Berlin is split into three zones

Zone A is the central part (inside the Ringbahn), Zone B is other parts out of the Ringbahn and Zone C is Greater Berlin.

2. U-Bahn

Underground railway system, called by the U-Bahn.  Trains run every two to five minutes during peak hours, every five minutes for the rest of the day and every ten minutes in the evening and on Sundays.

3. S-Bahn

The S-Bahn is a mix of rapid transit and commuter rail operation systems. The majority of the system is at the ground level, with some elevated portions or tunnels. There are 3 core lines: a central east-west line (Stadtbahn), a central north-south line (Nord-Süd-Tunnel) and a circular line (Ringbahn).

4. Regional trains

Berlin has two types of regional trains, the Regionalbahn (RB) that stops at every station and the faster Regional-Express (RE). They often continue outside the Berlin-Brandenburg suburban area. The RE also goes to Schönefeld Airport in Zone C.

5. Trams

Trams network of Berlin operates 24/7 and comprises 22 tramlines. The MetroTram is a frequent service in the areas not so well served by the U-Bahn and S-Bahn.

6. Buses

This famous public transport has a network of 149 daytime bus routes, of which 17 are part of MetroNetz. MetroBus routes can be recognized by the M prefix to the route number. Most of the MetroNetz bus and tramlines operate 24/7.

7. Ferries

There are also 6 passenger ferry routes available in Berlin due to its extensive network of waterways.

8. Ticket options

You can buy a ticket either at the machines placed in the stations or at kiosks in the station. A Single Ticket option can be used for 2 hours on any service once the ticket is validated. There are three different zones where to buy your ticket (AB, BC, ABC) There are also options for long term like, the Seven Day-Ticket, the Monthly Ticket or the Annual Ticket for which you also get discounts.

You MUST validate your ticket at one of the machines next to where you buy your ticket or on the platform before you start your journey or you could get a 45 euro fine if one of the inspectors catches you. Some are more lenient than others but it’s not a fun conversation to have when you are hauled off the U-Bahn!

Always plan your trip online or use the BVG fahrinfo app

Berlin is one of the most multicultural cities in Germany, and this is also a fact when it comes to the gastronomic scene:

Italian pasta, Greek gyros, Thai curry, and Sudanese broad beans and many others make the gastronomic scene of Berlin very variated.  All the others are to be found all over the city. Therefore, eating out in Berlin is a fantastic experience each time and the good news is that it can suit every pocket. The wide range of options when it comes to restaurants might be confusing for new arrivals but this post is set to present some of the really great places you must visit!

Of course one of the first places to recommend the newcomers to the city is the restaurant in the Television Tower. Beware that in order to be able to enjoy the great view at 203 and 207 meters high, the attentive and friendly staff and delicious food at Sphere, you have to book your table well in advance, especially since it’s a very popular attraction for tourists in Berlin.

Haus Berlin, a charming restaurant located in Friedrichshain offers a delicious choice of specialties from the region of Berlin and Brandenburg as well as many typical dishes from the former German DemocraticRepublic. Their terrace is perfect for having lunch or dinner during warmer days, in direct sight of the Fernsehturm.

A place with history is Alt Berliner Biersalon, where you can let yourself spoiled by the extensive food and drink offer in a traditional ambiance.

If you are looking for a lovely place to dine out in Wedding, then Fünfundsechzig might be a perfect choice. The small but diversified menu selections and the comfortable living room ambiance and the fireplace make it very cozily and romantic.

At Grill Royal, you will find a stunning location directly on the spree river and a real cozy, warm and stylish interior on Friedrichstr. This is the place where people working in fashion and art hang out definitely a must on your list due to its perhaps the best in town steak. Again, make sure you make early reservations!

Nate- Eck, a quaint restaurant with typical old Berlin atmosphere of the early 20th century right next to Unter den Linden. No gastronomic food but you will get a taste of the typical Berlin kitchen or opt for one of the diverse monthly offers and seasonal and regional dishes.

If you are in the mood for sushi, try Pan Asia a very hip restaurant at Rosenthalerstrasse known also for the cool interior, the music they’re playing and the people hanging out there. However, you should know that you are not allowed to take photos there…

Right in the center of the city, on Französischestrasse, the Austrian/French bistro Borchardt is a very fancy but loud and crowded place. It’s worth paying the visit but plan and reserve a table well in advance. It is impossible to find one otherwise, Thorberg’sespecially during festivals or major events in the city.

Restaurant “Knese” is located just a stone’s throw away from Kurfürstendamm, one of the city’s charmingly beautiful spots. The restaurant offers Old-Berlin atmosphere and both Berlin specialties and international specialties.

Another option of eating out in Berlin that you don’t want to miss is Delizie d’Italia in Prenzlauer Berg. Hidden, cosy and with delicious original italian dishes, the restaurant is run by an Italian couple and is visited by lots of celebrities. Good location for a romantic dinner!

Best Thai food in town, a relaxed atmosphere and lots of vegetarian dishes at Good Time. So if you are in Prenzlauer Berg looking for a place to eat just drop by, you won’t be disappointed.

A great place for Austrian cuisine is the opulent Jolesch in Kreuzberg. Opened in 1993, the place which’s name was inspired by Thornberg’s novel has a breakfast salon and a large banquet room, more popular in the evening. The extensive wine list and delicious food complete this fairytale setting.

Katerholzig is a stunning location; which looks like a huge, adventure playground – Berlin style. If you decide to visit their cool restaurant you will definitely not be disappointed by the experience!

A really good no-pizza Italian restaurant in the former west part is Mondo Pazzo. So after a shopping session on Kurfürstendamm avenue you can relax, enjoy a tasty meal and regain your energy in a very pleasant atmosphere, but keep in mind that they don’t accept cred cards yet.

If you are out just for a quick lunch, then this is a short list of recommended places:

• White Trash Fast Food: maybe the best burgers in town, weird live music, rock-trashy interior design – one word: unique experience;
• Monsieur Vuong: fabulous Vietnamese food;
• Kuchi: great for sushi and Asian food close to Kurfürstendamm
• Berliner Currywurst places: Konopke Imbiß (U Eberswalder Straße), Curry 195 (Kurfürstendamm 195);
• Turkish Döner places: Dada Falafel (Linienstraße 132), Falafel Daye (Danziger Str. 24), Imbiß (U Mehringdamm), Mustafas Gemüsekebap (Mehringdamm 32)

Without a doubt, the best part about moving internationally is having your friends come visit you. Especially in Summer!  But with the harsh wind and 4 PM sunset, we are currently suffering through here in Berlin it is easy to lose sight of what an incredible city this is.  What is getting us expats through this frigid winter is the promise that, come April, the snow will thaw, the sun will shine, and we will have the pleasure of playing tour guide to our visiting family and friends.  Berlin comes alive in the summertime.

The sun hangs out until well past 9 PM, the beer gardens and terraces bloom, people start smiling again, faces and places you’ve never noticed before come out of the depths to bask in the perfect weather.

Here are a few suggestions of Summer things to do in Berlin that will be sure to impress your guests.  This is just a starting point, though.  Once the summer comes you will feel the irresistible urge to wander the boulevards in search of your own Berlin experience and I promise it will not disappoint you!

Urban Sports Club– bringing all of Berlin’s sports venues and clubs under one roof.  USC organizes games and events all week long, to get your butt moving and whip you back into shape after the Winter slump.  Bring your friends along or meet new ones! Register through GLOBALS to get special membership offers.

Kater Blau– this old soap factory-turned-nightclub boasts room after room of bumping party life day and night. Wander through the endless alleyways to discover new mini-fests in gritty Berlin fashion. Plenty of drinks, music, and discoveries to keep you there all day long.

Volkspark Humboldthain– a small but beautiful park located in Wedding. Full of winding trails, a rose garden, and plenty of grassy knolls to lounge in.  An old WWI bunker sits atop the hill offering 360^o views of Berlin as well as belaying and rock climbing sites.

Karaoke at Mauerpark– Every Sunday, Bearpit Amphitheater opens up for karaoke like you’ve never seen before.  Stand in the center and sing to thousands of lounging fans who either cheer you on like a rock star or mercilessly boo you off the stage.

Badeschiff– a floating public swimming pool of the bank of the River Spree. It started as an art project but is now open to the public from 8AM-midnight daily.  Features include a full bar, dance floor, and nightly DJ’s.  Cost 3€.

Open Air Parties – Berlin is the home to one of the best nightlife scenes in the world, and we’re not just referring to the big legendary Techno clubs such as Berghain and Tresor. In the summer, Berlin takes its party reputation to a whole new level with regular open air events across the city! The places offering some of the best open air parties, that you cannot miss include IPSE, Klunkerkranich, and Birgit&Bier.

Did we miss something off the list? What do you recommend for this summer? We’d love to know!

Whether it is to study, work or to simply find yourself; being an expat can be challenging at the beginning but will be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.

In addition, travelling and exploring new things helps you to grow and open your mind. The whole experience will be valuable for life and will change you in so many ways.

 

1. You do not worry about communication difficulties anymore. You just face the challenge with excitement.

 

2. You do not hesitate to get in touch with locals.

3. You do not judge and constantly compare with your home culture.

Living overseas and dealing with all sorts of challenges is bound to put life into perspective. You will learn to appreciate the small things in life and to do without technology and the latest fashion. You will let go of the materialistic things and the ways of your life back at home.

 

4. You are open-minded and eager to learn more about different cultures.

It is common for expats to struggle with all these new, and seemingly strange flavours and traditions of their host country. However, once you stop comparing all these new experiences to your memories of your home country. The faster you start embracing the new aspects, the quicker you will enjoy all these new discoveries. This is key to settling abroad and being happy.

 

5. You learn your new country’s language much faster than the languages you were taught in school.

Being thrown in at the deep end and being forced to speak a language, is the best and most efficient way to learn a new language. You can do endless language classes but the quickest way to improve is to just start speaking!

 

6.You will appreciate the real value of friendships.

When you’re living in a foreign country on your own, the support you receive from others will be even more significant. Seeing as you don’t have your family and friends there to help you when the going gets tough, making new friends will be so valuable and you will value these relationships even more. Generally speaking, you will find that fellow expats and locals will welcome you into their community. You will quickly feel connected to people that you’ve only known for a few days, simply due to the circumstances and open-mindedness of expats.

 

7. You find all those different traditions, behaviors, and attitudes less awkward, but rather interesting.

One of the most valuable skills, you will gain from living abroad and becoming an expat, is the ability to let go of conforming to the norms. Being able to just live in the moment and to stop being uptight and to worry about the small things. You will view all these new traditions and behaviors as exciting, instead of strange, just because they don’t conform to the social norms of your home country.

 

All in all being an expat broadens your horizon and makes you more open minded to new cultures, habits, and overall way of life.