What area of Berlin is best for a first time visitor?
 

I am deciding between the Hotel Residenz Berlin and Myer's Hotel. They look fairly similar, and priced more or less the same, so this really is a question about the two different neighborhoods, Charlottenburg or Prenzlauer Berg. I want a neighborhood that's convenient to the sites, especially museums and galleries. Lively but not too young.

As background, I am a woman traveling solo and will be there in early September. This will be my first visit to Berlin so any additional insights into Berlin -- or other hotel recommendations -- are welcome as well.

The central part of Berlin is Mitte.
It is a large area, but the central location, close to museums and attractions , lively but not too young
I like is close to the Friedrichstraße train station.
I stayed at hotel Melia 3 times.

Given your preferences, Myer's Hotel would be the choice. Prenzlauer Berg, which borders Mitte on the east, is livelier and "trendier" than Charlottenberg. It is also closer to the major Berlin museums on Museum Insel, and the other major sites such as the Reichstag, Unter Den Linden, Berliner Dom and Gendarmenmarkt.

You might also be comfortable around Hackescher Markt (also an S Bahn station) which is right next to the the museums.

I usually stay around Potsdamer Platz BUT whenever I am in that city I want to be as close to a U or S-Bahn station as possible. The city is large and there are places of interest scattered all over town, not just in or near Mitte, including the further out Potsdam palaces. Plan on using public transport regardless of where you end up sleeping.

I have also stayed at Hotel Melia in the Friedrichstraße.

Museum Island is just around the corner and you can walk to the Reichstag building.

You absolutely MUST go up to the glass dome of the Reichstag!!!!!!

There is a Laduree in the basement of Galeries Lafayette on Friedrichstraße.

Thin

I've stayed in Charlottenburg and loved it. I'd suggest a walk along Unter Den Linden and if you're interested in history - the holocaust memorial is a 'must see'.

I am also looking for a place in Berlin for early October, so thanks for the advice!! I was looking at the Radisson Blu with the fascinating aquarium/elevator, but they are fully booked during part of my stay!

Realize that Berlin is larger than Chicago - you're talking about a seriously large city such that "one" best doesn't quite work.

Friend and I am visiting Berlin for first time, also -- will have 3 days there in early July. Reservations made by tour company for me at Aldon since that's where a tour I am doing afterwards picks up. Will be glad to share my experiences when I return. We're definitely spending a day or two on Museum Island. Does anyone have inexpensive, quick suggestions for meals? I'm not a foodie and at home, I eat 90% vegetarian so am especially worried about German food. It was harder to get quick, good food in France than in Italy where the vendors had more varieties of sandwiches -- I seemed to eat a lot of ham and cheese in France.

Most Germans don't each really often of what you will find on the menus of "typical" German restaurants. You will find veggie food anywhere in Berlin - from standard falafel / lebanese or thai food to vegan Sudanese cuisine (I must admit that I have not yet sampled the last one).

You are staying at the Adlon Kempinski and you are looking for currywurst stands?

If you are staying at the Adlon Kempinski, there is a Starbucks across the road.

There is also a food court in the Potsdamer platz mall.

You can also find things to eat in the Friedrichstraße Bahnhof.


Thin

I will echo Pepper's response - most railway stations have a bakery where you can buy filled bread rolls (and I am sure you could get ones with just some cheese, lettuce and a slice of egg or similar). Bakeries are very common in Germany - you can usually find them every few blocks. Also the Alexa shopping centre near Alexanderplatz has a good food court. You might also frequent supermarkets for your own picnic lunch. Common brands of supermarket are Rewe, Netto (there is one not far from Alexanderplatz), Aldi - you will also find them every few blocks in the city, often with a bakery attached at the front of the store (bread rolls are a staple of the German breakfast).

Lavandula

Thin, dear, just because people stay in the Adlon doesn't mean they don't like street food. You of all people should know that!

There is a great food area on the lower level of Galeries Lafayette
on Friedrichstrasse

I found currywurst revolting.

Well, yes, darling, there is the basement of Galeries Lafayette on Friedrichstraße but that is hardly budget fare.

The Burger King crowd does NOT frequent Laduree or Mariage Freres.

Thin

PS There is a Subway sandwich shop across the street from the Monument to Murdered Jews, a short walk from the Adlon.

Thin

Hello Callebaut, regarding the proposed areas I prefer Prenzlauer Berg, also I suggest you take a look at http://www.city-getaway.com/en/apart...nt-in-Berlin/3 maybe you'll find a better choice for your stay, Good Trip.