Berlin. The German capital has long been synonymous with grime, grit and edginess. The kind of place where there’s always a party happening somewhere, no doubt organised by a rabble of young, smoking hipsters and moody punks. The kind of place with sharp corners and rough edges, covered in graffiti that although you can’t understand, you know it’s something bad. The kind of place you don’t envision taking your kids. But maybe it’s time to think again?
Perhaps surprisingly, there are also plenty of neighbourhoods and districts that offer the complete opposite. We’re here to break down a few misconceptions and show you why actually, Berlin is a great choice when deciding where to stay in Berlin with family. If you trust our extensive Plum Guide research, you'll have nothing to worry about.
Prenzlauer Berg
Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin, Germany
This district is quickly becoming the most family-friendly neighbourhood in Berlin, with a startling number of families living here. Take a stroll around Prenzlauer Berg on a Saturday afternoon and you are guaranteed to see more babies than hipsters. That’s really saying something in the German capital.
The streets are clean, safe, quiet and peaceful. Each one is lined with vibrant trees and plants, sometimes sprouting right out of the many multi-coloured apartment blocks. When the sun’s out (hard to guess when in a place like Berlin), the birds chirp whilst cyclists whiz by. You get the idea. This is very pleasant, very family-safe territory.
Within a five-minute walk, there’s a wide range of restaurants and cafes to choose from. Furthermore, all of the city's main attractions are a short subway or bus ride away. Meanwhile, the nearby Mauerpark is a great place for the kids to let off steam. It’s also where the Berlin Wall ran through, making it an ideal start to dad's incredibly dry, prolonged history lesson. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Interested? Take a look at the best apartments in Prenzlauer Berg:
The Beatrice
The Beatrice, Plum Guide home in Berlin
The Beatrice is a particular favourite with its great location, minimalist interiors, and bunk beds ideal for little ones. If you're asking us where to stay in Berlin with kids, this is it. We wouldn't blame you if you just spent your whole trip curled up on the sofa. Though, with trendy Prenzlauer Berg on your doorstep, exploring will be on the cards, too.
Show and Tell
Show and Tell, Plum Guide home in Berlin
A family home to the bone, this is another well-located gem near the green space of Volkspark Friedrichshain. It's full of charisma and charm – think Moroccan-style tiles in the kitchen, lots of light, and a piano for playing tunes. Everyone will appreciate the quaint little balcony overlooking the street, while kids will love curling up in the bunk beds. The layout is a little awkward – the third bedroom is only accessible from the kid's room – but the location puts you within striking distance of family-friendly eateries, so that's a worthwhile trade.
Mitte
Boat cruising down the river in Mitte, Berlin, Germany
Next up, Mitte. This central neighbourhood is as Berlin as can be. At some point on your trip, you will wind up here, as it’s where all of the main tourist attractions are located. The Brandenburg Gate, The Reichstag Building, Tiergarten, Berlin Zoo, Alexanderplatz, The East Side Gallery, Museum Island, Checkpoint Charlie – if sightseeing is on the agenda, this is the place to be.
Being central makes it easier to get back to your accommodation in the middle of the day for a quick pit stop or afternoon nap. We know how draining a full day out with the kids can be. It’s important to have that home base always within reaching distance.
With that in mind, take a look at these family-friendly homes in Mitte:
Rosemary
Rosemary, Plum Guide home in Berlin
Right in the heart of Mitte, this apartment puts museums, parks, and all sorts of attractions at your fingertips. It's a five-minute walk from Alexanderplatz, the most well-connected train station in the whole city – perfect for adventures further afield. Nearly every room here is bright and breezy, thanks to the Altbau windows and beautiful high ceilings. Kids will love swinging in the indoor hammock, as well as the bright bursts of colour from the artsy prints on the walls.
The Peaches
The Peaches, Plum Guide home in Berlin
Another option for where to stay in Berlin with kids is this quirky apartment. The ultimate selling point is the elevated beds and high-end Eames furniture. There's even a small balcony, where you can bask in the fresh air before sightseeing. It's a little tight at full capacity as there's only one full bathroom, but for a small family wanting to be steps from the Spree, we think it'll hit the mark.
Schöneberg
Lawn and treelined alleys in Tiergarten Park, Berlin, Germany
If you're keen to shop, Schöneberg is a spot with several boutiques, including ‘KaDeWe’. The store's gourmet floor is an eclectic mix of high-end products and foodie heaven. Despite all of this, we’ve actually picked Schöneberg for another reason.
When wondering where to stay in Berlin with kids, you’ll probably have an eye on the great outdoors. Looking at its location on the map, you’ll quickly realise Schöneberg has easy access to both Tiergarten and Tempelhof, as well as the lakes in the southwest. All of these are perfect days out where the kids can run and play as much as they want.
In Tiergarten, you can hire out a rowing boat on one of the lakes and enjoy traditional cuisine at the child-friendly Café am Neuen See. Meanwhile, Tempelhof was the former Berlin airport. Fortunately, the planes have since stopped landing and it is now a huge open recreational space that attracts rollerbladers, cyclists, kite-flyers and families.
Additionally, the vast lakes and forests of the south-west are the go-to getaways for many Berliners and who can blame them? It’s the perfect area for all manner of activities, including swimming (Wannsee Lake is the most popular), walking and cycling. We can guarantee the kids will sleep well at night.
Check out these family-friendly homes in Schöneberg:
Candyland
Candyland, Plum Guide home in Berlin
When it comes to family-friendly accommodation, look no further than this grand home. Nestled on the cusp of Schöneberg and Charlottenburg, you'll find plenty of restaurants, shops, and cafes within walking distance. Inside, every inch radiates classic elegance. The bubblegum pink bedroom is set up specifically for youngsters and has bunk beds and toys. Grown-ups, meanwhile, will appreciate the well-equipped kitchen and dining room ideal for family gatherings. Oh, and did we mention the terrace? It's small, but it overlooks the tree-lined street.
About Plum Guide:
So you see, when deciding where to stay in Berlin with kids, there are a surprising number of great options. The city isn’t just for the young, edgy and hip. It's for families too – and Plum Guide has vetted the best family-friendly vacation homes in Berlin for quality, so your high standards are met every time. We’re not one to blow our own trumpets but, in case you hadn’t noticed, we’re experts at all of this. So, if you’re interested in staying in one of our accommodations, you can talk with one of our experts. There are also plenty more options for you to choose from. Danke.
Related Articles
Find a remarkable stay with Plum Guide
