Where to Stay in Tiergarten, Berlin: Grit, Greenery, and Finding the Right Bed
- Alex van Terheyden
- 3 days ago
- 10 min read
Berlin has many faces. It’s a city where imperial grandeur collides with Cold War scars, where techno bunkers hide in Soviet blocks, and where no two streets look—or feel—the same. In the middle of all this, there’s Tiergarten—a vast green lung at the centre of the capital, historically a royal hunting ground, today a park that both divides and connects the city. But is this area a good place to stay? And what kind of experience does it offer a curious traveller?
In my latest video, I explored the southern edge of Tiergarten, an area often overlooked by first-time visitors, yet rich in stories, contrasts, and yes—controversy. This blog post builds on that journey. Here’s where to stay (three price points, personally selected), what to do nearby, and whether this patch of Berlin is worth your time and Euros.
Hotel Lulu Guldsmeden – Boutique Sustainability with Danish Soul
€€€ | Upper Mid-Range
Hidden along Potsdamer Straße, surrounded by offbeat art spaces, dive bars, and the occasional adult venue, sits the surprisingly serene Hotel Lulu Guldsmeden. It’s one of those places that initially feels too stylish for its own good—Balinese textures, reclaimed wood, and hanging plants in the bathrooms—but after a night or two, you realise it’s not just playing dress-up. This hotel lives its ethos.
What struck me most was the attention to detail. From organic toiletries and high-quality linen to the delicious (and genuinely sustainable) breakfast, Lulu embodies conscious luxury. The rooms are not vast, but they’re thoughtfully designed and inviting. The courtyard, nestled in the heart of the building, becomes an urban oasis, almost impossible to reconcile with the rawness of the street outside.
That contrast is the charm: you’re resting in tranquillity, yet step outside and Berlin’s contradictions greet you full force. You’re minutes from Tiergarten itself, a stone’s throw from the Kulturforum, and within walking distance of the Philharmonie and Neue Nationalgalerie.
Recommended for: Design-conscious travellers who appreciate sustainability and don’t mind being on the edge of a grittier, less-touristed zone.
Motel One Berlin-Tiergarten – Affordable, Stylish, and Central Enough
€€ | Mid-Range | Practical Yet Pleasant
If Lulu is for the boutique-chasing aesthete, Motel One Berlin-Tiergarten is for the pragmatic traveller who still wants a splash of style. This German hotel chain has nailed the formula: clean design, comfortable beds, decent breakfasts, and great locations—all without the bloated price tags Berlin’s boutique scene can command.
Located near Wittenbergplatz and just a ten-minute walk from the western edge of Tiergarten, this Motel One is right by KaDeWe, Berlin’s iconic department store. Public transport options are abundant: the U-Bahn whisks you east to Mitte or west to Charlottenburg in minutes. You’re not in Tiergarten, but you’re close enough to wander into it at will, while also having the city’s best shopping and a good mix of restaurants on your doorstep.
Rooms are compact but cleverly laid out, with decent soundproofing and modern decor that doesn’t scream “budget.” What you lose in personality, you gain in reliability.
Recommended for: Couples or solo travellers who want convenience, comfort, and style, without splurging.
Happy Go Lucky Hotel + Hostel – Budget Berlin with Energy
€ | Budget | Social Traveller Vibes
Located slightly further west in Charlottenburg, the Happy Go Lucky Hotel + Hostel offers a classic Berlin hostel experience without the party-animal chaos of Kreuzberg. You won’t find design flourishes or silent spa zones here, but you will find colour, character, and an eclectic mix of travellers swapping stories over €2 beers in the common areas.
While it’s not in Tiergarten proper, the hostel’s proximity to public transport (a few minutes from Charlottenburg S-Bahn and buses that cut through the park) makes it a viable budget base for exploring the area. The walk into Tiergarten via the Berlin Zoo and Elephant Gate entrance is pleasant and relatively quick.
Rooms range from dorms to private doubles, and bathrooms are shared in most cases. It’s basic, but well-run, clean, and surprisingly quiet after dark.
Recommended for: Backpackers, students, or digital nomads looking to stay under budget while maintaining access to central Berlin.
🛑 Where Not to Stay in Berlin
During my recent trip to Berlin, I unintentionally booked a hotel that turned out to be partially functioning as a state-funded migrant residence. While the booking platforms made no mention of this, the experience was far from what most travellers would expect from a typical city stay. The building was segregated between regular guests and residents funded by the government, complete with security checkpoints and restricted areas. It led to uncomfortable encounters and a disrupted stay, not due to the individuals themselves, but rather the lack of transparency from the hotel and booking sites.
If you’re planning a visit to Berlin, I would strongly advise against booking the following hotel:
👉 Hotel Aldea Berlin Centrum (Link marked for clarity and transparency.)
To be clear: this is not about the people housed there. It’s about the failure of the system — and the hotel’s failure to notify paying guests that part of the premises are used for unrelated government accommodation. Transparency is key, and sadly, it was missing here.
Things to Do in and Around Tiergarten
So, once you’ve unpacked—what then? The Tiergarten district, and particularly its southern edge, offers far more than just greenery. This is a place where Berlin’s identity is both preserved and questioned. Here are a few activities that I personally recommend if you choose to base yourself in or near Tiergarten:
1. Walk the Tiergarten Itself – Berlin’s Central Green Heart
Tiergarten is Berlin’s version of Hyde Park or Central Park—but infused with Prussian bones and post-war scars. Originally laid out in the 16th century as a royal hunting ground, it evolved into a public park by the late 1800s and was nearly obliterated by World War II. What you see today is a mix of restoration and organic overgrowth—a place to think, run, picnic, or get lost among the trees.
The sheer size of the park (210 hectares) means it rarely feels crowded. The main axis leads you to the Victory Column, an iconic Prussian monument relocated by Hitler’s architects during the city’s redesign plans. Climb it for a panoramic view across the park and city skyline.
2. Dive into High Culture at the Kulturforum
A short walk from Hotel Lulu is Berlin’s Kulturforum—a cultural complex born of Cold War separation. With Museum Island stranded in East Berlin, the West had to develop its own counterpart. The result? A futuristic cluster of museums and music venues housing everything from Rembrandts to Bauhaus masterpieces.
The Gemäldegalerie is a must-visit for lovers of Renaissance and Baroque art, while the Neue Nationalgalerie, recently refurbished by David Chipperfield, showcases 20th-century German art in a Mies van der Rohe masterpiece.
3. Have a Beer at Café am Neuen See
Inside Tiergarten itself, nestled beside a small lake, is the magical Café am Neuen See. Half biergarten, half lakeside restaurant, it’s a favourite with locals and in-the-know visitors alike. On a sunny afternoon, there are few better places to be than under the chestnut trees with a fresh Berliner Weisse and a pretzel in hand.
If you’ve been walking all day—or wrestling with Berlin’s layered history—this is the spot to let it all sink in.
4. Confront Berlin’s Past at the Memorials
Tiergarten doesn’t just offer green respite. It forces reflection. Within its boundaries are numerous memorials, including the Soviet War Memorial, Memorial to Homosexuals Persecuted between 1939 and 1945, and the Memorial to the Sinti and Roma Victims of National Socialism. My personal favourite is the beautiful Soviet War Memorial (pictured in this blog). Each is powerful in its own way—quiet spaces that refuse to be ignored.
If you’re the kind of traveller who likes to understand a place beyond its tourist facade, these sites are essential.
5. Visit the Berlin Zoo & Aquarium
I usually don’t promote zoos, but Berlin Zoo has historical clout. Opened in 1844, it’s one of the oldest and most biodiverse zoos in the world. If you’re travelling with family or just want to marvel at nature in a curated setting, it’s worth a look. The Aquarium next door is equally impressive and offers a deep dive (pun intended) into marine ecosystems. The Panda's are also very impressive especially if you catch them when they aren't sleeping!
🌙 I Used Tiergarten as a Base to Embrace the Wider Berlin Nights: The Pulse of the Capital and True Berlin Culture!
Berlin’s nightlife is more than legendary — it’s mythological. From cavernous industrial temples to riverside playgrounds and leather-clad dance utopias, the city delivers one of the most dynamic after-dark experiences on the planet. Whether you’re a techno disciple, an observer of urban culture, or simply in search of a strong cocktail and a good story, Berlin has something for you — if you know where to look.
🎧 Top 5 Techno Clubs in Berlin You Need to Experience
1. Berghain / Panorama Bar
No list would be complete without mentioning Berghain. Housed in a towering former power station, it’s more than a club — it’s a cultural institution. Known for its militant door policy and week-long parties, Berghain delivers pure, uncompromising techno downstairs, while Panorama Bar upstairs offers a more melodic, house-infused experience. The crowd is diverse and deliberately unflashy. Phones are banned on the dancefloor. What happens inside stays inside. It’s not just the music — it’s the vibe, the people-watching, the sense that you’ve entered a separate Berlin reality. If you’re lucky enough to get in, cancel your plans for the next day. You won’t be needing them.
2. Sisyphos
Imagine if Mad Max threw a beach party with Burning Man veterans and Berlin DJs — that’s Sisyphos. Set in an old dog biscuit factory in the eastern part of the city, this open-air club is equal parts music venue, art commune, and fantasy land. Wooden structures, hammocks, food stalls, hidden chill zones, and multiple stages make it more festival than club. In the summer months, it runs all weekend — with dancing on sandy courtyards by day and sweat-drenched warehouse floors by night. It’s friendly, creative, and always unpredictable. A place where Berlin lets loose.
3. Tresor
The godfather of Berlin’s techno scene. Tresor helped shape the city’s post-reunification musical identity, opening in 1991 and keeping its raw, industrial roots ever since. Its current location in the Kraftwerk Berlin complex gives it serious urban bunker energy. Inside, you’ll find pounding, relentless techno echoing off concrete walls, low lighting, and a crowd that knows why they’re there: the music. It’s not pretentious — it’s primal. For those who want to feel the beat in their bones, Tresor delivers.
4. Kater Blau
The spiritual successor to the legendary Bar25, Kater Blau sits along the River Spree and offers a more whimsical take on Berlin nightlife. Think fairy lights, painted caravans, bizarre installations, and a crowd of eccentric Berliners and internationals dancing well into the daylight hours. The music is consistently excellent — melodic techno and deep house dominate — but what makes Kater Blau special is the ambiance. It’s a little bit surreal, very Berlin, and totally enchanting. Come with an open mind and stay for sunrise on the riverside dancefloor.
5. KitKat Club
KitKat is where Berlin’s reputation for sexual liberation and techno hedonism reaches its most iconic expression. Part club, part fetish playground, it’s not for the conservative — but it’s undeniably part of the city’s cultural DNA. The dress code is unapologetically outrageous, and the door policy rewards confidence and creativity. Inside, expect thumping electronic music, multiple dance floors, and areas that range from spa to spectacle. It’s not about voyeurism — it’s about freedom, expression, and acceptance. For those seeking the full spectrum of Berlin nightlife, KitKat is a rite of passage.
🍻 Need a Night Off from Techno?
For those nights when you’d rather sip than stomp, Gibson Bar offers an elegant reprieve from the city’s relentless energy. Located in a more refined part of Berlin, this bar combines high-quality cocktails with a laid-back atmosphere and occasional live music. You won’t find warehouse vibes or ear-rattling bass here — instead, it’s all about good conversation, carefully mixed drinks, and a vibe that’s classy without being stiff. Whether you’re starting your evening or winding it down, Gibson provides a polished counterpoint to Berlin’s grittier venues.
Craving something more grounded — literally? Head to BRLO Brwhouse, Berlin’s modern craft brewery housed in repurposed shipping containers near Gleisdreieck Park. Their beers are brewed on-site and span everything from crisp pilsners to experimental ales. The food is equally memorable — German traditions reimagined with contemporary flair. Think beer-brined chicken, smoked vegetables, and next-level sauerkraut. It’s a great place to meet friends, relax outside, and toast to Berlin in a setting that blends industrial chic with warm hospitality.
Final Word: Should You Stay in Tiergarten?
Tiergarten is not the obvious choice. It doesn’t have the nightclubs of Friedrichshain or the hipster cafés of Neukölln. What it does offer, however, is balance—a peaceful base with access to history, art, and the raw contradictions that make Berlin… well, Berlin.
For travellers who like to dig deeper, who value green space as much as cultural capital, and who don’t mind a neighbourhood with a few rough edges, Tiergarten might just be the best-kept secret.
🎥 Watch the video experience here:
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Happy travels, The Wondering Englishman
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