Berlin regularly makes it on the lists of top destinations for digital nomads – and there are fair reasons for that. The German capital is well known for its good quality of life, vibrant, hip, multicultural atmosphere, and start-up culture.
Each year Berlin’s unique energy attracts thousands of newcomers. It is not the cheapest option regarding the costs of living, in comparison to another popular digital nomad’s destinations. However, it pays it off with the high quality of life, endless choice of cultural and networking events, cool neighborhoods combined with a welcoming, creative, can-do attitude of its cosmopolitan inhabitants.
Location in the central part of Europe, as well as numerous, affordable connections with many cities, makes Berlin an ideal home base for short breaks and longer trips. Digital nomads living here praise the huge amount of co-working spaces and work-friendly cafes. Those, who don’t understand German should not be worried – Berliners usually speak English pretty well.
When to go?
Berlin, with its moderately continental climate, is all-year-long destination attractive especially for those who prefer mild climate – summers are not too hot and winters will not make you frozen to the bone. Average temperatures during the winter are about 0 °C, while the summers are rather warm – average temperatures are around 24 °C.
Where to stay?
One of the biggest cons of Berlin are rising apartment rents, especially in once avoided but now popular neighborhoods. Thus the market for mid and long term rents is pretty demanding – if you want to stay for a few months or more, prepare yourself for intensive and time consuming flat search.
KREUZBERG
One of the most popular neighborhoods for creative, open-minded people is legendary Kreuzberg. The district is famous for its multicultural, alternative and buzzing atmosphere. Artistic shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars pop out from almost every corner. Berliners like to go there for a vibrant, diverse nightlife. Another great thing is that Kreuzberg is still not discovered by many tourists. However, the neighborhood’s growing popularity resulted in higher rental rates, which are unfortunately no longer available for all.
WEDDING
Those who want to stay in a more affordable district which has a similar vibe to Kreuzberg should check quieter and more inclusive Wedding. This up-and-coming neighborhood is inhabited mostly by young people. Alternative cafes and bars, street food from all over the world, grocery shops run by a neighbor, mesmerizing graffiti and still affordable rental prices – this is Wedding.
CHARLOTTENBURG
Those who value living closer to the city center should consider Charlottenburg. It’s located very close to most of Berlin’s historical attractions and landmarks, yet it is not flooded by tourists.
Accommodation in Berlin for digital nomads
Digital nomads who want to stay short or long term in Germany’s capital can choose from a wide range of hostels, coliving spaces, Airbnb apartments or can decide to sublet a room or the whole flat.
Coliving spaces
There is definitely no shortage of coliving spaces in Berlin. One of them, PROJECTS – Kreuzberg offers modern, fully equipped apartments shared with other entrepreneurs, IT freelancers and creatives. Service includes fast internet, weekly cleaning, and help of community manager. Another recommended space, Quarters Berlin is located in the middle of Berlin Mitte. It offers comfy single rooms, lounges, reading spaces and even a movie room. You should expect to pay 25-35 EUR per night in most of the coliving spaces.
Hostels
Hostels are a perfect solution if you want to stay in Berlin just for the short term. Centrally located Circus Hostel with a comfy common area perfect for working is ranked no 1 on Tripadvisor, but it is not the cheapest option. If you are on the budget, you should choose from hostels like Generator Berlin – one night in a shared 6-bed dorm room costs around 18 EUR per night.
Airbnb
There are many flats to choose from on Airbnb, but they might be out of your budget.
Subletting
If you intend to stay a few months or more in the capital of Germany, the best option is to sublet a room or the whole flat. There are few English-friendly Facebook groups with posts from people looking for flatmates or who want to rent their place for some time – Berlin Housing, Temporary Flat Rentals In Berlin and Find room/roommate in Berlin are the most popular ones. You can also find plenty of offers on websites such as WG-Gesucht.de. It is possible to find a room for 250 – 550 EUR per month, which is a way better deal than Airbnb.
Coworking spaces and good places to work
There is an immense number of coworking spaces in Berlin. They usually offer hourly, daily, weekly or monthly passes. Betahaus is located in Kreuzberg, just a walking distance from the Checkpoint Charlie, a famous border crossing between East and West Berlin during the Cold War. It is one of the most popular coworking spaces in the city. Besides well-designed spaces for working, meet-ups and conferences it has in-house café. It also organizes over 1,000 community & startup events every year. Betahaus has also opened another space in neighboring hip Neukölln.
Ahoy Berlin offers fully equipped offices, work desks and conference rooms. Freelancers can also enjoy tasty coffee and snacks from its café. The coworking space offers flexible terms. Thanks to its location in the heart of Berlin Mitte WE’RE ALL IN is easily accessible by public transport any time. If you are a night own, you will be happy with its 24/7 access to the workspace. In the closest area, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants, perfect for a short break from work.
Work-friendly cafes
If you prefer to work in a café, you won’t have any problem with finding a space with a good internet connection, ergonomic chairs and tasty menu in almost every Berlin’s neighborhood. Westberlin in Kreuzberg offers a great selection of coffee and homemade food. Its modern, but cozy interior helps to focus on the work. Early birds can start a productive day in that space from 8.30 am. Visitors can also check in-house shop with magazines and books. KaffeeMitte with is a stable internet connection, comfortable chairs and tables, modern interior and central location is crowded with freelancers from early hours. Another popular spot for those, who work remotely is No Fire No Glory with a wide selection of coffee and food. If you prefer less crowded places, head to Kerzberg’s Café and Genuss in Wilmersdorf. It offers aromatic coffee, breakfasts, and branches along with warm interior and high-speed internet.
Where to meet nomads?
Thanks to Berlin’s thriving freelance culture it is easy to meet like-minded people from all over the world. Every first Wednesday of the month there is a Digital Nomad Meetup – a great opportunity to meet new friends. Another Berlin-based group, Remote work & Digital Nomads hosts regular meetings under different topics related to DN lifestyle. Already mentioned coworking spaces also organize various events and meetups for remote workers. You can also check Internations – there are regular evens for expats held in an informal and relaxed atmosphere.
WIFI speed info
Berlin has 30.6 Mbps monthly average internet speed. The value varies depending on Internet provider – if you need a fast internet connection, ask in coworking space/hostel/cafe about the internet speed beforehand.
Getting around
There are two big international airports in the city – Schönefeld (Flughafen Schönefeld) and Tegel (Flughafen Tegel).
Berlin has a reliable public transport system – the network includes metro, trams, buses and city trains. Almost all parts of the city are well-connected, so it’s easy to navigate around. Those, who prefer to travel by bike, can choose from several bike-sharing companies, including Byke, Donkey Republic, Lidl Bikes, Lime Bikes or Nextbike. Most of them offer convenient mobile apps for renting.
Mobile internet / SIM card use
If you have a SIM Card from another EU country, you can “roam like at home”, meaning rates will be similar to those in your home country. There are three major network providers: Vodafone, o2 and Deutsche Telekom. You can easily buy SIM cards in kiosks or grocery shops.
Travel requirements
Citizens or residents of EU & Schengen countries do not need a visa. Passport-holders of 62 non-EU countries, including Canada, USA, New Zealand, Brazil or Ukraine can enter Germany visa-free and remain there for a period of 90 days within 6 months. If you’re not sure if you need a visa, please contact your local consulate.
Resources
- ULTIMATE GUIDE on Best Things To Do in Berlin by MISSTOURIST.com
- VIDEO: Digital Nomad Girl finds the best cheap things to do in Berlin
- Go local thanks to 600 tips in one app: Discover the capital’s neighborhoods with the app by visitBerlin.
- BEST Vegan Restaurants in Berlin by Mostly Amelie
How to spend your free time in Berlin
There are limitless ways of spending your free time in such a vibrant city. It offers various leisure options for all interests. Almost every district runs its own cultural activities and events. Locals like to spend summer days outdoor – in nearby parks, outdoor pools or swimming lakes.
Short trips & adventures
Berlin’s hidden gems, dynamically changing neighborhoods and reminiscences from the past won’t let you get bored in the city.
- Tempelhof Airport – the airport was closed in 2008 and turned into a huge park. Berliners love to chill out in the runway, bike, and longboard along the lines, do summer BBQ’s or sunbathe on the grass.
- Berlin Wall – follow the location and detailed history of Berlin Wall with interactive app.
- Street art tour – Berlin is famous for its street art – graffiti and murals created by the best artists from all over the world are scattered around the city.
- Teufelsberg – Devil’s Mountain was a US espionage station during the Cold War. If you manage to climb up 80 meters, you will see a breath-taking panorama of the city.
- Potsdam – that pretty city, full of Kings of Prussia’s palaces and royals parks is perfect for one day trip – its located only 35 km from Berlin.
Berlin is truly a cosmopolitan city open to newcomers. Its energy, hip neighborhoods, a great offer of events and an immense number of facilities dedicated for remote workers make the capital of Germany perfect for digital nomads who like to live in urban, vibrant places full of possibilities.