Berlin is the capital of Germany, known for round the clock clubbing, stern architecture, and for its general coolness. This is the city that was formerly split by the Berlin Wall, but today there are decidedly no walls at all and a big atmosphere of liberalism in the streets here.

It’s far from a paradise though. There are petty crime and pickpockets in Berlin, a big homeless community, organised crime, combined with recent terrorist attacks.

Now you probably are wondering “Is Berlin safe to visit?”, and with reason. I will be tacking this question in this epic guide to staying safe in the German capital. We at the Broke Backpacker are all about travelling smart – and think you should be too, so you’ll find information and insider tips for all kinds of traveller in this Berlin Safety Guide, from families and first-time travellers, to those who feel like renting a car or even living in the city.

Whether you are looking for some tips for solo female travellers in Berlin, or if you want to read this helpful safety guide from top to bottom to get a good idea of the safety situation in Berlin, I’ve got you covered. Ready? Let’s get started.

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    How Safe is Berlin? (Our take)

    berlin safe to visit
    Use common sense in public areas, and you’ll be completely fine.

    Berlin is the largest and most populous city in Germany. Everyone’s here for the architecture, galleries, must-see landmarks, hipster neighbourhoods, shopping, city parks and so on. You get the picture.

    It’s a place of new and old and in recent years Berlin has grown in stature as a fun, funky, fashionable hangout. People love coming here to party and live freely.

    There is a “but” though. This fascinating German city has SOME issues when it comes to safety.

    There’s theft, of bicycles (for example), and pickpocketing to worry about. There are also some shady neighbourhoods that you should be steering clear of. The nightlife scene is massive in Berlin, but that also means you have to watch out for drink spiking.

    Mainly, though, this is a safe city for visitors. Even as a whole, Germany is a pretty safe country. It’s ranked 23/163 on the Global Peace Index, which means it’s pretty peaceful – and shows the general mindset of the country.

    There are, however, other factors at play in Berlin. There’s an organised crime scene going on here that sometimes rears its head: it’s all about money laundering and controlling drugs. This kind of thing isn’t going to affect you if you’re just making a trip to the city, though.

    There is no such thing as a perfect safety guide, and this article is no different. The question of “Is Berlin Safe?” will ALWAYS have a different answer depending on the parties involved. But this article is written for savvy travellers from the perspective of savvy travellers.

    The information present in this safety guide was accurate at the time of writing, however, the world is a changeable place, now more than ever. Between the pandemic, ever-worsening cultural division, and a click-hungry media, it can be hard to maintain what is truth and what is sensationalism.

    Here, you will find safety knowledge and advice for travelling Berlin. It won’t be down to the wire cutting edge info on the most current events, but it is layered in the expertise of veteran travellers. If you use our guide, do your own research, and practise common sense, you will have a safe trip to Berlin.

    If you see any outdated information in this guide, we would really appreciate it if you could reach out in the comments below. We strive to provide the most relevant travel information on the web and always appreciate input from our readers (nicely, please!). Otherwise, thanks for your ear and stay safe!

    It’s a wild world out there. But it’s pretty damn special too. 🙂

    Is it Safe to Visit Berlin Right Now?

    Berlin, Germany Christmas Market

    Berlin has seen a few terrorist threats over the last 10 years, but the city has taken quite a few precaution measures. While you’re never 100% safe, no matter where you’re staying, Berlin is still one of the safest cities in Europe.

    Your safety will also rely on what kind of traveller you are. If you come to Berlin to experience the nightlife, you’ll face different threats than if you just want to wander along the streets and see Berlin’s famous places. As long as you use your common sense and behave just like you would in your home country to stay safe, you won’t have any issues.

    However, if you’re actively looking for trouble, you most likely find it.

    One big thing to be aware of is protests though.Berlin has a very young community that is actively standing up for climate change, human rights and animal welfare. These are normally friendly but can be pretty big, pretty tense, and people can get injured if it escalates. If you don’t want to be involved, just stay away and you’ll have no problems.

    Aside from that, you’re not going to find a lot that’s going to put you off a trip to the city. So to conclude: yes, it is safe to visit Berlin right now.

    Safest Places in Berlin

    When choosing where you’ll be staying in Berlin, a bit of research and caution is essential. You don’t want to end up in a sketchy area and ruin your trip. To help you out, I’ve listed the safest areas to visit in Berlin below.

    Friedrichshain

    Located in what was previously East Berlin, Friedrichshain is an edgy neighbourhood with an alternative vibe. Thanks to the happening nightlife scene, Friedrichshain is also where you’ll find a lot of Berlin’s party-centric accommodation.

    It’s the best place to stay in Berlin for art lovers and creative souls and the definition of hipster, which means it’s up-and-coming and yet to be gentrified. While it holds quite a few nightlife venues, it’s still a very safe neighborhood. 

    Mitte

    Mitte is home to many of Berlin’s “must-see” tourist attractions, so if you’re searching for where to stay in Berlin for sightseeing, this is the neighborhood for you.

    Full of history and culture, Mitte also boasts some of the best restaurants and bars in Berlin, and there’s a good selection of shops.

    All in all, the close proximity to major places of interest, ease of travelling around the area, and great leisure activities make Mitte my pick for the best Berlin neighbourhood for first-time visitors, who want to be close to the museums and attractions.

    Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf

    Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf was once its own independent town. Today it’s a very wealthy part of Berlin, with several family-friendly attractions and activities as well as things that will apply to broader groups of travellers. That makes it one of the safest neighbourhoods of the city. 

    Located west of Berlin Mitte you can find attractions like the Berlin Zoo and the Schlossgarten Charlottenburg. It’s a more laid back neighborhood that still carries the Berlin vibe really well. 

    Places to avoid in Berlin

    Unfortunately, not all places in Berlin are super safe. You need to be careful and aware of your surroundings pretty much anywhere you go in the world, and the same goes for visiting Berlin. 

    • Alexanderplatz – this one can become sketchy especially during night 
    • Kurfürstdamm – this is a hotspot for pickpocketing 
    • The northern part of Luisenstadt – also a sketchy area at night 
    • Public transport stations – those are generally a bit more dangerous at night

    I recommend listening to your gut and avoiding doing what you wouldn’t do at home either. Whether that’s going out at night or walking into a dark and secluded side street. Use your common sense and you’ll be perfectly fine. 

    It’s important to know that Berlin is pretty safe overall, but a bit of caution and research before you start your travels will always go a long way. If you want to increase your safety during your stay, read on for my insider travel tips. Stick to those and you won’t have a single issue in Berlin.

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    19 Top Safety Tips for Traveling to Berlin

    safety tips for traveling in berlin
    At night is when Berlin streets can get dangerous, especially in quiet areas.

    Berlin may be safe city in a safe country, but that doesn’t mean you should be walking around without a care in the world. It pays to know some of the do’s and don’t’s in the German capital, so I’m sharing with you some of the very best safety tips for travelling to Berlin so you can travel smart.

    1. Don’t walk around with expensive stuff on the show – bound to make you a target of petty theft.
    2. Don’t show wads of cash when paying for stuff – same thing: gold dust to a potential thief.
    3. Limit the amount of cash you take around with you – don’t be a walking ATM. In fact, wear a money belt (we have a recommendation below).
    4. Be aware of your surroundings on public transport – pickpockets can lurk on these. Guards patrol stations, but still: you need to look out for your own belongings!
    5. Keep your bag close to you at cafes/restaurants – never on the back of your chair because that is easily yoinked.
    6. Watch out around historical centres – like Brandenburg Tor, Museum Island, and Alexanderplatz. Especially at night time as they can get a bit sketchy.
    7. Other areas to watch out for include – Gorlitzer Park and around Neukolln, as well as Kreuzberg; some parts of these areas have been known for violent crime and robberies. Know where to stay in Berlin (and where not!)
    8. Know your distraction techniques – pickpockets often work in groups and sometimes pretend to be collecting money for a charity; another obvious one is getting in your way sort of stuff, asking to take your picture, etc. is the precursor to pickpocketing.
    9. Keep your eyes peeled for bicycles – they’re everywhere! Make sure you’re not an idiot and don’t walk in cycle lanes.
    10. Don’t fall asleep on the S- or U-Bahn at night – that’s when your stuff is easily stolen.
    11. Dress down and try to blend in – so you don’t stand out like an unsuspecting tourist!
    12. Don’t leave your luggage unattended – at the airport or even your hotel lobby because it may go missing.
    13. Learn a few German phrases – lots of people speak English but it just pays to have at least a few words in German to get by.
    14. Make sure you know where you’re going – and don’t just be on your phone the whole time; a good way to get hurt or be a victim of crime.
    15. Taking shortcuts isn’t always a good idea – especially at night. Stick to busy, well-lit streets.
    16. Be aware of homeless communities around large stations – plus groups of people that sit around drinking. Best avoided.
    17. Get a sim card – this way you can use the internet, call people, etc. It’ll keep you safe.
    18. Remember: bike theft is a big issue – if you rent a bike, lock it up safe and secure when it’s parked up.
    19. Be careful what you take at night – Drug use is popular in Berlin but there is some nasty stuff out there. Know who you’re buying from and what.

    There’s a lot to keep in mind when you’re travelling within the city or taking a day trip from Berlin. It may seem all fun and trendy and well ordered, but at the same time crime definitely exists here. Often when you’re least expecting it. So the best thing to do would be to travel smart; make sure that you DON’T look like a tourist (= like a target), be aware of your surroundings and don’t put your safety at risk. Remember those tips!

    Is Berlin safe to travel alone?

    Is Berlin safe to travel alone

    There’s a load of cool stuff about travelling by yourself that easily makes it one of the best ways to see the world. Obviously, there’s the stuff like getting to do what you want, when you want, but on top of that, you challenge yourself and develop as an actual person.

    There will be times when it won’t be all gravy though. Often it can be super tiring, you can get lonely, homesick, and with no one to balance you it can be tough. It definitely applies to a city like Berlin. So here is some advice for solo travellers in Berlin to keep you sane and safe.

    • Book a cheap social hostel in Berlin. These are great for meeting fellow travellers, which is always a good thing if you’re feeling isolated or the ‘solo travel blues’ are creeping up on you. Obviously, read reviews before you book.
    • Go on a free walking tour. These are super cool for a number of reasons. First of all, they help you get to grips with the layout of your local area – helpful when it comes to finding your way around. You also get to learn some actual stuff about where you’re staying.
    • If the sun’s shining, head to one of Berlin’s parks. For example, I’d suggest Templehof. There’ll be people laying out, enjoying the sun, relaxing, chilling out… Surprisingly it’s a pretty good way to get chatting to other people, so get your best icebreakers out.
    • Make some friends – Easiest way to do that: Just carry a lighter with you! Even if you don’t smoke. “What? Why?” you’re asking. Being the person with the lighter when someone wants to spark up a ciggy, or something stronger can lead to a conversation, can lead to invitations to nights out – all manner of friendly stuff!
    • Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and start talking to people. Just go ahead and socialize. It might be in your hostel, it might be at a bar, it might be in the park. What’ve you got to lose?
    • If you’re going for a night out, don’t get too drunk. If you’re by yourself, you’ll lack a group of friends who can help and/or advise you on when it seems like you might have had enough. Plus getting home will be a little tricky. Basically, I don’t need to tell you this, but being totally wasted is a good way to get into a stupid (i.e. bad) situation.
    • Travel as lightly as possible. Not only will having a load of bags may make you more of a target if you’re by yourself, but it will also just be super annoying lugging all that stuff through a city. Try to keep it to one bag travel; looking like a lost hiker in an urban environment is neither a good look nor is it fun.

    The key thing is to take it easy. Take a few days off here and there to chill. Don’t do everything the guidebook tells you to do. Experience Berlin at your own pace. Do you want to sit in a cafe all afternoon instead of hitting up “the sights”? Do it! This is your trip, so do what you want (but definitely do keep those tips in mind!).

    Is Berlin safe for solo female travellers?

    Is Berlin safe for solo female travellers

    Women visit, live and work in Berlin on the daily, so of course – it’s safe for solo female travellers. This is a pretty cool city with a liberal, open attitude and for the most part, you’re going to be pretty safe exploring what it has to offer you. At the same time, it’s still a city.

    That means you will have to take some precautions – stuff you probably already have to think about as a female, right? Nothing to worry about though, and I’ve got some handy tips for solo female travellers in Berlin to help you get to know this cool city like a pro.

    • When it comes to accommodation… cheaper doesn’t always mean better. Having a secure place to stay should be a top priority, especially in Berlin. The city can attract some weirdos, if not some outright unsavoury characters, most likely found in its lower cost accommodation. Don’t skimp on your security.
    • Do your research. You’ll want to be staying somewhere in a decent/safe location, with female-only dorms, that’s a comfortable place to return after a day in the city, and (most importantly) that comes highly recommended from other solo female travellers. That’s the best way to find a good place to stay in Berlin.
    • Don’t be worried about doing anything by yourself in Berlin! It’s actually totally normal to check out cultural sights, wander around museums, check out a film, go to a bar, go clubbing – do whatever – by yourself. Don’t be afraid to do what you feel like doing, no matter if you’ve got people to do it with or not.
    • Try and dress as much as possible as a local lady. Looking like a backpacker might get you hassle from guys looking to “hook up” with travellers. Plus you’ll just stand out more anyway.
    • Don’t walk around deserted streets away from the city centre by yourself at night. This is the obvious sort of stuff, and probably what you already do in your own country anyway.
    • Make sure you tell people what your plans are. Keep friends or family informed of your travel plans, what you’ve been up to… It’s never good to go off-grid when you’re travelling solo. Plus hearing a familiar voice is always a nice thing!
    • Get on a tour. You could even hire a tour guide for yourself. A group tour is a good way to go since you get to interact with other human beings, but if you want a more personal experience a guide could be best for you. Remember, as always, research and find the most reputable, well-recommended tour/guide going.
    • Being in a city by yourself, no matter how easy it is to travel around solo, can get lonely. Never fear: there are ways to meet up with other, like-minded travellers. There are a ton of solo female travel groups out there – online, on Facebook, on Instagram. For instance, you could hit up Girls Love Travel.

    As I mentioned, it’s totally fine to do stuff by yourself in Berlin – so I would recommend taking full advantage of that and taking the opportunity to do whatever you want to do. Of course, Berlin is still a city and it goes without saying that there are risks here.

    Avoid jeopardising your security with simple stuff, like finding a well-reviewed, recommended, female-friendly hostel or guesthouse to stay at; get yourself on a DECENT tour; make some friends on solo female travel groups online; be aware of your surroundings… Simple!

    More on Safety in Berlin

    I’ve covered the main safety concerns already, but there are a few more things to know. Read on for more detailed information on how to have a safe trip to Berlin. 

    Is Berlin safe to travel for families?

    Being a capital city of a developed country that’s pretty peaceful on the whole, travelling to Berlin with your family is safe. Not only is it safe, but it’s also easy too.

    Don’t worry too much about not having anything to keep your children occupied: there’s a ton of stuff to keep all ages entertained in Berlin.

    When it comes to eating out in Berlin with children in tow, don’t worry: many restaurants will have a children’s menu (or kindermenu), and others will serve up to half portions for children. There are also food courts and farmers markets where everyone can enjoy all sorts of grub.

    Is Berlin safe to travel for families

    Formula, nappies, baby food… This can all be purchased easily throughout the city in many pharmacies and supermarkets.

    Having children won’t add much to the cost of your Berlin trip either. No, really: children under 6 ride FREE on public transport and (often) under 18s get free admittance into a ton of different museums, galleries, and attractions. Pretty awesome if you ask me, even if you’re not on a budget.

    So in conclusion, Berlin is safe for families. Nothing to worry about. In fact, it’s super cool and you and your family are going to have an awesome stay!

    Wonder what to do in Berlin for 3 days? Head over to our insider’s Weekend in Berlin guide!

    Is it safe to drive in Berlin?

    Thinking about driving in Berlin? Here’s a fun fact for you… Berlin has one of the lowest cars to person ratios in the West. Which is cool – and it definitely shows when you’re in the city, with a traffic landscape that looks very different compared to other car-clogged metropolises.

    Having said that, it doesn’t mean driving around Berlin is a great idea.

    Like many other cities, there’s already a comprehensive public transport network in place, so driving isn’t really worth your time.

    Is it safe to drive in Berlin

    However, if you really want to hire a car in Berlin to drive either around or out of the city (or both), it’s not a terrible idea.

    In general, the drivers in Berlin are pretty good at sticking to the rules of the road. They’re quite well-mannered drivers. The streets are well signposted. If anything, the bad driver is going to be you! And that’s because you don’t know about the rules and you’re not a German driver!

    One thing, or hazard really, to take note of are Berlin’s cyclists. They are literally everywhere. Even though they usually ride on the cycle paths, you still definitely need to be aware of their presence at junctions and right-hand turns.

    So if you’re in Berlin and you only really want to stay in the city centre, it ain’t worth driving. Not only is it going to be expensive to rent a car in the first place, but parking isn’t easy to find and when you do find it and that’s expensive too.

    To conclude: driving in Berlin = safe, but pointless. (Unless you want to go on a road trip out of the city).

    Cycling in Berlin

    Cyclists have been taking over the capital city of Germany for the last couple of years. Nowadays, people in Berlin tend to leave their cars at home and choose their bike to get from A to B. This isn’t just an easy way to stay fit, it’s also more eco-friendly, and you’re faster and safer.

    But how is it safer? Since Berlin’s streets are pretty wide (thanks to the Prussian military), cars and bikes can easily fit next to each other. That’s why the city decided to have designated lanes for the normal traffic, for bikes, and for people on foot.

    If everyone is following the rules, uses common sense and is aware of their surroundings, riding your bike in Berlin is a breeze. However, you should always prepare for the worst-case scenario, so make sure to wear your helmet!

    Where can you rent a bike?

    • Bike Sharing: There are a couple of bike-sharing stations in the city, each offering a different type of bike and conditions. Lot’s of tourists rent their daily bikes this way, which is super affordable and easy to do.
    • Rental shops: In case you’re visiting the city for the first time, you’ll be better off renting a bike from a normal rental place. These rentals can give you great tips, introduce you to the traffic rules in Berlin and help you find the right bicycle for you.

    Is Uber safe in Berlin?

    Uber in Berlin is available and yes, it’s safe.

    It’s cheaper than getting a taxi. It’s easy to get hold of an Uber. There’s less hassle involved. You can pay in-app. It’s a pretty safe service to use since you can read reviews of drivers, track your journey, know exactly what car is picking you up. There’s no language barrier.

    Basically, Uber is safe and super handy in Berlin.

    Are taxis safe in Berlin?

    When it comes to getting a taxi in Berlin, you’ll be spoilt for choice: the city boasts more than 7,000 licensed taxis.

    You can spot them easily thanks to their beige colour. They’re fairly reasonably priced (though Uber is still cheaper like I said) and easy to get hold of.

    You can hail a taxi in the street and the drivers are pretty laid-back and happy to deal with different requests, like luggage, asking them to wait etc. Pretty chill.

    Are taxis safe in Berlin

    And whaddya know: you can even use an app. It’s called Mytaxi. It works like Uber and you can pay in-app, all that sort of stuff. Without the app, you can still pay for your fare not just with cash but with a credit or debit card.

    If you can’t find a taxi, get your hostel, guesthouse or hotel to call one for you, or simply head to a taxi rank. You’ll find one of these in places near clubs, shopping malls, theatres – that sort of thing.

    At the end of the day, there’s no monkey business with the taxis in Berlin. They’re what taxis should be: normal cars with drivers that take you places for money, safely. No haggling, no hassle, all good.

    Is public transportation in Berlin safe?

    It’s a big city, so as you might expect, Berlin has a pretty extensive public transport system.

    To put that into numbers for you, there are 120 kilometres of tram lines, 473 kilometres of railway track, and more navigable waterways than Amsterdam, Stockholm and even Venice – put together! And Berlin makes good use of it all.

    The public transport in Berlin is straightforward, clean and reliable.

    transportation in berlin
    Berlin has an efficient and affordable transportation infrastructure.

    First of all, there’s the S-Bahn, which is a mostly above-ground railway network running in and around Berlin. It runs from 4:30 AM to 1:30 AM and is a top way to get to see a lot of Berlin’s different landmarks that you want to add to your Berlin itinerary.

    Then there’s the U-Bahn, Berlin’s metro system. There are 9 lines with trains that run every 2-5 minutes during peak hours. These run from 4:30 in the morning till 12:30 at night. Luckily, if you miss the last train on a night out, night buses replace the metro lines and run between stations.

    Berlin also has a tram network. This is cool and mainly runs in the eastern neighbourhoods of the city. It works well in areas that U- and S-Bahn don’t quite reach and they run 24 hours a day. Spotting one is easy; there’s a big “M” on the front, the route number, and it looks like a tram.

    To use the tram, they only accept coins. But you might want to consider getting a pass – there are different types that you can pick up at transport hubs, even the airport.

    Then there are buses. Berlin has 151 bus routes that also run 24 hours a day. These are an easy and cheap way to get around Berlin‘s top sights, particularly the 100 route, which goes past a lot of them.

    That’s the round-up of Berlin’s public transport.

    Though most of the time they’re safe, it’s on the U- and S-Bahn – mostly in rush hour or when it’s really busy in general – that you’ll have to be on the lookout for pickpockets. It’s difficult to notice someone rifling through your pockets on a packed train, so it’s best to have nothing in your pockets (money belt, people).

    All in all, public transport is safe in Berlin. And very convenient!

    Is the food in Berlin safe?

    The food in Berlin is pretty darn tasty and it’s definitely not all about German food. It’s an international, multicultural city, so there are different cuisines on offer, loads of different cheap eats to sample, mouthwatering street food and an array of restaurants to sample. Yum!

    That said, you’ll definitely want to make sure you don’t get sick whilst you’re in the city. Otherwise, you won’t get to try out the best dishes on offer. Basically, some food is better than others (even hygiene-wise) so I’ve got some pointers for keeping your tummy safe in Berlin…

    Is the food in Berlin safe
    • Head to food stalls busy with a string of locals. This means it’s good, simply put. The more people who want to sample the food, the more likely it’s well known and a well-reputed spot to chow down. The opposite applies to places that look quiet: don’t bother.
    • Try a bratwurst whilst you’re in Berlin. This German sausage is eaten from a grillwalker, guys with orange grills serving up the tasty snack around places like Alexanderplatz. My tip? Head to those with groups of people around them rather than those with English menus.
    • Avoid tourist traps. You’ll find them in all good tourist sights. They feature inflated prices, deflated tastiness, and possible hygiene lapses. If someone’s trying to get you in one of these places, it’s even more cause for concern.
    • Don’t be afraid of kebabs. They might be a drunken late-night feast where you’re from (they definitely are in the UK), but in Berlin, they’re legit. Turkish food here is the real deal. For the best places to get a delicious Turkish kebab, or other delicacies, check reviews online or failing that, go to places that seem busy and that at least look clean.
    • Currywurst is something else you might want to try. These make the perfect accompaniment to a beer in a biergarten. Just make sure where you’re buying it from is clean and busy.
    • Eat outside. In Berlin’s parks, and streets, it’s ok to eat and drink (alcohol or otherwise), as long as you’re not causing a nuisance. So if you’re visiting Berlin on a budget, you can always grab a few snacks and a few beers or whatever and head to the nearest grassy area for a cheap afternoon people-watching and merry-making.
    • If you’re staying at a hostel with a shared kitchen, you don’t have to cook for yourself. In other places, it’s cheap to cook for yourself, but honestly – in Berlin, it’s cheap to eat out, often cheaper than making yourself something.
    • Wash your hands! Walking around a city all day, no matter how clean you think you’ve been, is bound to make your hands all sorts of grubby. Give ’em a scrub before you eat.

    Basically, if you are into tasty, hearty snacks, and if you are into beer, you’re definitely going to like it in Berlin. That said, go easy on it all. Don’t overeat yourself into oblivion, go to decent places, and you’ll have a great time.

    Can you drink the water in Berlin?

    Tap water is completely safe in Berlin.

    There’s no problem filling up a refillable bottle from a tap or even a public drinking fountain. I’ve put together a list of best travel water bottles to bring with you on your trip if you don’t have one yet.

    A lot of Berliners actually do like sparkling water quite a lot. You can find this, and regular old bottled water, just about anywhere. But I’d recommend paying attention to the environment and bringing your own bottle.

    Is Berlin safe to live?

    Berlin is a pretty safe place to live in general. In fact, many cool artistic and creative types tend to make it their home for short periods of time.

    The most crime you’ll probably come into contact with is bicycle theft, so make sure you lock your bike and invest in a good chain/lock.

    The main advice? Steer clear of places like parks after dark and don’t get so drunk that you can’t find your way home and your belongings end up getting stolen.

    berlin safe to live
    Berlin is safe, clean and surrounded by green space.

    If you’re looking for somewhere to rent in Berlin, there’s an array of distinct suburbs that may take your fancy. Teltow has a lot of heritage, affordable housing and good access to colleges. In the west, there’s Rathenow, a friendly, local place with cheap housing and historic charm – and with easy rail links into the city.

    Overall, Berlin is a safe place to live. It’s home to a plethora of different nationalities, so it’s not like you’re going to stand out too much; it’s also pretty liberal, which is pretty good to hear.

    As with anything: do your research. Make friends with people before you head out to Berlin, join some expat Facebook groups, see what you can get for your money accommodation-wise… all the stuff that will dictate how comfortable your life is when you get here!

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    Is it safe to rent an Airbnb in Berlin?

    Renting an Airbnb in Berlin is a great idea. And it’s perfectly safe, as long as you read the reviews. Staying at an Airbnb during your trip will also open up new possibilities and options to experience the city. The local hosts are known to take great care of their guests and give the absolute best recommendations of what to do and what to see. Local knowledge always goes a long way, so be sure to reach out to your hosts if you’re unsure about how to fill up your Berlin itinerary!

    Is Berlin LGBTQ+ friendly?

    Berlin is more than gay friendly – it’s gay welcoming and attractive. It’s not just the capital city of Germany, it’s also the capital of the German queer community. You can find plenty of gay bars, queer groups, pride parades and LGBTQ+ friendly cafes. The gay nightlife scene is thriving in and attracting people from all over the world. 

    That being said, no matter where you are, you can never fully avoid one or the other closed-minded person, but overall, Berlin is a safe place for the LGBTQ+ community. 

    FAQ about Staying Safe in Berlin

    Here are some quick answers to common questions about safety in Berlin.

    So, Is Berlin Safe?

    berlin final thoughts
    Berlin has everything you need to have a safe and enjoyable stay.

    Berlin is definitely safe, especially if you use your common sense. Like most cities, yes there are pickpockets, yes there’s a bit of organised crime going on, and yes – some areas are even just a little bit dangerous. Most of that stuff can be avoided though if you just act normal and keep your wits about you.

    How you choose to explore a city determines your safety. Following a shortcut just because your maps app is telling you to isn’t a good idea if it’s late at night and the street seems sketchy. Looking bamboozled with a backpack on and money in your pocket as you try to navigate some busy, touristed area will make you a sitting duck for thieves. Travel smart, however, and your trip will be trouble-free.

    Disclaimer: Safety conditions change all over the world on a daily basis. We do our best to advise but this info may already be out of date. Do your own research. Enjoy your travels!


    And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!