Student Travel Spotlight: Berlin, Germany

The first installment of the Student Travel Spotlight is focused around Berlin, Germany. Berlin is the capital city of Germany and one of the 16 states of the Federal Republic of Germany. Berlin is Germany's largest city with a population of 4.5 million within its metropolitan area and 3.4 million within the city limits. The city of Berlin is best known for its historical associations as the German capital, for its lively nightlife, for its many cafes, clubs, and bars and for its numerous museums, palaces, and other sites of historic interest.

Most cities naturally have their own districts which are not government regulated, rather they are dictated by the people and culture of the surrounding area.  Take New York City for example.  NYC has the Meat Packing District, Soho, Greenwich Village etc...  Berlin has five main districts you should know about before you plan your student travel trip. 

Mitte District (Mitte, Tiergarten, Wedding)
The historical center of Berlin, the nucleus of the former East Berlin, and the emerging city center. Many cafes, restaurants, museums, galleries and clubs are abundant throughout the district, along with many sites of historic interest. 

Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg (Friedrichshain, Kreuzberg)
Associated with the left wing youth culture, artists and Turkish immigrants, this borough is somewhat noisier than most, packed with lots of cafes, bars and clubs, but also with some museums in Kreuzberg near the border to Mitte. 

Pankow (Prenzlauer Berg, Weißensee, Pankow)
Prenzlauer Berg is a trendy district in the former East Berlin which is undergoing gentrification and is located north of the city center. Popular with students, artists and media professionals, it is made up of lots of cafes and bars. 

Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf (Charlottenburg, Wilmersdorf, Ku'Damm)
This borough is the heart of City West and centered around the Schloss Charlottenburg. Ku'Damm (short for Kurfürstendamm) - One of the main shopping streets in former West Berlin, especially for luxury goods. Many great restaurants and hotels are here and also on the side roads. 

Steglitz-Zehlendorf (Steglitz, Zehlendorf)
Zehlendorf is one of the greenest and wealthiest districts in Berlin and the biggest university in town (Freie Universität) is located here, but often ignored are the great museums and some important historical buildings. 

The most popular district of student travel trips is the Pankow district.  This is the nightlife hotspot in Berlin.  During the day most student travelers will head over to districts rich in history and populated with multiple museums and historic architecture.  Check out these pictures and start planning your student travels to Berlin today!