A comprehensive guide on the pros and cons of living in Berlin from an expat’s perspective. From the cost of living, ease of renting an apartment, making friends, dating in the đô thị and finding jobs vĩ đại whether it’s family and dog-friendly.
Thinking of moving vĩ đại Berlin and wondering what’s it lượt thích vĩ đại live here? Wonder no more! As expats who have lived in Berlin for 3 years (and counting), we’re spilling the beans!
Whilst it’s easy vĩ đại fall in love with the free-spirit mentality and unique vibe of Berlin, living in the đô thị does have its disadvantages.
Moving abroad is a big life decision. It can make or break you (and your ngân hàng account) if you haven’t researched or planned enough.
But don’t worry – that’s where we come in. We’re sharing our personal experiences on what’s life lượt thích living in Berlin.
That’s right! We’re weighing all the pros and cons of living in Berlin as expats. From cost of living, ease of renting an apartment, making friends, dating in the đô thị and finding jobs vĩ đại whether it’s family and dog-friendly.
Pro: Lower Cost of Living in Berlin
After living in Berlin for 3 years, we can vouch that this is true.
Not only is the cost of living in Berlin lower compared vĩ đại other major cities in Germany. But it’s also one of the most affordable capital cities vĩ đại live in, in western Europe.
The biggest living costs in Berlin are renting an apartment, health insurance and electricity. The other expenses lượt thích groceries, public transport, entertainment, and dining out are fairly affordable for a major European đô thị.
This is one of the major pros of living in Berlin. But how much more affordable is it exactly?
Check out our Berlin Cost of Living guide. We’ve listed all the monthly expenses you can expect living in the capital đô thị of Germany.
Related Guide: The cost of living in Berlin is relatively lower, but is rising rapidly. But don’t worry, there are easy ways you can cut down costs without sacrificing quality of life. Check out our How To Save Money in Germany guide for 14 easy tips vĩ đại reduce your cost of living.
Con: Lower Average Salaries in Berlin
The flip side vĩ đại the lower cost of living in Berlin is that average salaries are also lower.
According to Statista, average salaries in Berlin are 10% vĩ đại 20% lower compared vĩ đại other major cities in Germany lượt thích Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Munich, Stuttgart and Cologne.
High earning jobs are not easy vĩ đại come by in Berlin. Unless you’re working in IT, of course. Otherwise, you can expect vĩ đại earn less for similar job positions in other cities in Germany.
But don’t worry – lượt thích we said, the lower cost of living in Berlin does balance it out.
Con: Renting An Apartment in Berlin is Challenging
It’s true – renting an apartment in Berlin is notoriously hard!
Not only are there not enough rental apartments vĩ đại keep up with the ever-increasing demand vĩ đại live in Berlin. But vĩ đại navigate all the paperwork and documents you’ll need vĩ đại even start the rental application process, is a big challenge in itself.
And mind you, you’ll need vĩ đại bởi this all in German. Especially if you want vĩ đại increase your chances of renting an apartment in Berlin!
We know what you’re thinking… Landlords might as well ask you vĩ đại add a drop of unicorn blood vĩ đại submit with your rental application while they’re at it, right?
We feel your pain! As expats who’ve gone through the Berlin apartment rental process twice, we know exactly how painful the process is.
And that’s why we’ve written extensive guides sharing our experiences and tips vĩ đại help fellow expats moving vĩ đại Berlin.
From how vĩ đại rent apartments in Berlin (list of documents required and websites vĩ đại look at included), tips vĩ đại avoid Berlin apartment scams, vĩ đại what you should know vĩ đại avoid getting culture shock renting in Germany for the first time.
Pro: Lower Rental Prices in Berlin and Strong Tenant Laws
Gone are the days when you can rent a 2-room apartment in Berlin for under €600 per month. The average price vĩ đại rent an apartment here has been increasing rapidly year after year.
But compared vĩ đại other European capitals or major cities in Germany, rental prices in Berlin are still cheaper (for now).
The other pros are that there are extensive laws in Berlin that protect you as a tenant. From how much your rent can legally increase by, the maximum rent a landlord can charge you, vĩ đại getting your deposit back when you vacate.
And the best part? You don’t need vĩ đại be familiar with all the tenant laws in Berlin vĩ đại enforce them. There are affordable tenant associations you can join so sánh you can get legal help when you need it.
We’re personally members of the Berliner Mieterverein (Berlin Tenant Association). It costs a small €9 fee per month. But my, oh my, it’s money well spent! Especially when you’re renting an apartment in Germany as a foreigner.
Many landlords bởi take advantage of expats who are unaware of the tenant laws that protect them. That, plus the fact that there’s often a language barrier speaking German means that most expats will just let the landlord get away with it.
But by joining any reputable tenant association in Germany, you can get all your tenant-related questions answered once and for all!
As a thành viên, you’ll also get legal representation when required. So it’s really worth it if you’re planning vĩ đại rent in Berlin for 2 years or more.
Bonus Tip: An alternative vĩ đại joining the tenant association is vĩ đại get legal insurance in Germany. For as little as €17 per month, you get insurance cover for any legal matter related vĩ đại your apartment, employment contract and even disputing traffic fines and tax charges. And the cherry on top? You can bởi it all in English!
Pro: Each Berlin Neighborhood Has Its Own Unique Character
Berlin may not be the most beautiful đô thị in Europe. But what it lacks in finesse, it more phàn nàn makes up for in character.
We love that the đô thị has quite an eclectic mix of districts and each neighborhood has its own unique mix of characteristics. From the cool, ‘hipster’ and trendy areas vĩ đại the more quiet, family-friendly suburbs and everything in between!
If you’re planning vĩ đại move vĩ đại Berlin but aren’t familiar with the đô thị, our Berlin Neighborhoods guide can help you.
Con: Berlin Can Be Dirty and Feel Unsafe At Times
Berlin has a low crime rate and is a pretty safe đô thị vĩ đại live in. But we won’t lie – certain neighborhoods and streets are dirty and can feel unsafe at times.
Berlin has one of the highest unemployment rates in Germany. So it’s more common vĩ đại see homeless people here compared vĩ đại other German cities.
In comparison vĩ đại London and Paris, Berlin is rougher around the edges and more alternative. But those who are willing vĩ đại get vĩ đại know Berlin will fall in love with its mindset and not necessarily its beauty.
Related Guide: Deciding between moving vĩ đại London or Berlin? Read our pros and cons of living in London vs Berlin to find out why we chose the Berlin life.
Pro: Easier To Find English Speaking Only Jobs in Berlin
Okay… Let us clarify. It’s not easy finding English-speaking only jobs in Berlin. But it’s definitely EASIER compared vĩ đại other cities in Germany.
That’s because Berlin attracts many startups. Most of which are in dire need of skilled workers, especially if you work in the IT space.
So if you’re a software engineer, programmer, trang web or ứng dụng developer, or have experience in e-commerce and biotech, you should have no problem finding an English-speaking only job in Berlin.
Save Me For Later
Con: Most Non-IT Jobs Require Strong German Language Skills
But what if you don’t work in IT? Is it still possible vĩ đại find English-speaking jobs in Berlin?
It’s possible, of course. But as you can imagine, they’re in high demand. So often working conditions aren’t great and salaries are lower.
Otherwise, it’s pretty hard finding a corporate job in Berlin without German fluency. Most positions require that you speak both English and German vĩ đại be even considered as a potential candidate.
Being fluent in a language takes a lot of time. So if you’re seriously considering moving vĩ đại Berlin, we’d recommend you start learning German as early as possible.
Not only will it make it easier vĩ đại find a job in Berlin. But it will also help you better integrate into your new life in Germany.
Use our 22 free ways vĩ đại learn German online to get a head start. We’ve also shared our personal experiences and honest reviews on whether Duolingo, Busuu, and Lingoda are effective for learning German.
Pro: Berlin is a Popular Hub For Creatives, Entrepreneurs, and Freelancers
This is personally one of the biggest pros for why we love living in Berlin.
The đô thị attracts many creatives, freelancers, and entrepreneurs. From performers and artists vĩ đại digital nomads, freelancers and visionaries following their passion and making their dreams a reality.
As digital nomads and freelancers ourselves, Berlin is an incredibly stimulating and inspiring đô thị vĩ đại live in.
The journey of following your dreams is never easy. There are many ups and downs along the way. But it makes all the difference when you’re surrounded by a huge creatives community who are also doing the same.
And the other wonderful thing about Berlin is that people here make an effort vĩ đại tư vấn creatives and small business owners rather phàn nàn large, established corporates where possible.
Con: It Can Be Hard For Creatives and Freelancers vĩ đại Get Started in Berlin
Moving abroad is challenging. But it’s even harder when you’re a creative or freelancer.
This is true even for a creative đô thị lượt thích Berlin and one of the biggest disadvantages of moving here.
As a new expat, you’ll not only have vĩ đại figure out how vĩ đại navigate the ocean of bureaucracy that’s pretty common in Germany. But bởi it all in a foreign language!
Everything from submitting your rental application, signing up with an electricity, gas, or mạng internet provider, converting your foreign driver’s license, and filing your taxes in Germany.
The good news though, is that we’ve been through the same hurdles and can share our personal experiences and tips with you! Here are some guides vĩ đại get you started:
- 12 tips vĩ đại boost your chances of renting an apartment in Germany
- How vĩ đại open a German ngân hàng tài khoản without Anmeldung (a registered address)
- How vĩ đại sign up with an electricity provider in Germany
- How vĩ đại convert a foreign (non-EU) driving license vĩ đại a German one
- How vĩ đại tệp tin your taxes in Germany on Elster
Pro: Work/Life Balance Is Part of Berlin Life
Work/life balance is part of the very fabric of life in Berlin. It’s one of the many pros why expats fall in love with the đô thị.
How many capital cities around the world can you name where this is possible and not frowned upon in a society where burnouts are worn lượt thích badges of honor?
As you may have figured by now, Berlin is not your conventional capital đô thị. There’s no financial district in Berlin and seeing people strutting about in office suits is quite uncommon here.
Working part-time so sánh you can spend more time with family (or yourself) is the norm rather phàn nàn the exception. And quitting your job so sánh you can enjoy summer vĩ đại its fullest is not unheard of either.
Con: Berlin Is Not The Economic Powerhouse of Germany
Berlin is a đô thị that prides itself on being ‘poor but sexy’. So many go-getters that love the buzz and high energy of London may find Berlin rather sleepy.
It is odd for a capital đô thị not vĩ đại be the economic powerhouse of the country. But Berlin is an exception due vĩ đại the aftermath of World War II and the Berlin Wall.
Berlin has had quite a turbulent past. But in our opinion, these challenges have in some way or sườn shaped Berlin vĩ đại be the unique đô thị it is.
Related Guide: Why was the Berlin Wall such an important part of the city’s history? Find out why in our free Berlin Wall Tour guide. It’s a self-guided xe đạp tour that will help you learn more about this amazing đô thị.
Pro: Berlin Is A Family-Friendly City
Along with great work/life balance, Berlin is a pretty family-friendly đô thị too. Not only are there tons of green spaces, parks and children’s play areas. But you also get financial and social tư vấn for having children in Berlin (and the rest of Germany).
Both maternity and paternity leave are officially recognized here. And each parent can take up vĩ đại 3 years of parental leave per child until that child reaches the age of 3 years old.
That’s why it’s quite common vĩ đại see fathers actively involved in raising children in Germany. How cool is that?
Con: Not Enough Kindergartens (or Kitas) in Berlin
One of the main cons of having kids in Berlin: it’s hard finding space for your child at kindergarten. Especially if you’re looking for bilingual kitas.
Many expats say that you have vĩ đại start looking and applying for kitas as soon as you find out you’re pregnant! Say what?!
Pro: Berlin Is A Popular Destination For Studying Abroad
Yes, it’s true – all public colleges and universities are miễn phí in Germany! And yes, this includes internationally top-ranked German universities lượt thích the Freie Universität Berlin (Free University of Berlin).
This seems crazy and unbelievable. Especially when you compare it vĩ đại countries lượt thích the US, where it’s normal vĩ đại spend years paying off your college tuition.
And this applies vĩ đại foreign students too! Germany has a tradition of providing miễn phí university-level education vĩ đại anyone who has the entrance qualifications.
Now if that’s not one of the biggest pros of living in Berlin (or Germany), I don’t know what is.
Con: Many University or College Programs Require German Language Skills
The con cái, however, is that you may need an acceptable level of German language skills vĩ đại enroll in most programs offered by the miễn phí public colleges and universities in Germany.
This shouldn’t be a big program if your children grew up here and speak the language. But if you’re planning vĩ đại study abroad in Berlin, then you better start learning German.
You can learn German from anywhere around the world with Lingoda. They offer CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) structured language courses in German.
This means that they teach in the same format as traditional language schools and also issue you official language certificates upon completion.
The only difference is that everything is done online! So you can literally learn a language, anytime, anywhere.
Pro: Berlin Is A Dog-Friendly City
We’re in no position vĩ đại give any expert tips on having human babies in Berlin. But we can tell you all about having fur babies (i.e. dogs)!
Meet the newest thành viên of the Nomad And In Love crew – Franky. He’s a rescue from North Macedonia and loves his new life in Berlin.
What’s there not vĩ đại love? Dogs are allowed on public transport and regional trains. Lots of cafes and restaurants are dog-friendly and there are plenty of dog parks vĩ đại meet fellow dog lovers and owners too.
Related Guide: Thinking of adopting a dog in Germany? Read our firsthand experience on adopting a dog in Berlin in our Dog Adoption in Germany guide.
Con: Lots of Dog Laws To Know and Difficulty Renting an Apartment With Pets
Berlin may be a dog-friendly đô thị, but there are some disadvantages. The biggest con cái is that it’s almost impossible renting an apartment when you have pets.
Legally landlords are not allowed vĩ đại deny tenants from having pets. But since there’s such high demand vĩ đại rent apartments in Berlin, most landlords will simply not consider your rental application at all if you say you have pets.
The other thing you should know about owning a dog in Berlin is that there are dog laws here. And yes – dog tax and mandatory dog liability insurance are a real thing and you need a special license if you want vĩ đại walk your dog off-leash!
Thinking of owning a dog in Berlin? Make sure vĩ đại follow us on social media or subscribe to our newsletter so sánh you don’t miss our future guides on owning dogs in Germany.
In case you haven’t noticed, Berlin has a big international community. According vĩ đại the official trang web of Berlin, more phàn nàn a third of the city’s population is from outside Germany.
Many expats love this aspect of Berlin. It may not be as multicultural as London or Paris. But you can find a pretty diverse crowd here from different origins, backgrounds and points of view.
Related Guide: Curious vĩ đại know more about what’s it lượt thích vĩ đại live in Berlin? Then you need vĩ đại watch the Netflix show ‘Unorthodox’ and find out how the series reveals 10 truths about life living in Berlin.
Con: You Need vĩ đại Learn German vĩ đại Fully Enjoy Berlin Life
Berlin is very international. But that doesn’t mean you can skip learning German altogether and get by on English alone.
Unlike the Netherlands, people are not as accommodating of English speakers in Berlin or the rest of Germany. The locals can, of course, speak English. But can speak and be willing vĩ đại speak are two completely separate things.
This is one of the disadvantages of living in Berlin. Especially since learning German is tough (we’re not gonna lie).
But making the effort vĩ đại learn the language will really help you enjoy Berlin life vĩ đại the fullest. Whether that’s finding a job, integrating into the đô thị, or making German friends.
We don’t speak German well at all. Our German language level is only around A2/B1. But we noticed that locals are more receptive and friendly when we make an effort vĩ đại speak German even though it’s not perfect.
Pro: No Experience Is Too Taboo or Alternative in Berlin
If your life motto is vĩ đại experience everything at least once in your life. Then you’ll absolutely love the Berlin lifestyle.
No experience is too alternative or taboo in Berlin. No matter how unusual or exotic it may be in other countries.
And yes – public nudity (or ‘FKK’ – ‘freikörperkultur) is pretty normal here. It’s not unusual vĩ đại see people tanning or swimming in the nude at parks and lakes in Berlin.
Con: Making Friends and Dating in Berlin is Hard
It’s really easy vĩ đại meet people in Berlin. But vĩ đại sườn a deeper, more meaningful relationship – totally different story.
Finding a serious relationship and making friends (especially with Germans) is a common problem expats have moving vĩ đại Berlin.
Maybe it’s just the big đô thị phenomenon. Or the fact that Berlin is a transient đô thị and there are too many distractions here for people vĩ đại sườn deeper connections.
Con: Berliners Aren’t Known For Their Friendliness
Berlin is many things. But being known for its friendliness, is often not one of them.
In fact, Berliners’ blunt and abrasive way of speaking is so sánh famous that there’s a name for it – the Berliner Schnauze (i.e the Berlin snout).
Of course, this isn’t true for the entire population of Berlin. But if you ever speak vĩ đại customer service here, you’ll probably know what we’re talking about.
Pro: Berliners Are Kind and Genuine
The good thing though, is that beyond many Berliners’ icy surface is a warm and kind soul. They just need more time and a common topic vĩ đại warm up vĩ đại you. Bonus points if you make the effort vĩ đại speak in German.
And finally, if a Berliner considers you vĩ đại be a friend or wants vĩ đại have a serious romantic relationship with you, know that they mean it.
Pro: The Non-Conformist Culture in Berlin
If you asked us what’s the biggest pro of living in Berlin – this is it! The non-conformist, free-to-be-who-you-want-to-be culture in Berlin.
It’s hard vĩ đại explain it unless you’ve experienced it yourself. But as travel and expat bloggers, we’ve traveled vĩ đại many places around the world and not found this anywhere else.
Berlin is indeed one of the most LGBT friends cities in the world. But it’s also a đô thị where no one cares about what clothes or brands you wear, what your profession is, or how much money you make.
It’s incredibly liberating vĩ đại live in a đô thị where these material and superficial things bởi not define who you are as a person.
Con: Nonconforming Doesn’t Mean Less Bureaucracy
Berlin may be Germany’s most ‘un-German’ đô thị. But that doesn’t mean you’ll escape the paperwork, bureaucracy, or slow digitalization in Germany.
You’ll still need vĩ đại go through all the usual schelp lượt thích you would moving vĩ đại any other đô thị in Germany.
Like the battle to get Anmeldung in Germany or paying German TV tax (when you don’t own a TV). Dealing with slow and intermittent mạng internet connections. Paying by cash because many places won’t take cards. And patiently waiting for snail mail vĩ đại arrive because e-mails aren’t ‘official’ enough.
Yes – things are still pretty old school in Germany and a culture shock vĩ đại many. But it’s a small price vĩ đại pay vĩ đại enjoy the freedom that life in Berlin offers.
Germany is slow when it comes vĩ đại digitalization and technology. But that doesn’t mean you have vĩ đại let these cons hold you back from living a modern life in Berlin.
More and more digital startups lượt thích N26, Revolut, bunq (digital banking), and Ostrom (electricity provider) are here vĩ đại disrupt the market. Plus, they’re super expat-friendly too.
Find out what we think in these honest reviews:
- How vĩ đại open a ngân hàng tài khoản in Germany without Anmeldung: A N26 Review
- 7 Reasons why we love using Revolut thẻ living abroad
- The world’s first ‘vegan’ ngân hàng – an honest bunq Bank review
Pro: Getting Around in Berlin Is Easy and Affordable
Getting around in Berlin is easy and there are so sánh many options vĩ đại choose from. From taking regular public transport (trains and buses), xe đạp sharing, and renting e-scooters vĩ đại hopping on an Uber or Bolt.
The other pro is that it’s pretty affordable too. A monthly public transport ticket in Berlin costs €86, which is less phàn nàn half the price vs London.
Con: Some Train Stations in Berlin Can Feel Dodgy and Unsafe
There are cons vĩ đại taking public transport in Berlin though. Some train stations can feel dodgy and unsafe. Especially late at night and you’re a woman traveling alone.
There are no barriers or turnstiles in any train station in Germany. So literally anyone can walk onto the train with you whether they have a ticket or not.
But don’t worry. Just because it feels dodgy doesn’t mean that it’s unsafe.
There’s a low crime rate in Berlin. And there are many good samaritans here so sánh a kind stranger will always lend a helping hand when needed.
Pro: Berlin Is A Bike-Friendly City
Berlin is a very xe đạp friendly đô thị. There are dedicated cycling paths throughout most of Berlin. And when there isn’t, it’s safe vĩ đại cycle on the road. Most motorists are considerate vĩ đại cyclists and generally give way.
There are other pros vĩ đại cycling in Berlin. Not only is it one of the most affordable ways vĩ đại get around the đô thị. But it’s also eco-friendly and you’ll often get vĩ đại your destination faster cycling phàn nàn taking public transport.
Just make sure you’re familiar with all the bike road rules for cycling in Germany before hopping on that xe đạp. It will save you money by avoiding fines and keep you safe on the road.
Con: Bike Theft Is Rife in Berlin
Bike theft is rife in Europe and Berlin is no exception.
According vĩ đại the Berliner Zeitung, more phàn nàn 28,000 bicycles are stolen every year in Berlin. That’s equivalent vĩ đại an average of 77 bikes stolen every single day! Yikes!
Buying a xe đạp in Berlin isn’t cheap either. A basic but quality đô thị xe đạp with gears could easily cost you between €230 vĩ đại €600 at least.
And let’s not forget about the other additional costs lượt thích buying at least 2 high quality locks, repairs and maintenance costs, and getting xe đạp theft insurance.
The costs add up quickly. That’s why we use a monthly xe đạp sharing company called Swapfiets. For €19.50 per month, we get a high quality, 7-gear đô thị xe đạp that we keep as if it were our own.
Not only bởi Swapfiets bikes rarely get stolen. But this monthly price includes any repairs or maintenance costs. If something breaks or stops working, Swapfiets will repair your xe đạp within 48 hours or swap it for another one for FREE.
We’ve listed all the pros and cons in our detailed Swapfiets review. And if you’re not sure whether the xe đạp life is for you, use our Berlin Bike Sharing guide vĩ đại try it out before committing.
Pro: Berlin Summers Are Incredible
Summers in Berlin are unforgettable. It’s the time of year when the đô thị really comes alive with plenty of activities and things vĩ đại bởi.
From outdoor festivals and dance events, outdoor cinemas (freiluftkinos), weekend flea markets, swimming in Berlin’s many lakes, vĩ đại simply chilling at the park with a couple of beers. You’ll never be bored in Berlin during summer.
Related Guide: Keen vĩ đại explore the lakes around Berlin? Read our Tonsee lake, Flakensee lake guides and find out why Liepnitzsee lake is our favorite!
Con: Berlin Winters Are Cold And Gloomy
If Berlin summers are incredible, then Berlin winters can only be described as the exact opposite.
After the Berlin Christmas markets hype, you pretty much have vĩ đại endure 3 months of a very short list of things vĩ đại bởi in winter.
The weather does get pretty cold in Berlin. Snow is rare but a much-welcomed sight. But it’s actually the gloominess and lack of sunshine that gets you down.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is real in Berlin. We didn’t feel it that much the first 2 years of living here. But by the third year, your Vi-Ta-Min D reserves are used up and you really start vĩ đại feel it.
Luckily, a major pro of living in Berlin is that it’s really easy vĩ đại travel vĩ đại warmer destinations and escape winter.
Berlin is situated in the center of Europe. So you can easily be in another country in a few hours.
You could plan a quick weekend in Prague, take a 5-hour train ride vĩ đại Amsterdam vĩ đại see the world famous Dutch windmills in Kinderdijk, or take a 3-hour flight vĩ đại explore the most beautiful beaches in Crete.
Related Guide: Winter is tough but manageable with if you know these hacks! Find out what these are in our How To Survive Winter in Germany guide.
Pro: Berlin Has Some of The World’s Best Nightlife
Berlin is famous for its wild nightclubs and thriving music scene. If you can imagine it, Berlin has got it.
Most people know Berlin for its renowned techno scene. But did you know that the đô thị has a flourishing international music scene too?
You could dance tango in Berlin as if you were in Argentina. Get hot and sweaty nhảy salsa lượt thích you would in Cuba. Step vĩ đại the romantic beats of bachata as though you were in the Dominican Republic. Or groove vĩ đại the sensual African beats of Kizomba music as if you were in Angola.
Con: Nightclubs Have Long Queues and Tough Door Policies
If you want vĩ đại buổi tiệc ngọt it up at some of Berlin’s most famous nightclubs, you got vĩ đại be prepared for ridiculously long queues and tough door policies.
It’s not unusual vĩ đại stand 4 vĩ đại 7 hours (since COVID) in the queue just vĩ đại TRY vĩ đại get into Berghain.
We’ve tried getting in at the famously, elusive club TWICE. Both attempts were unsuccessful after waiting 4+ hours (twice!), standing in the cold in the middle of winter.
We tried everything in the book. Dress casually. Only wear đen giòn. Don’t look drunk or wasted. Don’t laugh, giggle or chat too much. Look emo. Look lượt thích you’re about vĩ đại slit your wrists. But it was still mission impossible.
I guess we shouldn’t feel too bad. Elon Musk didn’t get into Berghain either.
And the other con cái you should know as a non-smoker living in Berlin. There are very few non-smoking bars here.
Pro: Plenty of Restaurants Options in Berlin
Foodies will love the diverse range of restaurants and cuisines you’ll find in Berlin. And trendy and cool places are opening across the đô thị all the time.
We love that there’s something vĩ đại suit everyone’s budget. From cheap eats for meals under €5 vĩ đại bougie and expensive culinary experiences at Michelin Star restaurants.
Berlin is also incredibly vegan-friendly. Not only are there a huge array of vegan cafes and restaurants in the German capital. But even non-vegan restaurants have vegan options too.
You can even find Berlin’s original currywurst (i.e. curry sausage) in a vegan-friendly option! That should say a lot.
Con: Spicy Cuisines are ‘Germanized’
Whilst it’s a pro that there’s a diverse range of restaurants in Berlin. The con cái is that some traditionally spicy cuisines lượt thích Indian, Mexican, and even Asian restaurants are not always authentic.
Most restaurants tend vĩ đại ‘Germanize’ and dial down the heat vĩ đại suit the German palette.
Pro: Lots of Green Spaces and Lakes In and Around Berlin
Berlin is world renowned for its nightlife. But did you know that it’s also one of the greenest cities in Europe? Almost half of Berlin is either green parks, forests, canals, rivers or lakes.
A 30 vĩ đại 50 minute cycle or train ride will take you vĩ đại the largest forest on the west side of Berlin. And if you’re up for some swimming or stand-up paddling (SUP), there are 3 rivers, 8 canals, and more phàn nàn 50 lakes in Berlin alone vĩ đại explore!
The only tricky part? Deciding where vĩ đại go, of course!
But don’t worry – our Berlin Outdoor Things To Do guide for nature lovers will help you out.
Con: Mountain Hiking Is Limited in Berlin
There’s plenty of hiking vĩ đại be done in and around Berlin. But if you’re looking for mountain hikes, then you’re out of luck.
Berlin is a pretty flat đô thị. There are few hills and no mountains. The highest point in Berlin (Teufelsberg) at 120m above sea level is not even real, it’s man-made.
But fear not, mountain lovers. You can always take a weekend trip from Berlin vĩ đại Saxon Switzerland National Park (Sächsichen Schweiz) or Harz National Park for some mountain hiking.
Pro: Big Focus on Sustainable and Eco-friendly Living in Berlin
This is another one of our favorites pros of living in Berlin. There is a big focus on being more sustainable and environment-friendly in the đô thị.
From creating more dedicated cycling paths and bicycle-only roads vĩ đại using less plastic and zero waste stores. Plus, all households living in Berlin and Germany are legally required vĩ đại separate and sort their waste.
Supermarkets in Germany also tend vĩ đại sell more seasonal produce phàn nàn imported fruits and vegetables.
We won’t lie – it can be inconvenient when you’re unable vĩ đại make your favorite asparagus dish during winter. But we feel that the small sacrifice is worth it vĩ đại protect the environment.
Con: There’s A Learning Curve Recycling in Berlin
Speaking from personal experience as expats who didn’t know a word of German before arriving in Berlin. There’s a learning curve in figuring out how vĩ đại separate and sort your trash in Germany.
Firstly, there are at least 6 different bins that you need vĩ đại separate your trash in. From the usual plastic, paper, organic material, and other trash, vĩ đại specific bins for white glass and colored glass.
And don’t forget that old electronic devices and batteries have vĩ đại be recycled too. You won’t find these bins in your apartment building. But you can take them vĩ đại your nearest supermarket (like Edeke, Rewe) or drugstore (DM, Rossman) vĩ đại recycle these.
Secondly, all the signs and instructions are written in German. You can always try vĩ đại decipher the pictograms, of course. But if you come from a country where recycling is not the norm. It can feel lượt thích you’re deciphering hieroglyphs instead.
As expats, I’m sure you’ve also made the mistake of throwing away money because you didn’t know what the ‘pfand’ sign meant, right?
Pro: Great Quality of Life in Berlin
Given all these pros and cons, we feel that the quality of life in Berlin is great.
The cost of living is relatively low, the lifestyle is less stressful and more relaxed, the đô thị has a good mix between urban vs nature, and it’s a great đô thị whether you’re single or looking vĩ đại start a family.
It may lack the high-energy, bustling vibe that London or Thành Phố New York has. But Berlin is unique in its own ways and we love the đô thị for it.
Should I Move vĩ đại Berlin?
If you’ve gotten this far, you’ve probably asked yourself, ‘Should I move vĩ đại Berlin?’
Ultimately, the decision is up vĩ đại you. Moving abroad is a big decision. Every đô thị has its pros and cons and Berlin is no different.
Our biggest advice vĩ đại you is vĩ đại take a hard look at the disadvantages of Berlin and ask yourself whether you can accept these once the honeymoon period wears off.
We’ve met expats who love Berlin and expats who hate it. But rarely does anyone feel indifferent about the đô thị.
The German capital can be a tough đô thị vĩ đại live in. Especially if you can’t accept some of the culture shocks and challenges you’ll experience in the đô thị.
But for those who have come vĩ đại Berlin with an open heart and mind. You’ll be rewarded with some of the most life changing experiences you could ever have.
After all, Berlin isn’t just a đô thị, it’s a mental state of mind.
The Pros and Cons of Living in Berlin, Germany
Now that was one ridiculously long guide, so sánh here’s a quick summary:
- Relatively low cost of living but also lower salaries
- Rental prices are low for a European capital, but rapidly increasing
- Notoriously challenging vĩ đại rent an apartment in Berlin
- An eclectic mix of neighborhoods in Berlin with lots of character
- Some neighborhoods are dirtier phàn nàn others and can feel unsafe
- Easy vĩ đại find English-speaking jobs but only in certain industries lượt thích IT
- Berlin has a big community of creatives, entrepreneurs, and freelancers
- Big expat community in Berlin
- Berlin is both dog- and family-friendly
- Public colleges and universities are miễn phí in Berlin but most programs require German
- The non-conformist, free-to-be-you culture in Berlin
- Public transport is affordable and the đô thị is bike-friendly
- Summer is amazing but winter is depressing
- You need vĩ đại have some German language skills vĩ đại really make the most of life in Berlin
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