Berlin Flats: The Frugal Traveler's Choice Of Home In The Capital

Berlin flats are one of the reasons Berlin is a truly wonderful city to immerse yourself into.

Berlin, Germany is one of the top tourist destinations in the world. Visitors from around the world flock to Germany's capital city, which also happens to be the only truly international metropolis that is comparable to Paris or London.

What makes Berlin a must-visit place? Many say the city's appeal lies not only in its highly prominent role in history, but also in the spirit and bounce of the city and its people. Berlin has Macht und Geist, that powerful combination of power and intellect. It is an important hub of culture, contemporary architecture, nightlife, and avant-garde artistry. It is therefore no surprise that Berlin is such a riveting magnet to individuals who are drawn to artistic freedom, liberal lifestyle, and urban eclecticism.

Be Kind to Your Wallet.

If you're a tourist and are seeing Berlin for the first time, experience all that the city has to offer more concretely and thoroughly by choosing Berlin flats over hotels. If you plan to stay in the city far longer than tourists normally do, then Berlin flats are also the most economical option for you. Everything in Berlin has great architecture, even run-down East Berlin flats. Though built to maximize the use of space, they hold a whimsical, old world appeal and look like lego bricks stacked on top of each other. Berlin flats allow you to experience German life first-hand. Moreover, they are budget-friendly because they are much cheaper than hotel rooms.

There are many affordable flats in Berlin, and this is largely due to the disparity between the sheer number of apartments available and the actual number of people who choose to live there. Berlin flats are so affordable that if you are a tourist used to New York or London prices, you would find the rent laughable.

Where Does One Find Berlin Flats?

So, how do you go about finding Berlin flats? You may book online or try your luck with newspapers, magazines, and agents. Online, you may book through any of the real estate websites in Germany. In newspapers and magazines, look at the Wohnen section. Wohnen means Living, and this is the section in magazines and newspapers where you will find a listing of Berlin flats. Among the newspapers that you can try are the Berliner Zeitun, Der Tagesspiegel, and the Berliner Morgenpost. The leading private advertising paper, Zweite Hand, is also a good bet because every Saturday, it features hundreds of listings for every flat size and type imaginable. Now, should you decide to use the services of an agent, be warned that such services can set you back between 15% to 100% of one month's Kaltmiete, or the equivalent of one month's rent without side costs in the form of utilities, for example. The good thing about this option, though, is that you can have the agent do the paperwork for you. There are many agencies to choose from and you can shop for your agency of choice online or from telephone directories.

It has been said that the best way to acquaint yourself with a city is to experience the parts of it that are ordinary and real. No part could be more ordinary or real than Berlin flats.