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Let’s clear that up first. A digital nomad is someone who can work from anywhere, so long as they have internet connection. The term gained a lot of popularity in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, when working from home took on a new hue. While digital nomad communities already existed around the world before that, the pandemic gave the concept a fresh boost, inspiring more people to embrace the idea of working from their laptops in whatever corner of the world they fancy.
Berlin attracts two main tribes: the creatives and the techies.
The creatives, such as graphic designers, writers, social media gurus, and filmmakers, are finding inspiration in every corner of Berlin. They truly cherish the vibrancy of the city from art exhibitions and sketching in Volkspark to underground gigs.
Then there are the tech guys and gals. With Berlin turning into a start-up hub, coders and UX designers easily find fully remote jobs that let them pop into the office once a quarter, if that. Meanwhile, they’re truly soaking up the Berlin lifestyle.
The digital nomads take the city as a blank canvas to paint on in their free time, which as the title suggests, is very flexible. A slow 12pm start, brunch at some Scandi-minimalist cafe, three hours of hyper-focus, a Flhomarkt detour, another deep-dive session at a cafe, and dinner with friends. Rinse, repeat.
Let’s address the (very Berlin) elephant in the room: housing. Finding accommodation in Berlin is like a maze of dead-end apartment views, especially in the last few years, but there is still hope. If you’re persistent, flexible, and a bit lucky, you’ll find your temporary Heimat ( “home”) in Berlin.
Yes, if you’re staying longer than two months, you’ll need to register your address (that’s called Anmeldung), even if you’re from the European Union. This will make you an official Berlin resident and is often required for things like getting a SIM card or opening a bank account. However, not every landlord will give it to you.
Berlin’s “technically illegal but universally accepted” sublet culture is ideal for short-term stays, from a few weeks to a few months. Most sublets don’t come with Anmeldung, but there are the occasional finds, so keep an eye out. The best place to find sublets is Facebook groups such as “WG Zimmer / Flats / Accommodation in Berlin” or “BERLIN - Housing, Apartments, Rooms, Sublets.” Just be cautious - use your judgment to avoid scams. Word of mouth is also gold here, because everyone knows someone who is subletting.
The most iconic platform for finding a room or studio in Berlin - WG-Gesucht. "WG" stands for Wohngemeinschaft, meaning shared flat. You’ll be interviewed and will attend viewings in cohorts of 20 people at the half hour, but you might land a room in an Altbau for anywhere between €500 and €1200. It’s very competitive, so start looking early and write a memorable intro message, as if you’re applying for a job.
Immoscout24 is the more “German” and formal version of WG-Gesucht. If you sign up for their premium plan, your chances of getting noticed go up. It’s been tried, tested, and actually works.
These are specially designed with digital nomads in mind and are safe, social, and often offer you Anmeldung. They come furnished, with stable wifi, networking events, and other nomads you can share ideas and space with.
The next most important question is where to work from as a digital nomad in Berlin.
In our article on the best laptop-friendly spots in Berlin, we rounded up our favorite coworking spaces, coffee shops, and libraries where you can set your laptop on a table, grab a nice cup of coffee, and get into the zone for hours.
Having explored many spots for working as digital nomads ourselves, we have learnt the quirks of each place and what to expect.
Coworking spaces are the reliable old friend of the digital nomad community. They typically charge by the hour or offer a day rate. You can also opt for a membership card, which comes with extra perks. These spaces usually guarantee a stable Wi-Fi connection, private booths for calls, quiet (ideally!), and even the chance to meet people and connect over your line of work. Try Betahaus, which lives between Sofia and Berlin.
Cafes are a mysterious territory. It took us a while to test different places and find what works. A website or Instagram feed won’t tell you if the chairs are comfy, if there’s a plug near your table, or whether the barista gives you the side-eye after two hours.
Some cafes are louder, busier, and more popular - for a good reason. Take St. Oberholz, for example: a digital nomad magnet right in the heart of it all that doubles as a coworking space. Others are hidden gems - small, charming places that you stumble upon by chance or discover through guides like this one.
Here are some of our personal favorites in each neighborhood (but shh!):
Neumanns Café, Friedrichshain, near Boxhagener Platz – best hot chocolate, funky music, lots of natural light, but only a few laptop-friendly tables.
Bonanza Coffee Roasters, Kreuzberg – a hidden gem for coffee aficionados.
The Greens – Coffee & Plants, Mitte – as the name suggests, a plant haven with quirky machas in every color of the rainbow. Great vibe.
Café Anna Blume, Prenzlauer Berg – always a crowd, but the cakes and outdoor seating make it worth it.
Coffee Circle, Wedding – think Scandinavian-style interior, with a second floor that offers a great view of the cafe. Especially charming in the summer and autumn hues.
Café au Lait, Charlottenburg – a brunch classic with all the right cozy corners.
A quick heads-up: not all cafes in Berlin offer Wi-Fi, so double-check before you go, unless you’re making a spontaneous turn.
The beauty of the digital nomad lifestyle? You don’t have to work from 9 till 5. While most cafés in Berlin close around then, a few gems stay open later. A personal favorite is the Michelberger Hotel on Warschauer Strasse and its chic, modern café. They serve turmeric latte and delicious cocktails for after-hours in the garden. It’s the kind of place where a workday can easily roll into dinner with friends at their fantastic restaurant. Don’t miss the truffle fries and other exquisite dishes on the menu!
Another one on our list is Café BilderBuch in Schöneberg. With vintage furniture, dim lights, and a quiet, bookish atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to wind down while still getting stuff done. Grab a slice of German cake or a hearty dish of potatoes, eggs, and mustard cream sauce if you're feeling peckish. Both places close around 11pm.
Here, we’re not going to state the obvious. Just by existing - grabbing coffee, going out, sitting in a cafe - you’ll end up in conversations, some fleeting, some forever.
But if you want to be more intentional, join one of the many creative meetups, events, and exhibitions. We, at The Columbist, host regular gatherings from art events to fashion nights. Join us and the Columbist family, and you will quickly find your tribe!
Another great community is Girl Gone International. This global Facebook group has a huge Berlin chapter and organizes everything from wine tastings to hikes only for women. You’ll find real friends, not just ones who ghost after a night out.
Berlin is moving by the beat, and there is something happening every minute, especially in summer. Here are the essentials you simply can’t miss:
Join a spontaneous rave by the Spree. They happen often and are a joy in the summer!
Pack a picnic and spend the day working/chilling at Tiergarten.
Hop on a boat, whether a tour or a private party with friends and drinks.
Rent a kayak or SUP board in Köpenick or Treptow and explore the quieter waterways.
Go to the “beach” in Berlin at one of the many stunning lakes dotted around the city. Wannsee, Krumme Lanke, or Schlachtensee - just take your pick. If you’re feeling brave enough, go full nudist!
Take a day trip with the Deutschlandticket (only €49) available all across Germany. Leipzig, Potsdam, Dresden - so many gems just a train ride away. We’ve got just the perfect guide on the best places to visit around Berlin within a three-hours distance.
Taste and rest! There are thousands of top-notch restaurants, cafes, and bakeries for every taste in every Kiez worth a try. Follow our food guides for exquisite recommendations.
Enjoy sunset techno and chilled vibes at Club der Visionäre. And, of course, there are the staples: Berghain, KitKat, and Tresor. Don’t miss out on the techno night - it’s quintessentially Berlin!
Plan a field day at Museum Island and make sure to check the indie art scene. We post monthly roundups of the best exhibitions around town.
Go to the flea markets and look for vintage finds. Mauerpark and Boxhagener Platz are some of our favorites.
Support local designers. Pop into one of the beloved fashion or jewelry stores and upgrade your style responsibly.
Take a random class and master a new skill. Pottery? Jewelry-making workshop? Glass-blowing? You name it, Berlin’s got it.
Catch an open-air cinema. Watch iconic films under the stars in Kreuzberg or Friedrichshain.
When should you come?
May to September is Berlin at its flirtiest. Long days, lakeside hangs, and endless events. But the off-season has its charm, too - think cozy cafés, museum trips, and moody walks along the river.
