Weekend

A cool hostel in the heart of culture and transportation network. The location is excellent with its proximity to U-bahn, S-bahn and M-bus. If you are into culture, Museum Island is within a 5-minute walking distance; galleries, art centers and theatres (including the famous Berliner Ensemble) are in the neighbourhood. Food-wise, there are a lot of inexpensive pubs and restaurants. My first lunch was a shwarma sandwich around there. The hostel itself also provides a breakfast buffet for a price. If you're there for more than 3 days, I suggest you to take the breakfast on some days and try out some other places as well, as the same breakfast for a row will wear your appetite out. As to the hostel itself, it's got a cool common area, friendly and helpful staff, and no curfew. The staff really tries to accommodate your request. I stayed in a four bedroom, and it was very clean. If you manage to get into the rooms that look into the inner garden it's even nicer.

I stayed at the Circus last year. It's a great place in the old East Berlin. It is easy to get to and very professional. The staff is quite international, and the breakfast is a great deal. The bar is nice. I've been hosteling for 12 years and this place is one of my favorites. Also -- don't miss the Brewers walking tour of Berlin - the best €10 you can spend on understanding Berlin and modern Europe.