Mitte

Berlin's historic center with major landmarks, museums, and government buildings. Well-policed but crowded - watch belongings near tourist attractions.

Mitte is where all the tourists end up, which means lots of crowds around Brandenburg Gate and Museum Island but also plenty of security. You'll see tour groups everywhere, especially around lunchtime when the pickpockets are busiest near Checkpoint Charlie and other big attractions. The government buildings mean there are always cops around, so it feels very safe even if you're walking alone. Evenings are calmer once the day tourists head back to their hotels, and the restaurants around Gendarmenmarkt stay busy with both visitors and locals. Everyone speaks English since they're used to international tourists. It's definitely the safest part of Berlin, but also the most touristy - you won't get much of a feel for what the city is actually like if you only stay here.