Hotel
Hotel Adlon Kempinski
Berlin's most famous grand hotel, facing the Brandenburg Gate on Pariser Platz, with 385 rooms and suites, a spa and the Michelin-starred Lorenz Adlon Esszimmer.
The Circus Hostel
A long-established independent hostel on Rosenthaler Platz with dorm beds and private rooms, a bar and café, and its own craft beer.
At a glance
- Type
- Hostel
- Area
- Mitte, Berlin, Germany
- Price
- $ · Budget
- Official site
- circus-berlin.de
Good to know
- Dorms and private rooms
- Bar
- Café
- Microbrewery beer
- Central location
Why we recommend it
The Circus Hostel is one of Berlin's best-known independent hostels and a popular choice for budget travellers who want a central location and a sociable atmosphere. It stands on Weinbergsweg at Rosenthaler Platz, opposite its sister property, The Circus Hotel, and is run by the same Berlin company, which offers everything from dorm beds to apartments.
Accommodation ranges from dormitory beds to private rooms, so it suits backpackers, friends travelling together and couples on a budget. Rooms are simple, clean and practical, and the hostel is known for good facilities and helpful staff who know the city well. The common areas, including the café and bar, are where guests meet, swap tips and plan evenings out. The Circus brews its own craft beer, which is a nice local touch.
The hostel suits younger travellers and solo visitors in particular, but it also works for anyone who prefers a lively, informal place to stay and does not need hotel-style service. It is not a party hostel in the extreme sense, but it is sociable, so guests who want complete quiet may prefer a private room or the hotel across the square. Book directly through the website to see current room types and rates, and book early for summer and major events.
The location is excellent for exploring on foot. Rosenthaler Platz sits between Mitte and Prenzlauer Berg, with dozens of cafés, restaurants and bars nearby. The Spandauer Vorstadt, the Hackesche Höfe and Museum Island lie to the south, while Mauerpark, the Berlin Wall Memorial and the Kulturbrauerei are to the north. Walking tours and bike tours of the city are easy to join from the centre.
Berlin has a long tradition of hostels for young travellers, and the city's relatively low prices and late-night culture make it a favourite with backpackers from around the world. The Circus Hostel stands out for its central location and its independent ownership, which shows in the friendly, well-run atmosphere. Staff can also suggest routes, events and local places that guidebooks often miss, so ask at reception when planning your days.
Rosenthaler Platz station on the U8 is right outside, and trams on the square connect to Alexanderplatz and Prenzlauer Berg. Zeit für Brot's Weinbergsweg bakery is next door, The Barn's Auguststrasse café is a short walk away, and Weinbergspark, a small hillside park, is just up the street for a picnic or a quiet break.
The Circus Hostel FAQs
What kind of rooms are there?
Dormitory beds and private rooms.
Where is the hostel?
At Weinbergsweg 1a on Rosenthaler Platz, opposite The Circus Hotel.
Is it a party hostel?
It is sociable but not an extreme party hostel; private rooms are quieter.
Is there a bar?
Yes, the hostel has a bar and café, and serves its own craft beer.
What is the nearest station?
Rosenthaler Platz on the U8, right outside.
Is it good for solo travellers?
Yes, the common areas make it easy to meet other travellers.
How do you book?
Directly through the Circus website, ideally early for summer.
What is nearby?
Zeit für Brot, The Barn, Weinbergspark and the Hackesche Höfe.