Neukölln

Hip, gritty and multicultural
Tipple of choice: Walk down Welchselstrasse or Hobrechtstrasse for a taste of the twinkling nightlife, with bar Nathanja & Heinrich a particular pleasure to frequent.

Word to the wise: An interesting sight is the historic 18th-century village of Rixdorf in Richardplatz, which hosts one of the city's best Christmas markets.
With nearly half the population of non-Germanic origin, Neukölln has always felt multinational, but in the last few years the low rents of this gritty neighbourhood have attracted the hip creative classes, who have brought their bicycles, boho bars and attitude. Now, any young Berliner will tell you this is where it's at.

However, locals here are fervently resisting the gentrification that will raise rents and ironically, there is a degree of antipathy towards foreigners. The more tourists start venturing this far east, the more outside investment will come, which will push up prices. Signs with the call to arms - 'Be creative and active against gentrification' - are posted on the walls.

That being said, it's still got some of the most low key and lovely bars, with none of the queues or chaos of Kreuzberg, as well as many up-and-coming restaurants like the highly-lauded Lavanderia Vecchia. Head to the former Tempelhof Airport - now a thriving public park - on a sunny day to get a sense of the vibe here.