A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Berlin vs. Calais for Attractions, Nightlife, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Berlin or Calais?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Berlin or Calais, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Berlin

Berlin is a creative, eclectic, and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Calais

Calais is a undiscovered, coastal, and authentic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Berlin and Calais: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Berlin or Calais?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Berlin than Calais, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Berlin is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Calais is known for its beaches. Berlin is more touristy than Calais and is popular for its art scene, cultural activities, and war torn history. It is also home to the Brandenburg Gate. Calais is popular for being a gateway for travelers to France.

How is Berlin different from Calais?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Calais and Berlin. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Berlin or Calais?

Berlin
Calais

Berlin is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Berlin on the map. Famous landmarks include the rebuilt Reichstag, the Berlin Wall Memorial, and Berliner Fernsehturm. Many of the city's oldest and most famous museums are found on Museum Island, where you'll find the Pergamon Museum, the James Simon Gallery, the Altes Museum, and the Neues Museum, among others.

Calais is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.


Is the Food Better in Berlin or Calais? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Berlin
Calais

Berlin is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Berlin is an experience not to be missed. There's a great international food scene, but also all of the traditional favorites like currywurst, spätzle, and schnitzel. You'll find many diverse food halls, street markets, and local restaurants, as well as a large selection of traditional German restaurants that cater to the tourists.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Calais. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Is Berlin or Calais Better for Nightlife?

Berlin
Calais

Berlin is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Berlin is a world class party destination. The nightlife scene here is legendary. There are club nights that last for days, bars and parties that appeal to every personality, and a diversity of venues that you can choose from. You'll find the classic techno warehouses, but there are also modern dance clubs, bunker parties, and raves.

If you're looking for night time activities Calais has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

Is Berlin or Calais Better for Music?

Berlin
Calais

Berlin is a must-visit destination for its music scene. However, Calais is not a live music destination.

In Berlin you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. From the raves to the techno parties, there is a hugely diverse music scene in the city. It is so much more than the stereotypical punk and techno music that Berlin is known for. Rock, pop, and other genres are popular as well.

Calais is not a live music destination.


Is Berlin or Calais Better for Beaches?

Berlin
Calais

Calais is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Berlin is not a beach destination.

Calais has a beach worth visiting. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Berlin is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Berlin or Calais?

Berlin
Calais

Berlin is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Berlin is a world class destination for shoppers. Bookshops, flea markets, luxury boutiques and artisan shops all make up the shopping scene in the city. Kurfürstendamm is one of the most famous shopping districts in the city.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Calais. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Is Berlin or Calais Better for Families?

Berlin
Calais

Berlin is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Berlin is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of great kid-friendly museums such as the Museum of Natural History and the Computer Games Museum. There's also Legoland, an impressive aquarium, and lots of parks and playgrounds to explore.

Calais offers lots of family activities. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.


Is Berlin or Calais Better for Couples?

Berlin
Calais

Berlin and Calais are both good to visit as a couple.

Berlin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Romantic activities in the city include wandering through Schloss Charlottenburg gardens and learning to dance at Clärchen’s Ballhaus. For couples who enjoy a night out on the town, there are many great restaurants and nightclubs that you can check out.

Calais is a good city for couples to visit. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

Is Berlin or Calais Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Berlin
Calais

Berlin is a must-visit destination for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Berlin is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. The city has no shortage of hostels to choose from, many of which organize activities and tours that guests can enjoy.

Calais is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This part of France is often overlooked by tourists so you won't find many backpackers or hostels in the area. It does offer a glimpse into an authentic side of France.

Is Berlin or Calais Better for Students?

Berlin
Calais

Berlin is a must-visit destination for students. However, Calais is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Berlin. With it's rich culture and eclectic creative side, this city appeals to many international students. There's also a great social scene that is perfect for university students.

Calais is not popular with students.


Is Berlin or Calais Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Berlin
Calais

Berlin is a must-visit destination for its public transit. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Berlin has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The transportation system is diverse and includes the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, and trams.

While Calais offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

Is Berlin or Calais a more walkable city?

Berlin
Calais

Berlin and Calais are good when it comes to walkability.

Berlin is a somewhat walkable place. While parts of the city are very walkable, the neighborhoods are spread out and the city covers a large amount of space, so walking isn't always practical.

Calais is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

For even more information, also check out Is Berlin Worth Visiting? and Is Calais Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Calais or Berlin?

How long in Berlin or Calais?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Berlin and Calais. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Berlin than in Calais. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Berlin, and 1-3 days is enough time in Calais.

Families should spend more time in Berlin than Calais. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Berlin, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Berlin than Calais. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Berlin that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Berlin than Calais if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Berlin.


  • How many days in Berlin or Calais? Ideal Length of Stay
    Berlin 2-7 
    Calais 1-3

One day in Berlin or Calais?

Berlin is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Calais. One day is often enough time to do most activities.


A weekend in Berlin or Calais?

Berlin is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Calais is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Berlin or Calais?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Berlin. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Calais. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Berlin or Calais?

Berlin is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Calais. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Germany, The Best Cultural Tours in Germany, The Best Budget Tours to France, and The Best Tours for Seniors to France.


Which place is cheaper, Calais or Berlin?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Berlin is €137, while the average daily cost in Calais is €139. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Berlin and Calais in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Berlin 64
    Calais 77
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Berlin 128
    Calais 154
Compare Hotels in Berlin and Calais

Looking for a hotel in Berlin or Calais? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Berlin


Hotels in Calais


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Berlin Hotel Prices and Calais Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Berlin 18
    Calais 47
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Berlin

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Berlin:


  • Short Trip Metro Ticket
    1.40
  • Bahn Ticket
    3.00
  • Short Taxi Ride
    20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Berlin

Also for Berlin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Arrival Private Transfer from Berlin Airport BER to Berlin City by Luxury Van: $141
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Berlin Airport BER to Berlin City in Business Car: $133
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Brandenburg Airport BER to Berlin in Luxury Car: $141
  • Arrival Transfer from Berlin Train Station to Berlin by Sedan: $72
  • Arrival Transfer: Berlin Airport BER to Berlin in Business Car: $108
  • Arrival Transfer: Berlin Airport BER to Berlin in Luxury Van: $112
  • Berlin Airport (BER) to Berlin - Arrival Private Transfer: $31
  • Berlin Airport (SXF) to Berlin - Arrival Private Transfer : $31
  • Berlin Airport (SXF) to Berlin - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $63
  • Berlin Airport Arrival Transfer to Potsdam Hotels: $173
  • Berlin Airporttransfer, Driver, Chauffeur, Limousinenservice: $107
  • Berlin City Departure Private Transfer to Berlin Train Station in Luxury Car: $78

Is it cheaper to fly into Berlin or Calais?

Prices for flights to both Calais and Berlin change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Berlin 52
    Calais 35
Typical Food Prices in Berlin

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Berlin:


  • Sandwich and Coffee To Go
    5.00
  • Turkish Sandwich
    2.00
  • Currywurst
    2.00
  • 2 Pho Noodles
    9.00
  • Restaurant Dinner and Beers (for 2)
    60
  • Mauer Park (2)
    11
  • Coffees at Impala
    7.80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Berlin

For Berlin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • English Stand-Up Comedy with Pizza and Shots: $19
  • Hard Rock Cafe Berlin with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $27
  • English Comedy Showcase Including Pizza in Berlin Mitte: $28
  • Hard Rock Cafe Berlin With Set Lunch or Dinner : $34
  • Kreuzberg kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $48
  • Berlin Mitte kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $48
  • No Diet Club - Street Food Tour with many Tastings !: $59
  • Evening Yacht Cruise with Aperitif & Optional Dinner: $63
  • Sicilian Cooking Workshop with unlimited drinks: $70
  • Evening Food Tour by Bike: $70
  • Sharing plate food tour in Berlin: $76
  • Dinner Cruise on the Spree with Prosecco: $79

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Berlin 22
    Calais 8.92
Typical Entertainment Prices in Berlin

For Berlin, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Berlin Zoo (2)
    20

Tours and Activities in Berlin

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Berlin.

  • Self-Guided Photo Tour with Digital hybrid Photobook: $0.53
  • Berlin Walking Tour: $2.62
  • Berlin Alternative Street Art Tour: $2.62
  • Selfguided Audiotour "Old Berlin": $3.20
  • Selfguided Audiotour "Center of Power": $3.20
  • Third Reich and Holocaust Self Guided Audio Tour: $3.21
  • Rude Bastards Tour of Berlin: $3.21
  • Rude Bastards tour of Medieval Berlin: $3.21
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Escape Game and Tour: $3.74
  • Museum Island Self Guided Audio Tour: $3.74
  • Berlin tour - Free offer - in Italian: $3.74

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Berlin 16
    Calais 12
Typical Alcohol Prices in Berlin

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Berlin from other travelers:


  • Drinks at a Show
    14

Sample the Local Flavors in Berlin

Also in Berlin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Original One80 Berlin Pub Crawl: $16
  • VIP Pub Crawl with Drinks and Challenges: $16
  • brewery tour with beer tasting: $19
  • Vagabund Brauerei Beer Tasting & Guided Brewery Tour: $24
  • Pub Crawl with Skip-the-Line Club Entry: $24
  • Berlin Pub Crawl and Nightlife Clubbing tour: $26
  • The Showgirls of Burlesque: $46
  • Showgirls of Burlesque Entry Ticket: $69
  • Berlin:sunset boat trip with Argentine wine tasting and food: $214
  • German Wine Tasting Tour at the Best Wine Bars in Berlin: $250
  • German Wine Tasting Tour at the Best Wine Bars in Berlin: $255
  • Bachelor(ette) Party with Pub Crawl: $401


When comparing the travel costs between Berlin and Calais, we can see that Calais is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Berlin Expensive? and Is Calais Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Berlin or Calais?

Berlin has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Calais. When comparing the sizes of Berlin and Calais, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Berlin or Calais?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Berlin or Calais in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Berlin as well as Calais. Many visitors come to Berlin in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Calais for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Berlin is around the same temperature as Calais. Typically, the summer temperatures in Berlin in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Calais averages at about 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Calais. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Berlin this time of the year. In the summer, Berlin often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Calais. Berlin gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 212 hours of full sun.

Berlin usually gets more rain in July than Calais. Berlin gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Calais receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Berlin 19°C (66°F) 
    Calais 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Berlin or Calais in the Autumn?

Both Calais and Berlin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Berlin for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Calais because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Berlin is generally cooler than Calais. Daily temperatures in Berlin average around 10°C (50°F), and Calais fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Berlin usually receives less sunshine than Calais during autumn. Berlin gets 106 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 119 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Berlin usually receives less rain than Calais. Berlin gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Calais receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Berlin 10°C (50°F) 
    Calais 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Berlin or Calais in the Winter?

Both Calais and Berlin during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Berlin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Calais this time of year.

It's quite cold in Calais in the winter. The weather in Berlin can be very cold. Berlin is much colder than Calais in the winter. The daily temperature in Berlin averages around -0°C (31°F) in January, and Calais fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Berlin often gets less sunshine than Calais. Berlin gets 42 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 57 hours of full sun.

Berlin usually gets less rain in January than Calais. Berlin gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Calais receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Berlin -0°C (31°F) 
    Calais 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Berlin or Calais in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Berlin and Calais. The activities around the city are the main draw to Berlin this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Calais for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Berlin is around the same temperature as Calais. Typically, the spring temperatures in Berlin in April average around 9°C (47°F), and Calais averages at about 9°C (47°F).

Berlin usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Calais during spring. Berlin gets 160 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 162 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Berlin usually receives around the same amount of rain as Calais. Berlin gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Calais receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Berlin 9°C (47°F) 
    Calais 9°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Calais and Berlin

Berlin Calais
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (31°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 4°C (40°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 1°C (33°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 5°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 4°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 6°C (44°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 9°C (47°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 9°C (47°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 52 mm (2 in) 12°C (53°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 15°C (59°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in) 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 18°C (65°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 10°C (50°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 5°C (41°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 2°C (35°F) 51 mm (2 in) 6°C (42°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)