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

Should you visit Berlin or Calgary?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Berlin or Calgary, 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 diverse, historic, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food. See Berlin travel costs.

Calgary

Calgary is a local, authentic, and western city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Calgary travel costs.

Berlin and Calgary: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • 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
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • 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 Calgary?

You'll generally find more things to do in Berlin than Calgary. Berlin is bigger than Calgary, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Berlin is well known for its art scene, cultural activities, and war torn history. Also, Berlin is famous for the Brandenburg Gate. Calgary is well known for its farming and oil industries as well as the Calgary Stampede.

How is Berlin different from Calgary?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Calgary 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 Calgary?

Berlin
Calgary

Berlin is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Berlin are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Calgary. It's worth visiting the Calgary Zoo, Fort Calgary, the Hangar Flight Museum, and Heritage Park, among others.


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

Berlin
Calgary

Berlin is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Berlin. 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.

Calgary may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The food scene is constantly evolving and you'll find plenty of casual restaurants. The city is known for its beef, so you should definitely sample a local steak.

Is Berlin or Calgary Better for Nightlife?

Berlin
Calgary

Berlin is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Berlin is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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 Calgary has a few options to choose from. Visitors often head to Stephen Avenue Walk for its bars and pubs. There's also a decent theater scene around town.

Is Berlin or Calgary Better for Music?

Berlin
Calgary

Berlin is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. However, Calgary is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Berlin 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.

Calgary is not a live music destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Berlin or Calgary?

Berlin
Calgary

Berlin is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Berlin make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Calgary has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are plenty of independent shops around town as well as some great shopping neighborhoods. Make sure you check out Fourth Street and 17th Avenue. There are also large shopping malls.

Is Berlin or Calgary Better for Families?

Berlin
Calgary

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

Berlin is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Calgary offers lots of family activities. There are a surprising number of things around town to do with kids such as petting zoos, museums, and even amusement parks. The Calgary Zoo is worth a visit, but also make sure you check out Calaway Park Amusement Park and the Telus Spark science center.

Is Berlin or Calgary Better for Couples?

Berlin
Calgary

Berlin and Calgary are both notable 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.

Calgary is a good city for couples to visit. You'll find outdoor sports, boat tours, and plenty of great restaurants around town. If you're looking for a low key destination with a great vibe, then this is a great city for a weekend trip.


Is Berlin or Calgary Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Berlin
Calgary

Berlin is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Berlin. The city has no shortage of hostels to choose from, many of which organize activities and tours that guests can enjoy.

Plenty of backpackers visit Calgary. A surprising number of backpackers end up passing through town, so you'll find a handful of hostels to choose from.

Is Berlin or Calgary Better for Students?

Berlin
Calgary

Berlin is an unbeatable place for students. However, Calgary is not popular with students.

Berlin is a very popular city for students. 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.

Calgary is not popular with students.

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

Berlin
Calgary

Berlin is an unbeatable place for its public transit. Also, Calgary is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in Berlin can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The transportation system is diverse and includes the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, and trams.

While Calgary offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The public transportation system is relatively efficient with both light rail and buses.


Is Berlin or Calgary a more walkable city?

Berlin
Calgary

Berlin is a city with good options for its high level of walkability. However, Calgary is not particularly known for its ease of walking around.

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.

Calgary is generally not a very walkable city. While there are a couple of walkable neighborhood's around town, it's definitely not the most walkable city.

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

Should I spend more time in Calgary or Berlin?

How long in Berlin or Calgary?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Berlin or Calgary to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Berlin than Calgary because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Berlin, and 1-2 days is enough time in Calgary.

Families should spend more time in Berlin than Calgary. 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 Calgary. 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 Calgary 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 Calgary? Ideal Length of Stay
    Berlin 2-7 
    Calgary 1-2

One day in Berlin or Calgary?

Because Berlin is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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

A weekend in Berlin or Calgary?

Because Berlin is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Berlin has to offer.

Calgary 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 Calgary?

Berlin is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Berlin has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Calgary. 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 Calgary?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Berlin. Because Berlin is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Calgary. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Germany, The Best Bicycle Tours in Germany, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Calgary or Berlin?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Berlin is €175, while the average daily cost in Calgary is €162. 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 Calgary in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Berlin 64
    Calgary 67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Berlin 128
    Calgary 134
Compare Hotels in Berlin and Calgary

Looking for a hotel in Berlin or Calgary? 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 Calgary


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 Calgary Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Berlin 18
    Calgary 11
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:

  • Private Transfer from Berlin to Dresden with 2 Hours of Sightseeing: $274
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Berlin Airport BER to Berlin City by Luxury Van: $146
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Berlin Airport BER to Berlin City in Business Car: $140
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Brandenburg Airport BER to Berlin in Luxury Car: $146
  • Arrival Transfer from Berlin Train Station to Berlin by Sedan: $74
  • Arrival Transfer: Berlin Airport BER to Berlin in Business Car: $100
  • Arrival Transfer: Berlin Airport BER to Berlin in Luxury Van: $110
  • Berlin Airport (SXF) to Berlin - Arrival Private Transfer : $106
  • Berlin Airport (SXF) to Berlin - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $211
  • Berlin City Departure Private Transfer to Berlin Train Station in Business Car: $74
  • Berlin City Departure Private Transfer to Berlin Train Station in Luxury Van: $79
  • Berlin Departure Private Transfers from Berlin City to Berlin Airport SXF: $88

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Calgary

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Calgary:

  • Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Vancouver: $2,098
  • Banff, Lake Louise, or Jasper Shuttle Transfer: $1,224
  • Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Fernie, BC: $504
  • Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Golden BC: $490
  • Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Edmonton: $490
  • Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Lake Louis: $350
  • Banff To Calgary Airport - Private Transfer: $349
  • Calgary to Lake Louise private group transfer: $282
  • Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Red Deer: $245
  • Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Kananaskis: $217
  • Calgary Airport (YYC) to Calgary hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $215
  • Calgary Airport: Private Transfer to Drumheller: $210

Is it cheaper to fly into Berlin or Calgary?

Prices for flights to both Calgary 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 90
    Calgary 49
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:

  • Hard Rock Cafe Berlin with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $28
  • Mitte Culinary Food Tour: $45
  • Evening Yacht Cruise with Aperitif & Optional Dinner: $61
  • Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $63
  • Iconic Berlin Street Food Tour - 2,0 hrs: $74
  • Street Food Tour with 10 Tastings: $78
  • Dinner Cruise on the Spree with Prosecco: $81
  • Berlin 3-Course Dinner Cruise: $82
  • Berlin Street Food Tour by Bike: $89
  • 3-Hour Secret Food Tour: $98
  • Berlin Food Walking Tour With Secret Food Tours: $100
  • Knutschfleck Ticket with Variety Show and Dinner: $102

Typical Food Prices in Calgary

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Calgary:


  • Bread, Chips, Cheese
    7.41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Calgary

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Calgary.

  • Light Brunch & Food Tour at Calgary Farmers' Market WEST: $78
  • Iconic Eats of Calgary Food Tour: $123

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Berlin 22
    Calgary 14
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.

  • Bus ticket for nowhere - No journey possible: $1.38
  • Rude Bastards tour of Medieval Berlin: $3.10
  • Rude Bastards Tour of Berlin: $3.10
  • Berlin tour - Free offer - in Italian: $3.61
  • Discover Berlin's secrets: Your game. Your city. Your adventure.: $4.12
  • Berlin Highlights Walking Tour: $4.21
  • Berlin Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $4.74
  • Historic Center Tour [Spanish]: $5.15
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Berlin: $5.25
  • Ku'damm Couture and Currywurst: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.48
  • Berlin Self Guided Interactive City Tour: $5.88
  • Into the Heart of A Self-guided Audio Tour: $5.99

Typical Entertainment Prices in Calgary

Here are a few typical costs in Calgary for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Stampede Admission (for 2)
    20

Tours and Activities in Calgary

Here are a few actual costs in Calgary for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 11 Hour Banff Winter Wonderland Tour in Alberta: $97
  • 2 Day Tour Explore Banff National Park and Rocky mountains: $206
  • 6-Hour Private City Tour Drive to Calgary Tower: $664
  • Banff Area & Johnston Canyon 1-Day Tour from Calgary or Banff: $114
  • Banff Explorer™ Private Tour with Moraine Lake & Lake Louise: $699
  • Banff Lakes and Canyon Adventure: $79
  • Banff National Park: Full-Day Adventure: $154
  • Banff Wildlife Explore and Johnston Canyon Icewalk Tour: $75
  • Banff, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Marble Canyon awarded tour: $75
  • Banff, Moraine Lake & Lake Louise Tour : $286
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $51
  • Calgary City Highlights Scooter Tour | 2-Hour: $78

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Berlin 16
    Calgary 10
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:

  • Cirque du Burlesque Berlin Show Ticket: $15
  • Berlin Pub Crawl: $17
  • Berliner Berg Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting: $19
  • Pub Crawl & Bar Tour with Free Shots & Club Access: $19
  • Pub Crawl with Shots and VIP Club Entry: $21
  • Vagabund Brauerei Beer Tasting & Guided Brewery Tour: $23
  • Berlin Night Pub Crawl - Shots and Party!: $23
  • Original Pub Crawl Berlin: $32
  • Wine on Canvas - Paint Workshop and Wine Tasting: $41
  • Beer hike in Berlin Experience brewery and craft beer: $58
  • Korean rice wine tasting: $68
  • New Year’s Eve Pub Crawl with Open Bar in Berlin: $94

Sample the Local Flavors in Calgary

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

  • Calgary Bar Crawl: Cruisin' Calgary: $12
  • Calgary Brewery and Wine Tours at Award Winning Venues: $80


When comparing the travel costs between Berlin and Calgary, we can see that Berlin 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. Even though Berlin is in Europe and Calgary is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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


Which is Bigger, Berlin or Calgary?

Berlin has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Calgary. When comparing the sizes of Berlin and Calgary, 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.