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

Should you visit Berlin or Chicago?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Berlin or Chicago, 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Berlin travel costs.

Chicago

Chicago is a vibrant, multicultural, and edgey city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Chicago is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping. See Chicago travel costs.

Berlin and Chicago: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Berlin or Chicago?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Chicago than Berlin. While Berlin is larger than Chicago, Chicago has more sights and attractions for tourists. Berlin is popular for its art scene, cultural activities, and war torn history. Chicago is popular for its thriving sports scene, its iconic local cuisine, and its world class shopping at the Magnificent Mile. It is also home to The Willis Tower (previously the Sears Tower).

How is Berlin different from Chicago?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Berlin and Chicago.

The museums and tourist attractions in Berlin are world-renowned. 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.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Chicago on the map. There are countless landmarks, museums, and iconic sights in the area. Some of the most famous are the Art Institute of Chicago, Adler Planetarium, and the Museum of Science and Industry. Notable landmarks include the famous Willis Tower - formerly the Sears Tower, Buckingham Fountain, and the iconic Cloud Gate (the bean).

Is Berlin or Chicago Better for Theater?

Chicago is an unbeatable place for its theatre productions. However, Berlin is not a theatre destination.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in Chicago. Theater is big here with many of the major Broadway productions visiting the city. There is also an endless list of smaller, local theaters to choose from.

Berlin is not a theatre destination.

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

Chicago is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Berlin is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Chicago is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. With everything from award-winning luxury restaurants to local dives, this city has something for everyone. It also has very distinct local flavors and dishes that create an identity and bring great pride to the locals. While you're in town you have to try the famous deep dish pizza, Chicago style hot dogs, and Italian beef.

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.

Is Berlin or Chicago Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find terrific options in both Berlin and Chicago.

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.

Chicago is a world class party destination. It has a wide range of activities at night, with everything from theater and comedy clubs to dance venues, sporting events, and local bars. It's easy to fill many evenings with whatever activity appeals to you. Popular bars and clubs include the Smart Bar, Beauty Bar, and Le Nocturne.

Is Berlin or Chicago Better for Music?

Berlin and Chicago are both destinations where visitors can find terrific live music.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week 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.

In Chicago you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The city is the birthplace of such interesting styles as modern gospel and the Chicago style blues.

Is Berlin or Chicago Better for Beaches?

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

Chicago has a beach worth visiting. While you don't immediately think of beaches when you think of Chicago, there are some nice beaches by the lake. If the weather is nice, it's a great area to spend some time.

Berlin is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Berlin or Chicago?

If you're looking to go shopping, Berlin and Chicago both offer plenty of terrific spots.

Known for shopping, Berlin draws large crowds to its stores. 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.

Chicago is a world class destination for shoppers. There are countless neighborhoods that are filled with boutiques, local vendors, and art galleries. The city has some of the country's best shopping opportunities, and the most notable area is the famous Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile.

Is Berlin or Chicago More Beautiful?

Chicago is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Berlin is not a destination known for its beauty.

Chicago is a beautiful place to visit, too. The water makes this city a truly unique place to explore, and the world class architecture is not to be missed.

Berlin is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Berlin or Chicago Better for Families?

Chicago is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Berlin is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Chicago is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The city has a large number of activities for kids, including zoos, Shedd Aquarium, impressive children's museums, and large and elaborate playgrounds in Millennium Park. It's easy to keep kids entertained in this very kid-focused city.

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.

Is Berlin or Chicago Better for Couples?

Berlin and Chicago 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.

Chicago is a good city for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy exploring the city's vibrant theater scene and diverse neighborhoods. There are many varied restaurants and entertainment options that make for a great date night. There are also sporting events, parks, and gardens where couples can explore.

Is Berlin or Chicago Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Berlin is renowned for backpackers. Also, Chicago is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Chicago. The city doesn't have a huge backpacker vibe, but it does have a number of hostels that help keep costs in check.

Is Berlin or Chicago Better for Students?

For students, both Berlin and Chicago are terrific places to visit.

Berlin is a great destination 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.

Chicago is a very popular city for students. The city has a large number of universities that bring in students from around the country and around the globe. It's a huge international city with economic ties and many opportunities connected to the universities.

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

Berlin and Chicago both offer terrific public transit to get you around.

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.

Chicago has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. There's a subway (the "L"), a commuter well, as well as buses and countless taxis available.

Is Berlin or Chicago a more walkable city?

Chicago is a great city for its high level of walkability. Also, Berlin is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

Chicago is a very walkable city. The city has many restaurants, sights, and hotels that are easily accessible on foot.

Berlin is a somewhat walkable city. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Chicago or Berlin?

How long in Berlin or Chicago?

In either Berlin or Chicago, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Berlin than Chicago because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Berlin, and 3-5 days is enough time in Chicago.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Berlin than Chicago 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.

One day in Berlin or Chicago?

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 live music and food when visiting the big city destination of Chicago. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Berlin or Chicago?

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.

Chicago is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Berlin or Chicago?

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 Chicago. 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.

A week in Berlin or Chicago?

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 museums and theater when visiting the vibrant big city of Chicago. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Germany, The Best Adventure Tours to Germany, The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Berlin and Chicago, we can see that Chicago is more expensive. And not only is Berlin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Berlin is in Europe and Chicago is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Berlin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Berlin and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Chicago would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chicago than you might in Berlin.

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

Which is Bigger, Berlin or Chicago?

Berlin has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of Chicago. When comparing the sizes of Berlin and Chicago, 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 Chicago?

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 Chicago in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Berlin as well as Chicago. Most visitors come to Berlin for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Chicago because of the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Berlin is cooler than Chicago. Typically, the summer temperatures in Berlin in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Chicago averages at about 77°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chicago. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Berlin this time of the year. In the summer, Berlin often gets less sunshine than Chicago. Berlin gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 326 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Chicago. Berlin usually gets less rain in July than Chicago. Berlin gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Berlin or Chicago in the Autumn?

Both Chicago and Berlin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Berlin because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Chicago this time of year.

In October, Berlin is generally cooler than Chicago. Daily temperatures in Berlin average around 10°C (50°F), and Chicago fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

Berlin usually receives less sunshine than Chicago during autumn. Berlin gets 106 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Berlin usually receives less rain than Chicago. Berlin gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Berlin or Chicago in the Winter?

Both Chicago and Berlin during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Berlin this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chicago for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Chicago. It's quite cold in Berlin in the winter. Berlin is much warmer than Chicago in the winter. The daily temperature in Berlin averages around -0°C (31°F) in January, and Chicago fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).

In the winter, Berlin often gets less sunshine than Chicago. Berlin gets 42 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chicago receives 134 hours of full sun.

Berlin usually gets less rain in January than Chicago. Berlin gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 1.9 inches (47 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Berlin or Chicago in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Berlin and Chicago. Many travelers come to Berlin for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Chicago in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Berlin is cooler than Chicago. Typically, the spring temperatures in Berlin in April average around 9°C (47°F), and Chicago averages at about 52°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chicago this time of the year. Berlin usually receives less sunshine than Chicago during spring. Berlin gets 160 hours of sunny skies, while Chicago receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.

Chicago receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Berlin usually receives less rain than Chicago. Berlin gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Chicago receives 4.3 inches (108 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Chicago and Berlin