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

Should you visit Berlin or Cork?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Berlin or Cork, 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 cultural, artsy, and creative city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Cork

Cork is a seaside, youthful, and energetic 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 Cork: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Berlin or Cork?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Berlin than Cork. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Berlin is more touristy than Cork and is popular for its art scene, cultural activities, and war torn history. It is also well known for the Brandenburg Gate. Cork is famous for its friendly personality, its thriving art scene and its local craft beer.

How is Berlin different from Cork?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Berlin
Cork

Berlin is a must-visit destination for its sights and museums. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Berlin that are not to be missed. 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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Cork. The city is filled with historic sights and landmarks. Most notable is the Blarney Castle and Blarney Stone, but also make sure you check out St. Fin Barre's Cathedral, the Cork Public Museum, Cork City Gaol Heritage Centre, and St. Anne's Church.


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

Berlin
Cork

Dining out at restaurants in both Berlin and Cork can be an enjoyable experience.

Berlin has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Dining out in Cork is an experience not to be missed. You'll find charming seaside cafes and award winning restaurants. Also make sure you check out the English Market, which is among the best in Ireland.

Is Berlin or Cork Better for Nightlife?

Berlin
Cork

Berlin is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

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.

Cork has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. It's a university city, so you'll find plenty of students, bars, clubs, and cheap beer. Many pubs also have live music with everything from rock to Irish folk music.

Is Berlin or Cork Better for Music?

Berlin
Cork

Berlin is a must-visit destination for live music. However, Cork is not a live music destination.

Berlin is a world class music destination. 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.

Cork is not a live music destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Berlin or Cork?

Berlin
Cork

Berlin is a must-visit destination for shopping. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Berlin is a famous shopping destination with plenty of 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.

Cork is well-known for its shopping. It offers a mix of high street shops and boutique vendors. Head to St. Patrick’s Street for some of the city's best shopping. Also check out Opera Lane and Oliver Plunkett Street.

Is Berlin or Cork Better for Families?

Berlin
Cork

Berlin is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Berlin is 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.

Cork is a family-friendly city. For a bit of outside time, head to Fota Wildlife Park, Regional Park Ballincollig, or Inchydoney Beach. Kids will also enjoy exploring Cork City Gaol which is a heritage museum, or the Toy Soldier Factory. And of course, there's the Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone.

Is Berlin or Cork Better for Couples?

Berlin
Cork

Cork is a great city for its romantic activities. Also, Berlin is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Cork is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Visiting Blarney Castle is a highlight, but you can also wander along the river or do the Ballycotton Cliff Walk. There are also several gardens to explore or small theaters where you can see a play.

Berlin is a good city for couples to visit. 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.


Is Berlin or Cork Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Berlin
Cork

Berlin is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Berlin is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Cork. There are plenty of hostels as well as a large student population and an active nightlife.

Is Berlin or Cork Better for Students?

Berlin
Cork

Berlin is a must-visit destination for students. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Many students visit Cork. It's a university town with many students and plenty to do. The city plays host to many international students.

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

Berlin
Cork

Berlin is a must-visit destination for its public transit. However, Cork is a mediocre city 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cork. In town you'll find bus service but if you want to explore anywhere else in the county you really need your own vehicle.


Is Berlin or Cork a more walkable city?

Berlin
Cork

Berlin and Cork are nice 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.

Cork is a somewhat walkable city. The city center is compact and easy enough to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Cork or Berlin?

How long in Berlin or Cork?

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

Families should spend more time in Berlin than Cork. 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 Cork. 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 Cork 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 Cork? Ideal Length of Stay
    Berlin 2-7 
    Cork 1-3

One day in Berlin or Cork?

Berlin is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

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

A weekend in Berlin or Cork?

Berlin is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Cork 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 Cork?

Berlin is a diverse big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

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

Berlin is a artsy city where you can fill many days. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the seaside destination of Cork. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Cork 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 Cork is €101. 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 Cork in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Berlin 64
    Cork 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Berlin 128
    Cork 120
Compare Hotels in Berlin and Cork

Looking for a hotel in Berlin or Cork? 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 Cork


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 Cork Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Berlin 18
    Cork 16
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:

  • Berlin Tegel Airport (TXL) to Berlin - Arrival Private Transfer : $25
  • Berlin Airport (BER) to Berlin - Arrival Private Transfer: $31
  • Berlin Airport (SXF) to Berlin - Arrival Private Transfer : $31
  • Private Transfer from Berlin Airport to Hotels in Berlin: $46
  • Listening Station Teufelsberg Tour with Transfer: $52
  • Berlin Airport (SXF) to Berlin - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $63
  • Milan: Transfer from/to Hotel - Airport: $64
  • Private Transfer from Brandenburg Airport to Berlin City Center: $70
  • Arrival Transfer from Berlin Train Station to Berlin by Sedan: $72
  • Berlin City Departure Private Transfer to Berlin Train Station in Luxury Car: $78
  • Berlin City Departure Private Transfer to Berlin Train Station in Luxury Van: $78
  • Private Transfer to / from Brandenburg Airport (BER): $86

Is it cheaper to fly into Berlin or Cork?

Prices for flights to both Cork 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
    Cork 30
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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cork

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

  • Hysterical Histories, Comedic Dinner Theater Show: $53
  • Hysterical Histories Cork Dinner Theatre Show: $57
  • Historic Cork Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $65

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Berlin 22
    Cork 9.29
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

Tours and Activities in Cork

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cork are as follows:

  • Blarney Castle Tour from Cork including Cobh: $60
  • Cliffs of Moher Day Tour from Including The Wild Altanic Way: $53
  • Cliffs of Moher and More: Full-Day Tour from Cork: $52
  • Coastal Foraging and Folklore Tour: $55
  • Cork City Cycle Tour - Experience the beautiful and historic City by bike: $51
  • Cork City Gaol Admission Ticket: $14
  • Cork City Hop On/Off Open Top Bus Tour: $24
  • Cork Culinary Tour: $128
  • Cork Culinary Tour: $142
  • Cork Delicious Donut Adventure by Underground Donut Tour: $65
  • Cork Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Cork Holiday Donut Adventure by Underground Donut Tour: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Berlin 16
    Cork 13
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

Sample the Local Flavors in Cork

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cork:

  • Clonakilty Distillery Tour & Classic Whiskey Tasting: $22
  • Cork City: Rebel City Distillery Tour: $27
  • Rebel City Distillery Tour: $27
  • Midleton Distillery Tour with Whiskey Tasting: $32
  • Midleton Distillery Experience & Whiskey Tasting -Home of Jameson: $33
  • Whiskey Cocktail Making Class at Midleton Distillery: $64
  • Cork Irish Whiskey Cocktail Making Class at Midleton Distillery : $65
  • Midleton Distillery Behind the Scenes Tour & Tasting: $80
  • Blarney Castle Cork City and Jameson Distillery Semi Private Tour: $196
  • Private Cork City Tour, Kinsale and Jameson Distillery: $254


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Berlin and Cork, we can see that Berlin is more expensive. And not only is Cork much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cork would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cork 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 Berlin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Berlin than you might in Cork.

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


Which is Bigger, Berlin or Cork?

Berlin has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Cork. When comparing the sizes of Berlin and Cork, 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 Cork?

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 Cork in the Summer?

Both Cork and Berlin during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Berlin this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cork for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Berlin is generally a little warmer than Cork. Daily temperatures in Berlin average around 19°C (66°F), and Cork fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Berlin. In the summer, Berlin often gets more sunshine than Cork. Berlin gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cork receives 178 hours of full sun.

Berlin usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Cork. Berlin gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cork receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Berlin 19°C (66°F) 
    Cork 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Berlin or Cork in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Berlin and Cork. Many travelers come to Berlin for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cork in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Berlin is cooler than Cork in the autumn. The daily temperature in Berlin averages around 10°C (50°F) in October, and Cork fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Berlin usually receives more sunshine than Cork during autumn. Berlin gets 106 hours of sunny skies, while Cork receives 90 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Berlin usually receives less rain than Cork. Berlin gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Cork receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Berlin 10°C (50°F) 
    Cork 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Berlin or Cork in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Berlin as well as Cork. Many visitors come to Berlin in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Cork for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Berlin can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Berlin is much colder than Cork. Typically, the winter temperatures in Berlin in January average around -0°C (31°F), and Cork averages at about 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Berlin often gets less sunshine than Cork. Berlin gets 42 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cork receives 60 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cork. Berlin usually gets less rain in January than Cork. Berlin gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Cork receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Berlin -0°C (31°F) 
    Cork 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Berlin or Cork in the Spring?

Both Cork and Berlin are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Berlin for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Cork because of the activities around the city.

In April, Berlin is generally around the same temperature as Cork. Daily temperatures in Berlin average around 9°C (47°F), and Cork fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Berlin usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cork during spring. Berlin gets 160 hours of sunny skies, while Cork receives 157 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Berlin usually receives less rain than Cork. Berlin gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Cork receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Berlin 9°C (47°F) 
    Cork 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Cork and Berlin

Berlin Cork
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (31°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 6°C (43°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 1°C (33°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Mar 4°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Apr 9°C (47°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 52 mm (2 in) 11°C (52°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in) 16°C (60°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 18°C (65°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 10°C (50°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Nov 5°C (41°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (47°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 2°C (35°F) 51 mm (2 in) 7°C (45°F) 101 mm (4 in)