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

Should you visit Berlin or Crete?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Berlin or Crete, 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.

Crete

Crete is a scenic, stunning, and breathtaking island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Berlin and Crete: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Berlin or Crete?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Berlin than Crete, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Berlin is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Crete is known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Crete is more touristy than Berlin and is popular for its breathtaking beaches, wild nightlife, and impressive archeological ruins. Berlin is popular for its art scene, cultural activities, and war torn history. It is also home to the Brandenburg Gate.

How is Berlin different from Crete?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Berlin
Crete

Berlin is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. Also, Crete 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.

Many visitors head to Crete specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The island is filled with archeological sites including the famous Palace of Knossos. While most people come to Crete for the natural beauty, in the cities you'll find some great museums and landmarks.


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

Berlin
Crete

Crete 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, Crete is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Local cuisine is influenced by the island's fertile environment and excellent agriculture. You'll find olive oil in most dishes and seafood is a major staple. You'll also find a lot of stews and recipes that incorporate local ingredients.

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 Crete Better for Nightlife?

Berlin
Crete

Berlin is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Berlin has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Many people head to Crete for the nightlife scene. The island has excellent nightlife with clubs and bars found in Chania, Malia and Stalis to Elounda. The area is popular with British tourists and you'll find many bars open until 2 or 3 in the morning.

Is Berlin or Crete Better for Music?

Berlin
Crete

Berlin is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Crete 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.

Crete is not a live music destination.


Is Berlin or Crete Better for Resorts?

Berlin
Crete

Crete is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Berlin is not a resort destination.

Crete offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The island has world class resorts that include pools and buffet meals. There are many beachfront resorts that range in style from romantic to family-friendly.

Berlin is not a resort destination.

Is Berlin or Crete Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Berlin
Crete

Crete is a great island for its diving and snorkeling. However, Berlin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Crete to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. The island is surrounded by clear waters that make for great snorkeling and diving. There's a number of beautiful fish and other sea life that you can see. Be on the lookout for crabs, sea stars, sponges, and even octopi.

Berlin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Berlin or Crete Better for Beaches?

Berlin
Crete

Crete is an unbeatable place for the beache. However, Berlin is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Crete are among the best in the world. There are some of the best beaches in the world on Crete. The areas around Chania have some of the island's best beaches, with one of the most beautiful being Balos. On the northern side of the island, be on the lookout for strong winds, particularly in August, which can make for larger waves. The island is large, so you'll find everything from secluded and quiet beaches to more active and lively places.

Berlin is not a beach destination.


Is Berlin or Crete Better for Hiking?

Berlin
Crete

Crete is a great island for hiking. However, Berlin is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Crete for the hiking trails. The island is filled with beautiful hikes that run along the shoreline or head inland through the island's beautiful landscapes. There are hikes for every ability level that offer spectacular views and an incredible experience.

Berlin is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Berlin or Crete?

Berlin
Crete

Berlin is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Crete 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 Crete. The island has many markets that sell local foods and handicrafts. There are also shops and boutiques where you can buy anything from souvenirs to homemade artwork.

Is Berlin or Crete Better for Families?

Berlin
Crete

Crete 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.

Crete is an amazing family-friendly island to visit. The island is large and filled with countless family-friendly activities. You can spend several days at the beach, explore Lake Kournas, visit a water park, or even take a pirate themed boat cruise. There's also the amusement park, ​​Labyrinth Park, aquariums and more.

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 Crete Better for Couples?

Berlin
Crete

Crete is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Berlin is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Crete has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's stunning beaches, beautiful landscapes, world renowned restaurants, and amazing resorts make this a top honeymoon spot for international travelers and romance seekers.

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 Crete Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Berlin
Crete

Berlin is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Crete 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.

Crete is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a large island with a great social scene and no shortage of hostels for backpackers to choose from.

Is Berlin or Crete Better for Students?

Berlin
Crete

Berlin is an amazing city to visit for students. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Crete is very popular with students. It's affordability and great coastal activities is a big draw for students in the area.


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

Berlin
Crete

Berlin is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Berlin is top-notch. The transportation system is diverse and includes the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, and trams.

While Crete offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a decent bus system that travels around the island and offers access to many areas.

Is Berlin or Crete a more walkable city?

Berlin
Crete

Berlin is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Crete is not particularly known for its walkability.

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.

Crete is generally not a very walkable city. The island is large and requires a vehicle to get around, but there are short strolls that let you enjoy the stunning landscapes.

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

Should I spend more time in Crete or Berlin?

How long in Berlin or Crete?

Both Berlin and Crete have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Berlin has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Berlin than Crete. In general, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Berlin, and 5-7 days is enough time in Crete.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Berlin than Crete 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 Crete? Ideal Length of Stay
    Berlin 2-7 
    Crete 5-7

One day in Berlin or Crete?

Each neighborhood in Berlin has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Crete. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Berlin or Crete?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Berlin. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Crete 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 Crete?

Berlin is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Berlin has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Crete. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Crete?

Each neighborhood in Berlin has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the scenic destination of Crete. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Germany, The Best Cultural Tours in Germany, The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece.


Which place is cheaper, Crete 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 Crete is €102. 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 Crete in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Berlin 64
    Crete 48
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Berlin 128
    Crete 96
Compare Hotels in Berlin and Crete

Looking for a hotel in Berlin or Crete? 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 Crete


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 Crete Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Berlin 18
    Crete 23
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 Arrival Transfer to Potsdam Hotels: $173
  • Berlin Airporttransfer, Driver, Chauffeur, Limousinenservice: $107
  • Berlin City Departure Private Transfer to Berlin Train Station in Luxury Van: $78
  • Berlin Departure Private Transfers from Berlin City to Berlin Airport SXF: $91

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Crete

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Crete:

  • Full-Day Trip to Santorini island by Boat from Ag.Nikolaos Elounda with Transfer: $251
  • Private Guided Trek to Samaria Gorge with Transfer: $250
  • Taxi Transfers from Heraklion Airport to Rethymno City : $239
  • Knossos and Arch Museum of Heraklion (Guide+Transfer+Ticket) : $229
  • Transfer from Chania airport to Elafonisi up to 3 or vise versa: $222
  • Knossos palace & the Archaeological museum of Heraklion (with Transfer): $217
  • One-Way Private Taxi/Transfer Heraklion to/from Chania: $216
  • Crete Private Taxi and Transfer from Kalyves to Heraklion Airport: $214
  • Private Airport Transfers from Chania Airport to Heraklio one way: $201
  • Transfer from Chania airport to Paleochora up to 3 or vise versa: $198
  • KNOSSOS PALACE private tour ( with Transfer from Heraklion Prefecture ): $196
  • Heraklion: Santorini Day Trip with Boat Transfer & Oia Visit: $186

Is it cheaper to fly into Berlin or Crete?

Prices for flights to both Crete 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
    Crete 34
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
  • 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: $69
  • Evening Food Tour by Bike: $69
  • Berlin Food Tour by Bike: $71
  • Sharing plate food tour in Berlin: $76
  • Dinner Cruise on the Spree with Prosecco: $79

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Crete

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

  • Cretan Night with Dinner & Live Show: $49
  • Olive Oil Factory Tour, Dinner & Traditional Dancing: $59
  • Chania: Cretan Folklore Dance Show with Dinner and Pickup: $75
  • Cook with Locals | Cretan cooking Class at Archanes (transfer - lunch included): $86
  • The Delicious Chania PRIVATE Street Food Tour : $87
  • Sightseeing Day Trip with Cooking Lesson and Lunch: $95
  • Full-Day Jeep Safari Tour with Cooking Lesson: $97
  • Heraklion: Cretan Cooking Lesson with Lunch in Arolithos: $117
  • Chania: Authentic Cooking Class in the White Mountains: $117
  • E-bike Food Tour Tasting in Heraklion : $125
  • Sunset Craft Beer & Food Tour - Chania: $130
  • Private Interactive Cooking Class with Aggeliki : $158

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Berlin 22
    Crete 26
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: $1.07
  • Berlin Alternative Street Art Tour: $2.61
  • Berlin Walking Tour: $2.61
  • Selfguided Audiotour "Old Berlin": $3.19
  • Selfguided Audiotour "Center of Power": $3.19
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.20
  • Rude Bastards Tour of Berlin: $3.20
  • Third Reich and Holocaust Self Guided Audio Tour: $3.20
  • Rude Bastards tour of Medieval Berlin: $3.20
  • Museum Island Self Guided Audio Tour: $3.73
  • Berlin tour - Free offer - in Italian: $3.73
  • Escape Game and Tour: $3.73

Tours and Activities in Crete

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

  • 4x4 Safari tour Southern Crete Tripitis Gorge: $108
  • Adventure Safari Tour Secrets of the southern Crete : $100
  • Cretan Night Show Tour From Rethymnon: $53
  • Private Tour to Elafonisi and Falasarna: $130
  • Seitan Limania - Marathi private Jeep tour with SUP & lunch: $173
  • 4-Hour Giouchtas Trekking Hiking Experience from Heraklion: $90
  • 4x4 self drive adventure: $87
  • 6-Hours Safari Tour in Damnoni and Skinaria Beach, from Plakias: $37
  • Adventure Jeep Safari Amazing sunset : $85
  • Agia Pelagia: Quad Safari-Family Tour: $85
  • Agios Nikolaos-Spinalonga-Elounda Tour TR: $47
  • Agios Nikolaos: Private Sailing Cruise in Mirabello Bay: $2,131

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Berlin 16
    Crete 20
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: $23
  • Pub Crawl with Skip-the-Line Club Entry: $24
  • Showgirls of Burlesque Entry Ticket: $69
  • Berlin:sunset boat trip with Argentine wine tasting and food: $213
  • German Wine Tasting Tour at the Best Wine Bars in Berlin: $249
  • German Wine Tasting Tour at the Best Wine Bars in Berlin: $254
  • Bachelor(ette) Party with Pub Crawl: $400
  • Berlin Tour by Car, Meal at Reichstag, Choc & Wine Tasting: $659

Sample the Local Flavors in Crete

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Crete:

  • Chania: Off-Road Tour at Sunset with Wine Tasting: $95
  • Ecobike Wine Tasting Tour in Heraklion: $114
  • Heraklion: Half Day Small Group Wine Tour with wine Tastings: $125
  • Wine Tasting on Luxury Yacht Sunset Evening in Marina: $173
  • The Gourmet Wine Tour of Heraklion area: $180
  • Knossos, Olive Mill, Winery - Distillery with Tastings & Lunch : $196
  • Heraklion SUV Private Guided Wine Tour with Lunch : $215
  • Private-Knossos Palace and Wine tasting in Heraklion countryside: $218
  • From Elounda Private Heraklion Wine Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $228
  • Heraklion: Private Knossos & Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $245
  • Ecobike Tour • All in One • Historical Tour-Food Tasting-Wine Tasting: $256


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Berlin and Crete, we can see that Berlin is more expensive. And not only is Crete much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Crete would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Crete 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 Crete.

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


Which has a larger population, Berlin or Crete?

Berlin has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Crete. When comparing the sizes of Berlin and Crete, 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.