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

Should you visit Berlin or Le Mans?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Berlin or Le Mans, 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 eclectic, diverse, and historic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Le Mans

Le Mans is a historic, quaint, and small town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the nightlife and museums.

Berlin and Le Mans: 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 with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Berlin or Le Mans?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Berlin than Le Mans. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Berlin is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Le Mans attracts visitors for its small town charm. Berlin is more touristy than Le Mans and is known for its art scene, cultural activities, and war torn history. It is also well known for the Brandenburg Gate. Le Mans is famous for being the location of the annual 24 Hours of Le Mans, which is one of the world's greatest sports-car races.

How is Berlin different from Le Mans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Berlin
Le Mans

Berlin is a world-class destination for its historical sights. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Berlin from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Le Mans offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It's most famous as the location of the 24 hour car race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and on some days it's possible to visit the race track which has a museum with simulators and other activities. Around town you'll find museums and activities affiliated with the racing culture, and there's also a cathedral as well as several nice museums relating to the automotive industry among other things.


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

Berlin
Le Mans

Berlin is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Le Mans is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Le Mans. It's not known for its food scene, but there is one dish in particular that you should try. The local specialty is les rillettes de porc, which is a pork paté.

Is Berlin or Le Mans Better for Nightlife?

Berlin
Le Mans

Berlin is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife and partying.

People head to Berlin just to party. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Le Mans. You'll find bars and clubs in the city center around Saint-Nicolas Quarter, rue des Ponts-neufs, Place de la Sirène and around the Republic Square.

Is Berlin or Le Mans Better for Music?

Berlin
Le Mans

Berlin is a world-class destination for live music. However, Le Mans is not a live music destination.

Berlin is known as a music capital around the world. 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.

Le Mans is not a live music destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Berlin or Le Mans?

Berlin
Le Mans

Berlin is a world-class destination for shopping. However, Le Mans is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Berlin. 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.

Le Mans is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Berlin or Le Mans Better for Families?

Berlin
Le Mans

Berlin is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

Berlin is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Le Mans is a family-friendly place to visit. Make sure you visit on a day when Le Mans Karting International and the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum is open to visitors. Families can ride on high speed go-carts and train like professionals with special game simulators. This is a popular destination for adults and kids alike. The town also has indoor play areas, waterparks, and beautiful parks to explore.

Is Berlin or Le Mans Better for Couples?

Berlin
Le Mans

Berlin and Le Mans are both nice 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.

Le Mans is a good city for couples to visit. It's a small town, but racing enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum.


Is Berlin or Le Mans Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Berlin
Le Mans

Berlin is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Berlin. 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 Le Mans. While there aren't many hostels specifically designed for backpackers, it is possible to find affordable accommodation at most times.

Is Berlin or Le Mans Better for Students?

Berlin
Le Mans

Berlin is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Le Mans is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit 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.

Le Mans is not popular with students.

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

Berlin
Le Mans

Berlin is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Berlin can get you around easily. The transportation system is diverse and includes the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, and trams.

Le Mans has a few public transit options. There is a tram service around town that provides access to many places including the race track via the T1 line (Antarès-Stade Marie Marvingt and exit at the East Entrance).


Is Berlin or Le Mans a more walkable city?

Berlin
Le Mans

Berlin and Le Mans 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.

Le Mans is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the town are walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Le Mans or Berlin?

How long in Berlin or Le Mans?

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

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

One day in Berlin or Le Mans?

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 museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Le Mans. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Berlin or Le Mans?

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.

Le Mans 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 Le Mans?

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 Le Mans. 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 Le Mans?

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 nightlife and museums when visiting the historic destination of Le Mans. This town 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 Adventure Tours to France, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Le Mans 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 Le Mans is €83. 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 Le Mans in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Berlin 64
    Le Mans 37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Berlin 128
    Le Mans 74
Compare Hotels in Berlin and Le Mans

Looking for a hotel in Berlin or Le Mans? 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 Le Mans


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 Le Mans Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Berlin 18
    Le Mans 30
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 Prague: $702
  • Private Highlights Tour with Hotel Transfers: $365
  • Trabi Limousine Airport Transfer with City Tour: $356
  • Private Minivan Transfer with Driver and Guide: $319
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Berlin APT-HTL (SXF): $300
  • Private Transfer from Berlin to Nuremberg with 2h of Sightseeing: $276
  • Classic Remise Private Tour with Transfer: $270
  • Private transfer from Berlin to Prague with Terezin Concentration Camp stop: $268
  • Berlin City Experience Tour with Hotel Transfers by car or minivan: $257
  • Private Transfer from Berlin to Prague, Hotel-to-hotel, English-speaking driver: $246
  • Skip-the-line Charlottenburg Palace Private Tour & Transfers: $203
  • Private Transfer from Berlin Airport to Berlin Hotels: $176

Is it cheaper to fly into Berlin or Le Mans?

Prices for flights to both Le Mans 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
    Le Mans 27
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 Comedy Ticket including Pizza in Berlin Mitte: $18
  • 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
  • No Diet Club - Street Food Tour with many Tastings !: $59
  • Evening Yacht Cruise with Aperitif & Optional Dinner: $63
  • Evening Food Tour by Bike: $69
  • Sicilian Cooking Workshop with unlimited drinks: $69
  • Sharing plate food tour in Berlin: $76
  • Dinner Cruise on the Spree with Prosecco: $79

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Berlin 22
    Le Mans 15
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.

  • E-scooter Sightseeing Tours in Berlin: $66
  • East Berlin and the Berlin Wall 2-Hour Walking Tour : $22
  • Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial Tour from Berlin.: $32
  • The Best of Most Famous Sites Walking Tour: $21
  • (E) Bike Tour for Non bikers addtional Rickshaw is possible: $37
  • 1-Hour Segway Discovery Tour Berlin: $49
  • 2 Hour Berlin Small Group Segway Tour: $76
  • 2 Hours E-Scooter Tour: $60
  • 2-Hour Private Berlin Walking Tour, Berlin in the Third Reich and Cold War: $213
  • 2-Hour Segway Discovery Tour Berlin: $75
  • 3-Hour Bike Tour of Tiergarten and Berlin's Hidden Places: $35
  • 3-Hour Private Berlin Bike Tour: Vibes of Berlin: $185

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

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


  • Drinks at a Show
    14

Sample the Local Flavors in Berlin

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

  • Original One80 Berlin Pub Crawl: $16
  • VIP Pub Crawl with Drinks and Challenges: $16
  • brewery tour with beer tasting: $19
  • Vagabund Brauerei Beer Tasting & Guided Brewery Tour: $23
  • Pub Crawl with Skip-the-Line Club Entry: $24
  • Berlin Pub Crawl and Nightlife Clubbing tour: $26
  • Showgirls of Burlesque Entry Ticket: $69
  • Wine Tasting, Antipasti and Cheese: $74
  • German Wine Tasting Tour at the Best Wine Bars in Berlin: $249
  • German Wine Tasting Tour at the Best Wine Bars in Berlin: $255
  • Bachelor(ette) Party with Pub Crawl: $399
  • Berlin Tour by Car, Meal at Reichstag, Choc & Wine Tasting: $658


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

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


Which is Bigger, Berlin or Le Mans?

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

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Berlin or Le Mans in the Summer?

Both Le Mans and Berlin are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Berlin for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Le Mans because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Berlin is generally around the same temperature as Le Mans. Daily temperatures in Berlin average around 19°C (66°F), and Le Mans fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Le Mans. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Berlin. Berlin usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Le Mans during summer. Berlin gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Le Mans receives 231 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Berlin usually receives more rain than Le Mans. Berlin gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Berlin 19°C (66°F) 
    Le Mans 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Berlin or Le Mans in the Autumn?

Both Le Mans and Berlin during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Berlin because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Le Mans this time of year.

Berlin is cooler than Le Mans in the autumn. The daily temperature in Berlin averages around 10°C (50°F) in October, and Le Mans fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Berlin often gets less sunshine than Le Mans. Berlin gets 106 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Le Mans receives 117 hours of full sun.

Berlin usually gets less rain in October than Le Mans. Berlin gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Berlin 10°C (50°F) 
    Le Mans 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Berlin or Le Mans in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Berlin and Le Mans. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Berlin this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Le Mans for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Le Mans. It's quite cold in Berlin in the winter. In the winter, Berlin is much colder than Le Mans. Typically, the winter temperatures in Berlin in January average around -0°C (31°F), and Le Mans averages at about 5°C (40°F).

Berlin usually receives less sunshine than Le Mans during winter. Berlin gets 42 hours of sunny skies, while Le Mans receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Berlin usually receives less rain than Le Mans. Berlin gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Berlin -0°C (31°F) 
    Le Mans 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Berlin or Le Mans in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Berlin as well as Le Mans. Many travelers come to Berlin for the activities around the city. Additionally, many visitors come to Le Mans in the spring for the small town charm.

In April, Berlin is generally cooler than Le Mans. Daily temperatures in Berlin average around 9°C (47°F), and Le Mans fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Berlin often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Le Mans. Berlin gets 160 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Le Mans receives 168 hours of full sun.

Berlin usually gets less rain in April than Le Mans. Berlin gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Berlin 9°C (47°F) 
    Le Mans 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Le Mans and Berlin

Berlin Le Mans
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (31°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 5°C (40°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Feb 1°C (33°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 5°C (42°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Mar 4°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Apr 9°C (47°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 52 mm (2 in) 14°C (56°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in) 19°C (66°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 18°C (65°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 19°C (65°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 10°C (50°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 5°C (41°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Dec 2°C (35°F) 51 mm (2 in) 5°C (42°F) 75 mm (3 in)