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

Should you visit Berlin or Mexico City?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Berlin or Mexico City, 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 historic, cultural, and artsy city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Mexico City

Mexico City is a dynamic, colorful, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Berlin and Mexico City: 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
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Berlin or Mexico City?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Berlin than Mexico City. While Mexico City is larger than Berlin, Berlin has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Berlin is more popular for its music, while Mexico City is known for its food and historical sights. Berlin is more touristy than Mexico City and is known for its art scene, cultural activities, and war torn history. It is also home to the Brandenburg Gate. Mexico City is popular for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture.

How is Berlin different from Mexico City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Berlin
Mexico City

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

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 Mexico City on the map. The city is filled with historic buildings, fascinating museums, and interesting landmarks. At the heart of the city is Zócalo, where the country's constitution was signed. Nearby you'll find the National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Templo Mayor. Other interesting museums in the city include the National Museum of Anthropology, the Palace of Fine Arts, and the National History Museum.


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

Berlin
Mexico City

Mexico City 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, Mexico City is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city food scene is as diverse as the population itself. There are countless ways to experience the amazing street food, but there are also world class chefs working in award winning restaurants. Make sure you try the chilaquiles, tacos al pastor, and chiles en nogada.

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 Mexico City Better for Nightlife?

Berlin
Mexico City

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find fantastic options in both Berlin and Mexico City.

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.

Mexico City is a world class party destination. It's a huge city, so of course there's no shortage of diverse nightlife activities. Some of the most popular neighborhoods for nightlife include the downtown, La Condesa, and Colonia Juárez. For upscale clubs head to Polanco and for trendy and eclectic venues check out Roma.

Is Berlin or Mexico City Better for Music?

Berlin
Mexico City

Berlin is very popular for its music scene. However, Mexico City is not a live music destination.

Berlin has become a mecca for musicians from 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.

Mexico City is not a live music destination.


Is Berlin or Mexico City Better for its Old Town?

Berlin
Mexico City

Mexico City is a nice place to visit for its old town. However, Berlin does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Mexico City. Centro Historico spreads out from Zócalo Plaza, and has many buildings that date back as far as the Aztec period. Many tourists gather here to explore the history and wander down the pedestrian-only Calle Madero.

Berlin does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Berlin or Mexico City?

Berlin
Mexico City

If you're looking to go shopping, Berlin and Mexico City both offer plenty of fantastic 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.

Mexico City is a world class destination for shoppers. The city has everything from open-air bazaars (tianguis) to modern shopping malls. There are international brands as well as local art galleries, handicrafts, and retail outlets.

Is Berlin or Mexico City Better for Families?

Berlin
Mexico City

Berlin and Mexico City are both very good destinations for the whole family.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Berlin is very family-friendly. 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.

Mexico City is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It's a huge city, so there are enough diverse activities to keep everyone entertained. There's even a Six Flags. Popular museums for kids include Papalote Museo del Niño and Museo de Geología. There's also the Acuario Inbursa, and make sure you check out a Lucha Libre show.


Is Berlin or Mexico City Better for Couples?

Berlin
Mexico City

Berlin and Mexico City 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.

Mexico City is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with parks where you can enjoy a picnic, museums that are fascinating to walk through, and cultural activities that are one-of-a-kind. You can ride on a gondola in Xochimilco or spend the day exploring the amazing food scene.

Is Berlin or Mexico City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Berlin
Mexico City

Berlin is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Berlin, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city has no shortage of hostels to choose from, many of which organize activities and tours that guests can enjoy.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Mexico City. It's a big city with a wonderful atmosphere and many hostels. Backpackers who want to experience the culture, food, and personality of Mexico will love a visit here.

Is Berlin or Mexico City Better for Students?

Berlin
Mexico City

Berlin is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

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.

Mexico City is very popular with students. International students love the art, architecture, food, and culture that this colorful city has to offer.


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

Berlin
Mexico City

Berlin is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Berlin has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The transportation system is diverse and includes the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, and trams.

Public transit in Mexico City is fairly effecient and thorough. The city has a complex and comprehensive public transit system that includes a metro, metrobus, and local buses.

Is Berlin or Mexico City a more walkable city?

Berlin
Mexico City

Berlin is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Mexico City is lacking in options 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.

Mexico City is generally not very walkable. While you can walk within many neighborhoods, such as the historic city center, it's impossible to walk between neighborhoods and in many parts of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Mexico City or Berlin?

How long in Berlin or Mexico City?

In either Berlin or Mexico City, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Berlin than Mexico City 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 Mexico City.

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

Couples should spend more time in Berlin than Mexico City. 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 Mexico City 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 Mexico City? Ideal Length of Stay
    Berlin 2-7 
    Mexico City 3-5

One day in Berlin or Mexico City?

Berlin is a historic city where you can fill many days. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the big city destination of Mexico City. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Berlin or Mexico City?

Berlin is a eclectic big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Mexico City 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 Mexico City?

Berlin is a creative city where you can fill many days. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

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

Berlin is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the diverse big city of Mexico City. 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 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Mexico City 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 Mexico City is €200. 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 Mexico City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Berlin 64
    Mexico City 39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Berlin 128
    Mexico City 78
Compare Hotels in Berlin and Mexico City

Looking for a hotel in Berlin or Mexico City? 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 Mexico City


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 Mexico City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Berlin 18
    Mexico City 12
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:

  • Welcome/Farewell SightseeingTaxi Tour +Transfer from/to the airport: $97
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Berlin APT-HTL (SXF): $300
  • Transfer from to Berlin Airport BER: $103
  • Skip-the-line Charlottenburg Palace Private Tour & Transfers: $203
  • Round Trip Private Transfer Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Berlin by Business Car: $257
  • Private transfer from Berlin to Prague with stops at Potsdam + Sanssouci Palace: $294
  • Private transfer from Berlin to Prague with Terezin Concentration Camp stop: $267
  • Private transfer from Berlin to Prague: $703
  • Private Transfer: Brandenburg Airport BER to Berlin in Sedan Car: $102
  • Private Transfer: Brandenburg Airport BER to Berlin in Luxury Van: $112
  • Private Transfer: Brandenburg Airport BER to Berlin in Luxury Car: $112
  • Private Transfer: Berlin to River Cruise Dock Nuremberg - Port/Harbor transport: $262

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Mexico City

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Mexico City:


  • Metro
    1.13
  • Uber Ride
    3.94

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mexico City

Also for Mexico City, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Mexico City to San Luis Potosi - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $296
  • Mexico City → San Miguel de Allende - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $286
  • Mexico City to Guanajuato - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $269
  • Mexico City International Airport to Mexico City - Private Round-trip Transfer: $252
  • Transfer from Mexico City Airport to Puebla: $245
  • Mexico City to Guanajuato - Private transfer, 2 Sightseeing hours, local driver: $237
  • Mexico City Private Transfer to or from Airport: $195
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Mexico City Airport (MEX) - Mexico City: $187
  • RoundTrip Transfer Private Minivan Mexico City Airport (MEX) -Tlalnepantla: $167
  • One-way transfer + City Tour: $143
  • Mexico City Airport MEX Tecozautla Thermal Round-Trip Transfer: $141
  • San Miguel De Allende City Tour with Transfer from Mexico City: $133

Is it cheaper to fly into Berlin or Mexico City?

Prices for flights to both Mexico City 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
    Mexico City 26
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

Typical Food Prices in Mexico City

For Mexico City, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two
    12
  • Coffee and Snacks
    4.39
  • Dinner for 2
    26

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Mexico City

For Mexico City, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Traveling Spoon Mexican Tacos and Tortillas Private Online Cooking Class: $40
  • Veracruz and Boca del Rio Food Tour with Mangroves Boat Trip: $50
  • Virtual Mexican Cooking Class (private and personalized): $50
  • Local Markets & Food Tour in Mexico City: $50
  • Tortilla Crawl: Food Tour in Mexico City: $55
  • Uruapan Food Tour: $60
  • Muchos moles: Multi-variety mole cooking class and feast: $70
  • Mexico City Vegan & Veggie Market Explorer plus Cooking Lesson: $72
  • Street Food Tour with Friends: $75
  • La Roma Authentic Downtown Food Tour: Tacos and Local Flavors: $78
  • Food Tour with Ride an Electric Bike in Mexico: $80
  • Flamenco Tablao Live Show & dinner: $83

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Berlin 22
    Mexico City 14
Typical Entertainment Prices in Berlin

For Berlin, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Berlin Zoo (2)
    20

Tours and Activities in Berlin

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Berlin.

  • Berlin Self-Guided Treasure Hunt & Tour: $12
  • Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial Tour from Berlin.: $31
  • (E) Bike Tour for Non bikers option Rickshaw or E-Scooter: $48
  • 2 Hour Berlin Small Group Segway Tour: $76
  • 2 Hours Berlin City Guided Electric Trike Tour: $59
  • 2 Hours E-Scooter Tour: $60
  • 2-Hour Private Berlin Walking Tour, Berlin in the Third Reich and Cold War: $212
  • 3 Hours Berlin City Guided Electric Trike Tour: $72
  • 3 Hours Segway Discovery Tour Berlin: $93
  • 3-Hour Bike Tour of Tiergarten and Berlin's Hidden Places: $35
  • 3-Hour Private Berlin Bike Tour: Vibes of Berlin: $184
  • 3-Hour Private Bike Tour of Tiergarten and Berlin's Hidden Places: $184

Tours and Activities in Mexico City

For Mexico City, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • City Tour/español-ingles: $68
  • Frida Kahlo Tour with Admission Tickets: $76
  • Mixology, Food, Wine and Beer Experience in Xochimilco: $99
  • Monarch Butterfly Tour from Mexico City: $220
  • Private Tour Teotihuacan Essentials: $129
  • Private Walking Tour Historic Center of Mexico City: $128
  • Romantic Walking tour in Mexico City: $150
  • Romantic tour in San Andrés Mixquic: $150
  • Teotihuacan Early Access tour with Tequila Tasting: $37
  • 2 Day tour Teotihuacan pyramids +City tour & Xochimilco : $132
  • 2 Days Private Tour with Hiking in Malinche from Puebla: $208
  • 2-Hour Meditation Experience on the Shores of Lake Chapultepec: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Berlin 16
    Mexico City 19
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 Mexico City

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

  • CDMX Pub Crawl: Mexico City Bar Crawl: $29
  • Mexico City Pub Crawl: $30
  • Best Bar Crawl at Downtown: $49
  • Nightly Historic Center From Above© Rooftop Bar Crawl +Taco Snack: $129
  • 2 Hours Private Mexican Wine Tasting in Polanco: $155
  • Private Tacos & Wine Tour in Polanco : $159
  • Third Largest Monolith in the World:Bernal with wine tasting: $235
  • Cavas Freixenet Wine Tour from Mexico City: $255


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Berlin and Mexico City, we can see that Mexico City 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 Mexico City 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 Mexico City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mexico City 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 Mexico City Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Berlin or Mexico City?

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