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. See Berlin travel costs.

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. See Mexico City travel costs.

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 eclectic 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 creative 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 artsy 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 colorful 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. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Berlin Prices
    Germany Prices
    Mexico City Prices
    Mexico Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Berlin 175
    Mexico City 177

The average daily cost (per person) in Berlin is €175, while the average daily cost in Mexico City is €177. 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 32
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Berlin 128
    Mexico City 64
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 9.97
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:

  • Vienna: Private transfer Berlin to Vienna: $728
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Berlin APT-HTL (SXF): $300
  • Transfer from Brandenburg Airport to Berlin City Center: $76
  • Transfer from Berlin Schönefeld Airport (SXF) to Berlin city Hotels - ROUND TRIP: $238
  • Transfer from Berlin City Center to Berlin Brandenburg Airport: $77
  • Skip-the-line Charlottenburg Palace Private Tour & Transfers: $250
  • Private transfer from Berlin to Prague: $795
  • Private Transfers from to Berlin Airport BER: $107
  • Private Transfer: Brandenburg Airport BER to Berlin in Sedan Car: $119
  • Private Transfer: Brandenburg Airport BER to Berlin in Luxury Car: $130
  • Private Transfer: Brandenburg Airport BER to Berlin by Luxury Van: $130
  • Private Transfer: Berlin to River Cruise Dock Nuremberg - Port/Harbor transport: $290

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Mexico City

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


  • Metro
    0.91
  • Uber Ride
    3.17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Mexico City

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

  • Mexico City to Guanajuato - Private Transfer with Optional Sightseeing: $296
  • Shared Balloon Flight in Teotihuacan with transfer: $263
  • Mexico Airport (MEX) Tecozautla - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $252
  • Transfer from Mexico City Airport to Puebla: $245
  • Mexico Airport(MEX) to Chignahuapan - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $235
  • Balloon adventure: transfer+breakfast in the cave+guided pyramids: $222
  • Departure Transfer: Mexico to Mexico Airport NLU by Luxury SUV: $214
  • Airport Transfer: Mexico to Mexico Airport NLU by Luxury SUV: $214
  • CDMX: Fly over Teotihuacan in a hot air balloon, with transfers and breakfast included.: $209
  • Mexico Airport (MEX) to Cuernavaca - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $202
  • CDMX: Teotihuacan Hot Air Balloon with Transfers & Breakfast: $199
  • Mexico City Private Transfer to or from Airport: $194

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 90
    Mexico City 36
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: $20
  • English Comedy Showcase Including Pizza in Berlin Mitte: $31
  • Hard Rock Cafe Berlin with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $32
  • Hard Rock Cafe Berlin With Set Lunch or Dinner : $39
  • Mitte Culinary Food Tour: $51
  • Kreuzberg kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $53
  • Berlin Food Tour with Full Meal and Beer: $72
  • Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $73
  • Candlelight dinner for two - Italian night in Berlin: $81
  • Sharing plate food tour in Berlin: $84
  • Iconic Berlin Street Food Tour - 2,0 hrs: $84
  • Kreuzberg Food Tour – Five Courses in Wrangelkiez: $86

Typical Food Prices in Mexico City

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


  • Lunch for Two
    10
  • Coffee and Snacks
    3.54
  • Dinner for 2
    21

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:

  • Private Mexico City Street Food Tour - Best Rated: $29
  • Private Street Food Tour Mexico City - Best rated : $35
  • Frida Kahlo Museum & Coyoacan Tacos & Food Tour: $35
  • Art and Food Tour with Lunch: $52
  • Local Markets & Food Tour in Mexico City: $53
  • Mexico City Vegan & Veggie Market Explorer plus Cooking Lesson: $55
  • Private Half-Day Traditional Markets Street Food Tour in Mexico City: $57
  • 3 Hours Food Tour Best Vegan Tacos in Mexico City: $61
  • Vegan & Veggie Market Tour with Cooking Lesson: $61
  • Lunch Food Tour: Taste Mexico like a local: $62
  • Secret Food Tours Mexico City: $65
  • Secret Food Tour: Mexico City Old Town: $66

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Berlin 22
    Mexico City 11
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 Beers & Battlefields Tour War History and German Beer: $68
  • East Berlin and the Berlin Wall 2-Hour Walking Tour : $24
  • Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Bus Tour in English from Berlin: $72
  • The Best of Most Famous Sites Walking Tour: $48
  • "ELVIS - The Musical" Ticket: $56
  • "Inside Berlin" East meets West - Food & Culture Tour: $217
  • 1-Hour River Cruise with Tour Guide. Bilingual (Ger/Engl): $23
  • 2-H Fabulous Berlin Historical Guided Fat Tire Tour: $75
  • 2-Hour Luxurious Private VIP - Berlin Fat Tire Tour: $98
  • 2-Hour Segway Discovery Tour Berlin: $83
  • 2.5-Hour Berlin Wall and Memorial Sites Walking Tour: $26
  • 3D Adventure black light mini golf (Berlin): $17

Tours and Activities in Mexico City

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

  • Hiking Tour on the Iztaccíhuatl Volcano from Puebla (private): $176
  • Mexico City Jewish History Smartphone Guided Audio Walking Tour: $7.75
  • Mexico City Tour and Visit Chapultepec Castle. Private service: $180
  • Mixology, Food, Wine and Beer Experience in Xochimilco: $99
  • Monarch Butterfly Tour from Mexico City: $220
  • Private City Tour Mexico City - Best Rated: $32
  • Private Tour Teotihuacan Essentials: $140
  • Private Tour from your Hotel to the Pyramids of Teotihuacan: $104
  • Private Walking Tour Historic Center of Mexico City: $131
  • Private guided tour of the Soumaya Museum : $275
  • Romantic tour in San Andrés Mixquic: $150
  • Sunrise HotAir Balloon Adventure Over Teotihuacan's Pyramids: $160

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

  • Ludwig's Original Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $18
  • Original Pub Crawl Berlin: $20
  • Cirque du Burlesque Berlin Show Ticket: $21
  • Berliner Berg Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting: $21
  • Berlin Pub Crawl: $22
  • Pub Crawl with Shots and VIP Club Entry: $23
  • Vagabund Brauerei Beer Tasting & Guided Brewery Tour: $25
  • Ludwig's Queer Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $33
  • Wine on Canvas - Paint Workshop and Wine Tasting: $46
  • Beer hike in Berlin Experience brewery and craft beer: $66
  • Showgirls of Burlesque Show: $75
  • New Year’s Eve Pub Crawl with Open Bar in Berlin: $107

Sample the Local Flavors in Mexico City

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

  • Guided Pub Crawl with Party Games: $22
  • Mexico City Pub Crawl: $23
  • Best Bar Crawl at Downtown: $49
  • Polanco: Private Wine Tasting in with Cheese: $83
  • Zona Rosa Pub Crawl Experience: $90
  • Teotihuacan´s Best Balloon Flight: Pyramids and Brewery tours : $120
  • Cavas Freixenet Wine Tour from Mexico City: $222


When comparing the travel costs between Berlin and Mexico City, we can see that Mexico City is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Berlin is in Europe and Mexico City is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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.