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

Should you visit Berlin or Ottawa?

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

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

Ottawa

Ottawa is a friendly, welcoming, and cultural city. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food. See Ottawa travel costs.

Berlin and Ottawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Berlin or Ottawa?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Berlin than Ottawa, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Berlin is more touristy than Ottawa and is known for its art scene, cultural activities, and war torn history. It is also home to the Brandenburg Gate. Ottawa is popular for its history, politics, and green space.

How is Berlin different from Ottawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Berlin is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Berlin has many famous sights for visitors. 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 Ottawa specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. As the country's capital, there are a large number of museums to explore. There are summer national museums in town which include the National Gallery of Canada, the Museum of History, the Science and Technology Museum, the Aviation and Space Museum, the Agriculture and Food Museum, the Museum of Nature, and the War Museum.

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

Berlin is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Berlin has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a great international food scene, but also all of the traditional favorites like currywurst, spätzle, and schnitzel. You'll find many diverse food halls, street markets, and local restaurants, as well as a large selection of traditional German restaurants that cater to the tourists.

Ottawa offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The culinary scene highlights many Canadian classics like poutine and maple donuts (and, of course, the classic Tim Horton's), but you'll also find plenty of international options like shawarma.

Is Berlin or Ottawa Better for Nightlife?

Berlin is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. However, Ottawa is lacking in good options for nightlife.

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.

Ottawa is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It's not the first place that comes to mind when you think about partying, but there are live music venues and a some great bars around town.

Is Berlin or Ottawa Better for Music?

Berlin is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Ottawa 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.

Ottawa is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Berlin or Ottawa?

Berlin is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Berlin specifically to go shopping. 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.

Ottawa is a great destination for shopping. You'll find large malls, outlets, and shopping streets that are fun to browse. Some of the favorite shopping areas include ByWard Market, Sparks Street, and CF Rideau Centre.

Is Berlin or Ottawa Better for Families?

Berlin is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Berlin. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ottawa. As the country's capital, you'll find a number of museums that will keep a kid's attention. In particular, check out the aviation, science, and nature museums. If you have a car, you can head out to Calypso Water Park, which is fun as well.

Is Berlin or Ottawa Better for Couples?

Berlin and Ottawa 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.

Ottawa is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with parks and green spaces where you can enjoy flowers or peaceful walks. Commissioners Park is particularly nice and known for its tulips during the spring season. Dow's Lake is a nice place for ice skating in the winter or kayaking in the summer. The city also offers a number of romantic restaurants and charming hotels.

Is Berlin or Ottawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Berlin is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Ottawa 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.

Ottawa is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Although the city is often overlooked by tourists, there are a surprising number of hostels around town.

Is Berlin or Ottawa Better for Students?

Berlin is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Ottawa 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.

Ottawa is popular with students. It appeals to international and Canadian students alike. It's known for its livability and diverse cultural scene.

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

Berlin is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find some public transit in Ottawa, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is both a public bus and light rail system.

Is Berlin or Ottawa a more walkable city?

Berlin and Ottawa are good 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.

Ottawa is a somewhat walkable city. Many of the urban neighborhoods are very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Ottawa or Berlin?

How long in Berlin or Ottawa?

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

Families should spend more time in Berlin than Ottawa. 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 Ottawa. 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 Ottawa 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.

One day in Berlin or Ottawa?

Berlin is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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

A weekend in Berlin or Ottawa?

Berlin 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.

Ottawa 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 Ottawa?

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

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

Berlin is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the welcoming destination of Ottawa. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Germany, The Best Adventure Tours to Germany, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Berlin or Ottawa?

Berlin has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Ottawa. When comparing the sizes of Berlin and Ottawa, 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 Ottawa?

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 Ottawa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Berlin and Ottawa. Many visitors come to Berlin in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Ottawa for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Berlin is cooler than Ottawa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Berlin in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Ottawa averages at about 21°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ottawa this time of the year. In Berlin, it's very sunny this time of the year. Berlin usually receives less sunshine than Ottawa during summer. Berlin gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Berlin usually receives less rain than Ottawa. Berlin gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Berlin or Ottawa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Berlin as well as Ottawa. Most visitors come to Berlin for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Ottawa because of the shopping scene.

In October, Berlin is generally a little warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Berlin average around 10°C (50°F), and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the autumn, Berlin often gets less sunshine than Ottawa. Berlin gets 106 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun.

Berlin usually gets less rain in October than Ottawa. Berlin gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Berlin or Ottawa in the Winter?

Both Ottawa and Berlin are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Berlin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ottawa this time of year.

It's quite cold in Ottawa in the winter. The weather in Berlin can be very cold. Berlin is much warmer than Ottawa in the winter. The daily temperature in Berlin averages around -0°C (31°F) in January, and Ottawa fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

Berlin usually receives less sunshine than Ottawa during winter. Berlin gets 42 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Berlin usually receives less rain than Ottawa. Berlin gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Berlin or Ottawa in the Spring?

Both Ottawa and Berlin during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Berlin this time of year.

In the spring, Berlin is a little warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Berlin in April average around 9°C (47°F), and Ottawa averages at about 6°C (44°F).

In the spring, Berlin often gets less sunshine than Ottawa. Berlin gets 160 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun.

Berlin usually gets less rain in April than Ottawa. Berlin gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ottawa and Berlin