A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Berlin vs. Philadelphia for Attractions, Nightlife, Music, and Backpackers

Should you visit Berlin or Philadelphia?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Berlin or Philadelphia, 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 artsy, creative, and eclectic 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 live music.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a historic, cultural, and diverse city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.

Berlin and Philadelphia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Berlin or Philadelphia?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Philadelphia than Berlin. While Berlin is larger than Philadelphia, Philadelphia has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Philadelphia is better known for its theatre productions, historical sights, christmas markets, and impressive beauty, while Berlin is more popular for its nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities. Berlin is more touristy than Philadelphia and is known for its art scene, cultural activities, and war torn history. Philadelphia is well known for its diverse population, large number of universities, great restaurant and market scene, and its role in American history. Also, Philadelphia is famous for The Liberty Bell.

How is Berlin different from Philadelphia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Philadelphia on the map. The city has a rich history with a number of museums and monuments. Popular sites around the city include the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the National Museum of Jewish American History.

Is Berlin or Philadelphia Better for Theater?

Philadelphia is a great city for its theatre productions. However, Berlin is not a theatre destination.

Many visitors plan to see a show while visiting Philadelphia. There are major Broadway shows as well as smaller venues. Head to The Avenue of the Arts along Broad Street for a popular stretch of theaters.

Berlin is not a theatre destination.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Berlin and Philadelphia can be an enjoyable experience.

Berlin has a huge number of terrific 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.

Dining out in Philadelphia is an experience not to be missed. It has grown into a well-recognized food destination. It's diversity of cultures and residents have influenced the restaurant scene and you'll find many great places to dine covering a number of international flavors. The city is famous for its Philly cheesesteak and roast pork sandwich. You can also grab some local favorites at Reading Terminal Market.

Is Berlin or Philadelphia Better for Nightlife?

Berlin is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Berlin is a world class party destination. 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.

The people in Philadelphia know how to have a good time. The city's nightlife scene carries late into the evening with many rooftop and outdoor beer gardens. Most of the clubs and bars are found in the downtown area and you'll find places to dance, listen to live music, or sip a trendy cocktails.

Is Berlin or Philadelphia Better for Music?

Berlin is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its music scene.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Berlin. 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.

Philadelphia has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. The city's diverse music scene includes jazz, rock, and hip hop.

Is Berlin or Philadelphia Better for its Old Town?

Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia. The Old City has a number of Colonial-era sites including Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross House.

Berlin does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Berlin or Philadelphia?

Berlin is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Philadelphia. With all items tax-free, this city is a great place to shop. It has many boutique shops as well as name brand stores and shopping areas. For a local vibe, head to Reading Terminal Market.

Is Berlin or Philadelphia Better for Christmas?

Philadelphia is a great city for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Berlin does not offer Christmas activities.

Philadelphia is a very popular destination during Christmas. There are a number of holiday events, light shows, and festivals during the holiday season.

Berlin does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Berlin or Philadelphia Better for Christmas Markets?

Philadelphia is a nice place to visit for visiting Christmas markets. However, Berlin does not offer Christmas markets.

Philadelphia has Christmas markets worth visiting. The city has its own German style Christmas market at Love Park and City Hall. It hosts over 80 vendors.

Berlin does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Berlin or Philadelphia Better for Families?

Berlin and Philadelphia are both superb 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.

Philadelphia is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has many museums and a fascinating history that is interesting to kids and adults alike. Popular activities include a zoo and Sesame Place. Kids also love the hands-on Please Touch Museum.

Is Berlin or Philadelphia Better for Couples?

Berlin and Philadelphia are both notable 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.

Philadelphia is a good city for couples to visit. Like many large cities, it is a fun place to explore in the evening as a couple. This is also a great foodie destination with great markets, food trucks, and diverse restaurants that reflect the city's diverse population.

Is Berlin or Philadelphia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Berlin is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Berlin is extremely popular for backpackers. The city has no shortage of hostels to choose from, many of which organize activities and tours that guests can enjoy.

Philadelphia is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a few good hostels for backpackers and budget travelers to choose from.

Is Berlin or Philadelphia Better for Students?

Berlin is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Berlin is a great destination for students. 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.

Students come from all over to stay in Philadelphia. With its many universities and diverse population, this city is a great place for international students.

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

Berlin is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Philadelphia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Berlin has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The transportation system is diverse and includes the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, and trams.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Philadelphia. The system includes a subway, trolleys, buses, and a commuter rail.

Is Berlin or Philadelphia a more walkable city?

Philadelphia is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Berlin is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

Philadelphia is a very easy city to get around on foot. The Old City is particularly walkable, as is Avenue of the Arts, and Rittenhouse Square.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Philadelphia or Berlin?

How long in Berlin or Philadelphia?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Berlin than Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia?

Each neighborhood in Berlin has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

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

A weekend in Berlin or Philadelphia?

Berlin is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Philadelphia is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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 Philadelphia?

Each neighborhood in Berlin has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Philadelphia. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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 Philadelphia?

Berlin is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the museums and theater when visiting the cultural big city of Philadelphia. 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 from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

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

Which is Bigger, Berlin or Philadelphia?

Berlin has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Philadelphia. When comparing the sizes of Berlin and Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia?

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 Philadelphia in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Berlin and Philadelphia. The summer months attract visitors to Berlin because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Philadelphia this time of year.

Berlin is cooler than Philadelphia in the summer. The daily temperature in Berlin averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Philadelphia fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Philadelphia this time of the year. In Berlin, it's very sunny this time of the year. Berlin usually receives less sunshine than Philadelphia during summer. Berlin gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 273 hours of full sun in the summer.

Philadelphia receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Berlin usually receives less rain than Philadelphia. Berlin gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Berlin or Philadelphia in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Berlin as well as Philadelphia. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Berlin this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Philadelphia for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Berlin is cooler than Philadelphia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Berlin in October average around 10°C (50°F), and Philadelphia averages at about 56°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Philadelphia. In the autumn, Berlin often gets less sunshine than Philadelphia. Berlin gets 106 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 202 hours of full sun.

Berlin usually gets less rain in October than Philadelphia. Berlin gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Berlin or Philadelphia in the Winter?

Both Philadelphia and Berlin are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Berlin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Philadelphia in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Philadelphia can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Berlin. In January, Berlin is generally much warmer than Philadelphia. Daily temperatures in Berlin average around -0°C (31°F), and Philadelphia fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

Berlin usually receives less sunshine than Philadelphia during winter. Berlin gets 42 hours of sunny skies, while Philadelphia receives 152 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Berlin usually receives less rain than Philadelphia. Berlin gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Berlin or Philadelphia in the Spring?

Both Philadelphia and Berlin during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Berlin in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Philadelphia for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Berlin is cooler than Philadelphia in the spring. The daily temperature in Berlin averages around 9°C (47°F) in April, and Philadelphia fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

In Philadelphia, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Berlin often gets less sunshine than Philadelphia. Berlin gets 160 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Philadelphia receives 216 hours of full sun.

Berlin usually gets less rain in April than Philadelphia. Berlin gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Philadelphia receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Philadelphia and Berlin