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

Should you visit Berlin or Portland?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Berlin or Portland, 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 nightlife, live music, and food.

Portland

Portland is a tree-lined, nature-filled, and scenic city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Berlin and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Berlin or Portland?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Berlin than Portland. 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 Portland attracts visitors for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Berlin is famous for its art scene, cultural activities, and war torn history. It is also well known for the Brandenburg Gate. Portland is famous for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty.

How is Berlin different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Berlin is very popular for its museums and history. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Portland offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors usually come for the city's outdoor recreation and eclectic personality more than the landmarks and museums. There are a few places to visit on a rainy day though including Pittock Mansion, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

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

Berlin is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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 Portland. The town is more famous for it's craft beer than it's food, but there are still a number of local restaurants that offer unique Oregon dishes. You'll find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan options on most menus. There is also a big farm-to-table scene with many farmers markets around town as well.

Is Berlin or Portland Better for Nightlife?

Berlin is very popular for nightlife. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Berlin is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Portland has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Famously, this town's nightlife is all about the craft beer and local breweries. Make sure you check out Bailey's Taproom, The Big Legrowlski, and The Commons Brewery.

Is Berlin or Portland Better for Music?

Berlin is very popular for live music. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its live music scene.

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.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Portland. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Is Berlin or Portland Better for Hiking?

Portland is a great city for hiking. However, Berlin is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Portland for the hiking trails. Just outside of town you'll find amazing hikes and stunning natural beauty. In town there are many urban hikes through parks and gardens, but in just a short drive you also have access to Mount Hood and many of the region's most beautiful hikes around the Columbia River Gorge.

Berlin is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Berlin or Portland?

Berlin is very popular for shopping. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Portland offers some nice shopping areas. To fully experience shopping in town, head to the local vendors and thrift shops. There are many vintage clothing shops, book stores, and independent sellers around town. The city is also full of farmers markets. For some of the most interesting shopping, check out the Pearl District, Pioneer Place, Union Way, and Downtown neighborhoods.

Is Berlin or Portland Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Portland. This is an outdoor city by nature, so families will appreciate the many parks and outdoor recreational activities around town. It's easy to fill a couple of days exploring and having fun with the kids. Kid-friendly activities include the zoo, the aerial tram, and several great museums.

Is Berlin or Portland Better for Couples?

Berlin and Portland 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.

Portland is a good city for couples to visit. The laid-back, alternative vibe is fun to explore as a couple. There are independent bookstores, nice parks, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Couples who enjoy an eclectic city, breweries, and nature, will find a lot to do in town.

Is Berlin or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Portland is a great city to visit for backpackers. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

Is Berlin or Portland Better for Students?

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

Berlin is a very popular city 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.

Portland is popular with students. It's a young and relaxed city that attracts independent thinkers. There are many bookstores and breweries around town. The cost of living can be a bit high though.

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

Berlin is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Portland 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.

You'll find some public transit in Portland, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

Is Berlin or Portland a more walkable city?

Portland is a great city for its high level of walkability. Also, Berlin is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

Portland is a very walkable city. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.

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 Portland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Portland or Berlin?

How long in Berlin or Portland?

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

Families should spend more time in Berlin than Portland. 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 Portland. 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 Portland 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 Portland?

Berlin is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the live music and shopping when visiting the destination of Portland. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Berlin or Portland?

Berlin is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Berlin, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Portland 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 Portland?

Berlin is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Berlin, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portland. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Portland?

Berlin is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Berlin has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the live music and shopping when visiting the scenic destination of Portland. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Berlin or Portland?

Berlin has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Portland. When comparing the sizes of Berlin and Portland, 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 Portland?

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 Portland in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Berlin and Portland. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Berlin this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Portland for the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Berlin is generally around the same temperature as Portland. Daily temperatures in Berlin average around 19°C (66°F), and Portland fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland this time of the year. In Berlin, it's very sunny this time of the year. Berlin usually receives less sunshine than Portland during summer. Berlin gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Berlin usually receives more rain than Portland. Berlin gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Berlin or Portland in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Berlin as well as Portland. Many travelers come to Berlin for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, many visitors come to Portland in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In the autumn, Berlin often gets less sunshine than Portland. Berlin gets 106 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun.

Berlin usually gets less rain in October than Portland. Berlin gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Berlin or Portland in the Winter?

Both Portland and Berlin are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Berlin in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Portland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Portland can be very cold during winter. Berlin can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Berlin is much colder than Portland. Typically, the winter temperatures in Berlin in January average around -0°C (31°F), and Portland averages at about 40°F (4°C).

Berlin usually receives less sunshine than Portland during winter. Berlin gets 42 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Portland. In January, Berlin usually receives less rain than Portland. Berlin gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Berlin or Portland in the Spring?

Both Portland and Berlin during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Berlin for the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Portland because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Berlin is generally cooler than Portland. Daily temperatures in Berlin average around 9°C (47°F), and Portland fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In Portland, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Berlin often gets less sunshine than Portland. Berlin gets 160 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun.

Berlin usually gets less rain in April than Portland. Berlin gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Portland and Berlin