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

Should you visit Berlin or Puerto Vallarta?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Berlin or Puerto Vallarta, 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 creative, eclectic, and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Berlin travel costs.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a laid-back, cultural, and coastal town. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Puerto Vallarta travel costs.

Berlin and Puerto Vallarta: 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
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Berlin or Puerto Vallarta?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Berlin than Puerto Vallarta, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Berlin is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Puerto Vallarta is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Berlin is popular for its art scene, cultural activities, and war torn history. It is also home to the Brandenburg Gate. Puerto Vallarta is popular for its natural beauty and vibrant nightlife.

How is Berlin different from Puerto Vallarta?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Berlin
Puerto Vallarta

Berlin is renowned for its sights and museums. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Berlin on the map. 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.

Puerto Vallarta is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of historical sights around town like Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish.


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

Berlin
Puerto Vallarta

Dining out at restaurants in both Berlin and Puerto Vallarta 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 Puerto Vallarta is an experience not to be missed. The charming character combined with the authentic local cuisine makes for a wonderful culinary experience. There's everything from taco stands to romantic restaurants that you can try.

Is Berlin or Puerto Vallarta Better for Nightlife?

Berlin
Puerto Vallarta

Berlin is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife.

Berlin is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Puerto Vallarta has a large number of nightlife venues. You'll find a mix of active clubs, cozy bars, and cosmopolitan cafes. Head to the Romantic Zone or Los Muertos Beach for some of the best places.

Is Berlin or Puerto Vallarta Better for Music?

Berlin
Puerto Vallarta

Berlin is renowned for its music scene. However, Puerto Vallarta is not a live music destination.

In Berlin you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. 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.

Puerto Vallarta is not a live music destination.


Is Berlin or Puerto Vallarta Better for Resorts?

Berlin
Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Berlin is not a resort destination.

Puerto Vallarta offers an unforgettable resort vacation. There are many different places to stay from all-inclusive resorts to high end hotels or beachfront properties.

Berlin is not a resort destination.

Is Berlin or Puerto Vallarta Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Berlin
Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a great town for its diving and snorkeling. However, Berlin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Puerto Vallarta to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. Divers in the area may get to experience once in a lifetime opportunities like diving with manta rays, dolphins, whale sharks, hammerheads, or schools of jacks.

Berlin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Berlin or Puerto Vallarta Better for Beaches?

Berlin
Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a great town for the beach. However, Berlin is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Puerto Vallarta. There are many beaches spread out around town that have soft sand and blue water. Most have all of the amenities you could need. Popular beaches include Playa de los Muertos, Playa Mismaloya, and Playa Conchas Chinas.

Berlin is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Berlin or Puerto Vallarta?

Berlin
Puerto Vallarta

Berlin is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Berlin is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Puerto Vallarta. There's a mix of shopping malls, open-air markets, boutiques, and international brands.

Is Berlin or Puerto Vallarta Better for Families?

Berlin
Puerto Vallarta

Berlin and Puerto Vallarta are both excellent 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.

Puerto Vallarta is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the water parks and thrilling activities, such as Aquaventuras Water Park or Los Veranos Canopy Tour. There's rock climbing and ropes courses at Las Animas Aventura Park. You'll also find horseback riding and even pirate boat tours in the area.

Is Berlin or Puerto Vallarta Better for Couples?

Berlin
Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a great town for its romantic activities. Also, Berlin is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Puerto Vallarta is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples looking for a romantic getaway will enjoy sunset boat trips, horseback riding, and adventure sports. There are also many restaurants where you can enjoy a romantic dinner or a refreshing drink.

Berlin is a good city for couples to visit. 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.


Is Berlin or Puerto Vallarta Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Berlin
Puerto Vallarta

Berlin is renowned for backpackers. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Puerto Vallarta is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are hostels around, as well as many adventure sports or thrilling activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Is Berlin or Puerto Vallarta Better for Students?

Berlin
Puerto Vallarta

Berlin is renowned for students. However, Puerto Vallarta is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit 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.

Puerto Vallarta is not popular with students.

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

Berlin
Puerto Vallarta

Berlin is renowned for its public transit. Also, Puerto Vallarta is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Berlin has a great public transit system. The transportation system is diverse and includes the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, and trams.

Puerto Vallarta has some public transit options. There are blue, green or orange buses that travel around town.


Is Berlin or Puerto Vallarta a more walkable city?

Berlin
Puerto Vallarta

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

Puerto Vallarta is a very walkable town. There are several walkable neighborhoods in town such as 5 de Diciembre, el Centro, and Zona Romantica.

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 Puerto Vallarta Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Puerto Vallarta or Berlin?

How long in Berlin or Puerto Vallarta?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Berlin than Puerto Vallarta 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 Puerto Vallarta? Ideal Length of Stay
    Berlin 2-7 
    Puerto Vallarta 3-5

One day in Berlin or Puerto Vallarta?

Berlin is a big city with plenty to do. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Puerto Vallarta. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Berlin or Puerto Vallarta?

Berlin is a big city with plenty to do. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Puerto Vallarta 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 Puerto Vallarta?

Berlin is a great place to explore. This city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Puerto Vallarta. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Puerto Vallarta?

Berlin is a big city with plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laid-back destination of Puerto Vallarta. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, and The Best Luxury Tours to Mexico.


Which place is cheaper, Puerto Vallarta 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
    Puerto Vallarta Prices
    Mexico Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Berlin 175
    Puerto Vallarta 119

The average daily cost (per person) in Berlin is €175, while the average daily cost in Puerto Vallarta is €119. 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 Puerto Vallarta in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Berlin 64
    Puerto Vallarta 53
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Berlin 128
    Puerto Vallarta 106
Compare Hotels in Berlin and Puerto Vallarta

Looking for a hotel in Berlin or Puerto Vallarta? 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 Puerto Vallarta


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 Puerto Vallarta Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Berlin 18
    Puerto Vallarta 16
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:

  • Berlin BER Airport Private Transfer to Berlin City Center: $46
  • Private One way Airport Transfer Berlin To Berlin Airport: $62
  • Transfer from Brandenburg Airport to Berlin City Center: $75
  • Brandenburg Airport Transfer to Berlin City Center: $79
  • Berlin to Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) - Departure Transfer: $79
  • Private Berlin Airport & City Transfer: $87
  • Berlin Departure Private Transfers from Berlin City to Berlin Airport SXF: $97
  • Berlin City Departure Private Transfer to Berlin Train Station in Luxury Van: $98
  • Berlin City Departure Private Transfer to Berlin Train Station in Luxury Car: $98
  • Private Transfers from to Berlin Airport BER: $105
  • Berlin Private Transfer from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Berlin City centre: $108
  • Private Transfer: Brandenburg Airport BER to Berlin in Sedan Car: $115

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Puerto Vallarta

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Puerto Vallarta:

  • Private Roundtrip Transfer Airport Hotel or Airbnb up to 12px: $245
  • NAYARIT VIP Round Trip Transfers Airport - Bucerias - Airport: $209
  • Private AC Airport Transfer to Sayulita: $200
  • Privat Transfer from Puerto Vallarta Airport PVR to Punta de Mita: $180
  • Sayulita hotels to Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) – Private Departure Transfer: $152
  • Private Airport Transfers across Bahía de Banderas: $150
  • Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) to Puerto Vallarta Port-RoundTrip Private Transfer: $140
  • Puerto Vallarta Port to Puerto Vallarta RoundTripPrivate Transfer: $140
  • Private Transfer from Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) to Puerto Vallarta hotels: $138
  • Private Transfer from PVR to Puerto Vallarta / Punta de Mita / Sayulita: $138
  • Punta de Mita to Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) - Private Departure Transfer: $136
  • Puerto Vallarta Airport (PVR) to Punta de Mita hotels - Private Arrival Transfer: $136

Is it cheaper to fly into Berlin or Puerto Vallarta?

Prices for flights to both Puerto Vallarta 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
    Puerto Vallarta 53
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 Show with Free Pizza and Free Shots: $17
  • English Comedy Show with Pizza and Shots in Central Berlin: $20
  • Hard Rock Cafe Berlin with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $33
  • Hard Rock Cafe Berlin With Set Lunch or Dinner: $39
  • Mitte Culinary Food Tour: $51
  • Berlin Mitte Culinary – The Food Tour: $57
  • Berlin Food Tour: Taste the Best with a Full Meal & Beer: $67
  • Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $74
  • Disco - Acrobatics Dinner and Dance - Variety Theater in Berlin: $79
  • Candlelight dinner for two – Italian night in Berlin: $81
  • Berlin Food Tour with Full Meal & Drinks by Do Eat Better: $83
  • Kreuzberg Food Tour – Five Courses in Wrangelkiez: $87

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Puerto Vallarta

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Puerto Vallarta.

  • Old Town Taco Tour with Vallarta Food Tours: $49
  • Ultimate Taco Tour in Puerto Vallarta with Vallarta Food Tours: $55
  • Bucerias Taco Tour with Vallarta Food Tours: $59
  • Winner 2026 Downtown Vallarta Food Tour with Vallarta Food Tours: $59
  • 3-Hour Guided Food Tour in Puerto Vallarta: $59
  • Taco102 - dinner taco walk - all inclusive: $63
  • Versalles de Noche Dinner Tour with Vallarta Food Tours: $79
  • Mexican Cooking Class & Unlimited Margaritas: $85
  • Live Mexican Cooking Class with Local Chef: $85
  • Bucerias Bike and Food Tour: $90
  • Cook Like a Local: Vallarta Market & Cooking Experience: $95
  • Sayulita Tacos and Tequila Food Tour: $99

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Berlin 22
    Puerto Vallarta 16
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 2-Hour Segway Tour: $2.33
  • Self-Guided Tours In Berlin With 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.49
  • Berlin Must-see Tour – offer at the end of the tour: $3.50
  • Berlin Walking Tour: $3.50
  • Berlin Highlights History Walking Tour + Optional Food Tastings: $3.50
  • Rude Bastards tour of No Walls - No Wars – No Nazis: $3.50
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Berlin: $4.65
  • City's Highlights Walking Tour: $4.65
  • Rude Bastards tour of Berlin (CYHIT): $4.65
  • Berlin Highlights Walking Tour: $4.67
  • Communist Berlin Walking Tour: $4.67
  • Berlin's Museum Island: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.00

Tours and Activities in Puerto Vallarta

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Puerto Vallarta are as follows:

  • 1/2 Day Puerto Vallarta Botanical Garden tour: $60
  • 2 Hour Private Surfing Experience in Puerto Vallarta: $99
  • 2 Hour and 30 Minutes Walking Tour in 5 De Diciembre: $50
  • 2 Hours Catamaran Sunset Tour: $99
  • ATV Adventure in Puerto Vallarta (Single): $107
  • ATV Jorullo Bridge Tour: $174
  • ATV Single Jungle Adventure-Waterfalls, Tequila & Local Culture": $107
  • ATV Tour: $129
  • ATV Tour Rio Cuale Sierra Madre Mountains and tequila tasting: $77
  • ATV Tour in Puerto Vallarta, waterfall and tequila tasting.: $104
  • ATV adventure through the mountains of Puerto Vallarta: $130
  • ATV and RZR Glass Platform Experience in Puerto Vallarta: $155

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Berlin 16
    Puerto Vallarta 20
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:

  • Alternative Pub Crawl, Bars, Beats & Insider Stories: $11
  • Pub Crawl & Party with Free Shots & VIP Club Access: $12
  • Alternative Berlin Pub Crawl: $12
  • Ludwig's Original Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $17
  • Berliner Berg Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting: $19
  • Cirque du Burlesque Berlin show ticket: $21
  • Pub Crawl with Shots and VIP Club Entry: $22
  • Original Pub Crawl Berlin: $23
  • Vagabund Brauerei Beer Tasting & Guided Brewery Tour: $29
  • Sip Up Comedy - Stand Up Comedy with Wine Tasting: $31
  • Ludwig's Queer Pub Crawl with VIP Club Entry: $34
  • Wine on Canvas - Paint Workshop and Wine Tasting: $47

Sample the Local Flavors in Puerto Vallarta

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Puerto Vallarta:

  • Puerto Vallarta Pub Crawl: $22
  • Premium Tequila Tasting Puerto Vallarta Distillery: $24
  • Brewery Bus Tour from Mexico: $85
  • Secret Agave Bar Crawl in Vallarta: $98
  • Cachasol Tequila Tasting & Raicilla Distillery Tour: $106


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

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


Which is Bigger, Berlin or Puerto Vallarta?

Berlin has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Puerto Vallarta. When comparing the sizes of Berlin and Puerto Vallarta, 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.