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

Should you visit Bucharest or Berlin?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Bucharest and Berlin. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Bucharest

Bucharest is a historical, less touristy, and undiscovered city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Berlin

Berlin is a diverse, historic, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and shopping.

Bucharest and Berlin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bucharest or Berlin?

You'll generally find more things to do in Berlin than Bucharest. Berlin is bigger than Bucharest, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Berlin is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Bucharest is more popular for its historical sights. Berlin is more touristy than Bucharest and is popular for its art scene, cultural activities, and war torn history. Also, Berlin is famous for the Brandenburg Gate. Bucharest is well known for its wide avenues and longstanding religious institutions.

How is Bucharest different from Berlin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Berlin and Bucharest. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bucharest or Berlin?

Berlin is renowned for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Berlin are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bucharest. The city is rich in landmarks and historical buildings. Popular sights include the Romanian Athenaeum, the Palace of the Parliament, Stavropoleos Church, and Curtea Veche.

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

Berlin is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Bucharest is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Many Romanian recipes have been passed down through the generations and they still use traditional flavors. You'll see some German or Hungarian influences, but the flavors are still uniquely Romanian. Popular dishes include ciorba (tripe soup), cabbage rolls, and mici (grilled meat rolls).

Is Bucharest or Berlin Better for Nightlife?

Berlin is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Bucharest has a few options to choose from. The city has come to life with its party scene, with many bars and clubs that you can choose from. There are rooftop bars, chic dance clubs, and cozy pubs where you can pass the evening. You'll find most of the upscale clubs in the northern part of the city, with a more casual scene found in the downtown areas around Universitate and Romanā.

Is Bucharest or Berlin Better for Music?

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

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone 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.

Bucharest is not a live music destination.

Is Bucharest or Berlin Better for its Old Town?

Bucharest 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 Bucharest. The old town dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries, with much of the historical charm seen in the architecture. Many of the buildings have been restored, but others are still awaiting repairs. This gives the area a sense of authenticity that you often miss in other old towns.

Berlin does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bucharest or Berlin?

Berlin is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Berlin make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Bucharest has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The residents love fashion, and you'll find many shopping centers around town where you can find a good deal. In addition to the many malls, there are also antique shops, flea markets and boutique clothing stores where you might find a hidden gem.

Is Bucharest or Berlin Better for Families?

Berlin is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Berlin is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

For families, Bucharest is not always the best place to visit. Kid-friendly activities include kid's play areas, museums such as the Museum of the Senses, and water centered activities like rowing in the park or visiting the wellness center Therme.

Is Bucharest or Berlin Better for Couples?

Berlin is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for couples.

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.

Bucharest is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The city has some romantic settings such as wandering down Victory Avenue or exploring the historic Cotroceni Neighbourhood. There are also several gardens and a number of nice cafes to explore.

Is Bucharest or Berlin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Berlin is renowned for backpackers. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Berlin. The city has no shortage of hostels to choose from, many of which organize activities and tours that guests can enjoy.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bucharest. The city is affordable, but it's often overlooked by backpackers. Part of the charm for many is the sense of authenticity that can often be hard to find in travel these days.

Is Bucharest or Berlin Better for Students?

Berlin is renowned for students. However, Bucharest is not popular with students.

Berlin is a very popular place to visit 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.

Bucharest is not popular with students.

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

Berlin is renowned for its public transit. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Bucharest offers a very effecient public transportation network. Public transit options include trams, buses, and trolley buses.

Is Bucharest or Berlin a more walkable city?

Bucharest and Berlin both are notable when exploring on foot.

Bucharest is a somewhat walkable place. Many of the tourist attractions are within a walkable area.

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 Bucharest Worth Visiting? and Is Berlin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Berlin or Bucharest?

How long in Bucharest or Berlin?

Both Bucharest and Berlin have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Berlin than in Bucharest. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bucharest, and 2-7 days is enough time in Berlin.

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bucharest. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

People visit Berlin because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Bucharest or Berlin?

Bucharest 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.

People visit Berlin because there is so much to do. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Bucharest or Berlin?

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

People visit Berlin because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Bucharest or Berlin?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Bucharest. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Berlin is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Berlin, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania, The Best Adventure Tours to Germany, and The Best Cultural Tours in Germany.

When comparing the travel costs between Bucharest and Berlin, we can see that Berlin 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. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Bucharest or Berlin?

Berlin has a larger population, and is about 83% larger than the population of Bucharest. When comparing the sizes of Bucharest and Berlin, 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 Bucharest or Berlin?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Bucharest or Berlin in the Summer?

Both Berlin and Bucharest during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bucharest in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Berlin for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Bucharest is a little warmer than Berlin in the summer. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Berlin fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Berlin, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Bucharest. In the summer, Bucharest often gets more sunshine than Berlin. Bucharest gets 289 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Berlin receives 227 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets more rain in July than Berlin. Bucharest gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bucharest or Berlin in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bucharest and Berlin. Most visitors come to Bucharest for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Berlin because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Bucharest is a little warmer than Berlin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bucharest in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Berlin averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Bucharest usually receives more sunshine than Berlin during autumn. Bucharest gets 177 hours of sunny skies, while Berlin receives 106 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Berlin. Bucharest gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bucharest or Berlin in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bucharest as well as Berlin. The winter months attract visitors to Bucharest because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Berlin this time of year.

It's quite cold in Berlin in the winter. The weather in Bucharest can be very cold. In January, Bucharest is generally much colder than Berlin. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around -1°C (29°F), and Berlin fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

In the winter, Bucharest often gets more sunshine than Berlin. Bucharest gets 71 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Berlin receives 42 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Berlin. Bucharest gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bucharest or Berlin in the Spring?

Both Berlin and Bucharest are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Bucharest this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Berlin for the activities around the city.

Bucharest is a little warmer than Berlin in the spring. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Berlin fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

Bucharest usually receives more sunshine than Berlin during spring. Bucharest gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Berlin receives 160 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bucharest usually receives more rain than Berlin. Bucharest gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Berlin and Bucharest