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

Should you visit Dubai or Berlin?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dubai and Berlin can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dubai

Dubai is a glamorous, opulent, and modern city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dubai and Berlin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dubai or Berlin?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Dubai than Berlin. While Berlin is larger than Dubai, Dubai has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Dubai is more popular for its skiing, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Berlin is known for its museums. Dubai is popular for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style. It is also home to Burj Khalifa. Berlin is popular for its art scene, cultural activities, and war torn history.

Burj Khalifa

How is Dubai different from Berlin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Dubai or Berlin Better for Skiing?

Dubai is adequate for skiing. However, Berlin is not a skiing destination.

Dubai is a fun local destination for snow skiers. Despite being a desert city, Dubai became famous for its massive indoor ski complex that covers 22,500 square meters. It is located in the Mall of the Emirates.

Berlin is not a skiing destination.

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

Berlin is a world-class destination for its historical sights. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Dubai can be an interesting and educational experience. The city's most famous landmark is the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world. Head to the observation deck for stunning views.

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

Foodies will find both Dubai and Berlin both to be excellent destinations.

Dubai has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The national dish in the area is khuzi, or ghuzi, which is a meal of roasted lamb or mutton, prepared with rice vegetables and nuts.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Berlin makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Is Dubai or Berlin Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find terrific options in both Dubai and Berlin.

People head to Dubai just to party. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.

The nightlife in Berlin is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Is Dubai or Berlin Better for Music?

Dubai and Berlin are both destinations where visitors can find terrific live music.

Dubai has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city attracts world famous international DJs and musicians giving it one of the world's best music scenes.

Berlin is a world class music destination. 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.

Is Dubai or Berlin Better for Resorts?

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

Dubai offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Some of the most famous include Atlantis - The Palm, The Four Seasons, and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

Berlin is not a resort destination.

Is Dubai or Berlin Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubai is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Berlin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Dubai has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. One of the best scuba diving spots is Jumeirah Beach.

Berlin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dubai or Berlin Better for Beaches?

Dubai is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Berlin is not a beach destination.

Dubai has a beach worth visiting. There are a number of both private and public beaches in the city. They are almost all man-made, so they are large, flat, and have soft sand. It's also generally safe to swim at most beaches.

Berlin is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dubai or Berlin?

If you're looking to go shopping, Dubai and Berlin both offer plenty of terrific spots.

Many people travel to Dubai specifically to go shopping. With its many malls, souks, and shopping areas, this is the place to go for luxury shopping. Popular items to purchase include gold and diamond jewelry, shawls, and Persian rugs.

Berlin is a famous shopping destination with plenty of 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.

Is Dubai or Berlin Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Dubai or Berlin.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Dubai. This city has family-friendly resorts, skyscrapers with spectacular views, and amusement parks that are fun for the whole family. There are also plenty of fountains that the kids can splash around in.

Berlin is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Dubai or Berlin Better for Couples?

Both Dubai and Berlin are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Dubai is a good city for couples to visit. From the spectacular views to the high end resorts, couples can enjoy a romantic retreat to the city.

Berlin is a nice destination for couples. 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 Dubai or Berlin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Berlin is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Dubai is not known 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.

Dubai is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It is known to be an expensive and not so backpacker friendly city, but there are some hostels around that you can stay at.

Is Dubai or Berlin Better for Students?

For students, both Dubai and Berlin are terrific places to visit.

Students come from all over the world to visit Dubai. Many major universities from around the world have campuses in this city, making this a top destination for international 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.

Is Dubai or Berlin 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, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Dubai has a few public transit options. The city's public transportation system includes buses, water buses, a monorail system, and a metro.

Is Dubai or Berlin a more walkable city?

Berlin is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Dubai is not known for its walkability.

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.

Dubai is generally not very walkable. It is one of the less pedestrian-friendly cities around the world. There is lots of road work, even in the more walkable areas, so getting around on foot can be challenging.

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

Should I spend more time in Berlin or Dubai?

How long in Dubai or Berlin?

Both Dubai and Berlin have a number of activities to choose from. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Dubai, and 2-7 days is enough time in Berlin.

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

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

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

Dubai is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Berlin, many people enjoy the live music and food that this cultural big city offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Dubai or Berlin?

Dubai 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Berlin. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Dubai or Berlin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dubai. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Berlin is a fun place to experience. In Berlin, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this big city destination offers. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Dubai or Berlin?

Dubai is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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.

In Berlin, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this historic big city offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Dubai, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Berlin, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Berlin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and Berlin is in Europe, 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 Dubai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubai 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 Dubai Expensive? and Is Berlin Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dubai or Berlin?

Berlin has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Dubai. When comparing the sizes of Dubai 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 Dubai or Berlin?

Berlin has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Dubai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Dubai or Berlin in the Summer?

Both Berlin and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Berlin for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Dubai can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Dubai is generally much warmer than Berlin. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 35°C (95°F), and Berlin fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In July, Dubai usually receives less rain than Berlin. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer. The dry season in Dubai is June to August.

Should I visit Dubai or Berlin in the Autumn?

Both Berlin and Dubai during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Berlin in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Dubai is much warmer than Berlin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Berlin fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Dubai usually gets less rain in October than Berlin. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dubai or Berlin in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Berlin. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Also, most visitors come to Berlin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Berlin can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Dubai is much warmer than Berlin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dubai in January average around 19°C (66°F), and Berlin averages at about -0°C (31°F).

In January, Dubai usually receives less rain than Berlin. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter. Also, January to March is the rainy season in Dubai.

Should I visit Dubai or Berlin in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Berlin. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Berlin because of the activities around the city.

In April, Dubai is generally much warmer than Berlin. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 26°C (79°F), and Berlin fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

Dubai usually gets less rain in April than Berlin. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to August in Dubai is the dry season.

Typical Weather for Berlin and Dubai