A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Gothenburg vs. Berlin for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Gothenburg or Berlin?

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

Should I visit Gothenburg or Berlin? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Gothenburg or Berlin?

Gothenburg

Gothenburg is the second largest city in Sweden with a population of about 500,000. It is located on the western coast at the edge of the Gota River. It's a very friendly and welcoming city with a great vibe. Part of its energy comes from the Gothenburg University, which, with over 60,000 students, is the largest university in the country. Historically, Gothenburg has working class roots which are still apparent today, particularly in the city's harbour area. Recently there has been a growing number of expensive restaurants and cafes, showing that the demographic continues to evolve.

Berlin

Berlin is the capital and largest city in Germany. As such, travelers can expect typical European prices for everything from hotels to food to sights and attractions. While it's possible to experience this city on a cheaper budget, don't expect to get much without paying a decent amount.

With a population of about 4.5 million, Berlin is a very international city that is well known for its high level of tolerance, an eclectic nightlife, an artistic vibe and many historical sights. There are museums, palaces and landmarks spread throughout the city. Despite having a significant amount of damage during the last few years of World War II, Berlin has been rebuilt with an interesting diversity of architecture styles. This is particularly true after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Architecture in the city represents many different historical periods ranging from medieval buildings through modern, glass structures.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Sweden, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Sweden, The Best Adventure Tours to Germany, and The Best Cultural Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Berlin or Gothenburg?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Gothenburg is $145, while the average daily cost in Berlin is $205. 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 Gothenburg and Berlin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Gothenburg $46
    Berlin $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Gothenburg $92
    Berlin $150
Compare Hotels in Gothenburg and Berlin

Looking for a hotel in Gothenburg or Berlin? 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 Gothenburg


Hotels in Berlin


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: Gothenburg Hotel Prices and Berlin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Gothenburg $21
    Berlin $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gothenburg

Also for Gothenburg, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $216
  • Private Transfer Gothenburg Airport GOT to Gothenburg by Sedan: $162
  • Airport Transfer: Gothenburg to Airport GOT by Business Car: $132
  • City Highlights Bike Tour with Transfer: $128
  • Ostersund Private Transfer from Ostersund (OSD) airport to central Ostersund: $115
  • Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) to Goteborg City - Arrival Private Transfer: $108
  • Goteborg City to Goteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) - Departure Private Transfer: $108
  • Private Transfer From Gothenburg Landvetter Airport to Gothenburg Hotels: $95
  • Gothenburg Private Transfer from Central Gothenburg to Gothenburg Airport: $80
  • Gothenburg Airport: Transfer to City center of Gothenburg: $74
  • Umea Private Transfer from Umea city centre to Umea airport: $71
  • Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Departure: $17

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Berlin

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Berlin:


  • Short Trip Metro Ticket
    $1.64
  • Bahn Ticket
    $3.52
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Berlin

Also for Berlin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Berlin APT-HTL (SXF): $300
  • Transfer from Brandenburg Airport to Berlin City Center: $77
  • Transfer from Berlin Schönefeld Airport (SXF) to Berlin city Hotels - ROUND TRIP: $239
  • Transfer from Berlin City Center to Berlin Brandenburg Airport: $77
  • Private transfer from Berlin to Prague with Terezin Concentration Camp stop: $295
  • Private arrival OR departure transfer from/to airport of Berlin: $156
  • Private Transfers from to Berlin Airport BER: $108
  • Private Transfer: Brandenburg Airport BER to Berlin in Luxury Car: $130
  • Private Transfer: Brandenburg Airport BER to Berlin by Luxury Van: $130
  • Private Transfer: Berlin to River Cruise Dock Nuremberg - Port/Harbor transport: $290
  • Private Transfer: Berlin to Brandenburg Airport BER in Luxury Van: $131
  • Private Transfer: Berlin to Brandenburg Airport BER in Luxury Car: $131

Is it cheaper to fly into Gothenburg or Berlin?

Prices for flights to both Berlin and Gothenburg 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
    Gothenburg $76
    Berlin $105

Typical Food Prices in Berlin

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Berlin:


  • Sandwich and Coffee To Go
    $5.87
  • Turkish Sandwich
    $2.35
  • Currywurst
    $2.35
  • 2 Pho Noodles
    $11
  • Restaurant Dinner and Beers (for 2)
    $70
  • Mauer Park (2)
    $13
  • Coffees at Impala
    $9.15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Berlin

For Berlin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hard Rock Cafe Berlin with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $32
  • Hard Rock Cafe Berlin With Set Lunch or Dinner : $39
  • Kreuzberg kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $53
  • Sharing plate food tour in Berlin: $84
  • Berlin Food Tour with Full Meal & Drinks by Do Eat Better : $86
  • Vegan and Gluten-Free Dinner Experience: $88
  • Dinner Cruise on the Spree with Prosecco: $92
  • Street Food Tour with 10 Tastings: $93
  • Vegetarian Berlin Food Tour Global Flavors in Alexanderplatz: $94
  • Berlin Street Food Tour by Bike: $102
  • Berlin Center Food Tour with 8+ Authentic Local Tastings: $106
  • Berlin 4-Course Sunset Dinner Cruise Including Drinks : $143

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Gothenburg $18
    Berlin $26

Tours and Activities in Gothenburg

For Gothenburg, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Archipelago Tour with guide Gothenburg: $48
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $108
  • Bike Tour Gothenburg, Guided Bicycle Tours: $66
  • City Kayak Tour: $53
  • City Sightseeing Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $37
  • Eila's Time Travels: A Lycksele Family Walking Tour Game: $8.59
  • Entry Ticket To Gothenburg Museum of art with pickup: $48
  • Entry Ticket To Gothenburg Museum of art with pickup: $70
  • Fatbike Experience in Sorsele: $131
  • Gothenburg - Private guided tour: $586
  • Gothenburg 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Ticket: $36
  • Gothenburg : Must-See Attractions Walking Tour: $123

Typical Entertainment Prices in Berlin

For Berlin, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Berlin Zoo (2)
    $23

Tours and Activities in Berlin

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Berlin.

  • Berlin Beers & Battlefields Tour War History and German Beer: $83
  • Berlin German Spy Museum Ticket & Digital City Tour: $55
  • Private Berlin Rickshaw and guide most essensial (Guests Cruise): $180
  • Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Bus Tour in English from Berlin: $72
  • The Best of Most Famous Sites Walking Tour: $48
  • "Inside Berlin" East meets West - Food & Culture Tour: $217
  • 1-Hour River Cruise with Tour Guide. Bilingual (Ger/Engl): $23
  • 1-Hour Segway Discovery Tour Berlin: $54
  • 1-hour Sightseeing Boat Cruise Through Historic City Center: $26
  • 2-Hour Segway Discovery Tour Berlin: $83
  • 3 Hour Guided VIP Private Segway Tour: $114
  • 40 Minutes Private Guided Bike Tour in Berlin: $60

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Gothenburg $24
    Berlin $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Gothenburg

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

  • Guided Brewery Tour on Bicycle: $66

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
    $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Berlin

Also in Berlin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Beer hike in Berlin Experience brewery and craft beer: $66
  • Showgirls of Burlesque Show: $76


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

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


Which is Bigger, Gothenburg or Berlin?

Berlin has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Gothenburg. When comparing the sizes of Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg or Berlin?

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 Gothenburg or Berlin in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Gothenburg and Berlin. Furthermore, many visitors come to Berlin in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Gothenburg is generally cooler than Berlin. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around 16°C (61°F), and Berlin fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Berlin this time of the year. In Gothenburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Gothenburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Berlin during summer. Gothenburg gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Berlin receives 227 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Gothenburg usually receives more rain than Berlin. Gothenburg gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Gothenburg 16°C (61°F) 
    Berlin 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Berlin in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Gothenburg as well as Berlin. Additionally, most visitors come to Berlin for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months.

Gothenburg is cooler than Berlin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Gothenburg averages around 9°C (47°F) in October, and Berlin fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the autumn, Gothenburg often gets less sunshine than Berlin. Gothenburg gets 94 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Berlin receives 106 hours of full sun.

Gothenburg usually gets more rain in October than Berlin. Gothenburg gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Gothenburg 9°C (47°F) 
    Berlin 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Berlin in the Winter?

Both Berlin and Gothenburg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Berlin because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Berlin can be very cold. Gothenburg can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Gothenburg is much colder than Berlin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Gothenburg in January average around -2°C (29°F), and Berlin averages at about -0°C (31°F).

Gothenburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Berlin during winter. Gothenburg gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Berlin receives 42 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Gothenburg usually receives more rain than Berlin. Gothenburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Gothenburg -2°C (29°F) 
    Berlin -0°C (31°F)

Should I visit Gothenburg or Berlin in the Spring?

Both Berlin and Gothenburg during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Berlin this time of year.

In April, Gothenburg is generally much colder than Berlin. Daily temperatures in Gothenburg average around 5°C (41°F), and Berlin fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

In the spring, Gothenburg often gets more sunshine than Berlin. Gothenburg gets 182 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Berlin receives 160 hours of full sun.

Gothenburg usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Berlin. Gothenburg gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Gothenburg 5°C (41°F) 
    Berlin 9°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Berlin and Gothenburg

Gothenburg Berlin
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (29°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) -0°C (31°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Feb -2°C (29°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 1°C (33°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Mar 1°C (34°F) 50 mm (2 in) 4°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Apr 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (47°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in) 14°C (57°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 77 mm (3 in) 18°C (65°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 9°C (47°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 4°C (38°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 0°C (32°F) 75 mm (3 in) 2°C (35°F) 51 mm (2 in)