A Travel Price Comparison for Germany Leipzig vs. Berlin for Attractions, Nightlife, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Leipzig or Berlin?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Leipzig or Berlin, 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.

Leipzig

Leipzig is a cultural, historic, and growing city. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Leipzig travel costs.

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 museums, nightlife, and live music. See Berlin travel costs.

Leipzig and Berlin: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
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
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Leipzig or Berlin?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Berlin than Leipzig. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Berlin is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Leipzig attracts visitors for its quaint atmosphere. Berlin is more touristy than Leipzig and is known for its art scene, cultural activities, and war torn history. It is also well known for the Brandenburg Gate. Leipzig is famous for being the home of several great musicians such as Bach and Richard Wagner.

How is Leipzig different from Berlin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Leipzig
Berlin

Berlin is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Leipzig is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Leipzig. There are many historic landmarks like Old City Hall, St. Thomas Church, St. Nicholas Church, and the Battle of the Nations Monument.


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

Leipzig
Berlin

Berlin is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Leipzig is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Leipzig. Coffee houses and cellar restaurants offer an unique atmosphere where you can enjoy local specialties. Sample beef roulade or Saxon dumplings while you soak up the cozy ambiance.

Is Leipzig or Berlin Better for Nightlife?

Leipzig
Berlin

Berlin is terrific for nightlife. Also, Leipzig is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Berlin is a must-see party destination. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Leipzig. Nightlife in town centers around live theater, cultural centers, and live entertainment.

Is Leipzig or Berlin Better for Music?

Leipzig
Berlin

Berlin is terrific for live music. However, Leipzig is not a live music destination.

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.

Leipzig is not a live music destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Leipzig or Berlin?

Leipzig
Berlin

Berlin is terrific for shopping. Also, Leipzig is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Leipzig is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city center has most of the best shopping areas. There are pedestrian streets and squares like Petersstraße and Marktplatz, as well as large shopping malls like Promenaden Hauptbahnhof Leipzig and Petersbogen.

Is Leipzig or Berlin Better for Families?

Leipzig
Berlin

Berlin is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Leipzig is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Leipzig is a family-friendly place to visit. Head to Belantis, which is an amusement park with rides, or take the kids to one of the many parks like Clara-Zetkin Park where they can unwind. The Leipzig Zoo makes a nice outing as well or Maya Mare is a fun waterpark. There are also several good museums like the Leipzig Panometer.

Is Leipzig or Berlin Better for Couples?

Leipzig
Berlin

Leipzig and Berlin are both nice to visit as a couple.

Leipzig is a nice destination for couples. There are many beautiful outdoor parks and natural areas where couples can enjoy this beautiful city.

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.


Is Leipzig or Berlin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Leipzig
Berlin

Berlin is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Leipzig is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Leipzig is a good city to visit for backpackers. Many backpackers overlook this city, but there are a few hostels and some nice areas to explore for those who make their way here.

Is Leipzig or Berlin Better for Students?

Leipzig
Berlin

Berlin is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, Leipzig is not popular with 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.

Leipzig is not popular with students.

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

Leipzig
Berlin

Berlin is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Leipzig is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Berlin can take you anywhere. The transportation system is diverse and includes the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, and trams.

Public transit in Leipzig can get you to some places easily. The city has 61 bus lines and 13 tram lines that connect Leizpig to elsewhere in the region.


Is Leipzig or Berlin a more walkable city?

Leipzig
Berlin

Leipzig and Berlin are nice when it comes to walkability.

Leipzig is somewhat walkable. Parts of Leizpig are more walkable than others.

Berlin is a somewhat walkable place. 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 Leipzig Worth Visiting? and Is Berlin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Berlin or Leipzig?

How long in Leipzig or Berlin?

Both Leipzig 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 Leipzig. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Leipzig, and 2-7 days is enough time in Berlin.

Families should spend more time in Berlin than Leipzig. 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 Leipzig. 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 Leipzig 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 Leipzig or Berlin? Ideal Length of Stay
    Leipzig 1-3 
    Berlin 2-7

One day in Leipzig or Berlin?

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

Because Berlin is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Leipzig or Berlin?

Leipzig 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.

Because Berlin is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Berlin has to offer.


Five days in Leipzig or Berlin?

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

Berlin is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Berlin has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Leipzig or Berlin?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Berlin. Because Berlin is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.


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


Which place is cheaper, Berlin or Leipzig?

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 Leipzig is €204, while the average daily cost in Berlin is €175. 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 Leipzig and Berlin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Leipzig 91
    Berlin 64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Leipzig 182
    Berlin 128
Compare Hotels in Leipzig and Berlin

Looking for a hotel in Leipzig 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 Leipzig


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: Leipzig Hotel Prices and Berlin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Leipzig 27
    Berlin 18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leipzig

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

  • From Return Transfer to Fichtelberg Ski Run: $412
  • Leipzig Halle Airport (LEJ) to Leipzig hotels - Round-Trip Private Car Transfer: $226
  • Leipzig Halle Airport (LEJ) to Leipzig hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $113
  • Arrival Transfer Leipzig Airport LEJ to Leipzig by Car or Van: $92

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:

  • Private transfer to/from Berlin to Prague.: $782
  • Private transfer from Berlin to Prague: $719
  • From Vienna : Transfer to Berlin: $668
  • Berlin to Prague Private Transfer: $528
  • Minivan +Transfer+Highlights + Driver+ Guide + Tailor Made: $423
  • Private Highlights Tour with Hotel Transfers: $362
  • Trabi Limousine Airport Transfer with City Tour: $354
  • Poznan: Private Transfer to/from Berlin: $334
  • Private Minivan Transfer with Driver and Guide: $317
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Berlin APT-HTL (SXF): $300
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Berlin HTL-APT (SXF): $300
  • Private Direct Transfer From Berlin to Hamburg, English Speaking Driver: $296

Is it cheaper to fly into Leipzig or Berlin?

Prices for flights to both Berlin and Leipzig 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
    Leipzig 91
    Berlin 90

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Leipzig

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

  • 3-Hour Sightseeing and Food Tour: $63

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 with Pizza and Shots: $19
  • Hard Rock Cafe Berlin with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $26
  • Hard Rock Cafe Berlin With Set Lunch or Dinner : $32
  • Mitte Culinary Food Tour: $47
  • Berlin Mitte kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $47
  • Kreuzberg kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $47
  • Guided Street Food Tour with Tastings: $61
  • Evening Yacht Cruise with Aperitif & Optional Dinner: $62
  • Dinner Cruise on the Spree with Prosecco: $78
  • Berlin 3-Course Dinner Cruise: $80
  • 3-Hour Secret Food Tour: $100
  • Berlin Food Walking Tour With Secret Food Tours: $102

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Leipzig 36
    Berlin 22

Tours and Activities in Leipzig

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

  • 1.5-Hour Historical Tour of Leipzig with Costumed Guide: $22
  • 2 hours Leipzig exclusive: Private city tour with Panorama Tower: $203
  • Adventure Breakfast Leipzig Private Breakfast and Escape Game: $56
  • Big city tour Leipzig Hop on hop off: $19
  • City game scavenger hunt Leipzig Südvorstadt - independent discovery tour: $43
  • City game scavenger hunt Leipzig city center - independent city tour: $43
  • City tour by motorboat: $17
  • City tour on foot, by S-Bahn and tram: $23
  • Combo Tour in Guided City Tour & City Sightseeing: $21
  • Corpses, Leprosy, Lucifer 75-minute Tour at the Old Cemetery: $18
  • Discover Self-Guided Audio Tour: $20
  • From Day Tour to the Green Belt: $624

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.

  • E-scooter Sightseeing Tours in Berlin: $65
  • Original Berlin Royal Potsdam Tour: $22
  • Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Bus Tour in English from Berlin: $65
  • Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial Tour from Berlin: $32
  • "Bosch&Beyond". The immersive exhibition experience. A must see in Berlin: $21
  • 1-Hour Segway Discovery Tour Berlin: $48
  • 2 Hour Berlin Small Group Segway Tour: $75
  • 2 Hours E-Scooter Tour: $59
  • 2-H Fabulous Berlin Historical Guided Fat Tire Tour: $69
  • 2-Hour Luxurious Private VIP - Berlin Fat Tire Tour: $90
  • 3 Hour Berlin Guided Small Group Fat Tire E-Scooter Tour: $83
  • 3 Hour Guided VIP Private Segway Tour: $102

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Leipzig 26
    Berlin 16

Sample the Local Flavors in Leipzig

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Leipzig:

  • Private pub crawl with guide, shots & drink games: $401

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:

  • Pub Crawl & Bar Tour with Free Shots & Club Access: $15
  • Berliner Berg Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting: $17
  • Bar Crawl with Shots and Club Entry: $21
  • Halloween Bar Crawl with Shots and Club Entry: $21
  • Vagabund Brauerei Beer Tasting & Guided Brewery Tour: $23
  • Berlin Night Pub Crawl - Shots and Party!: $23
  • Original Pub Crawl Berlin: $32
  • Wine on Canvas - Paint Workshop and Wine Tasting: $42
  • Showgirls of Burlesque Show: $58
  • The Showgirls of Burlesque: $59
  • Korean rice wine tasting: $70
  • Open New Year's Eve Pub Crawl with VIP Entry: $89


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


Which is Bigger, Leipzig or Berlin?

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

Both Berlin and Leipzig are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Leipzig because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Berlin this time of year.

In the summer, Leipzig is around the same temperature as Berlin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Leipzig in July average around 19°C (67°F), and Berlin averages at about 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Berlin. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Leipzig. Leipzig usually receives less sunshine than Berlin during summer. Leipzig gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Berlin receives 227 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Leipzig usually receives around the same amount of rain as Berlin. Leipzig gets 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Leipzig 19°C (67°F) 
    Berlin 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Leipzig or Berlin in the Autumn?

Both Berlin and Leipzig during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Leipzig this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Berlin for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Leipzig is generally around the same temperature as Berlin. Daily temperatures in Leipzig average around 11°C (52°F), and Berlin fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the autumn, Leipzig often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Berlin. Leipzig gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Berlin receives 106 hours of full sun.

Leipzig usually gets more rain in October than Berlin. Leipzig gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Leipzig 11°C (52°F) 
    Berlin 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Leipzig or Berlin in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Leipzig and Berlin. Many travelers come to Leipzig for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Berlin in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Berlin can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Leipzig. Leipzig is much warmer than Berlin in the winter. The daily temperature in Leipzig averages around 1°C (33°F) in January, and Berlin fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

Leipzig usually receives more sunshine than Berlin during winter. Leipzig gets 45 hours of sunny skies, while Berlin receives 42 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Leipzig usually receives around the same amount of rain as Berlin. Leipzig gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Leipzig 1°C (33°F) 
    Berlin -0°C (31°F)

Should I visit Leipzig or Berlin in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Leipzig as well as Berlin. Additionally, most visitors come to Berlin for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Leipzig is around the same temperature as Berlin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Leipzig in April average around 10°C (49°F), and Berlin averages at about 9°C (47°F).

In the spring, Leipzig often gets less sunshine than Berlin. Leipzig gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Berlin receives 160 hours of full sun.

Leipzig usually gets more rain in April than Berlin. Leipzig gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Leipzig 10°C (49°F) 
    Berlin 9°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Berlin and Leipzig

Leipzig Berlin
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) -0°C (31°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Feb 2°C (35°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 1°C (33°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Mar 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 4°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Apr 10°C (49°F) 50 mm (2 in) 9°C (47°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 18°C (65°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (41°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 2°C (35°F) 51 mm (2 in)