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

Should you visit London 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 London and Berlin can help you decide which place is right for you.

London

London is a iconic, global, and international 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 live music, food, and shopping.

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.

London and Berlin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in London or Berlin?

Travelers will usually find more to do in London than Berlin, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. London is more touristy than Berlin and is known for its international reputation, its world-renowned theater productions, and its many different markets. It is also home to Big Ben. Berlin is popular for its art scene, cultural activities, and war torn history.

Big Ben

How is London different from Berlin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of terrific museums and attractions in both Berlin and London.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, London has many famous sights for visitors. The city has so many iconic sights that we can't list them all, but some of the most famous include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the British Museum. You can fill many days exploring the treasures found at each of the venues.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Berlin that are not to be missed. 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.

Is London or Berlin Better for Theater?

London is an unbeatable place for its theatre productions. However, Berlin is not a theatre destination.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in London. The West End theater district is where you'll find the most popular musicals. Famous theaters include Apollo Theatre, Palace Theatre, and Piccadilly Theatre. There are often Wednesday matinees that are a bit cheaper than the evening shows. You may also be able to get discounted last minute tickets if you're visiting during the less touristy times.

Berlin is not a theatre destination.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both London and Berlin.

London has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Although food here was once the butt of a number of jokes, the restaurant scene has come a long way, and you can find anything and everything around town. Head to Chinatown to try dim sum or hot pot. There are no shortage of Indian restaurants as well. If you want the best food for the lowest prices, your best bet is to get out of the touristy areas and discover where the locals eat. There are also many markets that are perfect for grabbing a unique lunch or snack. Burrough Market has a number of ethnic and seafood vendors as well as fresh produce and snack options.

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 London or Berlin Better for Nightlife?

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

London is a must-see party destination. Some of the best neighborhoods for nightlife are Camden, West End, Soho, and Shoreditch. There are many festivals, concerts, and shows worth checking out and the nightlife scene is diverse enough that there really is something for everyone.

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.

Is London or Berlin Better for Music?

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

London has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.

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 the Shopping Better in London or Berlin?

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

Many people travel to London specifically to go shopping. With so much iconic shopping around town, it's hard to decide where to go. Head to Oxford Street, Regent Street, or Piccadilly Circus for a quintessential British shopping experience.

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 London or Berlin Better for Christmas?

London is an unbeatable place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Berlin does not offer Christmas activities.

People travel from all around to experience the Christmas season in London. There's Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, outdoor ice skating, and beautiful Christmas lights throughout the city. You can also listen to Christmas Carols in Trafalgar Square or see a classic Christmas show.

Berlin does not offer Christmas activities.

Is London or Berlin Better for Christmas Markets?

London is an unbeatable place for visiting Christmas markets. However, Berlin does not offer Christmas markets.

People travel from around the world to visit the Christmas markets in London. The city has many Christmas markets. There is Winter Wonderland Christmas market, Southbank Centre Winter Market, and Selfridges Christmas Market, among many others.

Berlin does not offer Christmas markets.

Is London or Berlin Better for Families?

London is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Berlin is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

London is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Whether you do a Harry Potter Tour, take a ride on the London Eye, or enjoy afternoon tea, there are plenty of activities for kids around town. The Harry Potter Studio Tour is fun for everyone, but should be booked well in advance as it sells out. Theatre enthusiasts will enjoy catching a musical in West End and sampling dim sum or a hot pot in Chinatown. There are often Wednesday matinee showings that are perfect for kids with early bedtimes.

Berlin is known to be 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 London or Berlin Better for Couples?

London is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Berlin is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

London has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With every type of entertainment that you can imagine, this city is the ultimate couple's getaway. There are world class musicals, evening concerts, and restaurants of every style, cuisine, and budget. It's easy for couples to fill days in this vibrant city.

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 London or Berlin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both London and Berlin are terrific places to visit.

A large number of backpackers visit London, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Although the city is very expensive, it has tons of hostels, affordable restaurant options, and great public transit. There's a huge backpacker network here and it's easy to meet other travelers. The nightlife scene is also second to none.

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

Is London or Berlin Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over the world to visit London. The city has a number of universities and is a popular study abroad destination. It's also a very diverse city, so international students will feel right at home.

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

London and Berlin both offer terrific public transit to get you around.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of London can take you anywhere. From the iconic double decker buses to the Tube, there are plenty of options throughout the city.

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

Is London or Berlin a more walkable city?

London is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Berlin is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

London is a very easy city to get around on foot. With many walkable areas, it is considered to be one of the world's most walkable major cities.

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 London Worth Visiting? and Is Berlin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Berlin or London?

How long in London or Berlin?

Both London and Berlin have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, London has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in London than Berlin. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for London, and 2-7 days is enough time in Berlin.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in London than Berlin 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 London.

One day in London or Berlin?

London is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the big city destination of Berlin. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in London or Berlin?

London 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.

Berlin 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.

Five days in London or Berlin?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Berlin. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. 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 London or Berlin?

London is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the historic big city of Berlin. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Adventure Tours to Germany, and The Best Cultural Tours in Germany.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between London and Berlin, we can see that London 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 London would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in London 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 London Expensive? and Is Berlin Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, London or Berlin?

London has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Berlin. When comparing the sizes of London 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 London 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 London or Berlin in the Summer?

Both Berlin and London are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to London this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Berlin for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, London is generally around the same temperature as Berlin. Daily temperatures in London average around 18°C (64°F), and Berlin fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Berlin. London usually receives less sunshine than Berlin during summer. London gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Berlin receives 227 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, London usually receives less rain than Berlin. London gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit London or Berlin in the Autumn?

Both Berlin and London during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to London for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Berlin in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

London is a little warmer than Berlin in the autumn. The daily temperature in London averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Berlin fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

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

London usually gets more rain in October than Berlin. London gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit London or Berlin in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both London and Berlin. Many visitors come to London in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. 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. London can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, London is much warmer than Berlin. Typically, the winter temperatures in London in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Berlin averages at about -0°C (31°F).

London usually receives more sunshine than Berlin during winter. London gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Berlin receives 42 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, London usually receives more rain than Berlin. London gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit London or Berlin in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to London as well as Berlin. Most visitors come to London for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Berlin because of the activities around the city.

In April, London is generally around the same temperature as Berlin. Daily temperatures in London average around 9°C (48°F), and Berlin fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

In the spring, London often gets less sunshine than Berlin. London gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Berlin receives 160 hours of full sun.

London usually gets more rain in April than Berlin. London gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Berlin and London