A Travel Price Comparison for Germany Munich vs. Berlin for Attractions, Nightlife, Music, and Backpackers

Should you visit Munich or Berlin?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Munich 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.

Munich

Munich is a high energy, multicultural, and economically thriving city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Berlin

Berlin is a creative, eclectic, and diverse city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Munich and Berlin: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities


How is Munich different from Berlin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Munich or Berlin Better for Museums and Historical Sights?

Munich
Berlin

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Munich or Berlin.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Munich can be an interesting and educational experience. Famous sights include the Old Town Hall in Marienplatz, Nymphenburg Palace, and the Munich Residenz.

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.


Is Munich or Berlin Better for Food?

Munich
Berlin

Both Munich and Berlin offer a number of unique restaurants to choose from.

Dining out in Munich is an experience not to be missed. Bavaria has some of the best food in Germany. Popular dishes include schnitzel, weisswurst and spätzel.

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.

Is Munich or Berlin Better for Nightlife?

Munich
Berlin

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Munich and Berlin.

Munich is a world class party destination. The city has a young and vibrant population that keep the nightlife scene active and fun. There are many bars and clubs around town, but the city is also famous for Oktoberfest during the months of September and October.

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.

Is Munich or Berlin Better for Music?

Munich
Berlin

Live music enthusiatsts will find something to enjoy in either Munich or Berlin.

In Munich you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The city is known for its music festivals, large concerts, and small venues that are diverse enough that there is something for everyone.

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.

Is Munich or Berlin Better for Shopping?

Munich
Berlin

Shopping is a popular activity in both Berlin and Munich.

Munich is a world class destination for shoppers. There are many pedestrian areas and shopping centers where you can find everything from luxury items to bargain finds.

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.


Is Munich or Berlin Better for Families?

Munich
Berlin

Munich and Berlin are both fun destinations for the whole family.

Munich is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Popular kid activities include going to the top of Stadium Roof at Olympic Park, checking out the movie sets at Filmstadt, and taking a paddle boat ride in the city park.

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.

Is Munich or Berlin Better for Couples?

Munich
Berlin

Munich and Berlin are both fun to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Munich frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples enjoy exploring the palaces around the city, visiting the Roman baths at Müller's Volksbad, and checking out the many great restaurants around town.

Berlin is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Romantic activities in the city include wandering through Schloss Charlottenburg gardens and learning to dance at Clärchen’s Ballhaus.

Is Munich or Berlin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Munich
Berlin

Munich and Berlin are comparable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Munich is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. The city has many fun hostels that often host events and activities for guests. It's easy to meet other backpackers and take advantage of the nightlife around town.

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.

Is Munich or Berlin Better for Students?

Munich
Berlin

Munich and Berlin are comparable places to visit for students.

Munich is a great destination for students. The city is an economic hub for both Germany and Europe, so it attracts employees from around the world. There are many wonderful university programs, including a great business school in town. The city's multicultural setting makes it great for international students.

Berlin is a very popular city 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 Munich or Berlin Better for Public Transit?

Munich
Berlin

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Munich and Berlin.

Munich has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. Transit options include a subway (U-Bahn), suburban trains (S-Bahn), trams, and buses.

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

Is Munich or Berlin a more walkable city?

Munich
Berlin

Munich and Berlin both are comparable when exploring on foot.

Munich is a very walkable destination. While walking tours are a great way to explore, the city is quite large so you'll want to take public transit as well.

Berlin is very walkable. While parts of the city are very walkable, the neighborhoods spread out and the city covers a large amount of space, so walking isn't always practical.

Should I spend more time in Berlin or Munich?

How long in Munich or Berlin?

Both Munich 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 Munich.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Munich is 2-5 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Berlin is 2-7 days.


  • How many days in Munich or Berlin? Ideal Length of Stay
    Munich 2-5 
    Berlin 2-7

One day in Munich or Berlin?

Munich 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 Munich or Berlin?

Munich 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.

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 Munich or Berlin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Munich. 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 Munich or Berlin?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the high energy big city of Munich. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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.

Which city is cheaper, Berlin or Munich?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Munich is €150, while the average daily cost in Berlin is €137. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Munich and Berlin in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Munich 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 Munich


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: Munich Hotel Prices and Berlin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Munich 19
    Berlin 18
Typical Local Transportation prices in Munich

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Munich:


  • Single Zone Trip on Subway
    2.30
  • Inner District Subway Day Pass
    5.20
  • City transport day ticket
    11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Munich

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Munich:

  • Private Transfer from Munich to Prague: $1,060
  • Private transfer from Munich to Vienna: $1,045
  • Private transfer from Baden Baden to München or the opposite way: $933
  • Private Transfer Munich Airport to Zürich or Basel: $759
  • Neuschwanstein castle private transfer from Munich: $739
  • Private transfer from Munich to Ljubljana: $725
  • Private transfer from Munich to Prague: $691
  • Private Dachau Concentration Camp Tour with Private Transfer from Munich: $610
  • One-way Transfer from Munich City Centre to Prague City Centre: $547
  • Munich - Budapest Transfer: $523
  • Exclusive Private Ski Course with success guarantee & Transfer to ski area from Munich: $496
  • Private Transfer from Munich to Salzburg in Mercedes S-Class: $491

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:

  • 1-way private transfer Berlin to Karlovy Vary - Mercedes Benz - up to 8 persons: $662
  • Airport/Hotel/Airport Transfer&Tour& Driver Guide: $218
  • Airport/Hotel/Airport Transfer&Tour&Driver&Licensed Guide (DIN EN 15565): $311
  • Berlin Airport Transfers : Berlin Airport TXL to Berlin City in Business Car: $72
  • Berlin Airport Transfers : Berlin Airport TXL to Berlin City in Luxury Car: $87
  • Berlin Airport Transfers : Berlin City to Berlin Airport SXF in Business Car: $87
  • Berlin Airport Transfers : Berlin City to Berlin Airport SXF in Luxury Car: $118
  • Berlin Airport Transfers : Berlin City to Berlin Airport SXF in Luxury Van: $104
  • Berlin Airport Transfers : Berlin City to Berlin Airport TXL in Luxury Car: $87
  • Berlin Airport Transfers : Berlin City to Berlin Tegel Airport TXL in Luxury Van: $79
  • Berlin Airport Transfers : Berlin City to Tegel Airport TXL in Business Car: $75
  • Berlin Airport Transfers : Berlin Tegel Airport TXL to Berlin City in Luxury Van: $79

Is it cheaper to fly into Munich or Berlin?

Prices for flights to both Berlin and Munich 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
    Munich 27
    Berlin 52
Typical Food prices in Munich

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Munich:


  • Bratwurst
    5.00
  • Leberkässemmeln (Veal & Pork Sandwich)
    1.95

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Munich

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Munich.

  • Viktualienmarkt 2-Hour Gourmet Food Tour: Munich: $40
  • 3-Hour Food Tour Through Haidhausen: $44
  • Munich Traditional Bavarian Culture, Beer And Food Tour Including Traditional Bavarian Dress: $200

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 Comedy Ticket including Pizza in Berlin Mitte: $16
  • English Comedy Showcase Including Pizza in Berlin Mitte: $25
  • Bitemojo Self Guided Food Tour New To Berlin: $40
  • Dinner Cruise – “This is the CHEF talking”: $49
  • Berlin Kreuzberg - Food Tour: $53
  • Berlin Mitte - Food Tour: $53
  • Berlin Food Tour: $55
  • Withlocals 10 Tastings: Covid-19 Regulated Private Food Tour: $57
  • Berlin Dinner Cruise.: $61
  • History Bites: The Berlin History and Food Tour: $61
  • Fun Dinner and Dancing by Gaiety in Berlin: $84
  • Vegan Food Tour Experience in Berlin: $87

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Munich 29
    Berlin 22
Typical Entertainment prices in Munich

Here are a few typical costs in Munich for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Schack Gallery Entrance
    4.00
  • Munich Zoo Entrance
    9.00
  • Pub Crawl Munich Tour
    14
  • Neuschwanstein Castle (2)
    24

Tours and Activities in Munich

Here are a few actual costs in Munich for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Express Tour of Munich: $21
  • 3-Day Prague Overnight Tour Including Round-Trip by Coach from Munich: $502
  • 5-Day Munich to Stuttgart Overnight Tour by Coach: $518
  • 6-Nght Independent Munich Rail Tour to Vienna via Salzburg: $844
  • 7-Day Imperial Triangle Tour Rail Tour from Munich to Vienna and Prague: $901
  • Big Hat Tours: $286
  • Bodyflying: Indoor Skydiving Experience for 2 People: $136
  • Christmas Private Daytrip -Nuremberg to Munich & back with 4/6/8h of Sightseeing: $285
  • CityTourCard Public Transport & Discounts: $16
  • Dachau Concentration Camp Tour: $498
  • Dachau Memorial Site Tour: $51
  • EXCLUSiVE MUNiCH & Surroundings ALL-IN-ONE Culture, Nature and History Tour: $322

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.

  • Rude Bastards tour of Berlin: $1.87
  • Music of Berlin Private Tour: Communist Berlin Exploration Game: $3.72
  • Berlin Private Tour: Third Reich & the Cold War Exploration Game: $4.96
  • The Dönerkebab: Discover how it changed Germany on an audio walking tour: $5.48
  • Witches, Riots and the Cold War: A Walk Through Wedding Audio Tour by VoiceMap: $5.48
  • In and Around Alexanderplatz Walking Audio Tour by VoiceMap: $5.48
  • Berlin's Centre - Explore the city's modern history with this audio walking tour: $5.48
  • Classic Sights and Hidden Histories of Berlin's Museum Island Audio Tour: $5.48
  • Into the Heart of Berlin Self-guided Audio Tour by VoiceMap: $5.48
  • Ku'damm Couture and Currywurst Self-guided Audio Tour by VoiceMap: $5.48
  • Berlin Trabi Museum: Day Ticket: $5.66
  • Self-Guided Tour of Over 100 Sights: $5.66

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Munich 36
    Berlin 16
Typical Alcohol prices in Munich

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Munich:


  • Hofbrauhaus
    12

Sample the Local Flavors in Munich

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

  • Munich's Original Pub Crawl: $28

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:

  • Berlin Pub Crawl And Night Life Tour: $15
  • Guided Pub Crawl with Shots: $20
  • Berlin Nightlife: The Original Pub Crawl: $20
  • #1 Berlin Pub Crawl: $25
  • Sean's Wine Tasting Events: $66
  • Showgirls of Burlesque by Gl’Amouresque: $66
  • Welcome to Berlin tour! Sightseeing, souvenirs and visit of a German brewery: $236


When comparing the travel costs between Munich and Berlin, we can see that Munich 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.


When is the best time to visit Munich 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 Munich or Berlin in the Summer?

Both Berlin and Munich during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Munich because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Berlin this time of year.

In July, Munich is generally around the same temperature as Berlin. Temperatures in Munich average around 20°C (68°F), and Berlin stays around 19°C (66°F).

In Berlin, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Munich. In the summer, Munich often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Berlin. Munich gets 242 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Berlin receives 227 hours of full sun.

Munich usually gets more rain in July than Berlin. Munich gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Munich 20°C (68°F) 
    Berlin 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Munich or Berlin in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Munich and Berlin. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Munich this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Berlin for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Munich is around the same temperature as Berlin in the autumn. The temperature in Munich is usually 11°C (52°F) in October, and Berlin stays around 10°C (50°F).

Munich usually receives more sunshine than Berlin during autumn. Munich gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Berlin receives 106 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Munich usually receives more rain than Berlin. Munich gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Munich or Berlin in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Munich as well as Berlin. Many travelers come to Munich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, 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 Munich. In the winter, Munich is much colder than Berlin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Munich in January are around -1°C (31°F), and Berlin is about -0°C (31°F).

In the winter, Munich often gets less sunshine than Berlin. Munich gets 30 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Berlin receives 42 hours of full sun.

Munich usually gets more rain in January than Berlin. Munich gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Munich or Berlin in the Spring?

Both Berlin and Munich are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Munich in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Berlin for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Munich is generally a little warmer than Berlin. Temperatures in Munich average around 11°C (53°F), and Berlin stays around 9°C (47°F).

Munich usually receives more sunshine than Berlin during spring. Munich gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while Berlin receives 160 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Munich usually receives more rain than Berlin. Munich gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Munich 11°C (53°F) 
    Berlin 9°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Berlin and Munich

Munich Berlin
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) -0°C (31°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 1°C (33°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 4°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Apr 11°C (53°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (47°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 15°C (60°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 19°C (65°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 20°C (68°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Sep 17°C (62°F) 60 mm (2.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 1°C (33°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 2°C (35°F) 51 mm (2 in)


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Munich vs. Berlin Travel Comparison

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