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

Should you visit Shanghai or Berlin?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Shanghai and Berlin. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a professional, diverse, and bustling port 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Berlin

Berlin is a diverse, historic, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the live music, food, and shopping.

Shanghai and Berlin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Shanghai or Berlin?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Berlin than Shanghai. While Shanghai is larger than Berlin, Berlin has more sights and attractions for tourists. Berlin is better known for its nightlife and music, while Shanghai is more popular for its food and impressive beauty. Shanghai is well known for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. Berlin is well known for its art scene, cultural activities, and war torn history. Also, Berlin is famous for the Brandenburg Gate.

How is Shanghai different from Berlin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the world-class sights and museums in both Shanghai and Berlin.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Shanghai are among the most recognizable in the world. The city's sights mix culture with modern innovation. From the futuristic skyline and the iconic waterfront area known as the Bund, to the classic Yu Garden, there are a diversity of sights around the city. There are also museums like the Shanghai Museum, which educate visitors on Chinese culture.

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.

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

Shanghai is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Berlin is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Shanghai is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The city's cuisine has a long history with many distinct traditional dishes. The foods incorporate a lot of soy sauce and sugar and you'll find most dishes are rice based as opposed to using wheat products. Popular local dishes include the famous Shanghai soup dumplings, steamed crab, and braised pork. The city is also famous for its snacks, which can be purchased at one of the many snack houses or street stalls.

Dining out in Berlin is an experience not to be missed. 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 Shanghai or Berlin Better for Nightlife?

Berlin is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its evening party scene.

People head to Berlin just to party. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Shanghai. A night out can quickly become very expensive. Many of the venues are spread out so you'll likely spend at least some of the time in a taxi. The Bund is one of the most popular areas for nightlife, but this area also has the most expensive bars and clubs. They often offer impressive views of Pudong and the Huangpu River though.

Is Shanghai or Berlin Better for Music?

Berlin is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Shanghai is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Berlin 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.

Shanghai is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Shanghai or Berlin?

Both Shanghai and Berlin are world-class shopping destinations.

The abundance of shops in Shanghai make it a world-class shopping destination. The city has many large shopping malls with department stores, name brand fashion, and trendy shops. It is also known for its cheap electronics and tailor-made clothes.

Many people travel to Berlin specifically to go shopping. 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 Shanghai or Berlin Better for Families?

Both Shanghai and Berlin are great family-friendly destinations.

Shanghai is a very kid-friendly port city. Of course there's Disneyland, but kids will also enjoy soaking up the city's culture, trying fun new snacks, and exploring the many science and kid-friendly museums. There are also parks and outdoor spaces as well as skyscrapers and towers that offer incredible views of the city.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Berlin. 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 Shanghai or Berlin Better for Couples?

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

Shanghai has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With its east meets west personality, couples will be able to enjoy an amazing culinary experience, beautiful gardens, and luxury hotels and spas. There are many romantic areas around this bustling city, making it the perfect place for a romantic city getaway.

Berlin is a good port 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 Shanghai or Berlin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Berlin is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Berlin. The city has no shortage of hostels to choose from, many of which organize activities and tours that guests can enjoy.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Shanghai. The city is expensive, but there are hostels and cheap eateries that make it accessible even for the budget conscious. Business travelers and local workers give the city a more professional vibe during the day, but if you find the right place to stay you'll quickly be able to meet likeminded travelers.

Is Shanghai or Berlin Better for Students?

Berlin is a world-class destination for students. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Berlin is a very popular place to visit 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.

Shanghai is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. The city attracts international and study abroad students who enjoy its long history and fascinating culture. It's a world financial capital with many businesses headquartered here, so employment opportunities are abundant.

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

Berlin is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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.

The public transit in Shanghai can get you to most places easily. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.

Is Shanghai or Berlin a more walkable city?

Shanghai is a great port city for its high level of walkability. Also, Berlin is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

Shanghai is a very walkable port city. It's possible to explore the major tourist areas on foot but it can be very hot and humid during the summer months.

Berlin is a somewhat walkable port 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 Shanghai Worth Visiting? and Is Berlin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Berlin or Shanghai?

How long in Shanghai or Berlin?

Both Shanghai 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 Shanghai. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Shanghai, and 2-7 days is enough time in Berlin.

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

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

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

Shanghai 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.

The city of Berlin offers museums and nightlife. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Shanghai or Berlin?

Shanghai 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Berlin, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Shanghai or Berlin?

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

Berlin is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Berlin, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Shanghai or Berlin?

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

Berlin is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Berlin has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Adventure Tours to Germany, and The Best Cultural Tours in Germany.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Berlin?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Berlin. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai 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 Shanghai 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 Shanghai or Berlin in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Berlin. Many visitors come to Shanghai in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Berlin for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Shanghai is a little warmer than Berlin in the summer. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Berlin fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Berlin. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Shanghai this time of the year. In the summer, Shanghai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Berlin. Shanghai gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Berlin receives 227 hours of full sun.

Shanghai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Shanghai usually gets more rain in July than Berlin. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Berlin in the Autumn?

Both Berlin and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Shanghai for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Berlin because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Shanghai is much warmer than Berlin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shanghai in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Berlin averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Shanghai usually receives more sunshine than Berlin during autumn. Shanghai gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Berlin receives 106 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Berlin. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Shanghai or Berlin in the Winter?

Both Berlin and Shanghai during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Berlin this time of year.

It's quite cold in Berlin in the winter. The weather in Shanghai can be very cold. In January, Shanghai is generally much warmer than Berlin. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 4°C (39°F), and Berlin fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

In the winter, Shanghai often gets more sunshine than Berlin. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Berlin receives 42 hours of full sun.

Shanghai usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Berlin. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Berlin in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Berlin. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Berlin for the activities around the city.

Shanghai is much warmer than Berlin in the spring. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Berlin fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

Shanghai usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Berlin during spring. Shanghai gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Berlin receives 160 hours of full sun in the spring.

Shanghai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Berlin. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Berlin and Shanghai