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

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

Zermatt

Zermatt is a iconic, breathtaking, and charming town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the shopping, skiing, and nightlife.

Berlin

Berlin is a cultural, artsy, and creative city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Zermatt and Berlin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zermatt or Berlin?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Berlin. Although Zermatt and Berlin are popular destinations, Berlin has more sights and attractions for tourists. Berlin is very popular for its museums, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Zermatt attracts visitors for its skiing, resorts, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Zermatt is more touristy than Berlin and is popular for its skiing, hiking, winter sports, and stunning views of Matterhorn. Berlin is famous for its art scene, cultural activities, and war torn history. It is also well known for the Brandenburg Gate.

How is Zermatt different from Berlin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Zermatt or Berlin Better for Skiing?

Zermatt is an unbeatable place for skiing. However, Berlin is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Zermatt is among the best in the world. This is Europe's highest ski resort and it is one of the most famous and beautiful, at the base of the world renowned Matterhown. The slopes attract professional skiers from around the world who come for the challenging skiing and spectacular setting.

Berlin is not a skiing destination.

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

Berlin is very popular for its sights and museums. However, Zermatt is not a good town for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Zermatt specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. You don't visit Zermatt for the museums, but it is worth checking out the Matterhorn Museum while you're in town.

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

Both Zermatt and Berlin offer excellent local cuisine and restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Zermatt makes for a great culinary experience. There are actually many great restaurants right on the slopes, so you don't have to head into town to enjoy a meal. In town, you'll find many cozy restaurants that have terraces that offer spectacular views.

Berlin has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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 Zermatt or Berlin Better for Nightlife?

Berlin is very popular for nightlife. Also, Zermatt is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife and partying.

Berlin is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Zermatt has a large number of nightlife venues. The town cuts loose in the evening with locals and visitors intermingling at the many bars and live music venues around town. Elegant fun is a great way to describe the nightlife scene and whether you're looking for a mellow night out or a more vibrant party, there's something for everyone.

Is Zermatt or Berlin Better for Music?

Berlin is very popular for live music. However, Zermatt is not a live music destination.

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.

Zermatt is not a live music destination.

Is Zermatt or Berlin Better for Resorts?

Zermatt is a great town for its luxury resorts. However, Berlin is not a resort destination.

Zermatt is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are a number of upscale inns and hotels in town. Many have pools or hot tubs with views of the mountains.

Berlin is not a resort destination.

Is Zermatt or Berlin Better for Hiking?

Zermatt is an unbeatable place for hiking. However, Berlin is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Zermatt draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. There are countless hiking trails in the area that cater to all levels of fitness. Almost all trails offer some sort of view of Matterhorn, and it's possible to enjoy a great view without much effort. It's also possible to do a multi-day trek while staying in mountain huts which will get you well into the amazing scenery.

Berlin is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Zermatt or Berlin?

Berlin is very popular for shopping. Also, Zermatt is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Zermatt is well-known for its shopping. Luxury boutiques that sell jewelry, watches, and clothing are found all around town. You'll also find sporting equipment or anything that you may have forgotten. For the best shopping in town head to Bahnhofstrasse.

Is Zermatt or Berlin Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Zermatt or Berlin.

Zermatt is a very family-friendly place to visit. From world class hiking to countless outdoor adventures, this is a great place to explore with kids. There are a number of kid-friendly ways to view Matterhorn as well as cable cars and Glacier Palace.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Berlin is very family-friendly. 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 Zermatt or Berlin Better for Couples?

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

Zermatt has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Couples who seek an adrenaline filled adventure will be in heaven in this iconic alpine destination. There are breathtaking views of Matterhorn, stunning hikes, impressive skiing, and a charming town where you can enjoy a great meal after a day filled with adventure.

Berlin is a good town 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 Zermatt or Berlin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Berlin is very popular for backpackers. Also, Zermatt is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Many backpackers visit Zermatt. There are a couple of hostels in town that cater to the backpacker and budget crowd. It's an expensive place to visit, with food and entertainment costing a lot, but if you can swing it, it's well worth a visit.

Is Zermatt or Berlin Better for Students?

Berlin is very popular for students. However, Zermatt is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Berlin. 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.

Zermatt is not popular with students.

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

Berlin is very popular for its public transit. Also, Zermatt is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Berlin has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The transportation system is diverse and includes the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, and trams.

Zermatt has some public transit options. There are ebuses in town, but the town itself is car free and walking is your best option.

Is Zermatt or Berlin a more walkable city?

Zermatt 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.

Zermatt is a very easy town to get around on foot. There aren't any cars in town so this is a very pedestrian-friendly town with charming streets and walking paths.

Berlin is a somewhat walkable town. 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 Zermatt Worth Visiting? and Is Berlin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Berlin or Zermatt?

How long in Zermatt or Berlin?

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

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the destination of Zermatt. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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 Zermatt or Berlin?

Zermatt 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 Zermatt or Berlin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zermatt. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 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 Zermatt or Berlin?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the charming destination of Zermatt. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, The Best Adventure Tours to Germany, and The Best Cultural Tours in Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Zermatt or Berlin?

Berlin has a larger population, and is about 520 times larger than the population of Zermatt. When comparing the sizes of Zermatt 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 Zermatt 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 Zermatt or Berlin in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Zermatt as well as Berlin. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zermatt this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Berlin for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Zermatt is a little warmer than Berlin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zermatt in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Berlin averages at about 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 Zermatt this time of the year. In the summer, Zermatt often gets more sunshine than Berlin. Zermatt gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Berlin receives 227 hours of full sun.

Zermatt receives a lot of rain in the summer. Zermatt usually gets more rain in July than Berlin. Zermatt gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zermatt or Berlin in the Autumn?

Both Berlin and Zermatt are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Zermatt for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, 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.

In October, Zermatt is generally a little warmer than Berlin. Daily temperatures in Zermatt average around 15°C (58°F), and Berlin fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Zermatt usually receives more sunshine than Berlin during autumn. Zermatt gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Berlin receives 106 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Zermatt. In October, Zermatt usually receives more rain than Berlin. Zermatt gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Zermatt or Berlin in the Winter?

Both Berlin and Zermatt during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Zermatt in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, 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. Zermatt can get quite cold in the winter. Zermatt is much warmer than Berlin in the winter. The daily temperature in Zermatt averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Berlin fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

In the winter, Zermatt often gets more sunshine than Berlin. Zermatt gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Berlin receives 42 hours of full sun.

Zermatt usually gets more rain in January than Berlin. Zermatt gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zermatt or Berlin in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zermatt and Berlin. Most visitors come to Zermatt for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Berlin because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Zermatt is much warmer than Berlin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zermatt in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Berlin averages at about 9°C (47°F).

Zermatt usually receives more sunshine than Berlin during spring. Zermatt gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Berlin receives 160 hours of full sun in the spring.

Zermatt gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Zermatt usually receives more rain than Berlin. Zermatt gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Berlin and Zermatt