Berlin is a historic city known for Checkpoint Charlie, the Brandenburg Gate, and the Berlin TV Tower. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. Whether you're exploring the museums, eating the delicious cuisine, or enjoying the nightlife, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to Berlin that stays within your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Berlin?
You should plan to spend around $191 (€175) per day on your vacation in Berlin. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $98 (€90) on meals
- $19 (€18) on local transportation
- $139 (€128) on hotels
A one week trip to Berlin for two people costs, on average, $2,670 (€2,450). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,335
€1,225
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$2,670
€2,450
-
One Month
Per person
$5,721
€5,250
-
One Week
For a couple
$2,670
€2,450
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$5,340
€4,900
-
One Month
For a couple
$11,442
€10,500
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Berlin cost?
A one week trip to Berlin usually costs around $1,335 (€1,225) for one person and $2,670 (€2,450) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Berlin on average costs around $2,670 (€2,450) for one person and $5,340 (€4,900) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Berlin will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Berlin on average costs around $5,721 (€5,250) for one person and $11,442 (€10,500) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Berlin expensive to visit?
Berlin is a dynamic city that boasts a wide array of activities. Here, travelers of varying budgets and styles unite to experience everything this destination has to offer. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
Berlin can certainly rack up expenses, but there are strategies to minimize costs, including eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $72 (€66) per day, mid-range travelers spend $191 (€175) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $530 (€485) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Berlin.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Berlin is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Aberdeen or Saint-Tropez.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Berlin Expensive?
Berlin Cathedral
How much money do I need for a trip to Berlin?
The average Berlin trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Berlin travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Berlin cost?
Berlin on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$27
(€25)
|
$70
(€64)
|
$182
(€167)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$8
(€7.07)
|
$19
(€18)
|
$49
(€45)
|
|
Food 2
|
$37
(€34)
|
$98
(€90)
|
$277
(€254)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$10
(€8.78)
|
$24
(€22)
|
$61
(€56)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$4-11
(€3-10)
|
$9-27
(€8-25)
|
$22-65
(€20-59)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
When planning your trip to Berlin, it's important to have realistic expectations about your budget. Many believe they can travel on a shoestring, but that often leads to either uncomfortable travel experiences or some surprisingly high expenses. Consider your vacation style. Do you enjoy staying in hostels, resorts, regular hotels, or vacation rentals? Are attractions and dining experiences a priority? These factors will affect how much you spend and your itinerary.
What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?
While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $72 per day that backpackers often spend.
Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.
Fortunately, Berlin features plenty of hostels, including St Christopher's Berlin Mitte, EastSeven Berlin Hostel, and Circus Hostel. At hostels like these, you can find cheap dorm beds and a vibrant social atmosphere, though amenities are often scarce. The city features a strong public transit system that helps budget travelers bypass expensive taxi or rideshare expenses. Food also plays a significant role in a visitor's experience to Berlin, yet budget travelers might stick to street food or hostel meals, resulting in less exposure to the wonderful culinary scene.
What Makes You an Average Traveler?
Couples and families enjoying a vacation will probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular dining spots, and explore the key museums and attractions that have entry fees. When visiting Berlin, you'll want to see Checkpoint Charlie, the Brandenburg Gate, or the Berlin TV Tower. Keep in mind that most activities cost money. Thus, it's reasonable to expect your daily budget to be around $191 per person, per day.
There's a wide selection of hotels and vacation rentals in Berlin. If you're traveling with others, sharing a hotel room with a partner, friend, or kids will help split costs and save money. When traveling as a family, look for hotels and restaurants that welcome children. Casa Camper Berlin is a great choice for kids, and Residenz Villa Kult is another wonderful option. For more family and couple-friendly places to stay, check out our Berlin hotel costs guide.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
If you want an all encompassing getaway with top-notch amenities and exceptional service, get ready for a daily cost around $530. Staying in upscale hotels, dining at acclaimed restaurants, indulging in lavish activities, and using taxis or private drivers to navigate the city will require a more luxurious budget. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Berlin Third Reich Hitler and World War II Private Walking Tour - offered by Viator.
Brandenburg Gate, Berlin
Accommodation Budget in Berlin
The range of hotel prices in Berlin can be pretty surprising. Luxury hotels tend to offer more amenities, but come with higher price tags, especially during peak season. The average off-season room is $82, but during peak summer season the average price can reach $153. From $53 for budget hotels to $276 for luxury, there's something for everyone. Hostels are cheaper, especially dorms. Book early or travel during the off-season to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Berlin for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $139 (€128). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $70 (€64) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Berlin? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Berlin include:
- Casa Camper Berlin starting at $172
- Residenz Villa Kult starting at $89
- Myer's Hotel Berlin starting at $159
- The Mandala Suites starting at $175
- 25hours Hotel Bikini Berlin starting at $146
Berlin features a wide range of accommodations, as it's a sizable city. From hostels such as St Christopher's Berlin Mitte to vacation rentals and upscale hotels, there's something for every traveler. However, expect higher prices near the city center, where public transit and attractions are readily available.
Berlin's great public transit offers the flexibility to stay farther from the city, but be mindful that your transportation costs may increase, and it could be a time drain.
If you're headed to Berlin with your family, you'll likely want to look for accommodations with more room to spread out. Being in such a big city, rooms can sometimes feel a bit small and tight.
Many visitors to Berlin stay for a week, and if you're staying for an extended period, a vacation rental with a kitchen could help you prepare your own meals.
If you avoid summer and go during the low or shoulder season, you'll find better hotel deals and fewer tourists.
Transportation Budget in Berlin
Transportation is a major factor when visiting a big city like Berlin. Luckily, the city has a robust public transit system. The transportation system is diverse and includes the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, and trams. For those looking to save some money, public transit is the way to go, but taxis and rideshares are always an option.
Berlin is easy to navigate on foot in some locations, which can help you enjoy the sights. 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.
Public Transit: 
(excellent)
Walkability: 
(good)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $19 (€18) per person, per day, on local transportation in Berlin. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Berlin is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$19
€18
Should you find yourself using public transit regularly, opting for multi-day transit passes can lead to substantial savings.
Be vigilant about pickpockets on buses and trains, as well as in stations. Berlin is a big city, so stay aware.
Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:
- Berlin Private Airport Transfer Service | English Speaking Driver for $125 details
- Private Transfer: Berlin to Brandenburg Airport BER in Luxury Van for $117 details
- Private Transfer from Berlin to Prague, Hotel-to-hotel, English-speaking driver for $242 details
How much does it cost to go to Berlin? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Berlin will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Some typical prices for transportation in Berlin are shown below. These are actual costs from previous travelers, and are representative of the amount you'll likely spend on transportation in Berlin. Don't forget that your individual costs will vary based on how you get around, because hired cars such as taxis are often much more expensive than local public transportation.
-
Short Trip Metro Ticket
€1.40
-
Bahn Ticket
€3.00
-
Short Taxi Ride
€20
Food Budget in Berlin
Food in Berlin is outstanding, and it's essential to make time to indulge in all the unique local flavors. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Berlin can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Berlin is $98 (€90) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$98
€90
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Berlin is around $98 (€90) per person, with previous travelers spending from $37 to $278. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Berlin are as follows:
- Breakfast: $10 to $29
- Lunch: $15 to $39
- Dinner: $29 to $69
- Coffee: $8
- Fast Food or Street Food: $15
Dining out in Berlin can be surprisingly inexpensive compared to the rest of Europe. There are many ethnic restaurants that are delicious and affordable. Plenty of vegan restaurants can also be found in Berlin, too. VAT is included in the price and only high end restaurants charge a service fee.
Bratwurst, or more specifically currywurst, is a favorite in Berlin. This street food is a great option for those on a tight budget. Also common is Doner, which is a flatbread that is filled with some sort of meat such as lamb or chicken. It's usually served with a salad and vegetables. This dish is of Turkish origin and is available at most Turkish stands.
Although Hackescher Markt is still a popular eating area for tourists, it has lost much of its past charm. Many of the local eateries have been corporatized and the atmosphere has dramatically changed. It's still worth a visit, as you may find some interesting places, but it is no longer what it once was.
If you choose to eat at nicer restaurants for lunch instead of dinner, you can save some money. Many dining spots in tourist areas or business centers have lunch specials or a 'menu of the day.' These are usually just scaled-down and cheaper versions of their dinner offerings. You might even find a full multi-course gourmet meal at a great price if you know where to look. For dinner, just opt for something light.
When you're out with kids, seek restaurants that provide a kids' menu. This can help you save a good chunk of change, as these meals are usually priced lower. Remember, some places may not display their kids' options, so be sure to ask the server before ordering.
Several hotels include breakfast with your stay, while others charge separately for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly depending on the hotel. Knowing this in advance can guide your budget decisions. It could be worth it for the tasty buffet available at the hotel, or you may wish to find a cheaper option at a local bakery or cafe.
Bring a water bottle to avoid frequent drink purchases. It's also a sustainable choice.
If you're considering a tour, double-check which meals are included in the package. There may be instances where you'll have to pay for your own meals, potentially stretching your budget.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Berlin. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Siciliamo - True Sicilian Cooking Workshops for $134 details
- Eat Like a Berliner: Market Tour, Cooking Class and Lunch for $252 details
- East Meets West: Kreuzberg and Neukölln Walking Food Tour in Berlin for $161 details
Food and meal prices in Berlin, based on real travelers' reported expenses, are shown below. These typical costs can give you a sense of the overall price range for meals. However, your individual expenses might be different depending on your dining habits, restaurant choices, and specific orders.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Berlin
The reason people visit Berlin is clear, as it offers museums and attractions, nightlife, music, and budget-friendly accommodations.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Berlin typically cost an average of $24 (€22) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$24
€22
Some of the most popular sights include:
- Checkpoint Charlie (Free)
- The Brandenburg Gate (Free)
- The Berlin TV Tower for €22.50
- Charlottenburg Palace (Free)
- Gendarmenmarkt (Free)
- Museum Island (Free)
- The Berlin Wall Memorial (Free)
- The Reichstag (Free)
- The Berlin Zoo for €20
- The German Museum of Technology for €8
- Tierpark Berlin for €17
- The Neues Museum for €14
- The Stassi Museum for €10
Berlin has many sights spread throughout. There are countless museums that appeal to all types of travelers. Some of the most popular include Museumsinsel (Museum Island) which has Pergamon-Museum, Altes Museum, the Alte Nationalgalerie, and Bode-Museum. Kulturforum is near Potsdamer Platz and is where you'll find Gemaldegaleri, Neue Nationalgalerie and Musikinstrumenten-Museum.
Many visitors also enjoy visiting some private art galleries. Some of the most popular streets for art galleries are Auguststrabe, Linienstrabe, Torstrabe, Brunnenstrabe, Zimmerstrabe, and Fasanenstrabe.
Some of the more interesting and historic churches around town are Berliner Dom, Deutscher Dom, Franzosischer Dom, and Kaiser Wilhelm Gedachtniskirche.
Berlin is full of amazing places to see and visit. For even more ideas, check out 10 of the most alternative Instagrammable places in Berlin.
This dynamic city offers plenty of activities. The list of things to do in Berlin starts with the museums mentioned above, but then carries on to included Brandenburg Gate, the many gardens, famous cafes, sites from the cold war era such as Checkpoint Charlie, and the many churches and cathedrals.
Berlin is also known to host some incredible festivals. The Berlin Film Festival is the city's largest cultural event. Lange Nacht der Museen is held in May. During this time the museums stay open until 2am and there are many cultural events around town. Fete de la Musique is in June and is a popular music festival. The Berlin International Beer Festival is the first weekend in August.
Museums and Attractions:
Berlin boasts some of the world's most well-known museums and landmarks. 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.
Music:
In Berlin, the music scene is thriving and captivates large audiences. 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.
Shopping:
Don't pass up the chance to shop here, as it's fun and enjoyable. 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.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Berlin. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Private Tour: Berlin by Trabant Stretch-Limousine for $266 details
- Individual City Tour -
Rickshaw Sightseeing in Berlin for $43 details
- Berlin during Nazism - Tour in Italian for $25 details
Outlined below are some typical prices for entry fees and activities in Berlin. They have been reported from the expenses of previous travelers. These costs provide an idea of what you might need to spend, though your individual expenses will depend on the activities you participate in, the places you visit, and how often you choose budget-friendly or free activities.
Nightlife Budget in Berlin
The nightlife in Berlin is extremely popular, attracting visitors from all corners of the globe. 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.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $18 (€16) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Berlin per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$18
€16
While nightlife can be a blast, skipping a few rounds can significantly lower your travel expenses.
Nighttime outings can be fun, but make sure to stay aware of your environment, especially if you've been drinking. Pickpockets or worse could take advantage, so stick to trusted company.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Berlin. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Beer hike in Berlin Experience brewery and craft beer for $59 details
- German Wine Tasting Tour at the Best Wine Bars in Berlin for $251 details
- Wine on Canvas - Paint Workshop and Wine Tasting for $42 details
Here are some typical drink and nightlife prices in Berlin, drawn from the experiences of past travelers. These costs can give you a general sense of what to expect, though your own spending will differ based on how often you enjoy alcoholic beverages and how much you consume. Remember, one of the most effective ways to reduce your travel costs is to limit alcohol consumption.
Traveling in Berlin
Berlin
Berlin is the capital and largest city in Germany. As such, travelers can expect typical European prices for everything from hotels to food to sights and attractions. While it's possible to experience this city on a cheaper budget, don't expect to get much without paying a decent amount.
With a population of about 4.5 million, Berlin is a very international city that is well known for its high level of tolerance, an eclectic nightlife, an artistic vibe and many historical sights. There are museums, palaces and landmarks spread throughout the city. Despite having a significant amount of damage during the last few years of World War II, Berlin has been rebuilt with an interesting diversity of architecture styles. This is particularly true after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Architecture in the city represents many different historical periods ranging from medieval buildings through modern, glass structures.
Neighborhoods & Around
Because of Berlin's tense history, there are many diverse and unique neighborhoods spread throughout the city. There are roughly six districts that make up Berlin. Mitte was the center of the former East Berlin and is now the historical center of the city. It's where you'll find many different restaurants, cafes, art galleries, and nightclubs. City West has Ku'Damm, which is one of the main shopping streets in the city. If you're looking for high end, luxury items, then this is the place to go. There are also many hotels and restaurants as well as the Charlottenburg Palace, Kulturforum, Tiergarten and the Olympic Stadium. East Central is known for its liberal and youthful vibe. There are many artists concentrated in this neighborhood and there are many cafes, bars and clubs crammed into the busy streets. North has its own interesting old towns and East has an interesting museum at the site of the 1945 surrender to the Soviet army as well as the former Strasi prison. South is a diverse area with a wide mix of styles and atmospheres.
Related
Looking for a party in
Berlin or
Munich?
Are you a
student or backpacker traveling
alone through Germany?
Find a
Contiki tour to Europe.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.