Berlin is one of Europe's most alternative and progressive cities. There's a thriving art and design scene, a committed music scene and, actually, just about any scene you can imagine! It has even become a top city to move to. But how many Euros do you need in your account to enjoy it all to the maximum?
With real data from real travellers, we’ve answered the big budgeting questions and can now reveal who much you need to save for a trip to Germany's esteemed capital.
| Average Daily Spend In Berlin €93 (£82) | |
| Currency in German | Euro |
| GBP to EUR | £1 = €1.13 |
| Local Beer | €3.50 |
| Bottle of Coke | €1.89 |
| Pizza | €9.50 |
This reflects what everyday travellers tend to spend in Berlin. Think mid-range - most of the major attractions, a few cab rides, maybe a big night out - and a bit of shopping on the side. It doesn’t include the cost of hotels or car hire as these are often booked in advance.
|
Eating Out €30 per day |
Entertainment €32 per day |
Transport €14 per day |
Berlin has so much to do that just a couple of days is not enough. We suggest at least 4 days but ideally 5, especially if you are into history. The city has great public transport but is quite spread out so having more time will make everything easier. If you plan on being there a week, add on a day trip to Potsdam.
Real Traveller Average Daily Spend: €32
There are lots of unusual things to do in Berlin. At every turn, there seems to be something quirky and cool. Hidden bars, flea markets, tunnels stretching east to west, 7 storey charity shops, and at one time actual bears in a park. Here are a few of our top picks.
The DDR museum lets you see what life was like in East Germany before the fall of the Berlin Wall. It’s like walking into a terrifying capsule, or a George Orwell novel. East Berlin was not a happy place and the museum manages to capture the fear felt by many of its inhabitants during those dark years. Well worth the sub €10 entrance fee.
Home to legendary techno nightclub, Tresor, is Kraftwerk Berlin: an abandoned power plant that has been transformed into a stark, industrial and massively impressive venue. Check schedules before you go and pay less in advance than what you would at the door. If you’re in Berlin, you should go to a techno club, really.
A huge industrial nightclub. Nowhere does them like Berlin.
Berliner Unterwelten. Visit Bunkers, air-raid shelters, and other spooky underground WWII locations. Dark in both senses of the word. The guides are very knowledgeable for what becomes, in essence, an excellent interactive history lesson/experience. You can only buy tickets from the guides on the day so get there early. It'll cost around €11.
There are many WWII-related things to see in Berlin - the wall itself (or what's left), Checkpoint Charlie, and more. The Brandenburg Gate is a more inspiring monument as it was built as a symbol of strength and reunification.
The wonderful Brandenburg Gate. It's bigger than you think
WeSwap staff pick: The Berlin Philharmonic is consistently ranked as one of the best orchestras in the world. Whilst this isn't perhaps the most popular source of entertainment in Germany - it's a must-visit according to WeSwapper Alfred. You can't really talk up an orchestra, you just need to hear them.
Real Traveller Average Daily Spend: €38
If you're after some traditional German food and some traditional German beer, then WeSwapper favourite, Hofbräu Wirtshaus Berlin is the place. Prices are low (depending on how much beer you get through of course) for what you might describe as a typically Bavarian experience. By the way, this place is huge, but so are the portions of schnitzel. Does what it says on the tin.
Bar 203 in the Berlin TV Tower is 203 m above Berlin. That's high enough so you'll always be able to find it. WeSwap tip: Enjoy selected classic cocktails on the cheap during happy hour which is every day between 14:00 and 16:00.
If you suffer from vertigo then a cocktail at the top of the TV Tower might not be a good idea
WeSwap staff pick. The Big Stuff (a restaurant) team tore a hole in the Markethalle Neun hanger ceiling to install their state-of-the-art Southern Pride smoker. The result is the softest, tastiest meat in trendy Kreuzberg. If you like pulled pork or beef brisket then you're on to a winner. Get there early and watch out for queue pushers!
Real Traveller Average Daily Spend: €14
Berlin is a good walking city, but it's so spread out that walking everywhere is a little ambitious. The healthy alternative is to hire a bike which is our advice. West Berlin is a wonderful city cycling – flat, with lots of cycle paths, parks and canals to cruise beside. East Berlin has fewer cycle paths and more cobblestones and tram lines.
Real Traveller Average Daily Spend: €34
WeSwapper’s Favourite - KaDeWe
KeDeWe: Berlin is steeped in history and tradition. KeDeWe is the largest department store in continental Europe so if you fancy a shopping splurge, head here - there's a lot. Visit the food hall on the sixth floor – when we say it has everything, we mean it.
The biggest shop in continental Europe. Too big to fit in this picture!
Upcycle deluxe: "Ethical living" is a buzz phrase in Berlin. Come here to marvel at the ingenuity of the upcycling movement, with wallets refashioned from old cement sacks, rubber goods from tyre treads, children's Wendy house furniture from olive oil tins and bags made from vinyl records. You name it, they've used it for something else.
Last checked and updated: 10.07.2018. All travel, accommodation, and entertainment costs are taken from the provider’s official website – but don’t forget to double check yourself first before you head off.
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