🇩🇪 Berlin
🇩🇪 MunichBerlin vs Munich: Which Should You Visit?
Germany's two most visited cities could hardly be more different. Berlin is big, creative and edgy, with Cold War history, art and nightlife. Munich is elegant, traditional and prosperous, with beer gardens, museums and the Alps close by.
Berlin is usually cheaper; Munich is one of Germany's most expensive cities, especially during Oktoberfest.
Choose Berlin if…
- 20th-century history is a big interest
- You want nightlife and alternative culture
- You prefer lower prices
Choose Munich if…
- You want beer gardens and Bavarian tradition
- You want to visit the Alps or Neuschwanstein
- You like a calmer, smaller city
At a glance
| Berlin | Munich | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | 🇩🇪 Germany | 🇩🇪 Germany |
| Population | 3.7 million | 1.5 million |
| Climate | Oceanic | Oceanic/Continental |
| Best time to visit | May–September | May–September |
| Budget | €€ Moderate | €€€ Pricey |
| Safety (our rating) | 8/10 | 9/10 |
| Known for | Berlin Wall, Club culture, Art scene | Oktoberfest, Beer halls, BMW |
📅 Best months for both:May, June, July, August, September
Where to go in Berlin
A big, creative, laid-back capital where recent history is everywhere.
- Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag. The Reichstag dome is free but must be booked online.
- Museum Island. Five major museums on an island in the Spree.
- The Berlin Wall. The memorial on Bernauer Strasse and the East Side Gallery murals.
- Tiergarten. The huge central park.
- Kreuzberg and Neukölln. Canals, markets, bars and the city's international food scene.
🛏️ Where to stay
- Mitte: Central, near the main sights.
- Prenzlauer Berg: Leafy and residential, with cafés and Sunday markets.
🍽️ What to eat
Currywurst, döner kebab and food from all over the world.
Where to go in Munich
Bavaria's prosperous capital of beer gardens, museums and Alpine views.
- Marienplatz. The New Town Hall and its Glockenspiel.
- The English Garden. A huge park with river surfers and a Chinese Tower beer garden.
- Beer halls and gardens. From the Hofbräuhaus to shady local beer gardens.
- Deutsches Museum. One of the world's largest science and technology museums.
- Nymphenburg Palace. The baroque summer residence of the Bavarian rulers.
🛏️ Where to stay
- Altstadt: The old centre, walkable to most sights.
- Maxvorstadt: The museum and university district.
🍽️ What to eat
Weisswurst breakfast, pretzels, roast pork and Bavarian beer. Prices spike during Oktoberfest.
Can you visit both?
The fastest ICE trains connect Berlin and Munich in about four hours.
Journey times are approximate and vary by service. Check the operator before you book. Work out flying times with the flight calculator.
How we compare cities
The table uses the same data as our city guides: our budget and safety ratings, the climate and the months we recommend. The advice on what to see, where to stay and which city to choose is written by our editors. Prices, opening arrangements and timetables change, so check official sources for anything important. To compare any two cities of your choice side by side, use City vs City.