Cost To Visit Berlin: Complete 2026 Budget Guide
In this Berlin travel budget guide, you'll learn the cost of accommodations, food, transportation, attractions, and more.
Is Berlin Expensive to Visit?
Berlin is one of the most affordable major capitals in Western Europe. Compared to U.S. cities, Berlin offers excellent value for food, public transportation, and attractions — especially for budget and mid-range travelers. Within Europe, it’s cheaper than cities like Paris, Amsterdam, or London, yet still rich in culture, history, and nightlife.
In this guide, we’ll break down how much it costs to visit Berlin in 2026 — including the best (and worst) times to go, how different neighborhoods affect your lodging prices, and what to budget for food, transportation, and sightseeing.
Seasonal Cost
The time of year you visit Berlin can significantly affect prices — particularly for hotels and flights.
Peak Season
- May to September
- Warm weather, long daylight hours, and numerous festivals.
- Hotel prices and airfares are at their highest, especially June–August.
Shoulder Season
- March to April and October
- Cooler weather, smaller crowds, and better prices on hotels and flights.
- A great time for sightseeing and cultural travel.
Off-Season
- November to February
- Cold weather, shorter days, and fewer tourists.
- Deep discounts on accommodation and some attractions.
- Berlin’s Christmas Markets (late Nov–Dec) bring in moderate crowds and slightly higher prices during that window.
Choosing An Area To Stay
Prices vary by district. Trendy central areas like Mitte or Kreuzberg cost more, while outer districts offer better deals but may require longer transit times.
Most Expensive Areas to Stay
- Mitte
- Central Berlin, close to most landmarks and museums.
- Upscale hotels and boutique stays.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Brandenburg Gate
- Berlin Cathedral
- Museum Island
- Charlottenburg
- Elegant and historic, with luxury hotels and shopping.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Charlottenburg Palace
- Kurfürstendamm (luxury shopping)
- Berlin Zoo
Affordable Areas to Stay
- Prenzlauer Berg
- Hip, artsy, and family-friendly with mid-range prices.
- Boutique hotels, cafes, and great transit.
- Nearby Attractions:
- Mauerpark Flea Market
- Kulturbrauerei
- Kreuzberg
- Trendy and diverse, with many mid-budget hostels and hotels.
- Great nightlife and food.
Cheapest Areas to Stay
- Neukölln
- Up-and-coming district with budget accommodations.
- Pros: Diverse food, lower prices
- Cons: Farther from major sites
- Wedding
- No-frills, residential area with some affordable hotels and hostels.
- Easy transit into the city center.
Berlin Vacation Costs
Let’s break down what you can expect to spend depending on your travel style.
Avg. Accommodation Cost (per night)
| Season | Budget (USD / EUR) | Moderate (USD / EUR) | Luxury (USD / EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak | $60 / €55 | $130 / €120 | $300+ / €275+ |
| Shoulder | $45 / €42 | $100 / €93 | $250+ / €230+ |
| Off-Season | $35 / €33 | $80 / €75 | $180+ / €165+ |
Food Cost (per person, per meal)
| Meal | Budget (USD / EUR) | Moderate (USD / EUR) | Luxury (USD / EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | $4–$7 / €3.50–€6.50 | $10 / €9 | $20+ / €18+ |
| Lunch | $6–$10 / €5.50–€9 | $15 / €14 | $30+ / €28+ |
| Dinner | $10–$15 / €9–€14 | $25 / €23 | $50+ / €46+ |
🍛 Berlin has a fantastic street food scene (like Döner Kebabs and Currywurst), which can help you keep your food budget low.
Transportation Cost
Berlin has one of the most efficient and affordable public transport systems in Europe.
- Single metro/tram/bus ticket: $3.60 / €3.20
- Day pass (zones AB): $9.50 / €8.80
- 7-day transit pass: $39 / €36
- Taxi (short city ride): $15–$25 / €14–€23
- Bike rental (per day): $12 / €11
- Berlin Welcome Card: Includes unlimited transport + discounts at attractions
- 48h: $27 / €25
- 72h: $38 / €35
Attractions (Top Spots + Entry Cost)
- Berlin TV Tower (Fernsehturm) – $25 / €23
- Berlin Cathedral – $9 / €8
- Pergamon Museum – $14 / €13
- Berlin Wall Memorial – Free
- Holocaust Memorial – Free
- Charlottenburg Palace – $15 / €14
- Reichstag Dome (Parliament) – Free with registration
Day Trips from Berlin
| Destination | Why Visit | Travel Time | Cost (RT) (USD / EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Potsdam | Palaces, gardens, Prussian history | 45 min | $7 / €6.50 (S-Bahn) |
| Sachsenhausen | WWII concentration camp memorial | 1 hr | $10 / €9.20 (train) |
| Dresden | Baroque architecture, culture | 2 hrs | $30 / €28 (train) |
| Spreewald | Canoeing, natural beauty, villages | 1.5 hrs | $25 / €23 (train) |
Daily Budget for Berlin (per person)
| Season | Budget (USD) | Moderate (USD) | Luxury (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak | $85–$110 | $200–$250 | $400+ |
| Shoulder | $75–$95 | $170–$220 | $350+ |
| Off-Season | $60–$80 | $150–$190 | $300+ |
Weekly Budget Breakdown (7 Days)
| Type | Lodging | Food | Transport | Attractions | Total (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | $245 | $140 | $50 | $40 | $475 |
| Moderate | $650 | $210 | $60 | $100 | $1,020 |
| Luxury | $2,100 | $400 | $100 | $150 | $2,750+ |
Flight Cost to Berlin (Round Trip)
You’ll fly into Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER). Prices vary depending on the season and departure city.
- Peak Season: $800–$1,100
- Shoulder Season: $600–$850
- Off-Season: $450–$700
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