Is Berlin expensive?
Berlin is one of the cheapest capital cities in Western Europe, so it's a great place for budget travelers seeking world-class museums, cheap food, crazy nightlife, and affordable accommodation. Prices are slowly rising but there are still easy to visit without spending a lot of money.
The cost of dining out in Berlin varies depending on the type of restaurant you choose. On average, a meal at an inexpensive restaurant or a fast-food joint will cost around 7-10 EUR per person. For a mid-range restaurant, expect prices to range from 15-25 EUR per person.
AVERAGE DAILY SPEND BY REAL TRAVELLERS: €93 (£82)
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.
So why is Berlin cheap? Short answer: history. Berlin had a population of over four million in the 1930s – and yet it still hasn't recovered that level of population, nearly one hundred years on. There was the devastation of WWII, division during the Cold War, and the chaos of immediate reunification in the 1990s.
A beer from a supermarket will be around €0.59-89 depending on the brand; around €2 from a corner shop (Spätkauf) or €4 in a bar. Soft drinks can be very expensive when not bought from a supermarket - I've paid €2 for a litre bottle from a kiosk.
Daily costs in Berlin are generally inexpensive.
Visitors can eat out very cheaply since the city is packed with fast food stands selling kebabs, hotdogs and currywurst. Moreover, average sit-down restaurants are also affordable, especially compared to other European capitals like Vienna, Amsterdam or Rome.
For budget-minded travelers, it costs around €65-€90 per day to visit Berlin. These Berlin prices are based on what you'll need to visit the city comfortably as a budget traveler. If you want to upgrade your accommodations then you'll want to add another €80-€100/night depending on your choice.
Important: whether you are shopping, in a restaurant or at the club, Berliners prefer to pay with cash. Debit cards and major credit cards (American Express, Visa, Mastercard) may often also be used, but smaller shops and cafés might only accept cash payments.
Key Takeaways. Cost of living: Amsterdam is more expensive than Berlin. Salaries: Salaries are higher in Amsterdam, but due to the cost of living, you will get much more bang for your buck in Berlin. Don't forget Amsterdam's 30% ruling which has a huge impact on your net salary.
This can vary depending on your lifestyle and location, but generally speaking, it's safe to say that a salary of €70,000 to €80,000 per year is considered more than comfortable in Germany.
What is the main problem in Berlin?
But the reality is that the city is struggling with poverty, unemployment, poor infrastructure, a floundering education system, debt, the refugee crisis and crime. Its chronic problems led national newspaper Die Welt to label it a “failed state” in 2014.
Few potential reasons: Credit card companies charge a fee on every transaction. The restaurants don't want to pay that fee. So even if you can use a card typically you can only use an EC card (German bank debit card)
Berlin, the capital city of Germany, is renowned for its exceptional range of landmarks, vibrant cultural scene and way of life that's somehow all go yet relaxed. In fact, the city is best known for its striking contrasts. Historical buildings stand alongside modern architecture as the past and present intermingle.
Berliner Weisse – this is probably the most famous Berlin beer. But Berlin's beer culture has lots more on offer too. For instance, you can visit one of the many small breweries who produce their own craft beer.
Popular Drinks in Berlin
Cidre - Alcoholic fruit juice drink, mainly from apples. Diesel - Half beer, half co*ke. Fassbrause - Soda made from fruit, spices and malt extract.
Food costs per person can range from budget restaurants costing around $10 per meal to mid-range restaurants costing around $30 per meal. For budget travelers, you can expect to spend around $50 to $70 per day in Germany, while mid-range travelers can expect to spend around $100 to $150 per day.
You can often find a toilet, but as you mentioned, there is a cost. Keep some of the 50 cent pieces handy. There are public toilets like those in Paris. They cost 50 cents in central Berlin.
For a start, tipping in Berlin is not obligatory. Serving staff in Germany earn a living wage and don't depend on tips. Nevertheless it is very common to leave a tip if you enjoyed your meal and service. 5- 10% of the bill is a common amount for a gratuity.
Berlin is one of the safest cities in Europe for females travelling alone. Like anywhere in the world, no place is 100% safe, so it's never wrong to be cautious. Nevertheless, Berlin is considered one of the safest places in Europe. On my first night, I went alone to Sisyphus—a popular club among the locals.
Hamburg. Hamburg is a fun and affordable city that is often skipped by tourists in Germany. But that means it's full of locals and you can have a cheap and authentic experience here. Visit the museums, stroll along the canals, check out the historic landmarks, and live it up at the many clubs, bars, and restaurants.
Are hotels expensive in Germany?
Cost of Accommodation in Germany
You can find a nice place to stay for only $10 per night, usually in hostel or budget accomodation. You can also get AirBnBs and hotel rooms for slow as $40/night. Naturally, high-end hotels and those in metropolitan areas will cost more, going up to $200+ per night.
4 days in Berlin is just about perfect for most first-time visitors. But with more than 3 million inhabitants, Berlin is a big city (the biggest in the European Union), and there's tons to see and do here, so it's important that you plan your trip carefully to make sure you get the most out of your time.
Another reason to avoid possession of plastic money or credit cards is the fear of debt. “Germans do not like debt,” said Doris Neuberger, head of the money and credit department at Germany's University of Rostock.
Tipping isn't mandatory in Germany. Instead, it's seen as a gesture of appreciation for a good experience. A tip is always welcome, but in Germany, it's usually based directly on the quality of service. If you're satisfied, leaving a tip is a way to show it.
Berlin is a great city for budget travelers. In fact, it's one of the cheapest capital cities in western Europe, so if you're visiting Berlin on a budget, you'll do well here. You'll find so many free and cheap attractions here so you won't have to spend much money to see the top sights in Berlin.
