Comparison · Berlin vs Munich · Germany
Berlin vs Munich
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: File:Museumsinsel Berlin Juli 2021 1 (cropped).jpg : Kasa Fue derivative work: Georgfotoar, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Quick answer
Choose Berlin for Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate, lower day-to-day costs and free sights; choose Munich for Oktoberfest and Beer gardens. Berlin is generally less expensive, and the two are about 504 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 504 km
- Less expensive
- Berlin
- Best time for Berlin
- May–September
- Best time for Munich
- May–July, September and December
Side by side
| Berlin | Munich | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Germany | Germany |
| Known for | Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate and Museum Island | Oktoberfest, Beer gardens and Marienplatz |
| Best time to visit | May–September | May–July, September and December |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $150–$260 | $180–$320 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Expensive |
| Warmest month | July, 25°C (77°F) | July, 24°C (75°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 3°C (37°F) | January, 3°C (37°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 10 | 6 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 7 |
| Beaches | — | — |
| Airports | BER | MUC, FMM |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Berlin for…
Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate, lower day-to-day costs and free sights. Berlin is a sprawling, green city of distinct neighbourhoods, reunited only in 1990 after 28 years divided by the Wall. Mitte holds the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag dome, Museum Island and the Holocaust Memorial, while the remains of the Wall run from…
Choose Munich for…
Oktoberfest and Beer gardens. Bavaria's capital mixes royal grandeur with beer-hall tradition. The compact Altstadt around Marienplatz holds the Neues Rathaus, the twin-towered Frauenkirche and the Residenz palace, while the Englischer Garten, one of the largest city parks in Europe…
Top sights compared
| # | Berlin | Munich |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brandenburg Gate | Marienplatz and the Neues Rathaus |
| 2 | Reichstag and its glass dome | Frauenkirche |
| 3 | Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe | Munich Residenz |
| 4 | Museum Island | Englischer Garten |
| 5 | Neues Museum | Viktualienmarkt |
Food compared
| Berlin | Munich |
|---|---|
| Currywurst | White sausage |
| Döner kebab | Pretzel |
| Berliner Pfannkuchen | Roast pork knuckle |
| Eisbein | Roast pork with dumplings |
Which is cheaper?
Berlin is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $150–$260 per person there, against $180–$320 in Munich (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Berlin on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Berlin and Munich are about 504 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Berlin and 4 in Munich.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Berlin or Munich cheaper?
Berlin is usually less expensive: about $150–$260 a day mid-range against $180–$320 (estimates).
+Is Berlin or Munich better for a first trip?
Pick Berlin for Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate, lower day-to-day costs and free sights, or Munich for Oktoberfest and Beer gardens.
+How far is Berlin from Munich?
About 504 km in a straight line.