Comparison · Berlin vs Vienna · Germany / Austria
Berlin vs Vienna
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 and free sights; choose Vienna for Schönbrunn Palace and Coffee houses. Berlin is generally less expensive, and the two are about 524 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 524 km
- Less expensive
- Berlin
- Best time for Berlin
- May–September
- Best time for Vienna
- April–June and September–October
Side by side
| Berlin | Vienna | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Germany | Austria |
| Known for | Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate and Museum Island | Schönbrunn Palace, Coffee houses and Klimt and Schiele |
| Best time to visit | May–September | April–June and September–October |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $150–$260 | $170–$300 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | July, 25°C (77°F) | July, 26°C (79°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 3°C (37°F) | January, 3°C (37°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 10 | 4 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 6 |
| Beaches | — | — |
| Airports | BER | VIE, BTS |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Berlin for…
Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate 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 Vienna for…
Schönbrunn Palace and Coffee houses. The Habsburgs ruled from Vienna for more than six centuries, and their palaces, museums and churches still define the city. Inside the Ringstrasse, the old centre holds St Stephen's Cathedral, the Hofburg and dozens of traditional coffee houses; just outside…
Top sights compared
| # | Berlin | Vienna |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brandenburg Gate | Schönbrunn Palace |
| 2 | Reichstag and its glass dome | Tiergarten Schönbrunn |
| 3 | Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe | Hofburg Imperial Apartments and Sisi Museum |
| 4 | Museum Island | Spanish Riding School |
| 5 | Neues Museum | St Stephen's Cathedral |
Food compared
| Berlin | Vienna |
|---|---|
| Currywurst | Wiener Schnitzel |
| Döner kebab | Tafelspitz |
| Berliner Pfannkuchen | Sachertorte |
| Eisbein | Apple strudel |
Which is cheaper?
Berlin is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $150–$260 per person there, against $170–$300 in Vienna (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Berlin on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Berlin and Vienna are about 524 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Berlin and 4 in Vienna.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Berlin or Vienna cheaper?
Berlin is usually less expensive: about $150–$260 a day mid-range against $170–$300 (estimates).
+Is Berlin or Vienna better for a first trip?
Pick Berlin for Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate and free sights, or Vienna for Schönbrunn Palace and Coffee houses.
+How far is Berlin from Vienna?
About 524 km in a straight line.