Is Berlin an expensive holiday?

Question

I am going to Berlin in a couple of weeks with my husband and would just like to know what to expect. We already have a place to stay. We are not interested in clubs or doing much shopping. We would ideally like to get a taste of the city, eat out, see all the sights and probably go to a few pubs on the night. We are going for one week. I have heard mixed reviews, that it is very expensive and that you can get by quite cheaply. Any advice? By the way, I live in England.

Answer 1

I think you can get by quite cheaply. As Berlin cuisine really doesn't have much to offer, I suppose you'd rather see some of the Indian, Thai, Moroccan and other international restaurants they have in the city, and of course have one of the famous Turkish Döner Kebabs. But, there is all sorts of restaurants and pubs in Berlin, from the very cheap to the most expensive.

I guess you have studied a guidebook and have an idea of what to see in the city. In general, don't fall into the tourist traps like the Kurfürstendamm or Berlin-Mitte. Generally, everything is overpriced there, and I wouldn't really recommend the restaurants, especially on "Ku'damm". If you have a place to stay already, the people there will sure give you some advice on what to see and where to go.

Most people I know who came to Berlin while I lived there spent most of their money on shopping. Now you say you can resist those "spontaneous shopping attacks", well, that's good.

I always recommend to tourists my beloved Kreuzberg, also known as "little Istanbul". Start at Friedrichstraße / Checkpoint Charlie and WALK down Kochstraße and Oranienstraße. That's not actually off the beaten tourist tracks,  but it's more interesting than all the monuments and museums. I know it, I lived there.

I somehow miss Berlin, especially in spring and summer. Go eat a Döner for me, will you? And enjoy your stay.

btw, people say you should beware of pickpockets there. That may be true, but I've never been robbed or ripped off in seven years. Still, use some caution.

Answer 2

Berlin is one of the cheapest European capitals so enjoy eating out while you are there! Cafes and kebab places are very cheap plus you can eat from little places which sell sausages and chips - delicious.

While you are there, don't forget to visit Bao Bao and Knut at the Berlin Zoo - well worth the entrance fee.

Answer 3

no, its not that exp. if you are in that area its a must, to take a trip to sansouci!  and Potsdam!   enjoy!!!

http://www.spsg.de/index.php?id=163   (englisch is availabe)

http://www.potsdamtourismus.de/      or    http://www.potsdam.de/cms/ziel/26822/DE/

Answer 4

I think compared to England you will be surpised how cheap Berlin is.  I know we used to go have dinner and wine for two people at an Italian place for 20 Euros.  But that was 3 years ago.  Order wine by the 1/2 liter (house wine).

I would also recommend Kreuzberg and Bergmannstrasse.  That area has some great shops, cafes and restaurants.  

Be sure and go somewhere for a typical german breakfast.  That is the best!  They serve fresh rolls with cheese and meats, fruit and a boiled egg.  It's wonderful with a Milchkafee.

Enjoy!

Answer 5

Yes, Berlin is cheap. Those who say it is not cheap might be comparing it to the times (say, 10 years ago) when it was dirt-cheap, to now, when it is still the cheapest city in Western Europe, but just plain-affordable.

For a "taste of the city", I warmly recommend the Insider Tour (walking tours in Berlin):

http://www.insidertour.com