Berlin is a city full of history, culture, and food. You don’t have to spend a lot to see it all. It’s cheaper than many other European capitals. This guide will show you how to enjoy Berlin without spending too much.
Key Takeaways
- Berlin offers a budget-friendly weekend getaway with average costs of £150 / €175 per person for flights and accommodation for a three-night stay1.
- Public transportation in Berlin is reasonably priced, with single trip tickets ranging from €2.20 to €4.40 depending on the zones1.
- Dining out in Berlin can be done affordably, with the average meal costing around €10-12 and a pint of beer typically £3-41.
- Exploring Berlin’s free sights and neighbourhoods can help keep costs down, while paid activities and attractions average around €13.50 per person1.
- Accommodation options like hostels and budget hotels can provide significant savings, with dorm beds starting at £17 per person per night2.
Stay in Affordable Accommodation
Hostels and Budget Hotels
Berlin has many affordable places to stay, ensuring a budget-friendly weekend3.
Accommodation | Rating | Price per Night | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Wilde Aparthotels Berlin, Checkpoint Charlie | 9.2 | US$165.48 | Mitte |
Apartments Rosenthal Residence | 9.0 | US$188.45 | Mitte |
Casa Camper Berlin | 9.1 | US$160.70 | Mitte |
ADELANTE Boutique Hotel | 9.0 | US$173.06 | Mitte |
Garden Living – Boutique Hotel | 9.1 | US$271.49 | Mitte |
sly Berlin | 9.0 | US$183.98 | Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg |
BENSIMON apartments Prenzlauer Berg | 9.0 | US$211.99 | Prenzlauer Berg |
BerLietz | 9.8 | US$150.34 | Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf |
Sandino Summer Camp | 9.0 | US$67.49 | Lichtenberg |
Locke at East Side Gallery | 9.3 | US$112.49 | Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg |
Indulge in Global Cuisine on a Budget
Berlin’s food scene is both affordable and tasty. You can find Turkish restaurants with lunches starting at £6. There are also Vietnamese, Lebanese, Italian, Polish, and Greek places6. Don’t miss the Thai Park in Charlottenburg for Europe’s biggest Thai street food market (weekends only). Enjoy Pad Thai or Tom Yum Goong for £67.
For the famous German döner kebab, visit Mustafa’s Gemüse Kebap. Or, try a currywurst at Curry 36 for £3 to £56.
Restaurant Type | Average Cost per Person |
---|---|
Inexpensive/Fast-Food | 7-10 EUR |
Mid-Range | 15-25 EUR |
Fine Dining | 40 EUR or more |
For cheap eats, check out Friedrichshain and Prenzlauer Berg. These areas offer lunch deals6. Berlin’s food scene is diverse and won’t empty your wallet.

“Berlin consumes a staggering 600 tons of doner meat daily, reflecting the popularity of kebabs in the city.”7
Explore Free Sights and Neighbourhoods
Berlin is full of free attractions and budget-friendly activities. You can explore its vibrant culture and history without spending a lot. From famous landmarks to charming areas, there’s plenty to see and do on a budget.
Begin at Checkpoint Charlie, a symbol of Berlin’s past. Then, head to the Brandenburger Tor, a key landmark. Walk along Unter den Linden avenue to see grand buildings and feel the city’s energy8.

“Explore Berlin’s free attractions and budget-friendly neighbourhoods to experience the city’s rich history and vibrant culture without breaking the bank.”
Weekend Break In Berlin on a budget
Discover Berlin’s vibrant culture and attractions without spending a lot. Explore the Tiergarten, a top spot for budget travel berlin lovers. It’s perfect for jogging, strolling, or just enjoying the sun10.
In the heart of the park, find the Große Stern. It’s a roundabout with five avenues and the iconic Victory Column. Climb the 270 steps for amazing views of the park and the city10.
For a lovely walk, visit the Spree River. See modern buildings, the Nicholas Quarter, and the Berliner Dom and Museum Island11.
Save money with Berlin’s great public transport. A 24-hour ticket for up to 5 people in zones A & B is only 25.50 euros11.
Walk through the Tiergarten, climb the Victory Column, or dive into Berlin’s culture. This city has many budget-friendly activities for an unforgettable weekend12.
Immerse Yourself in Culture on a Budget
Museums and Galleries
Exploring Berlin’s museums on a budget is easy with a Museum Pass for €32 (€16 for students)13. On the first Sunday of the month, many museums offer free entry, like the Bode-Museum or the German National Gallery13. Private galleries let you see new art for free13. The Urban Nation Museum in Schöneberg, focused on urban art, doesn’t charge an entry fee13.
Free walking tours are a great way to see Berlin’s culture without spending much14. These tours last 2 to 3 hours and cover a lot of the city14. You might give 10-20 Euros at the end, depending on how much you enjoyed it14. Berlin has tours on many topics, like history or street art, making them affordable and interesting14.
Attraction | Cost |
---|---|
Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp | Located about 35 km north of Berlin in Oranienburg15 |
Brandenburg Gate | Measures 26 meters high, 65.5 meters wide, and 11 meters deep15 |
East Side Gallery | A 1.3-kilometer-long section of the Berlin Wall turned into an open-air gallery with murals and graffiti art15 |
Conclusion
Flights and two nights’ accommodation in Berlin can cost less than £20017. This makes it easy to plan a budget-friendly weekend break and explore the city’s hidden gems.
FAQ
What are some affordable accommodation options in Berlin?
Berlin has many budget-friendly places to stay. You can choose from well-known hostels like a&o Hostels, Meininger, St Christopher’s Inn, or Generator. Or try the Eastern & Western Comfort Hostelboats for something different. Dorm beds start at €20, and private rooms from €60, depending on the season.
Design hotels like NH Hotels offer stylish stays from €75 for a double room.
Where can I find affordable and delicious global cuisine in Berlin?
Berlin’s food scene is both cheap and delicious. You can find Turkish restaurants with lunches starting at €6. There are also Vietnamese, Lebanese, Italian, Polish, and Greek spots around the city.
The Thai Park in Charlottenburg is Europe’s largest Thai street food market, open on weekends. Here, you can enjoy dishes like Pad Thai or Tom Yum Goong for about €6. For a budget-friendly döner kebab, try Mustafa’s Gemüse Kebap. Or grab a currywurst from Curry 36.
What are some of the free sights and activities I can enjoy in Berlin?
Berlin has many free sights close to each other. Visit Checkpoint Charlie, see the Brandenburger Tor, and explore the Reichstag. Don’t forget to visit the Holocaust Memorial and walk along Unter den Linden to the Fernseherturm, Germany’s tallest structure.
Check out the diverse areas like Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain, and Mitte. Or enjoy the calm of Schöneberg, Neukölln, Wedding, and Tiergarten. Spend time in Tiergarten, the largest park, and climb the Victory Column for €4 to see the city from above.
How can I explore Berlin’s cultural attractions on a budget?
To see Berlin’s museums without spending much, get a Museum Pass for €32 (€16 for students). On the first Sunday of the month, many museums offer free entry, like the Bode-Museum or the German National Gallery.
Private galleries are also a good choice for free contemporary art. The Urban Nation Museum in Schöneberg, dedicated to urban art, doesn’t charge an entry fee.
Source Links
- Berlin on a Budget: a 3-night city break for under £300 (all-in!)
- The Best Hotels in Berlin for Every Budget
- Hotels in Berlin from £17 – Find Cheap Hotels with momondo
- Hotels in Berlin | Book Cheap Hotel Rooms Online – Hostelworld
- Berlin cheap hotels
- The Cost of Food in Berlin: A Comprehensive Guide for Budget-Friendly Dining
- Budget Travel Guide: How Expensive is Berlin on a Budget?
- 75 Free Things to do in Berlin (Updated 2024)
- How to enjoy Berlin without breaking the bank
- City break in Berlin
- Berlin on a Budget: 17 Tips for Saving Money on Your Trip to Berlin
- Berlin City Breaks | Cheap City Breaks to Berlin | Wowcher
- Low Budget Sightseeing in Berlin
- Discover Berlin on a Budget: Immerse Yourself in the City with a Free Walking Tour
- Berlin on a Budget: A Guide to Explore Berlin | MEININGER
- How to Make the Most of Your Money on a 3-Day Trip to Berlin
- Berlin City Guide – Where History Meets Culture