A guide to visiting Berlin on a budget

Berlin is a lively city full of history, art, and culture. It’s known for its nightlife, diverse food scene, and many historical landmarks. It is one of the most diverse European cities and is a popular tourist destination, welcoming about 14 million eager vacationers per year.

While Germany is not exactly the cheapest country to visit, there are definitely ways to visit Berlin on a budget, and enjoy the city without breaking the bank.

Where to stay in Berlin on a budget

Oftentimes when traveling, accommodation costs eat up most of our travel budget.

Thankfully, Berlin is a popular backpacker destination, and it has no shortage of budget-friendly hostels and hotel options.

A great hotel choice for budget travelers in Berlin is the Meininger Hotel. It’s centrally located, has a 24-hour reception desk and bar, free Wi-Fi, and breakfast is included in your stay.

Another great option for backpackers or those on a tight budget is to couch surf. Berlin is home to many kind and welcoming locals who are always happy to open their homes to travelers. However, it can be a bit risky to stay in a stranger’s home while traveling in a foreign country, so I don’t necessarily recommend this option if you can avoid it.

There are also a number of Airbnb apartments and rooms for rent in Berlin that are affordable and centrally located. Depending on how long you plan on staying in the city, opting for a long-term stay in an Airbnb can sometimes be slightly cheaper than paying per night for a hostel or hotel room.

If you’re looking for something a little fancier, there are also a number of mid-priced hotels in Berlin. The Michelberger Hotel is a great option if you’re looking for an interesting and unique hotel experience. It’s located in an old industrial building and has a hip, retro vibe. Rates start at around 100€ per night.

Finding cheap eats in Berlin

Berlin is a food haven, and you can easily find lots of tasty food choices here that won’t break the bank.  A great option for affordable eats is the Turkish food scene in Berlin. There are a number of Turkish restaurants throughout the city that serve up some of the best and cheapest falafel, kebabs, and döner in town.

Another great option for cheap eats is to explore the many street food stalls that can be found throughout Berlin. From currywurst to grilled cheese sandwiches, you can find a wide variety of tasty and affordable street food here.

For those looking for something a little more high-end, there are also a number of Michelin-starred restaurants in Berlin that offer great dining experiences without costing an arm and a leg. The two-starred restaurant Facil is a great option for those looking for an elegant meal. Dinner will set you back around 70€ per person, but it’s well worth it for the exquisite food and wine pairings.

If you’re on a tight budget, I would recommend avoiding eating out at restaurants for every meal. Instead, try to mix things up by cooking some meals in your hostel or Airbnb, and by exploring the many cheap eats options that Berlin has to offer.

Getting around the city for cheap

Getting around in Berlin on a budget is simple, and transportation in Berlin is fairly easy-to-use and inexpensive – when you know how to do it right. The cheapest way to get around the city is by using the public transportation system. Berlin has an excellent and efficient subway, bus, and tram system that will get you practically anywhere you need to go. A single ticket costs just € 2,90, a full one-day ticket costs € 8,60, and a 7-day transportation pass will cost around € 34.

If you’re planning on doing a lot of sightseeing, I would recommend purchasing a Berlin Welcome Card. This card gives you free or discounted admission to many of the city’s museums and attractions, as well as unlimited use of public transportation for 72 hours. You can purchase a Berlin Welcome Card online or at any of the city’s tourist information offices.

Another great way to get around the city is by bicycle. Berlin has an excellent and well-maintained bike lane network, and cycling is a great way to see the city. There are also a number of bicycle rental shops throughout Berlin where you can rent a bike for just a few euros per day.

Walk as much as possible! Berlin is a very walkable city and you’ll save a ton on transportation costs by doing so.

Sightseeing in Berlin (without going broke)

There’s no need to spend money when there are so many amazing free things to do in Berlin. 

Take advantage of free attractions, like the Reichstag building, Checkpoint Charlie, or the Berlin Wall Memorial.

Another great way to explore the city is by taking a walk or bike ride through the many beautiful and historical neighborhoods.

Art & culture

If you’re a history buff, be sure to check out the many interesting museums that Berlin has to offer. The Deutsches Historisches Museum is one of the largest and most popular history museums in Europe, and admission is free for all visitors on Sundays.

For art lovers, Berlin is home to some of the best contemporary art galleries in the world. The Berlinische Galerie is a great place to start, and admission is free for all visitors on Thursdays.

Enjoy the outdoors

Berlin is also home to some amazing parks and gardens. The Tiergarten is the largest park in the city, and is a great place for a relaxing stroll or picnic lunch. Other popular parks include Volkspark Friedrichshain, Gendarmenmarkt Square, and Mauerpark.

If you’re looking for something a little more active, there are also a number of great outdoor activities that you can do in Berlin without spending a penny. There are plenty of parks and riverside areas where you can go for a walk, jog, or bike ride. There are even many low-cost walking tours in Berlin held daily that’ll take you by all the most popular sights around the city.

And for those looking to get their adrenaline fix, there are also a number of great free climbing walls in the city!

Tips for saving money in Berlin

• Avoid expensive activities, like going to the movies or visiting museums – most of the best things to see in Berlin are free!
• Many restaurants in Berlin have lunch specials that offer great value for money – opt for these cheaper options if you do decide to eat out.
• Look for grocery stores instead of convenience stores when buying snacks and drinks, they tend to be less expensive and have a wider variety of options to choose from.
• Visit the city during off-peak season (spring or fall) to take advantage of cheaper hotel rates.
• Stay in a hostel or Airbnb – both are much cheaper than traditional hotels. Try couchsurfing with a local if you’re brave!
• Bring your own snacks and drinks with you when exploring the city – this will help to keep costs down.

How much money should you budget for a trip to Berlin?

If you’re planning on spending five days in Berlin, I would recommend budgeting around € 300-350 per person. This will cover your transportation costs, as well as some of your food and accommodation expenses. 

However, if you’re willing to do a little bit of research and explore some of the city’s cheaper eats and accommodation options, you can definitely visit Berlin on a budget.