Berlin vs Prague in May

If you are into German language and music then Berlin. If you want different culture than in Dresden, the city with medieval neighborhoods, real eye candy with very good and very cheap beer then Prague. Architecture is first class. Night life is good in both, cheaper in Prague.

Berlin. Both Berlin and Dresden are EUR economies, Prague is CZK.

Prague. Pivo cheaper than Bier.
Prague: 32 CZK/500ml https://www.expatistan.com/cost-of-living/prague
Berlin: 2.93 EUR/ 500ml https://www.expatistan.com/cost-of-living/berlin

32 CZK = about 1.20 EUR

I loved both but given the option to only go to one, I would recommend Berlin.

Berlin is a modern metropolis, Prague is romantic "Old Europe". You can see most of Prague within three days, Berlin gets better with every day and needs at least four days. Prague is love at first sight, Berlin grows on you.

BTW: Dresden is a great base for day trips, probably the best in Germany after Munich. I don't know if you love nature, but the Elbe valley in May is wonderful.... the beer gardens around the Blue Wonder bridge, the vineyards of Radebeul, the dramatic landscape of Saxon Switzerland, the parks of Pillnitz and Moritzburg... From Dresden you can do day trips to both Prague and Berlin AND many beautiful small towns, among them the best preserved town in the whole country (Görlitz).

I visited Prague and 2-3 years later I went to Germany, mostly southwest and Berlin and included 2 nights in Dresden. In Dresden, I kept thinking I was in the Czech Republic, not in Germany. Prague is certainly different from Dresden, but Dresden is felt more like a Czech city than a German one, architecturally. All this to say - Berlin will be very different. It is in fact very different from most of Germany too and has some of the best museums in the world. Spend as much time there as you can squeeze in. Maybe a day trip to Prague from Dresden first . . .

Too many great places, too little time . . . and money . . . sigh

Haven't been to Prague yet (will visit this year) but really really liked Berlin last year- I was surprised at how much I liked it. I would go back if given the opportunity.

We stayed 4 nights- and really packed our days- art, history, more art, more history...
If you chose Berlin I highly recommend taking a tour with Original Berlin Walks- very informative, excellent guides, extremely affordable.

Hi,

With those interests in mind, I would recommend Berlin , no doubt about it. Fascination with the language? Does that mean also literature? if so, then stay at least one night in Weimar to see museums/houses of Wieland, Goethe, Schiller, Herder, Going to Frankfurt an der Oder as a day trip from Berlin is very doable to see the museum/house of Heinrich von Kleist, only if you're into language and literature.

tom,

Given that you're fascinated by the German language and music, I'd also suggest Berlin. If possible it would be nice to do a bit of exploring in Dresden also. There's still some of the old cold war architecture, but the city is undergoing a revival and there's a lot of newer buildings and shopping areas as well.

On a more pragmatic note, limiting your visit to Germany this time would avoid having to switch to another currency for a day or two, and possibly have some left-over. Go to Prague when you can spend more time there.

I love both Places and visit Prague several times a year but Berlin is amazing especially if you are into WWII history.For a few days I would say in your case go to Berlin.
BTW I saw Nina Hagen about 27/28 years ago in Konstanz, she was supporting Joe Cocker and was bloody amazing.She must be getting on a bit these days.