Berlin vs Munich

This question comes up often and there are those who pick Berlin and those who pick Munich. I pick Berlin.

As a 28 year old, I think you will find this a lively, fascinating, fun city. There are multiple side trips to make from just about any city in Germany and Berlin has its' share.

My daughter and I thought Potsdam was wonderful, we were very moved at the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp and I would have also liked to have gone to Ravensbruck, which was the womens' camp. Perhaps a visit to the Spree Forest would interest you too.If we would have had some more time, would have popped over to Dresden. Kind of near by would be Quedlinburg, or Lübeck, both well worth your time. Even Hamburg is within reach, a city that is well on its way to becoming a major tourist destination.

Massive amounts of history in Berlin, over 100 museums to visit, cutting edge art, music and fashion, a city filled with parks and trees, and also one of the cheapest cities you can visit.

On a 29 days trip you'll only be able to visit one city in Europe's largest country? From Berlin to scenic Baltic sea coast (not really covered by Rick as it is REALLY beautiful and non-touristy) or the Mecklenburg Lake District would be close by. On your way from Berlin to BeNeLux at least stop in Cologne and spend a day and night.

I'm 24 now, but 2 years ago I was in both Berlin and Munich. I have to say, both are great, but Munich was amazing. It was my second favorite stop we made next to Paris. Essentially, do you want to drink bottles of Beck's in a Berlin bar, or drink liters of Augustiner in a Munich beer garden.

I'm thinking about maybe doing both but just in case I can't. Too many places to see and not enough time to do it all. I think part of my problem with including Germany is that I don't know a whole lot about it and it never got on my top priorities list. I'm looking at doing a loop starting and ending in Paris. My plane ticket is purchased. My boyfriend is with me through day 11 and we have that part planned. Iceland, Paris, Brugge, and then to Amsterdam. After that is where the consideration about Germany comes in. Go to Berlin or fly straight to Prague. I starting and ending in Paris because I want a couple extra days there at the end of my trip.

I'm looking at Prague, Vienna, some place in the Alps and ?.

I love both cities, but Berlin would get my vote if I had to choose. There is so much history and the city is beautiful!! I had low expectations because it is such a big city, but we were there for 3 days last May and I fell in love with it! If you are going to the Eastern cities like Prague, Berlin is closer and you could stop in Dresden on the way...Don't worry, which ever one you choose you will love!!

I have been to Munich, but not Berlin! I loved Munich. The people were friendly, you can see the alps (on a clear day) and you have the biggest beer hall ever. The Marienplatz is huge and lively at night. Oh my gosh, Munich is amazing!!

I loved Berlin! It is in my top 3 favorite cities (so far). We had kids with us, but had we not, we would have been going out at night- the bar below us was kicking til 4 in the morning! Oh, and Berlin is inexpensive, too (for a major city.)

There is definitely some conflicting views on this. I might just have to try to do both. :)

Cate, just curious. What are your other 2 favorite cities?

I've been to neither. Like you, i'm 28 and going on my first trip to Europe this week for 31 days.

I've asked the some question to everyone I know that's gone to Europe, and it's always been 50 50.

I'm going to Munich, not Berlin, because Munich is closer to every other place i'm going to. Berlin is way up North.

My sample route is an overnight train from Venice to Vienna, a couple days in Vienna, then to Prague. After Prague i'll go to Munich, then Salzburg, then the Swiss alps.

I don't really have a good fit for Berlin in there. I would love to get at least a 2 day stop there, but you can't go everywhere.

Both are terrific.

I would say that Munich is incredibly charming, as is all of Bavaria. It's a delightfully cozy, big city. You can do some really nice day trips from there.

Berlin is a much more metropolitan city with a modern feel, but with a lot of cool things to see and do.

I visited both last summer and enjoyed both, but really enjoyed the history and incredible sights you can see in Berlin. Loved it and want to go back! Have fun...

Hi,

I hope it won't come to a decison of picking one over the other. Ideally you should spend time in both. I've been to both numerous times over the years, but when I am in Germany I always go back to Berlin, not so with Munich. If you want to hear that south German accent, pick Munich and spend the time in Bavaria.

If given a choice just between Munich and Berlin, I'd pick Berlin any day. You have been told that Berlin is a must see...You were told correctly!

I think I'm with Justin. They are both great but for different reasons.

Here are words I use to describe each.

Munich is beautiful, historic, charming, laid back, cozy, warm (by German standards), fun. It has some nice galleries/museums and nearby palaces/castles. Nearby Salzburg is a gem.

Berlin is vibrant, modern, active, frenetic. It's also very historic but in a different way. It has a ton of great galleries/museums and nearby palaces/historic cities. While Munich certainly doesn't roll up the streets at night, Berlin is known for nightlife. Nearby Potsdam and Dresden are wonderful.

Hopefully, you can decide based on the place that sounds most appealing to you. Personally, I'm more drawn to Munich because of it's charm and laid back quality. Like Jo says, some people would choose Berlin while others would choose Munich.