Berlin vs London: How Does It Compare?

Have trouble deciding between Berlin and London? To help you choose which European capital is the right fit for you, we’ve created a thorough comparison guide. It covers everything you’re wondering about – the quality of life, famous landmarks, nightlife, cuisine, and public transport.

There are many connections between the two cities. Both bustling cities are multicultural mashups, and the locals there are welcoming to people from all backgrounds. Additionally, the museums in both cities have remarkable collections from around the globe.

Keep reading to learn about the differences and similarities between Berlin and London!

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Berlin & London Compared

Main Differences

Even though they’re both big cities, the primary difference between Berlin and London is the size. There are three times as many people living in London as there are in Berlin, despite London being almost twice the size of Berlin. The capital of Germany has a little over 3 million residents compared to London’s 9+ million. It also has a significantly lower population density. In reality, this means that Berlin is much less packed than London. It’s simpler to go out to a restaurant without making reservations, fewer traffic jams, and fewer people walking around.

The language barrier is a significant difference between these two cities. If you don’t look forward to learning German, you will struggle to get around in Berlin. Even though there are plenty of Berliners who are fluent in English, it’s good the know the basics of the German language.

Another thing people might find surprising is that all supermarkets, clothing boutiques, and grocery stores are closed. Museums, restaurants, and transit hubs are the only open places. This isn’t the case with London though!

Top Tourist Attractions

Both London and Berlin offer many tourist attractions. East Berlin and a huge number of monuments from World War II and the Cold War are among Berlin’s top tourist spots. This capital city undoubtedly showcases a rich history with iconic sights like the Berlin Wall Memorial, Berlin Philharmonic, Museum Island, and Brandenburg Gate. It’s obvious why this place is an absolute must for history buffs.

On the other hand, London might be a better choice for artists and creatives. It’s also a great city for students who want to study art. London boasts 13 more universities and 65 more museums than Berlin including the British Museum and the National Gallery. Because of its long history, it has an extensive list of important sights including Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus, London Eye, Trafalgar Square, and Big Ben.

Public Transportation

It’s easier to get around Berlin than London for a variety of reasons. First of all, London is much bigger and harder to navigate. Furthermore, public transit is generally pricier which makes sense because the city is so large.

In comparison to Berlin’s affordable U-Bahn, monthly passes for the London’s Tube are roughly three times more expensive. Some visitors even claim the U-Bahn is better because it operates 24 hours and uses newer trains.

Cost Of Living & Travel

Generally speaking, London is more expensive than Berlin. If you’re planning to visit London, know that prices for food, restaurants, bars, nightlife, and hotels are higher than in Berlin. The city center of the German capital and the surrounding districts offer a lot of value for money if you’re traveling on a limited budget. It’s important to note it’s not a cheap destination either.

If you’re considering moving to London, you should be aware that most people commonly spend half of their monthly income on rent. The average price of a one-bedroom apartment is almost $2,500. To maintain a basic standard of living in one of the best cities in the world, you would need around $4,700 per month. Furthermore, Berlin takes pride in offering a better quality of life according to a PwC poll.

With all that said, both Berlin and London are much different from each other. Statistically and financially, Berlin isn’t at the same level as London.

Recommended Read The Best Cheap Hotels In Berlin, Germany

FAQ

Is Berlin better than London?

If you’re planning to move, Berlin would be a fantastic choice even though some travelers claim London is more exciting. The average salary in the two cities is similar, although Berlin boasts a higher quality of life than London.

Is Berlin or London more expensive?

London is more expensive, it has a 63% higher cost of living than Berlin.

What’s the weather like in Berlin and London?

In the summertime, Berlin is much warmer than London. The capital of the UK doesn’t have frequent heatwaves or truly hot summer in general. Still, both London and Berlin have freezing cold winters, with London’s wind being a bit warmer.

Does Berlin have better nightlife than London?

Party goers claim Berlin has the best variety of nightclubs and live music than any other city in the world. Even though London’s clubs are fun, there are fewer options and they close early.

What’s the main river in Berlin?

The main river in Berlin is called the River Spree.

What’s the main river in London?

The main river in London is the River Thames.

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