Berlin vs London: Which City Is Better For You?

Choosing between Berlin vs London can be tough, as both cities offer rich history and vibrant cultures. To help you choose which European capital is the right fit for you, we’ve created a thorough comparison guide. It covers everything...

Apr 18, 2024 - 21:01

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Berlin vs London: Which City Is Better For You?

Choosing between Berlin vs London can be tough, as both cities offer rich history and vibrant cultures. 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. Keep reading to learn about the differences and similarities between Berlin and London!

Berlin vs London: 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 in Berlin, London being almost twice the size of Berlin.

Berlin 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 to know the basics of the German language.

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

Shopping In Berlin | Shopping In London

Berlin vs London: 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 Berlin 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, there’s an extensive list of important sights in London, including Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Hampton Court Palace, Piccadilly Circus, London Eye, Trafalgar Square, and Big Ben.

Museums In Berlin | Museums In London
Berlin vs London: Public Transportation

People sitting and standing in the London Tube

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 in London, 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.

Bars In Berlin | Pubs In London

Berlin vs London: 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 of Berlin and surrounding districts offer a lot of value for money if you’re traveling on a limited budget. It’s important to note that Berlin is 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.

Hotels In Berlin | Hotels In London

Top 12 Things To Do In Berlin

Top 12 Things To Do In London

Frequently Asked Questions

Berlin vs London: Which city is better to live in?

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.

Berlin vs London: Which city is more expensive?

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

Berlin vs London: How does the weather compare?

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

Berlin vs London: Which city has better nightlife?

Partygoers 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.