Berlin vs Munich: Alternative East or Bavarian tradition?
Berlin is raw, alternative, techno and street art. Munich is polished Bavaria with beer gardens, Schloss Nymphenburg and trips to the Alps.
Updated: 22 July 2026 · compiled by the CheapTrips editors
Choose Berlin for history, art and nightlife. Choose Munich for beer gardens and the gateway to the Alps. Flights from the Netherlands take about 1 hour 20 to Berlin and about 1 hour 30 to Munich. On price, Berlin is a little cheaper. For a first visit most travellers pick Berlin.
Berlin
Berlin is the coolest capital in Europe: a reunited city full of history, techno clubs in old train depots, vegan restaurants and the best street food since the fall of the Wall.
Flight from NL: €60 return
View Berlin →Munich
Munich is Bavarian cosiness with international quality: baroque churches, beer gardens, the Englischer Garten and the gateway to the Alps. Flights from Schiphol from €70 return, 3 days from €420 per person.
Flight from NL: €70 return
View Munich →Berlin vs Munich at a glance
| Berlin | Munich | |
|---|---|---|
| Return flight from NL | €60 return | €70 return |
| Flight time from Schiphol | about 1 hour 20 | about 1 hour 30 |
| Coast / beach | No | No |
| Museums | World-class | Good |
| Nightlife | Lively | Decent |
| Winter weather | Cold | Cold |
| Best months | May, June, July, September | May, June, September |
| Ideal length | 3 days | 3 days |
| Price level | €€ | €€€ |
Berlin and Munich are both popular for a trip from the Netherlands, but they feel quite different. Berlin is known for history, art and nightlife, while Munich is about beer gardens and the gateway to the Alps. On price, Berlin is a little cheaper. Berlin ideally needs 3 days, while you can see Munich well in 3 days. The best months are May, June, July, September for Berlin and May, June, September for Munich. Want to combine them: A fast train takes about 4 hours, or you fly in under an hour. All prices below are indicative and based on return flights from Schiphol or Eindhoven outside the school holidays.
Best time to visit compared
Berlin
May to September: 15 to 25 degrees, plus all the festivals and beer gardens. December has its Christmas markets. January and February are grey and cold (around 0°C) but the museums are quieter then.
Munich
May to September for warm days in the beer gardens (20-25°C). Late September is Oktoberfest (very expensive, book early). December has the most beautiful Christmas markets. January to March is good for day trips to the Alps.
Flights + transfer from the Netherlands
Berlin
Directly from Schiphol to Berlin Brandenburg (BER) in 1 hour 20 minutes. KLM, easyJet, Ryanair. FEX-train to center €4 in 35 minutes.
Munich
From Schiphol to Munich (MUC) in 1 hour 30 minutes. KLM, Lufthansa. S-Bahn 1 or 8 to center €13 in 40 minutes.
Costs compared
Berlin
Hostels from €18, mid-range hotels €70 to 110, vacation rentals €85 per night. Food: döner €5, currywurst €3, bistrot €15, beer €4.
Munich
Hostels from €25, mid-range hotels €100 to 150, vacation rentals €110 per night. Food: weisswurst breakfast €8, schnitzel €18, beer-garden dinner €25, litre of beer €10.
Who is it for?
Choose Berlin if you are...
Techno fans, history lovers (the Wall), hipsters, lower budget.
Choose Munich if you are...
Beer-culture fans, a classic German feel, families, a base for an Alps trip.
Our verdict
Berlin is cheaper (~20%). Munich is more expensive but more beautiful for families. Oktoberfest = Munich in September.
Plan your trip
Frequently asked: Berlin or Munich
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Discover these destinations
See the individual travel guides with live prices from the Netherlands.