Berlin vs Munich: Alternatief East or Beiers traditional?
Berlin is raw, alternatief, techno and street art. Munich is gepolijst Beieren with biertuinen, Schloss Nymphenburg and Alpen-uitjes.
Berlin
Berlin is the coolste capital or Europe: a herenigde city full history, techno-clubs in old treindepots, vegan-restaurants and the best street food since Mauerfall.
Flight from NL: €60 return
View Berlin →Munich
Munich is Beierse gemoedelijkheid with international quality: barokke churches, biertuinen, the Englischer Garten and the poort to the Alpen. Flights from Schiphol from €70 return, 3 days from €420 per person.
Flight from NL: €70 return
View Munich →Best time to visit compared
Berlin
May to September: 15 to 25 degrees, plus all festivals and biergardens. December has Weihnachtsmärkte. January and February are grijs and cold (around 0°C) but museums are than quiet.
Munich
May to September for warm days in the biertuinen (20-25°C). Eind September is Oktoberfest (very expensive, book early). December has the most beautiful Christmas markets. January to March is good for dagtripjes to the Alpen.
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, biertje €4.
Munich
Hostels from €25, mid-range hotels €100 to 150, vacation rentals €110 per night. Food: weisswurst-breakfast €8, schnitzel €18, biertuin dinner €25, liter beer €10.
Who is it for?
Choose Berlin if you are...
Techno-fans, history-lovers (Muur), hipsters, lager budget.
Choose Munich if you are...
Beer-culture-fans, classic-Duits aanvoel, families, basis for Alpen-trip.
Our verdict
Berlin is cheaper (~20%). Munich is more expensive but more beautiful for families. Oktoberfest = Munich in September.