It's a city that still seems to be two different cities at times, due to being split by the Berlin Wall for nearly 30 years. Berlin is grungier than Munich in places, but it makes it that much more impressive when you do come across something beautiful. Munich has more obvious beauty.
Both cities are top-rated and active contributors to Germany's economy. Munich owns many of the largest breweries in Germany, hosting the Oktoberfest celebration annually. Berlin dominates the service sector as the most significant industrial town.
Berlin has surpassed Munich among the 50 most expensive cities in the world according to the recent Cost of Living City Ranking by Mercer. Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, Hamburg and Stuttgart also made it into the top 100.
So many people call Berlin ugly, and maybe it is if you're comparing it to beauties such as Paris or Rome. Berlin is not a city that will immediately strike you as beautiful. But the beauty is there. It's just a little more hidden, and you might have to work for it.
Germany is renowned for its dynamic and vibrant cities, such as Berlin and Hamburg, and as well as those cities that are known for their beauty, such as Marburg, Bamberg and Heidelberg – and my personal favourite, Stralsund.
The BEST Place to Visit in Germany Is...? What's OVERRATED? #askagerman Series Pt. 3
Why is Berlin so attractive?
So what exactly is it that makes Berlin so appealing? It is the diversity, the wide variety of contrasts and the sheer inexhaustible range of options that keep visitors flocking to Berlin from all over the world.
Munich and its sights are always worth a trip - preferably for several days. But even during a Munich trip for one day you can discover a lot. Here are some tips for a day trip with the most important highlights that you can discover by foot in the center.
You'll need at least 3 days to experience Berlin's essential sights, but 4 to 5 days unlock deeper stories, hidden gems, and nearby day trips like Potsdam or Sachsenhausen. If you have: 1-2 days: Focus on Berlin's core historic landmarks and museums in the city center.
Munich is the wealthiest city in the European Union by GDP per capita among cities with over one million inhabitants and is among the most expensive German cities for real estate and rents. In 2023, 30.1% of residents were foreigners, and 19.4% were German citizens with a migration background from abroad.
To conclude, it cannot be denied that the standard of living in London is significantly more expensive than in Berlin, not only for renting and buying apartments but also for Fitness clubs, cinemas, education and gasoline.
Literally, Mitte means “middle,” and it's Berlin's central district. Mitte is the best neighbourhood to stay in Berlin if it's your first time visiting. It's well-connected by public transport and Berlin's most iconic landmarks, like the TV Tower, the Berliner Dom, and Museum Island are just around the corner.
Although these small settlements in the Alps are colder, Munich is considered to be the coldest of Germany's major cities. Temperatures in the Bavarian capital often fall well below freezing in winter.
Conclusion. A train ride from Berlin to Munich as well as being a comfortable means of transport for such a famous trip, is also an opportunity to enjoy the views of the incredible German nature.
Germans tend to be quite friendly to foreigners. Even so, it's a good idea to go out of your way to learn the language and respect the local customs. Germans who see you at least giving it a try will likely be impressed and warm up to you more quickly.
On these first sunny spring days, the many faces of Berlin are particularly picturesque along the banks of the rivers and lakes, but sometimes also in the centre of the city.
