Berlin
Prague
Many travelers compare Berlin and Prague because both are capitals easily reachable from Italy in 1.5–2.0 hours by plane, linked by direct trains in 4h20, and offering a mix of history, culture and affordable prices.They share cold winters (January 0–3 °C) and Christmas markets (late November–December), but the urban experience is very different.In short, Berlin is vast (891 km²), dynamic and contemporary, with neighborhoods like Kreuzberg and Neukölln, major museums (Museum Island) and nightlife that runs until morning; Prague is compact (496 km²), scenically set on the Vltava, with Charles Bridge, the Old Town and average costs 15–30% lower (typical meal €7–12).The language changes (German vs Czech) and the currency is different (euro vs CZK, 1 € ≈ 25 CZK).In this guide you’ll find clear numbers on the daily budget, attractions with prices/times, food with real restaurants, climate by season, city transport and how to combine the two cities in 5–7 days.Each section lists neighborhoods, durations and costs to help you plan with no surprises.
Berlin vs Prague
| Feature | Berlin | Prague |
|---|---|---|
| Daily budget | In Berlin the budget depends on the neighborhood (e.g., Kreuzberg, Mitte): hostel dorm €25–40, 3* hotel €100–140, 4* €150–220. Meals: street food (döner, currywurst) €4–8, bistro €12–18, mid-range restaurant €20–30. Transport: day ticket AB €9.90, ABC for the airport €10.70.Attractions: Fernsehturm €25, Neues Museum €14, Reichstag dome free (reservation).Indicative budget: backpacker €60–85/day; mid-range €130–190/day; luxury €220–350/day.A 0.5 L beer in bars €4.50–5.50 and a cappuccino €3.20–3.80 in Prenzlauer Berg. | Prague costs less: hostel €15–25, 3* hotel €80–120, 4* €120–170. Meals: beer hall (Lokál) €7–12 (175–300 CZK), mid-range restaurant €12–20, street food (trdelník) 60–120 CZK (€2.40–4.80).Transport: 24h at 120 CZK (€4.80); 90 min 40 CZK (€1.60).Attractions: Castle circuit B 250–350 CZK (€10–14), Astronomical Clock 300–350 CZK (€12–14), Jewish Museum 500 CZK (~€20).Indicative budget: backpacker €45–70/day; mid-range €110–160/day; luxury €180–300/day.Beer 0.5 L 45–70 CZK (€1.80–2.80) in Žižkov.✓ Better |
| Top attractions | Berlin highlights: Reichstag dome free (book 2–7 days in advance; visit 60–90 min); Fernsehturm at Alexanderplatz €25 (45–60 min, view from 368 m); Neues Museum €14 (90–120 min, bust of Nefertiti); East Side Gallery free (1.3 km, 30–45 min).Alternatives: Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe free (30–40 min) and Topography of Terror free (60–90 min).Useful passes: Museum Island Day Ticket €19 (1 day).Distances: Reichstag–Museum Island 1.6 km (20 min on foot). | Prague highlights: Castle (circuit B 250–350 CZK, 2–3 h) includes St.Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace and Golden Lane.Charles Bridge free (20–30 min, best 7:00–8:00).Astronomical Clock and Town Hall Tower 300–350 CZK (45–60 min, view over Staroměstské náměstí).Jewish Museum 500 CZK (90–120 min) with Spanish Synagogue and Old Cemetery.Cruise on the Vltava 50–60 min €14–20. Distances: Bridge–Castle 1.1 km (15 min uphill). |
| Food and restaurants | Berlin is a global mix: Curry 36 (currywurst €3.50–4.50, Kreuzberg), Mustafas Gemüse Kebap (€6–7), Markthalle Neun (Street Food Thursday, portions €6–10).German cuisine at Zur letzten Instanz (pork knuckle/Eisbein €22–28, Mitte) or Max und Moritz (Kreuzberg, dishes €15–20).Coffee: Father Carpenter (brunch €12–16).Beer 0.5 L €4.50–5.50; cocktails €9–12 in Friedrichshain.Markets: Mauerpark (Sun 10–17) with street food €5–9. | In Prague: Lokál Dlouhááá (svíčková/goulash 189–289 CZK), U Medvídků (dishes 200–300 CZK, house lager), Eska in Karlín (mains 290–450 CZK).Sweets: trdelník 60–120 CZK at Good Food (Karlova).Breakfast at Café Savoy 195–350 CZK.Beer 0.5 L 45–70 CZK; cocktails 160–250 CZK.Street food and world cuisines at Manifesto Market Anděl (dishes 160–290 CZK).Reserve a table on Friday/Saturday in the Old Town.✓ Better |
| Climate and best time | Berlin: January -1/3 °C, April 4/13 °C, July 14/24 °C, October 6/13 °C.Average rainfall 45–60 mm/month (May–August).Long days in June (sunrise ~4:45, sunset ~21:30).Recommended period: May–September for parks (Tiergarten) and lakes (Wannsee).December for Christmas markets (Gendarmenmarkt, approx.25/11–31/12) with 0–5 °C.Bring layers and a rain jacket; in summer you can get 28–32 °C for 3–5 consecutive days. | Prague: January -3/1 °C, May 10/20 °C, July 14/25 °C, December -2/2 °C.Rainfall 50–70 mm/month in summer, frequent fogs in November.Ideal period: April–June and September to visit Charles Bridge and the Castle with fewer crowds.December for markets in Staroměstské náměstí (late November–early January), mulled wine 60–90 CZK.Shoes with grip for wet cobblestones and a thermal jacket below 0 °C. |
| Transport and how to get there | Airport BER connected by FEX/RE trains to Hbf in 30–35 min; single ticket ABC €4.40.Metro/Tram/Bus BVG: AB ride €3.50; AB day €9.90; 7 days AB ~€41. Taxi BER–Mitte €45–55 (35–45 min).Nights: U-Bahn 24h on weekends; on weekdays night buses and reduced U service.Bike rental €12–18/day in Friedrichshain.From Hbf to Alexanderplatz: S-Bahn S3/S5 7–8 min, €3.50. | Airport PRG: bus 119 + metro A to Staroměstská in 35–40 min with a 40 CZK (90 min) ticket.Airport Express 100 CZK (30–40 min) to Hlavní nádraží.Transport: 24h 120 CZK, 72h 330 CZK; metro 5:00–24:00, night trams every 15–30 min.Taxi PRG–Old Town 700–900 CZK (25–35 min); Uber/Bolt 400–600 CZK.Petřín funicular included in the ticket.From hl.n. to Charles Bridge: metro A to Malostranská (12–15 min), then 600 m on foot.✓ Better |
| Nightlife | Berlin is iconic: Berghain (entry €20–25), Watergate at Oberbaumbrücke (€15–20), Sisyphos in summer (€15–20).Neighborhoods: Friedrichshain, Kreuzberg, Neukölln.Beer €4.50–5.50, cocktails €9–12; cloakroom €2–3. Hours: many clubs from 00:00 to 10:00+.U-Bahn 24h on weekends.Dress code and door selection: line 30–90 min.Alternatives: Prince Charles and About Blank.✓ Better | Prague offers pubs and jazz: Roxy and Epic (entry 150–300 CZK), JazzDock and Reduta (concerts 250–500 CZK).Neighborhoods: Žižkov (beer halls), Vinohrady (wine bars), Old Town for touristy venues.Beer 45–70 CZK, cocktails 160–250 CZK.Metro until 24:00; night trams 00:00–4:30 every 15–30 min.Parties on the Vltava in summer (boat party 400–600 CZK).Entries and drinks cost 30–40% less than in Berlin. |
| For families with children | Berlin is family-friendly: Zoo €17 (zoo only) or €25 with Aquarium, 2–4 h; Natural History Museum €11 (90–120 min, Brachiosaurus skeleton); Deutsches Technikmuseum €14 (2–3 h, trains/aviation).Parks: Tiergarten and Tempelhofer Feld (bike lanes).Strollers fine on metro/tram; elevators in many stations (marked on BVG).Distances: Zoo–Potsdamer Platz 2.6 km (S-Bahn 7 min).Restaurants with high chairs are common in Prenzlauer Berg. | Prague with kids: Zoo Praha 330 CZK adults/200 CZK children (2–4 h), reachable by bus 112 or seasonal boat (75 min, 240–350 CZK).Petřín funicular (included in pass) and Mirror Maze 150 CZK (45 min).Parks: Kampa and Letná.Distances are short (Old Town–Castle 2 km) but there are slopes and cobblestones; sturdy shoes or a carrier are useful.Ice cream 40–60 CZK and cheap snacks in pekárna (bakeries). |
| Beaches and nature | No sea, but lakes: Strandbad Wannsee 23 km from Alexanderplatz (S-Bahn S7, 35–40 min), entry ~€8 in summer; Müggelsee 18 km (S3 to Friedrichshagen, 40 min).Urban chill at Badeschiff (pool on the Spree, ~€8).Parks: Tiergarten and Treptower Park.SUP/kayak rental €12–18/hour at Grunewaldsee.For a green outing: Pfaueninsel (ferry €4, 60–90 min total).✓ Better | Prague has scenic parks: Letná (view), Riegrovy Sady (sunset), islands on the Vltava like Střelecký ostrov.No sea beaches, but swimming at Hostivař lake (9 km from the center, 25 min by bus; entry 100–150 CZK).Pedalos 200–400 CZK/hour near Charles Bridge.Walk on the hills of Vyšehrad (60–90 min).Evening cruises 60–120 min €18–35 with dinner. |
| Shopping | Berlin: Kurfürstendamm and KaDeWe for brands, Mall of Berlin (Leipziger Platz) for chains.Vintage at Boxhagener Platz (Sun 10–17) and Mauerpark (vinyl €10–20, jackets €30–60).Local design at Voo Store (Kreuzberg).VAT 19%; tax free for non-EU on purchases >€50–75 per store.Magnets €3–5, East Side Gallery posters €10–20. Hours: 10:00–20:00, Sunday closed except for markets. | Prague: luxury on Pařížská (Hermès, Cartier), malls like Palladium (200+ stores).Souvenirs at Havelské tržiště (puppets 300–800 CZK, crystal €40–120/set).Moser crystal (glasses €60–120 each) and Granát Turnov garnet (rings from 1,500 CZK).VAT 21% with tax free for non-EU.Farmers’ market Náplavka (Saturday 8–14).Store hours 9:00–21:00, reduced on Sundays.✓ Better |
| Safety and practical tips | Berlin is safe but be cautious at Alexanderplatz, Kottbusser Tor and Görlitzer Park at night (theft and dealing).Validate BVG tickets or the fine is €60.Emergencies: 112; police 110.Payments: cards widely accepted, cash useful in Späti.Tap water is drinkable.Tips 5–10% left in cash.Avoid unofficial taxis; Uber/Bolt reliable (center–BER €35–45).Use a money belt in crowded clubs. | Prague: watch out for pickpockets on tram 22, on Charles Bridge and in the Old Town.Exchange money at reputable bureaus (e.g., Exchange Kaprova 14, 0% commission); avoid POS “dynamic” rates.Validate DPP tickets or fines up to 1,500 CZK.Emergencies 112; police 158.Taxis: use apps (Bolt, Liftago); airport–center 400–900 CZK.Tips 10%.Potable water; in winter roads can be icy: shoes with non-slip soles. |
| How many days you need | Berlin involves longer distances: minimum 3 days to cover Mitte, Museum Island and the East Side Gallery; ideally 4–5 days for Charlottenburg, Tempelhofer Feld and a trip to Potsdam (36 km, 40 min on S7).Average times: museums 90–120 min each, transfers between neighborhoods 20–35 min by S-Bahn.With 2 full days you’ll only see the highlights (Reichstag, TV Tower, Unter den Linden) at a fast pace. | Prague is more compact: minimum 2 days for the Old Town, Charles Bridge and the Castle; ideally 3–4 days for Vyšehrad, Žižkov and a Vltava cruise.Average times: Castle 2–3 h, Town Hall Tower 45–60 min, walk from Malá Strana to the Castle 15–25 min (uphill).Intra-center transfers 10–20 min by metro/tram.With 1 day you’ll only cover the classic Bridge–Castle–Square route.✓ Better |
| How to combine the two cities | From Berlin Hbf to Praha hl.n. direct EC/ČD train in 4h20–4h35, from €19–39 if booked 2–4 weeks ahead (flexible fares €60–80).Departures every 2 h (e.g., 7:16, 9:16).FlixBus 4h30–5h from ZOB €15–35. Flight BER–PRG 55 min, but door to door 3–4 h; often less convenient.Tip: travel in the afternoon (15:00–19:00) to optimize check-out/in and have dinner in Nové Město. | Reverse is identical: from Praha hl.n. to Berlin Hbf EC 4h20, €19–39 with reservable seat at €3. FlixBus 4h45 from ÚAN Florenc.PRG–BER flights €60–150 return, but check baggage.Ideal season to combine them: May–June or September (20–25 °C).Recommended order: larger city (Berlin) first for 3–4 nights, then Prague 2–3 nights, so you can recharge with slower rhythms and a walkable old town. |
The Verdict
Choose Berlin
Choose Berlin if you’re after urban art, clubs, and major museums with a mid-range budget of €120–180 per day.Go between May and September to enjoy parks and lakes at 22–26 °C.Fast 3-day itinerary: Day 1 Museum Island (Neues Museum €14, 90–120 min) + Reichstag dome (free, sunset).Day 2 East Side Gallery (30–45 min) + Kreuzberg food (Markthalle Neun) + Watergate club (€15–20).Day 3 Charlottenburg (gardens free, 60–90 min) + Fernsehturm (€25).Extra: trip to Potsdam (S7, 40 min, ABC ticket €4.40) for Sanssouci (€22 palace).
Choose Prague
Choose Prague if you want fairy-tale architecture, historic pubs and a budget of €90–140 per day.Best time: April–June or September (18–24 °C).2–3 day itinerary: Day 1 Old Town, Town Hall Tower (300–350 CZK, 45–60 min), Charles Bridge at dawn and sunset at Letná.Day 2 Castle (circuit B 250–350 CZK, 2–3 h) + Jewish Museum (500 CZK).Day 3 Vyšehrad (60–90 min) + beer halls in Žižkov (beer 45–70 CZK).Fast transfers: 24h pass 120 CZK, airport–center with bus 119 in 35–40 min.