The home of Bavaria, bratwurst and Berghain, Germany attracts more than three million British holidaymakers every year.
Whether it’s a rowdy stag do or a trip to the Christmas markets, there’s something for everyone — and city breakers in particular are spoilt for choice.
But the question is, where do you go?
Arguably two of Germany’s most popular cities are Berlin and Munich. But how do you decide between the capital city or the capital of beer?
We’ve sought the advice of locals to help you decide which destination is more up your straße…
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Berlin
Berlin is often considered one of the most liberal cities in Europe — and perhaps the world. Ranking highly for LGBTQ+ rights and known for its progressive atmosphere, the city is a hub for alternative lifestyles.
Unlike more traditional cities, Berlin provides a gritty, urban experience, where creative communities coexist alongside young startups.
For example, RAW-Gelände, is a jumble of repurposed industrial buildings that have been transformed into an edgy cluster of nightclubs, bars, and business spaces. There’s also an indoor skate park, and a climbing wall.
Benjy, 32, a British expat living in Berlin, also reccomends RAW for it’s weekly flea market.
He tells Metro: ‘Berlin is well known for its flea markets. You can pick-up second hand and vintage clothes for cheap prices at several places around the city on a Sunday.
‘The biggest one is in Mauerpark, but my personal favourite is at RAW Galende.
‘As well as the flea market, it has delicious food options and I highly recommend a visit to World’s Tiniest Disco booth and the Secret Package vending machine, where you can pay €10 to open up a mystery parcel.’
Speaking of disco, we can’t forget Berlin’s legendary techno-tortured nightlife.
A world capital for electronic music and techno, some clubs don’t even have closing times, and there are countless TikTok videos dedicated to those who try (and usually fail) to get into the world-famous Berghain.
If you don’t get in (and let’s face it, you probably won’t) there are some alternatives. Weißer Hase, a techno and trance venue in a former factory, and Hoppetosse, where you’ll find many Berliners, good music, and an easy door policy, are both solid options.
Insider tip: Berlin's best kept secret
‘Vabali Spa is Berlin’s best kept secret,’ Benjy tells Metro. ‘The city is well known for its nightclubs but Vabali Spa is my preferred way to spend an evening.
‘It’s a Balinese spa with 10 saunas, 3 steam baths and four pools. My favourite time of day to visit is 9pm and I like to stay until closing time at midnight.
‘There’s nothing better than swimming in the outdoor pool under the stars. It’s really reasonably priced too – under €30 for two hours.
‘You should know Vabali is a nude spa so you’ll have to take your kit off for the saunas and pools, but you can wear your robe and towel around the pool.’
Prices start from €30 for two hours (including robe, towel and flip flop hire extra).
A place of historical significance
Of course, Berlin isn’t just about raving long into the night. Steeped in history, there’s a long list of significant sites to visit.
There’s the Brandenburg Gate, which is also close to the striking Holocaust Memorial, which pays tribute to the Jewish victims of Europe murdered during WW2.
Checkpoint Charlie is another popular tourist spot, the Western Bloc’s most famous crossing point between the East and West, and of course, you can’t go to Berlin without visiting the Berlin Wall Memorial.
Be sure to visit the East Side Gallery on the River Spree, a 1,316 metre-long section of the wall (the longest remaining stretch), which has become an open-air art gallery thanks to the impressive murals painted on it.
Other historical and cultural landmarks include the Reichstag Building, the government office that doubles as a city viewpoint, thanks to the roof terrace and glass dome.
While you can of course opt for the classic ‘hop on hop off’ bus, ex-pat Benjy has some alternative options.
‘Berlin is well-known for its quirky style and eccentric personality so your city tour should match its reputation,’ he says.
‘My personal favourite is the City Sightseeing Tour in A Bed Bike – I recommend it to all my mates that come to visit.
‘It’s a double bed pulled along by a tour guide on an electric bike. I took my mum when she visited a couple of years ago. One of her favourite holiday activities is having an afternoon nap – so this tour was perfect.’
Tickets cost from £60 per person on GetYourGuide.
Alternatively, Benjy says thrill seekers can opt for the Self-Drive City Sightseeing Tour in a Mini Hot Rod, also available via GetYourGuide, from £95.
‘Think Tokyo’s Mario Kart experience but for Berlin,’ he says.
‘You get given the keys to your very own go-kart to see the sights. It’s a guided tour without the commentary and you’ll follow a leader and visit well-known places like the Brandenburg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie.’
Foodie heaven
If you’re in the market for a currywurst (Berlin is the home of this iconic street food), famed venues like Curry 36 and Curry 61 top TikTok For You pages.
However, Clara Cohen, from Eating Europe, a company which runs food tours across the continent, says that currywurst bought at a hole-in-the-wall shop or a corner cart will be better, cheaper, and much more authentic than one found in a restaurant.
She also says it’s worth visiting for the annual Culture Carnival, which this year takes place between 22 and 25 May.
‘It’s a huge international street food festival meets carnival parade, serving everything from Jamaican jerk chicken to a more unusual camel ragout.’
The best places to eat and drink in Berlin, according to locals
Local couple Isa and Sigrid have handpicked some of their favourite cafes, restaurants, and bars to unwind in:
Cafes:
• Sant Buena (Mitte)
• Studio Natura (Mitte)
• Cafe Sets (Charlottenburg)
• Princess Cheesecake (Mitte/Charlottenburg)
• Allan’s Breakfast Club
Bars:
• Torbar
• Bar Milano
• Georgia Bar
• Veronika
Restaurants:
• Kink (Pankow)
• Mädchenitaliener
• Dal Contadino Wine Bar (Mitte)
• Al Contadino Mozzarella Bar (Mitte)
• Bottega Seppel (Charlottenburg)
• Papillon (Charlottenburg)
Munich
There’s a distinct identity to Bavaria that sets it apart from the rest of Germany. In my previous guide to the region, I wrote that its people are fuelled by a carefree lust for life, who welcome both tradition and innovation.
Therese and Fabian are millennial Munich locals who know a thing or two about the city’s hidden gems.
Once you’ve explored Marienplatz, the main square, and Olympiapark, the 850,000 square metres of green space constructed for the 1972 Olympics, they recommend getting on two wheels.
‘Despite being a big city, everything is easily accessible by bike,’ Therese and Fabian tell Metro.
‘You can cycle to Lake Starnberg or Lake Tegernsee. Or, be hiking in the mountains within an hour.’
In summer, sport takes over in Munich: over 30 volleyball courts are set up in the English Garden, there are countless running groups, and many road cycling meetups.
The pair say that during this time of year, the English Garden is ‘so vibrant.’ And, when the weather is good, it’s absolutely packed.
‘Everyone’s playing beer pong and listening to music.’
Elsewhere, ‘the Isar and Eisbach rivers are great for swimming in the summer, so there’s no need for a swimming pool.’
Fancy a tipple?
Munich is the place to go for iconic German beer. The city is renowned for its beer culture and is home to six major breweries: Hofbräu, Spaten-Franziskaner, Augustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Paulaner, and Löwenbräu.
Perhaps its most famous event is Oktoberfest, is perfect for those in the market for a stein (or one litre of beer to us), the 191st event will take place from September 19 to October 4 this year.
Despite its commercialism, Munich has managed to keep the prices pretty low, with the official stein price ranging between €17 and €14 (£14 and £11). Oh, and admission is also free.
Live like the locals
If your idea of a perfect city break includes aimlessly wandering the streets, Therese and Fabian recommend trendy neighbourhoods like Glockenbach.
As one of Munich’s prettiest districts, it’s brimming with buzzy bars, chic boutiques, trendy pubs and cosy cafes.
For dinner, head to Blaue Libelle in Glockenbach (reservations required) or Petit Fritz, the chic French bistro in Schwabing.
If you’re spending an evening in Glockenbach, it’s all about Frau Bartels or Bravo Bar.
Additionally, while Viktualienmarkt is ‘not exactly a hidden gem’ — it’s a market not far from the Old Town — they say it’s the perfect place to stop for some lunch.
‘Make sure to try Leberkäse rolls,’ the pair remind us – a classic German and Austrian street food made of warm slices of meatloaf and served inside a crusty bread roll with mustard.
Electro lovers (and if you want a taste of Berlin in Bavaria), Bahnwärter Thiel, a club with outdoor events in summer, is the place to be. As are Gruam or Rennsalon, two small pubs loved by locals.
Finally, whatever the weather, Therese and Fabian say enjoying a beer by the Isar River is a non-negotiable.
Another unique summer activity on the river is ‘Flossfahrt,’ which translates to log rafting. As the main ‘cruising’ experience on the river, the rafts typically travel from the old rafting town of Wolfratshausen to Munich, functioning as floating beer gardens with Bavarian snacks and live music.
Taking around seven hours, and with ticket prices at €195 (£170), it’s a fun and scenic way to view Bavarian landscapes.
How to get to Berlin and Munich
Both German cities are easy to reach from the UK. Flight fares won’t break the bank, either.
On Monday, March 9, Ryanair is flying from London Stansted to Berlin for just £25. The flight time is 1 hour and 50 minutes.
To get to Munich, it’s even cheaper. On the same date, easyJet is flying from London Gatwick to the city for £21. The journey time is 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Berlin vs Munich: which city is right for you?
Bottom line? Berlin and Munich have completely different vibes.
If you’re into clubbing, an international food scene, and want to experience a creative, cosmopolitan culture, Berlin should be on your travel hit list.
Prefer immersing yourself in a more traditional culture that dates back centuries — while also sinking a few steins of (I’m not being biased) but some of the best beer you’ll ever taste? — then it’s Munich all the way.
But whichever city you choose, know one thing: it will be a trip you never forget.
It’s time to decide, where are you going?
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Berlin
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Munich
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