Quick answer: Berlin runs about EUR 120 per day mid-range - noticeably less if you eat local and walk. Cheapest window: May-June and September - warm, long days and fewer crowds than mid-summer.
What things actually cost
| espresso at a cafe | 2.50 EUR |
| doner kebab | 6 EUR |
| 0.5L beer in a bar | 4.50 EUR |
| single AB transit ticket | 3.80 EUR |
| museum entry (Neues Museum) | 14 EUR |
| mid-range dinner main | 16-20 EUR |
Eat well for little
- Currywurst at Curry 61 near Hackescher Marktthe classic quick bite, about 4 EUR
- Doner kebab at Mustafa's Gemuese Kebapexpect a queue, about 6 EUR
- Schnitzel at a traditional Kneipe like Max und Moritzabout 16 EUR
- Turkish breakfast in Kreuzberg or Neukoellnbig shared spread, about 12 EUR per person
- Craft beer at a Neukoelln taproomabout 5 EUR for 0.4L
Money mistakes to avoid
- Not validating your BVG ticket in the small stamping machine before boarding - inspectors fine 60 EUR regardless of excuses
- Assuming cards work everywheremany bars, bakeries and doner shops are still cash only, carry 20-30 EUR
- Planning museums on a Mondayseveral major ones are closed, check hours before you go
- Trying to see the whole city from one baseBerlin is huge, group sights by district to avoid living on the U-Bahn
Transport without the tourist tax
From BER airport take the FEX or S-Bahn to the center in 30-40 min for about 4.40 EUR (ABC ticket). In town the U-Bahn, S-Bahn and trams cover everything - a single AB ride is about 3.80 EUR and a day ticket about 10.60 EUR.
Planning the full trip? Start with the 4-day Berlin itinerary.