The Best And Cheapest Time To Visit Berlin

Berlin is the poor but sexy capital in affluent Germany; the city’s affordability has made it a popular playground for artists, backpackers and savvy tech-types and hitting the highlights can easily be done on a shoestring. As the city defrosts and summer rolls in, Berlin’s cultural calendar fills up, making the months of May and June the best and cheapest time to visit the German capital.

Open-air season

On May 1 the open-air season kicks off in Berlin with an explosion of nihilism and debauchery—it’s the city’s infamous May Day. Thousands descend on the streets of Kreuzberg to protest and party in this eccentric open-air celebration. The month of May also signals the return of open-air events, like Freiluftkino and wild parties at many of city’s popular summer clubs.

Free street parties and festivals

Cheap accommodations

Whether it’s hostels or hotels, Berlin always has several good and affordable accommodations available. During the peak summer months, visitors will see a slight price increase, but those who visit the city at the start of summer in early May and June will still be able to find great deals.

Hotel Hüttenpalast inside the Caravan Accommodation

Save on the U-Bahn and cycle

Catching trains everywhere is a travel cost that quickly adds up and as summer sets in, the best and cheapest way to see Berlin is by bike. Visitors can cycle by the city’s enchanting Bode Museum into Museum Island, or along Oberbaum Bridge to the East Side Gallery, soaking in the city’s history and sights on the ease of two wheels.

A Sterni by the Spree

Germany is a country of beer lovers and as a result, the prices for beer are wonderfully cheap. While the city has plenty of brews on offer, none compare in price to the famous Sterni beer. Picking up a couple from a nearby Späti and heading to the Spree River is a cheap and beloved pastime for the locals and one visitors can enjoy in the warmer months.

People relaxing and drinking by the Spree River, Berlin

Cheap eats

Berlin is a city of diverse and cheap culinary treats—from kebabs to late night pizza joints, there is always an affordable meal in the city. In the warmer months, these options get even better as visitors can enjoy them while soaking in some sun or lazing about in one of the city’s green spaces.

Kebabs are a delicious and cheap meal in Berlin

Free tours without the chance of rain

Berlin has a plethora of free sites, ranging from historical memorials to open-air galleries and other cultural wonders. For those on a tight budget, hitting up the city’s top sites is best done with a free walking tour. With little chance of rain and plenty of sun, summer is the best time to join scores of tourists and wander around Berlin.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.