A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Jakarta vs. Berlin for Attractions, Nightlife, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Jakarta or Berlin?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Jakarta and Berlin. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Jakarta

Jakarta is a sprawling, friendly, and diverse city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Jakarta travel costs.

Berlin

Berlin is a eclectic, diverse, and historic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and shopping. See Berlin travel costs.

Jakarta and Berlin: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Big city activities
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Jakarta or Berlin?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Berlin than Jakarta. While Jakarta is larger than Berlin, Berlin has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Berlin is more touristy than Jakarta and is known for its art scene, cultural activities, and war torn history. It is also well known for the Brandenburg Gate. Jakarta is famous for its diversity, culture, cuisine, and mega-malls.

How is Jakarta different from Berlin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Berlin and Jakarta. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Jakarta or Berlin?

Jakarta
Berlin

Berlin is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Berlin from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. Famous landmarks include the rebuilt Reichstag, the Berlin Wall Memorial, and Berliner Fernsehturm. Many of the city's oldest and most famous museums are found on Museum Island, where you'll find the Pergamon Museum, the James Simon Gallery, the Altes Museum, and the Neues Museum, among others.

Jakarta offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There's a huge number of museums around town like the National Museum, Museum Layang-Layang, and Museum MACAN. There's also Merdeka Square, which is one of the world's biggest public squares and Istiqlal Mosque, which is the largest mosque in Southeast Asia.


Is the Food Better in Jakarta or Berlin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Jakarta
Berlin

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Jakarta and Berlin.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Jakarta. There are so many different cultures represented in Indonesian cuisine, and you'll find them all in Jakarta. The food stalls, restaurants, and casual eateries all have their own flavor and style, which makes dining in this mega-city a true adventure.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Berlin. There's a great international food scene, but also all of the traditional favorites like currywurst, spätzle, and schnitzel. You'll find many diverse food halls, street markets, and local restaurants, as well as a large selection of traditional German restaurants that cater to the tourists.

Is Jakarta or Berlin Better for Nightlife?

Jakarta
Berlin

Berlin is terrific for nightlife. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Berlin is a must-see party destination. The nightlife scene here is legendary. There are club nights that last for days, bars and parties that appeal to every personality, and a diversity of venues that you can choose from. You'll find the classic techno warehouses, but there are also modern dance clubs, bunker parties, and raves.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Jakarta. It's a huge city, so there's a very active nightlife scene, but it's mostly focused on locals and not tourists like you'll find elsewhere in Indonesia. For the best nightlife district, head to Kemang, which has many bars and clubs.

Is Jakarta or Berlin Better for Music?

Jakarta
Berlin

Berlin is terrific for live music. However, Jakarta is not a live music destination.

Berlin is known as a music capital around the world. From the raves to the techno parties, there is a hugely diverse music scene in the city. It is so much more than the stereotypical punk and techno music that Berlin is known for. Rock, pop, and other genres are popular as well.

Jakarta is not a live music destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Jakarta or Berlin?

Jakarta
Berlin

Berlin is terrific for shopping. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Berlin. Bookshops, flea markets, luxury boutiques and artisan shops all make up the shopping scene in the city. Kurfürstendamm is one of the most famous shopping districts in the city.

Jakarta is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is filled with high end luxury malls where you can buy the latest fashions and many international brands. Around town you'll also find everything from local handicrafts to chic boutiques and grand international chains.

Is Jakarta or Berlin Better for Families?

Jakarta
Berlin

Berlin is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Berlin is a very family-friendly destination. The city has a number of great kid-friendly museums such as the Museum of Natural History and the Computer Games Museum. There's also Legoland, an impressive aquarium, and lots of parks and playgrounds to explore.

Jakarta is a family-friendly place to visit. Most visitors skip out on this huge city, and it's definitely not the first place that comes to mind when you think about family-friendly destinations, but there's actually a very fascinating culture that kids and adults alike can enjoy. There's the Kota area, which has colonial architecture. There's also a puppet museum and several history museums. But for most kids, the highlight is a visit to the Taman Impian Jaya Ancol area, which has amusement parks and even SeaWorld.

Is Jakarta or Berlin Better for Couples?

Jakarta
Berlin

Jakarta and Berlin both nice destinations for a couple.

Jakarta is a nice destination for couples. Most travelers looking for a romantic destination will head to the many famous honeymoon spots in Indonesia. But for those who make their way to Jakarta, there is sure to be a lot of adventure and culture. The city has many great museums as well as nature parks and amusement parks.

Berlin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Romantic activities in the city include wandering through Schloss Charlottenburg gardens and learning to dance at Clärchen’s Ballhaus. For couples who enjoy a night out on the town, there are many great restaurants and nightclubs that you can check out.


Is Jakarta or Berlin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jakarta
Berlin

Berlin is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Jakarta is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Berlin. The city has no shortage of hostels to choose from, many of which organize activities and tours that guests can enjoy.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Jakarta. Visitors often have strong feelings about this city, whether they love it or hate it. For those backpackers who spend some time here, they're sure to be treated to a look at true Indonesian culture, which is hard to find in the more touristy areas.

Is Jakarta or Berlin Better for Students?

Jakarta
Berlin

Berlin is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, Jakarta is not popular with students.

Berlin is a very popular place to visit for students. With it's rich culture and eclectic creative side, this city appeals to many international students. There's also a great social scene that is perfect for university students.

Jakarta is not popular with students.

Is Jakarta or Berlin Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Jakarta
Berlin

Berlin is terrific for times when you don't have a car. However, Jakarta is not known for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Berlin can take you anywhere. The transportation system is diverse and includes the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, and trams.

Public transit is generally limited in Jakarta. Public transportation has improved a lot recently. There's a commuter line as well as buses. The system can be a bit overwhelming and slow though, so tourists often avoid it.


Is Jakarta or Berlin a more walkable city?

Jakarta
Berlin

Berlin is a good destination for its walkability. However, Jakarta is not known for its high level of walkability.

Berlin is somewhat walkable. While parts of the city are very walkable, the neighborhoods are spread out and the city covers a large amount of space, so walking isn't always practical.

Jakarta is generally not very walkable. Central Jakarta is more walkable than most of the city but, in general, the city has a lot of traffic and isn't the best for exploring on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Jakarta Worth Visiting? and Is Berlin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Berlin or Jakarta?

How long in Jakarta or Berlin?

Both Jakarta and Berlin have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Berlin than in Jakarta. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Jakarta, and 2-7 days is enough time in Berlin.

Families should spend more time in Berlin than Jakarta. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Berlin, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Berlin than Jakarta. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Berlin that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Berlin than Jakarta if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Berlin.


  • How many days in Jakarta or Berlin? Ideal Length of Stay
    Jakarta 1-3 
    Berlin 2-7

One day in Jakarta or Berlin?

Jakarta is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Berlin, you'll find shopping and museums. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Jakarta or Berlin?

Jakarta is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Berlin, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Berlin has to offer.


Five days in Jakarta or Berlin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Jakarta. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Berlin is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Berlin has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Jakarta or Berlin?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the genuine big city of Jakarta. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Berlin. In Berlin, you'll find live music and food. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.


For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Indonesia, The Best Adventure Tours to Indonesia, The Best Adventure Tours to Germany, and The Best Cultural Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Berlin or Jakarta?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Jakarta is $73, while the average daily cost in Berlin is $205. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Jakarta and Berlin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Jakarta $32
    Berlin $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Jakarta $64
    Berlin $150
Compare Hotels in Jakarta and Berlin

Looking for a hotel in Jakarta or Berlin? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Jakarta


Hotels in Berlin


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Jakarta Hotel Prices and Berlin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Jakarta $20
    Berlin $21
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Jakarta

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Jakarta are as follows:


  • Taxi to Station
    $1.04

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Jakarta

Also for Jakarta, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP) to Ujung Genteng Sukabumi: $245
  • Private Transfer from Jakarta Airport (CGK) to Ujung Genteng Sukabumi: $230
  • Private Transfer from Sukaresmi Pandeglang Regenc to Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP): $196
  • Private Transfer from Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP) to Sukarasa Kuningan Regency: $196
  • Private Transfer from Sukaresmi Pandeglang Regency to Jakarta Airport (CGK): $184
  • Private Transfer from Jakarta Airport (CGK) to Sukaresmi Pandeglang Regency: $184
  • Private Transfer from Jakarta Airport (CGK) to Sukaresmi Garut Regency: $184
  • Private Transfer from Jakarta Airport (CGK) to Sukarasa Kuningan Regency: $184
  • Private Transfer from Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP) to Sukaresmi Bandung: $175
  • Private Airport Transfer Jakarta VIP Sedan : $153
  • Private Airport Transfer Jakarta VIP Luxury Van: $141
  • Private Transfer from Jakarta Halim Airport (HLP) to Sukarasa Bandung: $128

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Berlin

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Berlin:


  • Short Trip Metro Ticket
    $1.64
  • Bahn Ticket
    $3.52
  • Short Taxi Ride
    $23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Berlin

Also for Berlin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Berlin to Prague Private Transfer: $587
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Berlin APT-HTL (SXF): $300
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Berlin HTL-APT (SXF): $300
  • Round Trip Private Transfer Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Berlin by Business Car: $299
  • Private Transfer, Berlin to Prague with 2h of Sightseeing, 8 pax: $299
  • Private transfer from Berlin to Prague with Terezin Concentration Camp stop: $293
  • Private Transfer: Berlin to River Cruise Dock Nuremberg - Port/Harbor transport: $288
  • Private transfer from Berlin to Prague with Meissen Porcelain Manufactory stop: $286
  • Private Transfer from Berlin to Prague, Hotel-to-hotel, English-speaking driver: $269
  • Transfer from Berlin Schönefeld Airport (SXF) to Berlin city Hotels - ROUND TRIP: $239
  • Private Transfer from Berlin Hotels to Berlin Airport: $190
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Berlin Airport BER to Berlin City by Luxury Van: $165

Is it cheaper to fly into Jakarta or Berlin?

Prices for flights to both Berlin and Jakarta change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Jakarta $28
    Berlin $105
Typical Food Prices in Jakarta

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Jakarta:


  • Dinner
    $2.62
  • Dinner
    $0.72

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Jakarta

For Jakarta, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Mangga Besar Food Tour: $49
  • Jakarta Night Tour with Dinner at Café or Food street: $55
  • Kota Tua Food Tour: $64
  • Melawai Night Street Food Tour: $67
  • Halfday Batavia by Night with dinner at Cafe Batavia & souvenir: $120
  • Jakarta Private Cooking Class and Experience Tour: $120

Typical Food Prices in Berlin

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Berlin:


  • Sandwich and Coffee To Go
    $5.87
  • Turkish Sandwich
    $2.35
  • Currywurst
    $2.35
  • 2 Pho Noodles
    $11
  • Restaurant Dinner and Beers (for 2)
    $70
  • Mauer Park (2)
    $13
  • Coffees at Impala
    $9.15

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Berlin

For Berlin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hard Rock Cafe Berlin with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $32
  • Hard Rock Cafe Berlin With Set Lunch or Dinner : $39
  • Kreuzberg kulinarisch – Die Food Tour: $53
  • Sharing plate food tour in Berlin: $84
  • Berlin Food Tour with Full Meal & Drinks by Do Eat Better : $85
  • Vegan and Gluten-Free Dinner Experience: $88
  • Dinner Cruise on the Spree with Prosecco: $92
  • Street Food Tour with 10 Tastings: $93
  • Berlin 3-Course Dinner Cruise: $93
  • Vegetarian Berlin Food Tour Global Flavors in Alexanderplatz: $93
  • True Berlin Street Food Tour – Global Flavors in Alexanderplatz: $98
  • Berlin Street Food Tour by Bike: $102

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Jakarta $12
    Berlin $26

Tours and Activities in Jakarta

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Jakarta.

  • 1 Day Jakarta Historical Tour : $75
  • 1 Day Motorcycle Tour To Citorek Banten West Of Java: $177
  • 4 Hours Jakarta Private City Tour - (Most Tourist Attractions): $55
  • 7 Hours Indonesia Cultural & Heritage Park Tour: $110
  • Afternoon city tour Jakarta: $82
  • Bandung City Tour Mountain Volcano and Hotspring ( Start From Jakarta): $154
  • Batik Course & City Tour Jakarta: $60
  • Beautiful Indonesia Miniature Park Tourism ( TMII ): $135
  • Bogor City Full-Day Private Tour from Jakarta with Pick Up: $160
  • Bogor City Tour Nature waterfall with Local Food ( Start From Jakarta ): $130
  • Bogor City Tour With a guide and lunch: $136
  • City Tour Jakarta: $75

Typical Entertainment Prices in Berlin

For Berlin, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Berlin Zoo (2)
    $23

Tours and Activities in Berlin

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Berlin.

  • Berlin German Spy Museum Ticket & Digital City Tour: $55
  • Private Berlin Rickshaw and guide most essensial (Guests Cruise): $179
  • Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Bus Tour in English from Berlin: $72
  • "Inside Berlin" East meets West - Food & Culture Tour: $216
  • 1-Hour River Cruise with Tour Guide. Bilingual (Ger/Engl): $23
  • 1-Hour Segway Discovery Tour Berlin: $54
  • 1-hour Sightseeing Boat Cruise Through Historic City Center: $26
  • 2 Hours E-Scooter Tour: $66
  • Albert Einstein in Berlin Private Guided Tour: $184
  • All-in-One Berlin Highlights on Foot: Private Walking Tour: $210
  • Alternative Berlin Bike Tour - Off the Beaten Tracks in Small Groups: $43
  • Alternative tour of Berlin in Spanish: $24

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Jakarta $4.06
    Berlin $19

Typical Alcohol Prices in Berlin

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Berlin from other travelers:


  • Drinks at a Show
    $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Berlin

Also in Berlin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Berlin Pub Crawl: $24
  • Original Pub Crawl Berlin: $24
  • Night Pub Crawl Tour in Berlin Shots and Party: $30
  • Beer hike in Berlin Experience brewery and craft beer: $66
  • Showgirls of Burlesque Show: $76
  • Culinary Journey and Wine Tasting in Kerstin's Wine Kitchen: $78
  • New Year’s Eve Pub Crawl with Open Bar in Berlin: $106


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Jakarta and Berlin, we can see that Berlin is more expensive. And not only is Jakarta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Jakarta is in Asia and Berlin is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Jakarta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jakarta and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Berlin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Berlin than you might in Jakarta.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jakarta Expensive? and Is Berlin Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Jakarta or Berlin?

Jakarta has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Berlin. When comparing the sizes of Jakarta and Berlin, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.