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

Should you visit Kos or Berlin?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kos and Berlin can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Kos

Kos is a beautiful, ancient, and cultural island. Many visitors also come to Kos because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Kos 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 nightlife, live music, and food. See Berlin travel costs.

Kos and Berlin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kos or Berlin?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Berlin. Although Kos and Berlin are popular destinations, Berlin has more sights and attractions for tourists. Berlin is very popular for its nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Kos attracts visitors for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Berlin is more touristy than Kos and is known for its art scene, cultural activities, and war torn history. It is also well known for the Brandenburg Gate. Kos is famous for its sandy beaches and crystal clear blue water.

How is Kos different from Berlin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the first-rate sights and museums in either Kos or Berlin.

Travelers visit Kos from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The small island is packed with archaeological sites and interesting history. Famous places worth visiting include the ruins of Asklepion, the ancient Agora, Roman Odeon, Neratzia Castle, and so many more!

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Berlin are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

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

Kos is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Berlin is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Kos is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. The cuisine relies heavily on locally harvested ingredients with many dishes featuring cheese, seafood, vegetables, olive oil, and potatoes. The dishes are influenced by Italian and Turkish cuisines and common dishes include moussaka, souvlaki and tzatziki. Popular seafood options are prawns, squid, lobster and octopus. A great way to enjoy a sampling of local dishes is to visit an ouzeri, which is a Greek taverna that serves mezza style meals with small dishes that you can share.

Dining out in Berlin is an experience not to be missed. 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 Kos or Berlin Better for Nightlife?

Berlin is very popular for nightlife. Also, Kos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Berlin is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

The people in Kos know how to have a good time. For such a small island you'll find a huge party scene during the peak summer months. There are almost nightly parties, beach raves, and late night clubs throughout the summer months. The bars and clubs are mostly concentrated around a couple of streets in the center of Kos Town, but Kardamena is also a lively party area. It's popular with British tourists who head here for the all-night clubs.

Is Kos or Berlin Better for Music?

Berlin is very popular for live music. However, Kos 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.

Kos is not a live music destination.

Is Kos or Berlin Better for Resorts?

Kos is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Berlin is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Kos makes a nice vacation spot. It's a smaller island and there aren't as many resorts here as there are on some of the larger Greek islands. Some of the best resort areas include Lamp and Psalidi to the northwest, Tigaki on the west coast (a good option for families), as well as Mastihari and Marmari which both have relaxed atmospheres. The younger crowd often hangs out around Kardemena on the east coast.

Berlin is not a resort destination.

Is Kos or Berlin Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kos is an unbeatable place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Berlin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Kos specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. There are countless snorkeling sports around the island where you can immerse yourself in the undersea world. Popular snorkeling areas include Camel Beach and Limnionas Beach. Make sure you understand the water conditions before heading into the water.

Berlin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kos or Berlin Better for Beaches?

Kos is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Berlin is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Kos are among the best in the world. The island is famous for its beautiful beaches, many of which are sandy with various shades of color. There are touristy beaches with plenty of amenities as well as less frequented beaches that offer a quieter and more remote atmosphere. Some of the most visited beaches on the island include Agios Stefanos, Kardamena, Kefalos and Lambi while some of the more peaceful areas are Cavo Paradiso and Helona Beach.

Berlin is not a beach destination.

Is Kos or Berlin Better for Hiking?

Kos is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Berlin is not a hiking destination.

Kos has hiking trails worth exploring. This is a great walking island with a number of easy walks or hikes that take you along the coastline or through interesting landscapes.

Berlin is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kos or Berlin?

Berlin is very popular for shopping. Also, Kos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Kos offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of traditional items that you can pick up while you're in town. Fun souvenirs include jewelry, leather items, and perfumes.

Is Kos or Berlin More Beautiful?

Kos is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Berlin is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Kos because of it's amazing beauty. With it's beautiful coves and ancient ruins, this small island packs a lot of activity into a small space.

Berlin is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Kos or Berlin Better for Families?

Berlin is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Kos. It's comparable to other Greek islands when it comes to kids' activities. Kos Town can get a bit lively at night so if you want to avoid the party crowds, then those areas are easily avoided. Popular activities include exploring ancient ruins, going to the Kos Archaeological Museum, visiting The Castle of the Knights, and of course, hanging out at the beach. One of the best family-friendly resort areas is Tigaki along the west coast.

Is Kos or Berlin Better for Couples?

Kos is a great island for its romantic activities. Also, Berlin is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Kos is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. This small island offers beautiful beaches and plenty of ancient ruins to explore. Kos Town is where you'll find the liveliest atmosphere but for some of the best resorts you'll want to stay in one of the resort suburbs like Lampi or Psalidi.

Berlin is a good island for couples to visit. 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 Kos or Berlin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Berlin is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Kos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Kos is a great island to visit for backpackers. It's a small island but has a few hostels and a variety of apartments available for rent. Despite its small size, there are areas where you'll want to have a car if you wish to explore, but if you stay in town you'll find getting around fairly easy. The island attracts its share of young travelers and you'll find plenty of people to hang out with.

Is Kos or Berlin Better for Students?

Berlin is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Kos is not popular with students.

Berlin is a very popular city 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.

Kos is not popular with students.

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

Berlin is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Kos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Berlin has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The transportation system is diverse and includes the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, and trams.

The public transit in Kos can get you around easily. Buses connect many of the tourist destinations including beaches, cultural sights, are resort areas.

Is Kos or Berlin a more walkable city?

Kos is a great island for its high level of walkability. Also, Berlin is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

Kos is a very walkable island. It's small size means it's possible to explore parts of the island on foot or bicycle. There are some beautiful walks on the island, but some areas will require a car or bus.

Berlin is a somewhat walkable island. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Berlin or Kos?

How long in Kos or Berlin?

Both Kos 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 Kos. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Kos, and 2-7 days is enough time in Berlin.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Berlin than Kos 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.

One day in Kos or Berlin?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Kos. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

When visiting Berlin, people usually allow for lots of time. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Kos or Berlin?

Kos 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.

Many people visit Berlin for a weekend. When visiting Berlin, people usually allow for lots of time. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Kos or Berlin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kos. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

When visiting Berlin, people usually allow for lots of time. Many people spend five days here. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Kos or Berlin?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the party-hard destination of Kos. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Berlin, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Athens, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Greece, The Best Adventure Tours to Germany, and The Best Cultural Tours in Germany.

When comparing the travel costs between Kos and Berlin, we can see that Berlin is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Kos or Berlin?

Berlin has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of Kos. When comparing the sizes of Kos 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.