A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Taupo vs. Berlin for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Taupo or Berlin?

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

Should I visit Taupo or Berlin? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Taupo

Taupo is a stunning, otherworldly, and striking town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Taupo is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the shopping, skiing, and nightlife. See Taupo travel costs.

Berlin

Berlin is a diverse, historic, and cultural city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums. See Berlin travel costs.

Taupo and Berlin: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Taupo or Berlin?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Berlin than Taupo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Berlin is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Taupo is more popular for its skiing, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Taupo is well known for its thermal hot springs, dramatic landscapes, and world class hikes. Berlin is well known for its art scene, cultural activities, and war torn history. Also, Berlin is famous for the Brandenburg Gate.

How is Taupo different from Berlin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Taupo or Berlin Better for Skiing?

Taupo
Berlin

Taupo is an unbeatable place for skiing. However, Berlin is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Taupo is among the best in the world. Nearby Mount Ruapehu offers access to the longest running ski season in both Australia and New Zealand. From June until October you can enjoy the largest commercial ski areas around. There are options for everyone from young beginners to experts. The two main ski resorts in the area are Whakapapa Ski Area and Tūroa Ski Area.

Berlin is not a skiing destination.


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

Taupo
Berlin

Berlin is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Taupo is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Taupo. Stunning natural beauty and adventure-filled activities are what Taupo is all about, but you won't find much in the form of museums.

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

Taupo
Berlin

Both Taupo and Berlin offer a number of very good restaurants to choose from.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Taupo. The town is filled with local restaurants that make use of local ingredients such as fresh caught trout, local produce, and wild game. The town also has many farmers markets and a strong cafe culture.

Berlin has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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 Taupo or Berlin Better for Nightlife?

Taupo
Berlin

Berlin is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Berlin is a world class 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Taupo has a few options to choose from. It's a small resort town that is active during the day and night. There are low key activities in the evening like soaking in the thermal hot pools or grabbing a drink at a bar.


Is Taupo or Berlin Better for Music?

Taupo
Berlin

Berlin is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Taupo is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Berlin 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.

Taupo is not a live music destination.

Is Taupo or Berlin Better for Hiking?

Taupo
Berlin

Taupo is a great town for hiking. However, Berlin is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Taupo for the hiking trails. The area is filled with beautiful hikes that take you through the natural beauty. During the fall season you can enjoy the fall foliage and during the summer months the wildlife and waterfront setting is at a peak.

Berlin is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Taupo or Berlin?

Taupo
Berlin

Berlin is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Berlin make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Taupo has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The lakefront town has a nice, pedestrian-friendly stretch with boutique shops, fashion outlets, and souvenir vendors.


Is Taupo or Berlin More Beautiful?

Taupo
Berlin

Taupo is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Berlin is not a destination known for its beauty.

Taupo is a beautiful place to visit, too. Set against the lake, there is stunning natural beauty in the area and many breathtaking views.

Berlin is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Taupo or Berlin Better for Families?

Taupo
Berlin

Taupo is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Berlin is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Taupo is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. Set on the edge of Lake Taupo, there are many family-friendly activities in the area like swimming, boating, and hiking. There are also thermal hot springs and in the winter months skiing. Families who enjoy outdoor adventures will find no shortage of options year round.

Berlin is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Taupo or Berlin Better for Couples?

Taupo
Berlin

Taupo is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Berlin is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Taupo has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Honeymooners and couples who enjoy romantic scenery, beautiful sunsets, and outdoor adventure will fall in love with this area. You can soak in thermal hot springs and picnic next to beautiful waterfalls. There are also breathtaking hikes and great water activities.

Berlin is a good town 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 Taupo or Berlin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Taupo
Berlin

Taupo and Berlin are fantastic places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Taupo. There's plenty of backpacker and hostel accommodation in the area. There are also free outdoor activities and adrenaline-filled adventures that backpackers will enjoy.

A large number of backpackers visit Berlin, as it is a very popular town for budget travelers. The city has no shortage of hostels to choose from, many of which organize activities and tours that guests can enjoy.

Is Taupo or Berlin Better for Students?

Taupo
Berlin

Berlin is a must-visit destination for students. However, Taupo is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Berlin. 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.

Taupo is not popular with students.

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

Taupo
Berlin

Berlin is a must-visit destination for its public transit. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Berlin has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The transportation system is diverse and includes the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, and trams.

While Taupo offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local bus service, the Taupo Connector, that travels around the town center. If you want to get outside of town, you'll need to have a car.


Is Taupo or Berlin a more walkable city?

Taupo
Berlin

Taupo and Berlin both are notable when exploring on foot.

Taupo is a somewhat walkable place. The town is fairly compact, but if you want to efficiently get around and experience everything that the area has to offer, you'll want to have a car.

Berlin is a somewhat walkable town. 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 Taupo Worth Visiting? and Is Berlin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Berlin or Taupo?

How long in Taupo or Berlin?

Both Taupo 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 Taupo. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Taupo, and 2-7 days is enough time in Berlin.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Berlin than Taupo 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 Taupo or Berlin? Ideal Length of Stay
    Taupo 2-3 
    Berlin 2-7

One day in Taupo or Berlin?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the destination of Taupo. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Each neighborhood in Berlin has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Taupo or Berlin?

Taupo is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the skiing, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Berlin. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


Five days in Taupo or Berlin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Taupo. Don't miss the skiing, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Berlin has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Taupo or Berlin?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the striking destination of Taupo. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Each neighborhood in Berlin has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland, The Best Adventure Tours to Germany, and The Best Cultural Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Berlin or Taupo?

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 Taupo is $128, 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 Taupo and Berlin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Taupo $62
    Berlin $75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Taupo $124
    Berlin $150
Compare Hotels in Taupo and Berlin

Looking for a hotel in Taupo 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 Taupo


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: Taupo Hotel Prices and Berlin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Taupo $25
    Berlin $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Taupo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Taupo:

  • Tongariro Crossing : 2 Day PRIVATE TRANSFER Leaving AUCKLAND: $1,101

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:

  • Arrival Private Transfer from Berlin Airport BER to Berlin City by Luxury Van: $165
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Berlin Airport BER to Berlin City in Business Car: $159
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Brandenburg Airport BER to Berlin in Luxury Car: $165
  • Arrival Transfer: Berlin Airport BER to Berlin in Business Car: $118
  • Arrival Transfer: Berlin Airport BER to Berlin in Luxury Van: $130
  • Berlin Airport (BER) to Berlin - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $164
  • Berlin Airport (SXF) to Berlin - Arrival Private Transfer : $120
  • Berlin Private Airport/Hotels Transfer Service | English Speaking: $163
  • Berlin Private Transfer from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Berlin City centre: $110
  • Berlin Private Transfer to/from Berlin Brandenburg Airport: $58
  • Berlin to Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) - Departure Transfer: $82
  • Berlin to Prague Private Transfer: $587

Is it cheaper to fly into Taupo or Berlin?

Prices for flights to both Berlin and Taupo 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
    Taupo $41
    Berlin $105

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 : $86
  • Vegan and Gluten-Free Dinner Experience: $88
  • Dinner Cruise on the Spree with Prosecco: $92
  • Street Food Tour with 10 Tastings: $93
  • Vegetarian Berlin Food Tour Global Flavors in Alexanderplatz: $94
  • Berlin Street Food Tour by Bike: $102
  • Berlin Center Food Tour with 8+ Authentic Local Tastings: $106
  • Berlin 4-Course Sunset Dinner Cruise Including Drinks : $143

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Taupo $34
    Berlin $26
Typical Entertainment Prices in Taupo

Here are a few typical costs in Taupo for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Bungy Jumping
    $151
  • Jet Boating
    $56

Tours and Activities in Taupo

Here are a few actual costs in Taupo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Chasing Waterfalls The Adventurer from Kinloch Marina: $161
  • Daily Scenic Maori Rock Carving Cruise Taupo: $35
  • Escape Room Experience Taupo - The Candy Cottage: $22
  • Escape Room Experience Taupo - The Cursed Cabin: $22
  • Escape Room Experience Taupo - The Hunting Lodge: $22
  • Escape Room Experience Taupo - The Marvelous Circus: $22
  • Great Lake Trail Lake Taupo 2-Day Mountain Biking Tour: $95
  • Lake 1.5-Hour Maori Rock Carvings 5:00 PM Cruise: $34
  • Lake Maori Rock Carvings 10.30 AM 1.5-Hour Cruise: $34
  • Lake Maori Rock Carvings 8.30 AM 1.5-Hour Cruise: $34
  • Lake Taupō Māori Rock Carvings Scenic Cruise aboard Ernest Kemp: $30
  • Maori Rock Carvings - Taupo Sailing Adventures - Kindred Spirit: $35

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.

  • Rude Walking Tour: $3.52
  • Rude Bastards tour of Medieval Berlin: $3.61
  • Berlin Third Reich Walking Tour: $4.81
  • Berlin's Museum Island: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.00
  • Ku'damm Couture and Currywurst: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.48
  • Berlin Wall: Greatest Escapes Self-Guided Walking Adventure: $6.00
  • Berlin Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $6.45
  • The Dönerkebab's History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Third Reich Quest Experience in Berlin: $7.20
  • Haunts and Horrors of Berlin GPS Self Guided Audio Walking Tour: $7.80
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour of Berlin's Jewish Quarter: $7.99
  • Berlin Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone: $8.40

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Taupo $13
    Berlin $19
Typical Alcohol Prices in Taupo

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


  • Wine
    $5.03

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:

  • Beer hike in Berlin Experience brewery and craft beer: $66
  • Showgirls of Burlesque Show: $76


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Taupo and Berlin, we can see that Berlin is more expensive. And not only is Taupo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Taupo is in Pacific 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 Taupo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Taupo 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 Taupo.

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


Which is Bigger, Taupo or Berlin?

Berlin has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Taupo. When comparing the sizes of Taupo 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.