Paris. True not only in comparison with Berlin but with almost any city in Europe, to my mind.

Berlin… Better bier, just as much culture, and not as pricey as Paris…

Berlin is definitely cheaper than Paris, or at least I found it so. But if it’s much cheaper to fly into Paris, then that will probably make up that difference anyway.

Both are really great cities – I’d try to work in both if you can. In a way, I want to go back to Berlin more than Paris. But Paris – everyone has to see and taste that. It’s a simple EasyJet flight between the two cities, so do keep in mind the possibility of visiting both.

Berlin, no doubt about it. Paris imho is just another big, crowded, dirty city with unfriendly people. Berlin is unique, with all of the different neighbourhoods being like seperate towns, lots of parks, history wherever you look, cool people, …

Berlin is certainly cheaper, however the difference between the two flight prices is what you should consider. If it is considerably different, then yes Paris would probably be your best bet. It is something everyone should experience. I loved it there. However, if it’s not a substantial difference, Berlin’s lower prices might be better. You could end up saving money in the long run.

I would vote for Paris because there are so many sights you can see without spending any money (or very little, if you add the Louvre and a hotdog outside in the park). Walking around seeing the Eiffel Tower, churches, the Champs D’Elyssee, the grounds of the Louvre, all that costs you nothing, other than needing a new pair of shoes. The little booths along the Seine also sell really neat stuff, often old maps and other trinkets, and are fairly open for a little haggling.

Are you all serious about suggesting Berlin over Paris? For me it’s one of the major disappointments in Europe

Berlin, for the reason you favor Paris in the original post. Paris is usually the cheapest and easiest city to fly into from the US, so it’ll be easy to spend a few days in Paris on your NEXT trip to Europe.

Berlin definitely wasn’t a disappointment. I could stay there for weeks quite happily.

BERLIN! it is my fave city in europe ive been three times and absolutley love it!

Paris, especially if you’ve never been. If you’re interested at all about seeing the Louvre, Eiffel tower, Notre Dame, etc, etc go to Paris.

without a doubt……….PARIS
i did both cities last april. paris is my favorite place ever. berlin…didn’t like at all. if it weren’t for having a friend in berlin that i had gone there to see, i would have gotten right back on the plane and returned to paris. i found paris to be exciting and alive and rich with history and art. great food. great people. i found berlin to be quite drab, cold people and so-so food. i didn’t like one single thing about berlin except for the fact i got to see a friend i hadn’t seen in over a year. and i guess i was even more disappointed b/c i really wanted to like berlin. prior to my trip…as i talked to people adn told them where i was going…everyone spoke highly of berlin. plus, i am german and had never been to germany so considering this is my "home country" so to speak..i really wanted to like it. but i didn’t. have no desire to ever return. on the other hand…..i would sacrifice everything for just one more day in Paris!
i guess travel is so subjective. as you read the posts here…you can see everyone has their opinions and it is just a personal thing.
good luck and happy travels

what other cities are you looking at going to? You might want to cut one of those, and go to Paris and Berlin. Just a thought…

I’ve never been to berlin. Would never set foot into Germany….

Paris is breathtaking. It has unprecedented beauty that can only be seen, in paris.

Berlin.

quote: I’ve never been to berlin. Would never set foot into Germany….

Paris is breathtaking. It has unprecedented beauty that can only be seen, in paris.

Why wouldnt you set foot in Germany? Are you close-minded? How do you know that the beauty you found in Paris isnt also in Berlin…

I think Berlin is possibly the most interesting city on the planet.

However, Paris is loaded with culture..and above all else it just makes me happy. I don’t know exactly what it is, but it just makes me happy. For that, I personally would rather spend time in Paris.

quote:
Are you all serious about suggesting Berlin over Paris? For me it’s one of the major disappointments in Europe

I agree. It was one of the few disappointments I ever had in 3 years of travelling. To me, it is Paris hands-down, no questions asked. No offense to anyone, but Paris is 10 times the city Berlin is.

Berlin is a truly awesome place, but Paris is just a little bit better. It’s more expensive, true, but it has the best art museums in the world, great wide boulevards for strolling, and prettier architecture than you’d find in Berlin. Yep, Paris is truly one of the world’s great cities.

showtimes, I’ve been to austria.. it’s a beautiful place. the musical aspects are great for instance the coffee houses are spectacular and the schonenbrunn and imperial palaces (truly amazing)

However, the vibe the people create… and I only imagine Germany to be worse, seems not fully recovered from the nazi regime.. The feeling is slightly dead.. paris is so alive.

Paris has a sense of tourism, and although the people aren’t as obliging to tourists, because their economy thrives on tourism (it’s the most visited country in the world for a reason) it forces such an atmosphere.

I have heard berlin is beautiful though. Why not try both, so you can return to give us your verdict!

MarcusTrip, Berlin definitely doesn’t have a "dead" vibe. It’s one of the liveliest cities anywhere, I’d say. I’ve not been to Austria, but I’ve read about what you describe for Vienna, and Berlin is not the same at all.