"Can we really afford Berlin?" That was the question my husband and I asked ourselves while staring at our bank account and our two energetic kids (ages 4 and 7). Berlin has a reputation for being a major European capital, which usually translates to "expensive." But we were determined to see the city without draining our savings.
What we discovered was a city that is surprisingly friendly to the "budget family." Between sprawling free parks, world-class museums with free entry for children, and a street food scene that makes dining out affordable, we managed 3 amazing days for a fraction of what we expected. This is our honest, step-by-step guide to doing Berlin right—without the stress.
Before we dive into the itinerary, here is the reality of what we spent for a family of four (2 adults, 2 kids) per day:
| Item | Average Cost | Our Secret Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Transport | €20 - €30 | 24-hour group tickets or the "WelcomeCard". |
| Meals | €60 - €80 | Bakery breakfast + Picnic lunch + Casual dinner. |
| Attractions | €0 - €40 | Kids under 6 are free almost everywhere! |
| Total | ~€120/day | Excluding accommodation. |
We started at 9:00 AM at the Brandenburg Gate. It’s free, it’s iconic, and there’s plenty of space for the kids to run around Pariser Platz. From there, we walked 5 minutes to the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. The kids surprisingly loved the "labyrinth" of concrete blocks (though we made sure to keep them respectful and not climb on them).
Skip the expensive cafés near the gate. Walk two blocks into the side streets for a "Bäckerei" (bakery) where you can get coffee and pretzels for under €5.
We headed to Museum Island. While the museums themselves are fantastic, we opted for the Lustgarten park in front of the Berlin Cathedral. We rolled out a blanket, ate sandwiches from a nearby supermarket, and let the kids chase bubbles from the local street performers. Total cost? €8 for a supermarket feast.
We ended the day at a local Currywurst stand. You can't visit Berlin without it! It’s fast, the kids liked the fries, and it cost us less than €20 for everyone.
This is the longest remaining stretch of the Berlin Wall. It’s an outdoor gallery, it’s vibrant, and it’s 100% free. The kids enjoyed the bright colors of the murals, and it gave us a chance to talk about history in a way they could visualize.
This was our one "big" spend of the day. Located in a converted church, this museum is entirely designed for kids to climb, explore, and learn. It cost about €28 for the whole family, but we stayed for 3 hours. Worth every cent.
Berlin has over 1,800 public playgrounds (Spielplätze). Many of them are incredibly creative. We planned "playground pitstops" every 2 hours to keep the kids happy without spending a dime.
We walked along the Spree river near the Oberbaum Bridge. There are often musicians playing, and the atmosphere is electric. We grabbed some pizza-to-go and sat by the water.
Everyone goes to the Berlin Zoo in the west, but Tierpark in the east is often cheaper and much more spacious. It’s set in a massive parkland. We spent the entire morning here among the animals and the castle (Schloss Friedrichsfelde).
We took the U-Bahn to Kreuzberg. This neighborhood is famous for its street art and cool vibes. We visited the Görlitzer Park which has a small farm (Kinderbauernhof) that is free to enter! The kids got to see goats and donkeys right in the middle of the city.
Use the Berlin WelcomeCard if you plan on doing multiple museums. It includes all public transport and gives you up to 50% discount at 200+ attractions.
Excluding flights and accommodation, a family of four can comfortably see Berlin for about €100-€150 per day by mixing free attractions with casual dining.
The East Side Gallery, the Tiergarten park, the Brandenburg Gate, and the many high-quality public playgrounds (Spielplätze) are all completely free.
Yes! Most U-Bahn and S-Bahn stations have elevators, and buses have dedicated spaces for strollers. It's very accessible.
For budget-friendly spots like the MACHmit! museum, you can usually just show up. However, for anything at the Reichstag or TV Tower, you MUST book weeks ahead.
Berlin is a city that rewards those who look past the shiny tourist traps. By focusing on the history, the parks, and the local neighborhoods, you’ll not only save money but also experience a more authentic version of the city. Our kids still talk about the playgrounds and the Currywurst more than anything else! Happy planning, and enjoy the adventure.