Berlin

Berlin merges Cold War history with cutting-edge culture, making it the 3rd most-visited city in Europe with over 14 million overnight stays in 2023. The Brandenburg Gate (1791) and the 1.3 km East Side Gallery mural on the Berlin Wall are its top draws. Compared to Heidelberg, Berlin attracts over 4 times as many annual visitors, offering a faster-paced, more cosmopolitan experience. Its alternative art scene also outperforms #2 Munich's in depth and diversity. A concrete example: the Berlin Underground tour costs just €12, showcasing 120 km of historic bunkers, a bargain cheaper than the typical rival city tour.