Berlin vs Vienna
 

Hi, I am going to either Vienna or Berlin with my girlfriend from 27th Dec to 30th Dec. I have no idea about which will be more enjoyable. I would hope to see some snow, good food/culture, and scenery (not asking much!).

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks

That time of year I'd recommend Vienna. There is a better chance for snow I would think (although guarantees cannot be given) and Berlin can be quite unpleasant in winter. Food-wise, Vienna might top Berlin, too, despite Austrian cuisine being quite popular in Berlin.

Vienna, hands down. I enjoyed Berlin, but Vienna is the more romantic city.

vienna has easy to get to trams and a tight little centre, berlin too big and has an enourmous park in the centre.

Both will be cold but Vienna is more embracable

Vienna is absolutely beautiful during the holidays. Their decorations are the best I've ever seen. It's ball season so there's a lot of excitement. Enjoy

Vienna is in some ways mcu more "imperial" and old world..at least the parts that most visitors see. Berlin OTOH is in many ways moving forward at breakneck speed.

But, I would disgaree that it is "too big" and the public transport network is one of the easiest to use and the most dense of any comparably-sized city anywhere.

And you can certainly find "romance" in Berlin but it is a much more modern setting than the (I agree) very "romantic" Vienna.

Actually, it is unfortunate that you are unable to do both but if not on the same trip at least try to do the one you don't choose this time on the next trip.

older crowd would like Vienna, young and hip - Berlin.

Dukey and danon summed it up well. You want vibrancy and action and to feel more alive than you've felt in a while, go to Berlin. It's pure raw energy.
Slow romantic dinners and beautiful walks,Vienna.

Not that Berlin isn't beautiful, it is, in it's own way. I love Berlin.

I love Berlin as well, it's a very underrated city with lots to see and do. Haven't been to Vienna in so long I can't really compare them.

I would prefer Vienna. There is so much to do and see there, and so much of the architecture is spectacular. I enjoyed Berlin as well, but to me, it has a much colder (not temperature) atmosphere. Especially at the holidays, I recommend Vienna.

The "holiday season" usually stops quite abruptly at Christmas. You will see the citys' illuminations for a while longer, but the season is more or less done with the end of the 2nd Christmas Day (Dec 26). Stores will get rid of their x-mas stuff and will throw out the Christmas cookies or candies at a big discount on Dec 27. So don't expect too much Christmas atmosphere as until Dec 24 with the markets, concerts etc.

Love the "2nd Christmas day", is this a translation from a language or an expression that I've missed? Otherwise Jesus was a yoyo :-)

In the German speaking countries there is "Heilig Abend" ("Christmas Eve" 24 Dec), when generally people attend church and presents are exchanged. It's not a full holiday despite most people already taking the day off. Christmas Eve is followed by 2 public holidays on the 25 Dec (Christmas Day) and 26 Dec (Boxing Day), literally called first and second day of Christmas (as Christmas in Europe is widely celebrated over 2 public holidays).
Why there is a yo-yo association escapes me - do you associate a fight with Boxing Day?

You are right: A more precise translation might have been "The 2nd day of Christmas celebrations", but that would have been an awfully long phrase.
In Catholic regions Dec 26 is often called St Stephen's Day, e.g. in Austria, Southern Germany, or Ireland.
It's not the same as Boxing Day as it's a non-moveable public holiday.
In 2010, Dec 26 will be on a sunday. But in Germany, Austria and other countries that does NOT mean that the holiday would be observed the next working day, i.e. Monday, Dec 27. So Dec 27 will be "business as usual", no matter whether the OP will go to Berlin or Vienna.

Having been to both several times, I would choose Berlin. Berlin is urban, cosmopolitan, edgy and fascinating. We found it to be an excellent value and the choice of dining options was very good. I did not find it "too big" at all, whatever that means, and public transport is excellent (it is Vienna as well).

Vienna is a pretty city but quite stiff in personality as compared to Berlin. While I am sure there are very good restaurants in any city that size, I have never been to one I would return to. In Berlin, we have a number of favorites.

The museums in Berlin are not only plentiful, but the Berlin Welcome Card with museum options makes them very affordable. There are a good number all on Museum Island, making it convenient as well.

Berlin has a young and hip vibe and an energy we really enjoy. We are headed back in late November and rally looking forward to it.

I agree with most posts here.

I am a big fan of Berlin in general. I like that it is vibrant and energetic. Striking to me is the diversity - of entertainment options, of neighborhoods, of people, of restaurants...

I happen to be a big fan of Vienna too. I find it to have a real turn of the century flair, but somewhat stuffy. While Berlin has a real alternative underbelly, Vienna is more traditional. The city is also very scenic and romantic. I have never been at Christmas, but I could imagine that it is very beautiful.

So when you say "enjoyable" I think you'd have to tell us more about what you enjoy.

I don't think either city could provide a sure thing when it comes to snow. In Berlin, you could certainly have many overcast days with rain. If you really want a snuggly cosy visit with snow and all, I'd recommend a couple of nights in a mountain village within range of either city. The ore mountains of Saxony south of Berlin, for example. Dresden itself is quite stunning in the winter (and a good excursion from either Berlin or a mountain village in the area). I am certain Vienna has alpine options within a few hours that could provide the snowy Christmas you seek.