Berlin Courts Tourists Amid Southern Europe’s Overtourism Woes

As cities like Barcelona and Paris grapple with overtourism—marked by heatwaves and local pushback—Berlin is positioning itself as a more spacious, cooler, and culturally rich alternative.

Despite recording 5.9 million visitors in the first half of 2025, Berlin lags behind southern counterparts in hotel occupancy and tourism revenue share—which makes up only 4.6% of its economy.

Low costs, abundant green spaces, and accessible culture are central to Berlin’s appeal in an era where travelers are seeking alternatives to crowded European destinations.

City officials are looking to capitalize on this trend, though challenges such as low-cost carrier route reductions and cultural budget cuts remain concerns.

Berlin’s strategy reflects shifting global tourism patterns, with cooler-climate cities gaining favor among visitors.