Great Britain Joins Netherlands, Turkey, Israel, China, the United States and More Faces Dip in Overnight Stays in Berlin Germany 2025 , Yet Maintains Global Appeal

Published on February 24, 2026

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Berlin, the German capital, recorded 29.4 million overnight stays and hosted 12.4 million guests in 2025, marking a decline from the strong recovery seen in 2024. According to Visit Berlin, these figures show a dip from the 30.6 million overnight stays and 12.7 million visitors in the previous year. While these numbers are lower than the heights achieved in 2019, the last full year before the pandemic, the city remains one of Europe’s top travel destinations, maintaining its position in the top five cities for tourism.

Tourism Trends in Berlin: A Shift After Recovery

In 2024, Berlin saw impressive growth, fueled by the post-pandemic tourism boom. However, the numbers in 2025 fell short of expectations. While Berlin continues to perform well compared to other European capitals, its 29.4 million overnight stays were still below the 2019 pre-pandemic record, when the city hosted nearly 14 million tourists who generated more than 34 million overnight stays.

Despite these setbacks, Visit Berlin CEO Burkhard Kieker remains optimistic about the future. Berlin’s strong tourism performance keeps it in the upper echelons of European destinations, ahead of Rome but trailing behind London and Paris for total visitors. Berlin is also seeing robust interest from solo travelers, with the city ranked second in Europe after Dublin.

A Promising Outlook for 2026

The outlook for 2026 appears brighter, with several major international trade fairs and events scheduled to take place in the city. Events like ILA (the top aerospace exhibition) and InnoTrans (a transport technology show) are expected to draw large crowds of global visitors. These exhibitions, held in even-numbered years, contribute significantly to Berlin’s tourism economy, attracting professionals, businesses, and international guests who travel to the city for these prestigious events.

Berlin’s 800th anniversary in 2037 also stands as a major milestone, and city officials are hopeful that the celebrations leading up to the event will further boost tourism. The anticipation surrounding this historical event could offer a boost for the city’s tourism industry in the next decade.

Domestic vs. International Tourism

While international visitors declined in 2025, domestic tourism led the way in terms of overnight stays. German visitors accounted for a substantial 58.9% of total stays in the city, with more than 17.3 million overnight stays. This indicates that while international tourism experienced a slowdown, domestic tourism has remained a steady pillar for Berlin’s hospitality sector.

International markets saw a varied picture in terms of visitor numbers. The United States remained a strong market with 1.28 million overnight stays, closely followed by Great Britain at 1.27 million overnight stays. The Netherlands recorded over 780,000 overnight stays, though the market saw the largest drop of over 15% compared to 2024.

Meanwhile, new markets are showing promising growth. Turkey saw an 8.5% increase in overnight stays, reaching more than 260,000 stays. Similarly, China and Israel also saw increases of 14.4% and 9.5%, respectively, with 233,000 and 230,000 overnight stays recorded in 2025.

Key Spending Categories and Tourism Boost

The decline in overall tourist numbers in 2025 did not seem to deter spending by those who visited. Visitors who arrived in Berlin still made significant contributions to local businesses, particularly in key sectors such as fashion, mobility, and transportation. The city’s vibrant shopping districts and world-class cultural institutions continue to attract tourists looking to experience its unique art, history, and nightlife.

One of the most significant findings from the 2025 data is the role of contactless payments, which increased by nearly 40% in Berlin. Tourists favored faster and more secure payment methods, especially in high-traffic areas like Kaufhaus des Westens and Alexanderplatz. These trends also highlight the growing preference for digital convenience among tourists, who value quick, easy transactions when shopping or dining.

Challenges in the Post-Pandemic Landscape

Berlin’s tourism industry has not been immune to the challenges that many other global destinations have faced since the pandemic. While the city continues to attract millions of visitors each year, it is still grappling with the aftermath of travel restrictions, economic shifts, and changing global travel patterns. The decline in 2025 numbers shows the impact of factors such as inflation, travel restrictions in key markets, and shifts in global demand for long-haul travel.

However, Berlin’s continued position in the top five European destinations highlights its strong tourism infrastructure, diverse attractions, and ability to adapt to changing conditions. The city’s rich history, iconic landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate and Museum Island, and cultural events like the Berlin Film Festival continue to captivate tourists from around the world.

What’s Next for Berlin Tourism?

In the years ahead, Berlin aims to recover from the 2025 decline and build on its reputation as a top European destination. With upcoming events like ILA and InnoTrans, along with a focus on increasing international promotion, the city is well-positioned to draw larger crowds in 2026 and beyond.

The 2026 outlook for tourism is already shaping up to be positive, and with long-term initiatives like the 800th anniversary celebrations and a focus on sustainable tourism, Berlin is committed to growing its visitor numbers while continuing to provide memorable experiences for travelers.

Conclusion: A Resilient Tourism Destination

While 2025 presented challenges for Berlin’s tourism industry, the city remains resilient and committed to ensuring its place as a top global destination. With an emphasis on major international events, new market growth, and the enhancement of tourism services, Berlin’s tourism sector is primed for a recovery. Whether traveling for business, leisure, or cultural exploration, Berlin will continue to be a must-visit destination for those seeking history, culture, and modernity in one vibrant city.