Potsdam travel guide
Potsdam Tourism | Potsdam Guide
You're Going to Love Potsdam
Famous as a city of peace, Brandenburg's capital is a beautiful place. Made the center of Frederick the Great's Prussian empire, Potsdam features gorgeous palaces, parks, and fine museums within its UNESCO-protected core.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Potsdam
1. The Palace of Sanssouci
The crown jewel of Frederick the Great's military state, the 18th-century palace of Sanssouci is a masterpiece, with gorgeous interiors and breathtaking gardens.
2. See Where World War Two Was Concluded
1945's Potsdam conference saw the post-war order taking shape, as Stalin, Truman, and Churchill ended the war against Germany. See where the discussions took place at the Cecilienhof Palace.
3. See Some Artistic Masterpieces
Visit the splendid Bildergalerie, which was lovingly assembled by Frederick the Great and houses works by masters like Caravaggio, Rubens, and van Dyck.
4. Learn about Cinema History
In the 1920s, Potsdam was one of the centers of cinema. Find out why at the Filmmuseum, which commemorates the famous UFA studio, where masters like Fritz Lang learned their trade.
5. Berlin Is Right Next Door
Potsdam has plenty to see and do, but the world-class nightlife, shopping, and attractions of Berlin are a short drive or train ride away as well.
Where to Eat in Potsdam
Great food is easy to come by in Potsdam. If you want an excellent German feast, try Drachenhaus in Sanssouci Park, but there are fine French options like Maison Charlotte as well. Meals should cost around EUR20-30 per head.
When to visit Potsdam
In general, summer is the best time to visit Potsdam (June through August), but the historical attractions are just as magical out of season.
How to Get to Potsdam
Plane
Visitors can fly into Berlin Tegel (TXL). From there, take the X9 bus to Zoologischer Garten, and catch a train to Potsdam. In total, the journey takes around 90 minutes. Alternatively, taxis will cost around EUR60.
Train
S-Bahn trains run directly from Berlin's Hackescher Markt to Potsdam's Hauptbahnhof (44 minutes, around EUR7.70).
Car
If you are driving from central Berlin, just take the A1 straight to Potsdam.
Airlines serving Potsdam
Where to stay in Potsdam
Potsdam has some exceptional accommodation options, including the Hotel Brandenburger Tor, the Steigenberger Hotel, and the Wyndham Garden.
Popular neighbourhoods in Potsdam
Innenstadt - home to treasures like Nikolaikirche and the Old Market, Innenstadt is a UNESCO-protected medieval gem.
Babelsberg - Babelsberg runs alongside the stunning Tiefer See and is home to the Babelsberg Studio - a seminal site in cinema history.
Brandenburger Vorstadt - just west of the old city, this area is most famous for Sanssouci and the iconic Brandenburger Tor (gate).
Where to stay in popular areas of Potsdam
Most booked hotels in Potsdam
How to Get Around Potsdam
Public Transportation
Buses and trains in Potsdam are operated by VBB. Fare prices vary, but an adult single will usually be around EUR1.80.
Taxi
Expect Potsdam's taxis to charge around EUR3.50 for the meter drop, followed by EUR2.50 per mile.
Car
Car rental options in Potsdam include Europcar, Enterprise, and Avis, and you can find deals for as little as EUR15 per day.
The Cost of Living in Potsdam
Shopping Streets
The Holländisches Viertel just north of Innenstadt is a good place to hunt for boutique apparel and antiques, while department stores and drug stores can be found on main streets like Lindenstraße.
Groceries and Other
Supermarkets in Potsdam include REWE and Prima, where 12 eggs will cost about EUR1.80.