A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Athens vs. Potsdam for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Athens or Potsdam?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Athens and Potsdam. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Athens

Athens is a vibrant, energetic, and historic city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Potsdam

Potsdam is a park-filled, historic, and accessible city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Athens and Potsdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Potsdam?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Athens than Potsdam, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Athens is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and big city activities, while Potsdam is known for its small town charm. Athens is more touristy than Potsdam and is popular for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. It is also home to The Acropolis. Potsdam is popular for its beautiful palaces, scenic town center, and accessibility to Berlin.

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Potsdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Potsdam and Athens. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Athens or Potsdam?

Athens is very popular for its museums and landmarks. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Athens are among the most recognizable in the world. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Potsdam can be an interesting and educational experience. People visit this city for its high concentration of historic sights. The Renaissance Orangery Palace is a highlight of the visit for many travelers.

Is the Food Better in Athens or Potsdam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Athens is very popular for its restaurant scene. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Athens has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

Potsdam has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find a diverse restaurant scene, although the city is quite small. There are international restaurants as well as local venues where you can try regional specialties.

Is Athens or Potsdam Better for Nightlife?

Athens is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Athens is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

If you're looking for night time activities Potsdam has a few options to choose from. The city is not far from Berlin, so head in to Germany's nightlife capital for the most famous clubs and venues. In the town of Potsdam there are cocktail bars and breweries that make for a mellow and relaxed evening.

Is Athens or Potsdam Better for its Old Town?

Athens is very popular for its old town. However, Potsdam does not have a historic old town.

Athens has a world-famous historical area. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.

Potsdam does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Potsdam?

If you're looking to go shopping, Athens and Potsdam both offer plenty of good spots.

Athens has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Potsdam is a great destination for shopping. There are plazas and shopping streets that have the standard chain stores as well as antique shops and other boutiques.

Is Athens or Potsdam Better for Families?

Athens is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Athens is a very kid-friendly city. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

Potsdam offers lots of family activities. There are a number of playgrounds around town as well as several beaches by lakes that are fun for kids. Another highlight for families is a visit to Babelsberg Film Studios.

Is Athens or Potsdam Better for Couples?

Athens and Potsdam both good destinations for a couple.

Athens is a good city for couples to visit. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

Potsdam is a nice destination for couples. Exploring the city and soaking up the sights is the best way for couples to enjoy their time. There are some nice hotels and restaurants in the area that make for a great date night.

Is Athens or Potsdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is very popular for backpackers. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Athens. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

It's common for backpackers to visit Potsdam. There are a handful of hostels to choose from in town.

Is Athens or Potsdam Better for Students?

Athens is well known for students. However, Potsdam is not popular with students.

Athens is very popular with students. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

Potsdam is not popular with students.

Is Athens or Potsdam Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Athens and Potsdam both offer high quality public transit to get you around.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Athens. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

Public transit in Potsdam is fairly effecient and thorough. The city is well connected to Berlin by S-Bahn and bus.

Is Athens or Potsdam a more walkable city?

Athens and Potsdam are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Athens is a very walkable destination. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

Potsdam is very walkable. It's a smaller, compact city that can mostly be explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Athens Worth Visiting? and Is Potsdam Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Potsdam or Athens?

How long in Athens or Potsdam?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Athens or Potsdam to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Athens than Potsdam because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 1-2 days is enough time in Potsdam.

Families should spend more time in Athens than Potsdam. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Athens, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Athens than Potsdam. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Athens that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Athens than Potsdam if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Athens.

One day in Athens or Potsdam?

Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Potsdam. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Athens or Potsdam?

Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Potsdam is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Athens or Potsdam?

Athens is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Athens has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Potsdam. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Athens or Potsdam?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Athens. Because Athens is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Potsdam. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.

When comparing the travel costs between Athens and Potsdam, we can see that Athens is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Athens Expensive? and Is Potsdam Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Athens or Potsdam?

Athens has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Potsdam. When comparing the sizes of Athens and Potsdam, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Athens or Potsdam?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Athens or Potsdam in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Athens as well as Potsdam. Many travelers come to Athens for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Potsdam in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Athens is generally a little warmer than Potsdam. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 27°C (81°F), and Potsdam fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Potsdam. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the summer, Athens often gets more sunshine than Potsdam. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 232 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in July than Potsdam. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Potsdam in the Autumn?

Both Potsdam and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Athens in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Potsdam for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Athens is much warmer than Potsdam in the autumn. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Potsdam fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Potsdam during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 114 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Athens usually receives more rain than Potsdam. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Athens or Potsdam in the Winter?

Both Potsdam and Athens during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Potsdam because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Potsdam can be very cold. In the winter, Athens is much warmer than Potsdam. Typically, the winter temperatures in Athens in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Potsdam averages at about -0°C (31°F).

In the winter, Athens often gets more sunshine than Potsdam. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 47 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Potsdam. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Potsdam in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Potsdam. The spring months attract visitors to Athens because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Potsdam this time of year.

In April, Athens is generally much warmer than Potsdam. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 16°C (60°F), and Potsdam fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Potsdam during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 168 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Potsdam. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Potsdam and Athens