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

Should you visit Basel or Potsdam?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Basel or Potsdam, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Basel

Basel is a museum-filled, easily accessible, and beautiful city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Potsdam

Potsdam is a historic, accessible, and compact city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Basel and Potsdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Potsdam?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Basel. Although Basel and Potsdam are about the same size, Basel has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Basel is better known for its historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Potsdam is more popular for its food and small town charm. Basel is well known for its many museums and its nice old town. Also, Basel is famous for The Kunstmuseum Basel. Potsdam is well known for its beautiful palaces, scenic town center, and accessibility to Berlin.

How is Basel different from Potsdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Basel and Potsdam.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Basel can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with history. Head to Minster Hill to see the beautiful historic church and Münsterplatz. There are also several unique museums around town including Jean Tinguely Museum, the Paper Mill Museum, the Historical Museum, and the Museum of Art.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Potsdam. 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 Basel or Potsdam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Potsdam is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Potsdam. 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.

Basel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Food around town can be expensive, but there are some outdoor markets where you can buy fruit and a bratwurst for a reasonable price. The city is known for its breads, soups, and pastries, which are all delicious.

Is Basel or Potsdam Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both Basel and Potsdam.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Basel. The city's nightlife comes alive as the sun sets. There are bars, pubs, and dance clubs that stay active until the early morning hours.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Potsdam. 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 Basel or Potsdam Better for its Old Town?

Basel is well known for its old town. However, Potsdam does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Basel. The charming old town is fun to explore on foot with its quaint streets and meandering alleys. The beautiful architecture and ornate fountains give the area a unique personality. On the hottest days you may even see locals swimming in some of the fountains.

Potsdam does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Basel or Potsdam?

Basel is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Basel is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The old town is filled with shops that you can wander through as you explore. Popular shopping streets include Freie Strasse and the area around Marktplatz, where you'll find boutique shops and interesting trinkets. You can also head to the city's oldest department store - Manor.

Potsdam has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are plazas and shopping streets that have the standard chain stores as well as antique shops and other boutiques.

Is Basel or Potsdam Better for Families?

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

Basel is a very kid-friendly city. The city has an impressive zoo, a really unique toy museum, as well as Aquabasilea with its pools and slides. It's also compact enough that little legs can explore and enjoy everything that it has to offer. If the weather's warm, head for the river to cool off.

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 Basel or Potsdam Better for Couples?

Basel and Potsdam are both notable to visit as a couple.

Basel makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Nice restaurants, interesting museums, and several great spas make this a nice place for a romantic trip.

Potsdam is a good city for couples to visit. 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 Basel or Potsdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Basel and Potsdam are notable destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Basel. There are a few hostels and a really useful City Pass that make this city an option for backpackers and budget travelers. It's also a major transit center so accessibility is convenient. If you're traveling around Europe by train, you'll likely pass through Basel at some point.

Potsdam is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a handful of hostels to choose from in town.

Is Basel or Potsdam Better for Students?

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

Basel is very popular with students. The University of Basel brings in international students from around the world. The city makes a nice base for exploring Europe, but it's also a bit expensive which can be challenging on a student income.

Potsdam is not popular with students.

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

Both Basel and Potsdam offer excellent public transit options.

Basel has some very good public transit options. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

The public transit in Potsdam can get you to most places easily. The city is well connected to Berlin by S-Bahn and bus.

Is Basel or Potsdam a more walkable city?

Basel is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Basel on foot is easy. The old town and most of the major attractions are easily accessible on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Potsdam or Basel?

How long in Basel or Potsdam?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Basel 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 Basel.

One day in Basel or Potsdam?

In Basel, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Potsdam, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Basel or Potsdam?

In Basel, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Basel has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Potsdam. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Basel or Potsdam?

Basel is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Potsdam is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Potsdam. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Basel or Potsdam?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Basel. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Basel. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find food and shopping around the park-filled destination of Potsdam. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Basel and Potsdam, we can see that Basel is more expensive. And not only is Potsdam much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Potsdam would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Potsdam and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Basel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Basel than you might in Potsdam.

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

Which is Bigger, Basel or Potsdam?

Basel has a larger population, and is about 13% larger than the population of Potsdam. When comparing the sizes of Basel 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 Basel or Potsdam?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Basel or Potsdam in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Potsdam. Most visitors come to Basel for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Potsdam because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Basel is a little warmer than Potsdam in the summer. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Potsdam fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Potsdam this time of the year. In Basel, it's very sunny this time of the year. Basel usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Potsdam during summer. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 232 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Basel usually receives more rain than Potsdam. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Basel or Potsdam in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Basel as well as Potsdam. The autumn months attract visitors to Basel because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Potsdam this time of year.

In the autumn, Basel is a little warmer than Potsdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Basel in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Potsdam averages at about 10°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Basel often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Potsdam. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 114 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in October than Potsdam. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Potsdam in the Winter?

Both Potsdam and Basel are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Basel this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Potsdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Potsdam. It's quite cold in Basel in the winter. In January, Basel is generally much warmer than Potsdam. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 3°C (37°F), and Potsdam fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

Basel usually receives more sunshine than Potsdam during winter. Basel gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Basel usually receives more rain than Potsdam. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Basel or Potsdam in the Spring?

Both Potsdam and Basel during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Basel for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Potsdam in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Basel is a little warmer than Potsdam in the spring. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Potsdam fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Basel often gets less sunshine than Potsdam. Basel gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 168 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in April than Potsdam. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Potsdam and Basel