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

Should you visit Bern or Potsdam?

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

Should I visit Bern or Potsdam? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Bern

Bern is a beautiful, cultural, and historic 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 gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bern and Potsdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bern or Potsdam?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bern. Although Bern and Potsdam are popular destinations, Bern has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bern is very popular for its historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Potsdam attracts visitors for its food and small town charm. Bern is famous for its well-preserved old town and its reputation as the home of the Lindt chocolate factory. It is also well known for The Zytglogge Clock Tower. Potsdam is famous for its beautiful palaces, scenic town center, and accessibility to Berlin.

How is Bern different from Potsdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Bern and Potsdam have great landmarks and museums for visitors.

Bern offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with architecture and charming character. While you're in town make sure you visit the Einstein Museum, the Clock Tower, and the Bern Cathedral.

Many visitors head to Potsdam specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Bern or Potsdam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Potsdam is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bern is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Potsdam makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Bern has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city has cozy cafes, high end fine dining, traditional eateries, and modern venues.

Is Bern or Potsdam Better for Nightlife?

Both Bern and Potsdam are nice when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bern. There are bars, Irish pubs, and clubs around town.

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 Bern or Potsdam Better for its Old Town?

Bern 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 Bern. The charming old town is filled with quaint alleys and sandstone buildings. It's a compact area that flows down a hill to the River Aare.

Potsdam does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bern or Potsdam?

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

Bern is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The old town is filled with boutique shops and unique markets. The main shopping streets are Spitalgasse and Marktgasse and popular items to buy include jewelry, art, and watches.

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 Bern or Potsdam Better for Families?

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

Bern is a very kid-friendly city. This charming town has riverside parks and pools, a zoo, a waterpark, and kid-friendly museums that the whole family can enjoy. You can also visit nearby Gurten, a mountain with tobogganing, concerts, and a mini ski resort.

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 Bern or Potsdam Better for Couples?

Bern is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Bern frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With charming restaurants, a beautiful rose garden, and nice hotels and spas, this town makes a beautiful romantic getaway.

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 Bern or Potsdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bern is well known for backpackers. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bern is a great city to visit for backpackers. Like most of Switzerland, prices are a bit high, but there are some hostels and free activities that backpackers and budget travelers can enjoy.

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

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

Both Bern and Potsdam offer great public transit options.

Visitors to Bern can move around easily with public transportation. There are trams and buses that run around town.

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

Is Bern or Potsdam a more walkable city?

Bern and Potsdam both are great when exploring on foot.

Bern is very walkable. It's fun to explore the old town on foot. It is compact enough to that you can see all of the highlights in a few hours.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Potsdam or Bern?

How long in Bern or Potsdam?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Bern or Potsdam to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bern 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 Bern, and 1-2 days is enough time in Potsdam.

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

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

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

One day in Bern or Potsdam?

In Bern, 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Potsdam. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Bern or Potsdam?

In Bern, 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 Bern has to offer.

Potsdam is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Bern or Potsdam?

Bern 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Potsdam. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bern or Potsdam?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bern. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bern. 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.

The accessible city of Potsdam offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Switzerland, The Best Hiking & Trekking 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 Bern and Potsdam, we can see that Bern 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 Bern would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bern 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 Bern Expensive? and Is Potsdam Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bern or Potsdam?

Potsdam has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of Bern. When comparing the sizes of Bern 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 Bern 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 Bern or Potsdam in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bern and Potsdam. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bern this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Potsdam for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bern is a little warmer than Potsdam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bern in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Potsdam averages at about 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Potsdam this time of the year. In Bern, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bern usually receives more sunshine than Potsdam during summer. Bern gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 232 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bern usually receives more rain than Potsdam. Bern gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bern or Potsdam in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bern as well as Potsdam. Many travelers come to Bern for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Potsdam in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Bern is generally a little warmer than Potsdam. Daily temperatures in Bern average around 13°C (55°F), and Potsdam fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Bern often gets more sunshine than Potsdam. Bern gets 126 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 114 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets more rain in October than Potsdam. Bern gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bern or Potsdam in the Winter?

Both Potsdam and Bern are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Bern in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Potsdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Potsdam can be very cold during winter. Bern can get quite cold in the winter. Bern is much warmer than Potsdam in the winter. The daily temperature in Bern averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Potsdam fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

Bern usually receives more sunshine than Potsdam during winter. Bern gets 65 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bern usually receives more rain than Potsdam. Bern gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bern or Potsdam in the Spring?

Both Potsdam and Bern during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bern for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Potsdam because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Bern is a little warmer than Potsdam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bern in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Potsdam averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Bern often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Potsdam. Bern gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 168 hours of full sun.

Bern usually gets more rain in April than Potsdam. Bern gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Potsdam and Bern