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

Should you visit Bucharest 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 Bucharest 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.

Bucharest

Bucharest is a charming, historical, and less touristy city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Potsdam

Potsdam is a compact, park-filled, and historic city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bucharest and Potsdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bucharest or Potsdam?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bucharest than Potsdam. Bucharest is bigger than Potsdam, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bucharest is better known for its historical sights and big city activities, while Potsdam is more popular for its museums, food, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Potsdam is more touristy than Bucharest and is known for its beautiful palaces, scenic town center, and accessibility to Berlin. Bucharest is well known for its wide avenues and longstanding religious institutions. Also, Bucharest is famous for The Palace of Parliament.

How is Bucharest different from Potsdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Potsdam is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bucharest. The city is rich in landmarks and historical buildings. Popular sights include the Romanian Athenaeum, the Palace of the Parliament, Stavropoleos Church, and Curtea Veche.

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

Potsdam is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Bucharest is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Many Romanian recipes have been passed down through the generations and they still use traditional flavors. You'll see some German or Hungarian influences, but the flavors are still uniquely Romanian. Popular dishes include ciorba (tripe soup), cabbage rolls, and mici (grilled meat rolls).

Is Bucharest or Potsdam Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Bucharest and Potsdam.

Bucharest has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has come to life with its party scene, with many bars and clubs that you can choose from. There are rooftop bars, chic dance clubs, and cozy pubs where you can pass the evening. You'll find most of the upscale clubs in the northern part of the city, with a more casual scene found in the downtown areas around Universitate and Romanā.

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 Bucharest or Potsdam Better for its Old Town?

Bucharest is very good for its old town. However, Potsdam does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Bucharest to see the old town. The old town dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries, with much of the historical charm seen in the architecture. Many of the buildings have been restored, but others are still awaiting repairs. This gives the area a sense of authenticity that you often miss in other old towns.

Potsdam does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bucharest or Potsdam?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Potsdam and Bucharest.

Bucharest offers some nice shopping areas. The residents love fashion, and you'll find many shopping centers around town where you can find a good deal. In addition to the many malls, there are also antique shops, flea markets and boutique clothing stores where you might find a hidden gem.

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 Bucharest or Potsdam Better for Families?

Potsdam is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Potsdam. 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.

For families, Bucharest is not always the best place to visit. Kid-friendly activities include kid's play areas, museums such as the Museum of the Senses, and water centered activities like rowing in the park or visiting the wellness center Therme.

Is Bucharest or Potsdam Better for Couples?

Potsdam is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for couples.

Potsdam makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Bucharest is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The city has some romantic settings such as wandering down Victory Avenue or exploring the historic Cotroceni Neighbourhood. There are also several gardens and a number of nice cafes to explore.

Is Bucharest or Potsdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bucharest and Potsdam are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Bucharest. The city is affordable, but it's often overlooked by backpackers. Part of the charm for many is the sense of authenticity that can often be hard to find in travel these days.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Potsdam. There are a handful of hostels to choose from in town.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Bucharest and Potsdam.

The public transit in Bucharest can get you around easily. Public transit options include trams, buses, and trolley buses.

Potsdam offers a very effecient public transportation network. The city is well connected to Berlin by S-Bahn and bus.

Is Bucharest or Potsdam a more walkable city?

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

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

Bucharest is a somewhat walkable city. Many of the tourist attractions are within a walkable area.

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

Should I spend more time in Potsdam or Bucharest?

How long in Bucharest or Potsdam?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Potsdam than Bucharest 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 Potsdam.

One day in Bucharest or Potsdam?

In Bucharest, you'll find nightlife and food. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Potsdam. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Potsdam has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Bucharest or Potsdam?

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the compact destination of Potsdam. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Bucharest or Potsdam?

Bucharest is a great place to explore. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the park-filled city of Potsdam. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bucharest or Potsdam?

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

Potsdam is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.

When comparing the travel costs between Bucharest and Potsdam, we can see that Bucharest 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 Bucharest Expensive? and Is Potsdam Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bucharest or Potsdam?

Bucharest has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Potsdam. When comparing the sizes of Bucharest 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 Bucharest 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 Bucharest or Potsdam in the Summer?

Both Potsdam and Bucharest are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bucharest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Potsdam in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Bucharest is a little warmer than Potsdam in the summer. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Potsdam fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Potsdam. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bucharest. Bucharest usually receives more sunshine than Potsdam during summer. Bucharest gets 289 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 232 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bucharest usually receives more rain than Potsdam. Bucharest gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bucharest or Potsdam in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Bucharest is a little warmer than Potsdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bucharest in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Potsdam averages at about 10°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Bucharest often gets more sunshine than Potsdam. Bucharest gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 114 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets less rain in October than Potsdam. Bucharest gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bucharest or Potsdam in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bucharest and Potsdam. Most visitors come to Bucharest 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. Bucharest can be very cold during winter. In January, Bucharest is generally much colder than Potsdam. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around -1°C (29°F), and Potsdam fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

Bucharest usually receives more sunshine than Potsdam during winter. Bucharest gets 71 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Potsdam. Bucharest gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bucharest or Potsdam in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bucharest as well as Potsdam. The spring months attract visitors to Bucharest because of the activities around the city. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Potsdam this time of year.

Bucharest is a little warmer than Potsdam in the spring. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Potsdam fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Bucharest often gets more sunshine than Potsdam. Bucharest gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 168 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Potsdam. Bucharest gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Potsdam and Bucharest