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

Should you visit Dover or Potsdam?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dover and Potsdam can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dover

Dover is a breathtaking, iconic, and rustic town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food.

Potsdam

Potsdam is a historic, accessible, and compact city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Dover and Potsdam: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit


Is there more to do in Dover or Potsdam?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Potsdam. Although Dover and Potsdam are both popular with visitors, Potsdam has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Potsdam is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm, while Dover is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Dover is popular for the famous White Cliffs of Dover as well as the ferry connection to mainland Europe. Potsdam is popular for its beautiful palaces, scenic town center, and accessibility to Berlin. It is also home to The Sanssouci Palace.

How is Dover different from Potsdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Dover
Potsdam

Potsdam is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Dover is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Aside from the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, there is the Dover Castle, the South Foreland Lighthouse, and the Grand Shaft.


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

Dover
Potsdam

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

Dining out in Potsdam is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Dover. The town has a growing food scene that includes waterfront restaurants and local dishes. Find a restaurant with a view to make sure you take full advantage of the setting.

Is Dover or Potsdam Better for Nightlife?

Dover
Potsdam

Potsdam is very good for its evening party scene. However, Dover is not a good town for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Dover. The nightlife has a relaxed atmosphere with wine bars and microbreweries.

Is Dover or Potsdam Better for Hiking?

Dover
Potsdam

Dover is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Potsdam is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Dover. There are many beautiful countryside walks that take you through the rolling hills and along the iconic white cliffs. Some of the best hikes in the area include The England Coast Path, The North Downs Way Saxon Shore Way.

Potsdam is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Dover or Potsdam?

Dover
Potsdam

Potsdam is very good for its shopping areas. However, Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Potsdam to go shopping. There are plazas and shopping streets that have the standard chain stores as well as antique shops and other boutiques.

Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dover or Potsdam Better for Families?

Dover
Potsdam

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Dover or Potsdam.

Dover is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a few kid-friendly museums like the Dover Transport Museum and the Dover Castle. Also make sure you check out the South Foreland Lighthouse.

Potsdam is a family-friendly town. 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 Dover or Potsdam Better for Couples?

Dover
Potsdam

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

Couples visit Dover frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The White Cliffs of Dover are an iconic sight and perfect for a romantic trip away. Also make sure you check out St. Margaret's Bay Beach and the Kearsney Abbey Gardens.

Potsdam is a good town 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 Dover or Potsdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dover
Potsdam

Both Dover and Potsdam are good destinations for backpackers.

Dover is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find several nice hostels to choose from in the town.

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

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

Dover
Potsdam

Potsdam is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Dover is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Dover. There are public buses through the district.

Is Dover or Potsdam a more walkable city?

Dover
Potsdam

Potsdam is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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

Dover is somewhat walkable. You can wander around the countryside, but prepare for rolling hills and great views.


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

Should I spend more time in Potsdam or Dover?

How long in Dover or Potsdam?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Dover or Potsdam to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Dover than Potsdam because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Dover, and 1-2 days is enough time in Potsdam.

Families should spend more time in Potsdam than Dover. 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 Dover. 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 Dover 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.


  • How many days in Dover or Potsdam? Ideal Length of Stay
    Dover 2-4 
    Potsdam 1-2

One day in Dover or Potsdam?

In Dover, you'll find food and museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Potsdam, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this park-filled 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 Dover or Potsdam?

In Dover, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dover 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 Dover or Potsdam?

Dover is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Dover or Potsdam?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dover. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Dover. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 accessible 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 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Potsdam or Dover?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Dover is £124, while the average daily cost in Potsdam is £95. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Dover and Potsdam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dover £62
    Potsdam £51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dover £124
    Potsdam £102
Compare Hotels in Dover and Potsdam

Looking for a hotel in Dover or Potsdam? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Dover


Hotels in Potsdam


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Dover Hotel Prices and Potsdam Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dover £39
    Potsdam £24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dover

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dover:

  • One-Way Taxi Transfer from Dover Seaport to London: $254
  • Dover to Heathrow and London Direct Shared Transfer: $131
  • Private Transfer from Dover Cruise Port to Gatwick City Hotels: $55
  • Private Transfer from Dover Cruise Port to London Airport (LHR): $66
  • Private Transfer from Dover Cruise Port to London City Hotels: $98
  • Private Transfer from Dover Port to London Gatwick Airport (LGW): $55
  • Private Transfers from Heathrow Airport to Dover Cruise Port: $147
  • Private transfer from Dover to London hotel or airport: $210

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Potsdam

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Potsdam:

  • Private Transfer from Potsdam to Berlin Tegel Airport: $160
  • Departure Airport Transfer from Potsdam Hotels to Berlin BER Airport: $174
  • Berlin Airport Departure Transfer from Potsdam Hotels: $174

Is it cheaper to fly into Dover or Potsdam?

Prices for flights to both Potsdam and Dover change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Dover £38
    Potsdam £26

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dover £20
    Potsdam £22

Tours and Activities in Dover

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dover are as follows:

  • Pilgrims and Pit Stops: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Canterbury: $5.99
  • The Condensed Canterbury Tour: $13
  • The Canterbury Classic Tour: $16
  • Official Canterbury Guided Walking Tour - 14.00 Tour: $19
  • Canterbury Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Official Canterbury Guided Walking Tour - 11.00 Tour: $19
  • Small-Group City Running Tour in Canterbury: $27
  • Dover Castle Admission Ticket: $29
  • From Dover Cruise Ship; Grand Tour of White Cliffs Country & back: $108
  • Private Guided Walking Tour of Canterbury: $153
  • Dover Shore Excursion:Post-Cruise Tour to London via Canterbury and Leeds Castle: $172
  • Dover Cruise Ship to Leeds Castle via Canterbury, Villages & back: $177

Tours and Activities in Potsdam

Here are a few actual costs in Potsdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Beautiful Baroque A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Sanssouci Park Self-Guided Gardens Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Baroque Buildings Self-Guided Mobile Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Sanssouci Park: A Self-Guide Audio Tour of the Garden's Landmarks: $5.99
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour of City Center: $8.45
  • Museum Barberini Entrance Ticket: $11
  • Brandenburg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Cecilienhof Castle Entrance Ticket: $13
  • Biosphäre Potsdam Entry Ticket: $16
  • In the Forbidden City - Potsdam Walking Tour: $20
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dover £7.71
    Potsdam £5.73

Sample the Local Flavors in Dover

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dover:

  • Full Day Wine Tour in Sussex and Kent: $178


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dover and Potsdam, we can see that Dover 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 Dover would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dover 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 Dover Expensive? and Is Potsdam Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dover or Potsdam?

Potsdam has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Dover. When comparing the sizes of Dover 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 Dover 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 Dover or Potsdam in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dover and Potsdam. The summer months attract visitors to Dover because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Potsdam this time of year.

In July, Dover is generally around the same temperature as Potsdam. Daily temperatures in Dover average around 17°C (63°F), and Potsdam fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Potsdam this time of the year. In Dover, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dover usually receives less sunshine than Potsdam during summer. Dover gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 232 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dover usually receives less rain than Potsdam. Dover gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dover 17°C (63°F) 
    Potsdam 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Dover or Potsdam in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dover as well as Potsdam. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Dover this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Potsdam for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Dover is a little warmer than Potsdam in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dover averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Potsdam fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Dover often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Potsdam. Dover gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 114 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets more rain in October than Potsdam. Dover gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dover 12°C (54°F) 
    Potsdam 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Dover or Potsdam in the Winter?

Both Potsdam and Dover are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Dover for the museums and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Potsdam in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Potsdam can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Dover. In the winter, Dover is much warmer than Potsdam. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dover in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Potsdam averages at about -0°C (31°F).

Dover usually receives more sunshine than Potsdam during winter. Dover gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dover usually receives around the same amount of rain as Potsdam. Dover gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dover 4°C (40°F) 
    Potsdam -0°C (31°F)

Should I visit Dover or Potsdam in the Spring?

Both Potsdam and Dover during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Dover in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Potsdam for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Dover is generally around the same temperature as Potsdam. Daily temperatures in Dover average around 9°C (47°F), and Potsdam fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Dover often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Potsdam. Dover gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 168 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Potsdam. Dover gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dover 9°C (47°F) 
    Potsdam 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Potsdam and Dover

Dover Potsdam
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) -0°C (31°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 1°C (34°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 6°C (44°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 5°C (40°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 9°C (47°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 19°C (65°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 10°C (51°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 6°C (42°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 1°C (34°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)