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

Should you visit Ghent 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 Ghent 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.

Ghent

Ghent is a high energy, cultural, and historic city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. 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.

Ghent and Potsdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ghent or Potsdam?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ghent than Potsdam. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Ghent is very popular for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Potsdam attracts visitors for its small town charm. Ghent is famous for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets It is also well known for The Fortress of Gravensteen. Potsdam is famous for its beautiful palaces, scenic town center, and accessibility to Berlin.

How is Ghent different from Potsdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Ghent and Potsdam have high quality landmarks and museums for visitors.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Ghent. The city has many different sights that are concentrated in a compact area. Make sure you check out the Cathedral of St. Bavo, The Fortress of Gravensteen, and The Belfry. The audio tour at Gravensteen really brings the history to life and makes for an enjoyable activity.

Potsdam offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Ghent or Potsdam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Ghent and Potsdam both to be high quality destinations.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Ghent makes for a great culinary experience. The food scene is diverse and international, but there are also many local dishes and flavors that you should try. Pas de Rouge is a local cheese and mastel is a local bread. Ganda ham is also a popular meat that is dried and salted. In additional to traditional restaurants, you'll find almost any international cuisine that you could want.

Potsdam has a huge number of terrific 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 Ghent or Potsdam Better for Nightlife?

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

Ghent is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. With its young student population, you'll find plenty of lively bars and clubs around town. There are many places where you can party or dance into the early hours of the morning and some of the best places are around Oude Beestenmarkt, De Overpoort, and De Vlasmarkt. There's also the famous Ghent Festival every July.

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 Ghent or Potsdam Better for its Old Town?

Ghent 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 Ghent. The medieval old town follows along the canal and offers great architecture and a unique atmosphere.

Potsdam does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ghent or Potsdam?

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

Ghent is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has the largest pedestrian shopping area in Belgium, making it a great place to explore on foot. The city has several different shopping areas which each have their own style and personality. You'll find everything from major European brands to local boutiques and street markets.

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 Ghent or Potsdam Better for Families?

Both Ghent and Potsdam are nice family-friendly destinations.

Ghent is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a fun atmosphere with kid-friendly restaurants and a number of attractions that appeal to all ages. Kids and adults alike will enjoy exploring Gravensteen, which is the "Castle of Counts". You can also take a boat tour, rent bikes, or head to one of the town's playgrounds so the kids can burn off some energy.

Potsdam is a family-friendly city. 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 Ghent or Potsdam Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Ghent frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It makes a great weekend getaway with a diverse restaurant scene, nice hotels, and plenty of historic attractions that you can explore.

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 Ghent or Potsdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Ghent and Potsdam are nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Ghent. The city has a number of hostels to choose from as well as a young vibe with a large student population. Many people overlook Ghent, but it feels more genuine than nearby Bruges, which attracts the larger tourist crowds.

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

Is Ghent or Potsdam Better for Students?

Ghent is very popular for students. However, Potsdam is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Ghent. The city is very popular with international students so it has a young and energetic vibe with plenty to do throughout the year.

Potsdam is not popular with students.

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

Ghent is very popular for its public transit. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Ghent has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

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 Ghent or Potsdam a more walkable city?

Ghent and Potsdam both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Ghent is very walkable. The area's with the most tourist attractions are generally walkable.

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 Ghent Worth Visiting? and Is Potsdam Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Potsdam or Ghent?

How long in Ghent or Potsdam?

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

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

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

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

One day in Ghent or Potsdam?

In Ghent, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. 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 accessible 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 Ghent or Potsdam?

In Ghent, 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. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ghent 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 Ghent or Potsdam?

Ghent 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 Ghent or Potsdam?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ghent. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Ghent. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. 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 compact 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 Cultural Tours in Belgium, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Ghent or Potsdam?

Ghent has a larger population, and is about 59% larger than the population of Potsdam. When comparing the sizes of Ghent 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 Ghent 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 Ghent or Potsdam in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ghent and Potsdam. Many travelers come to Ghent for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Potsdam in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Ghent is around the same temperature as Potsdam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ghent in July average around 17°C (63°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 Ghent, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Potsdam during summer. Ghent gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 232 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ghent usually receives more rain than Potsdam. Ghent gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ghent or Potsdam in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ghent as well as Potsdam. Many visitors come to Ghent in the autumn for 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.

In October, Ghent is generally a little warmer than Potsdam. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 12°C (54°F), and Potsdam fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Potsdam. Ghent gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 114 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets more rain in October than Potsdam. Ghent gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Potsdam in the Winter?

Both Potsdam and Ghent are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Ghent 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. Ghent can be very cold during winter. Ghent is much warmer than Potsdam in the winter. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Potsdam fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

Ghent usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Potsdam during winter. Ghent gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ghent usually receives more rain than Potsdam. Ghent gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ghent or Potsdam in the Spring?

Both Potsdam and Ghent during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Ghent because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Potsdam this time of year.

In the spring, Ghent is around the same temperature as Potsdam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ghent in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Potsdam averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Ghent often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Potsdam. Ghent gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 168 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Potsdam. Ghent gets 45 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 Ghent