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

Should you visit Glasgow or Potsdam?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Glasgow 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.

Glasgow

Glasgow is a historic, high energy, and friendly 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 park-filled, historic, and accessible city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Glasgow and Potsdam: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Glasgow or Potsdam?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Glasgow than Potsdam, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Glasgow is more popular for its nightlife, music, historical sights, and big city activities, while Potsdam is known for its food, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Glasgow is popular for its rich culture, its beautiful Victorian and art nouveau architecture, and its large student population. It is also home to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Potsdam is popular for its beautiful palaces, scenic town center, and accessibility to Berlin.

How is Glasgow different from Potsdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Glasgow
Potsdam

You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Potsdam and Glasgow.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Glasgow can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is rich in culture and offers many fascinating sights including the Glasgow Cathedral, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and the Necropolis.

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 Glasgow or Potsdam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Glasgow
Potsdam

Potsdam is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Potsdam has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Glasgow offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city's food scene continues to grow and innovate. You'll find plenty of seafood options as well as international cuisine and everything from fine dining to local cafes.

Is Glasgow or Potsdam Better for Nightlife?

Glasgow
Potsdam

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

Glasgow is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The city has some of the best nightlife in the entire country. There are clubs, bars, techno warehouses and more. Some of the best clubs include Sub Club, The Berkeley Suite, and The Garage.

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 Glasgow or Potsdam Better for Music?

Glasgow
Potsdam

Glasgow is very popular for its live music scene. However, Potsdam is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Glasgow Known to some as "the city of music", you'll find a wide range of music venues, live shows, festivals, and even a great underground music scene.

Potsdam is not a live music destination.


Is Glasgow or Potsdam Better for its Old Town?

Glasgow
Potsdam

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

Many people head to Glasgow to see the old town. High Street is one of the oldest and most well known streets in the city.

Potsdam does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Glasgow or Potsdam?

Glasgow
Potsdam

If you're looking to go shopping, Glasgow and Potsdam both offer plenty of good spots.

Glasgow has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city has independent boutique shops as well as major brands. Head to the "Style Mile" for some of the best shopping. It's a district that offers pedestrian-friendly shopping and includes high end boutiques and independent markets. Also check out The Barras Market, Buchanan Street, and High Street.

Potsdam is a great destination for shopping. There are plazas and shopping streets that have the standard chain stores as well as antique shops and other boutiques.

Is Glasgow or Potsdam Better for Families?

Glasgow
Potsdam

Glasgow and Potsdam are both good destinations for the whole family.

Glasgow offers lots of family activities. The city has some family-friendly museums including the hands on The Burrell Collection, the Glasgow Science Center, and The Riverside Museum. If you have older kids who enjoy the water, there are some water activities in town. Check out Pinkston Watersports, Glasgow Wake Park or Outdoor Pursuits. There are also climbing gyms and skate parks.

Potsdam is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Glasgow or Potsdam Better for Couples?

Glasgow
Potsdam

Glasgow and Potsdam are both good to visit as a couple.

Glasgow is a good city for couples to visit. Couples can enjoy a museum or one of the parks around town. There are also river cruises and spas. For a more locally specific activity, check out the Bothwell Castle.

Potsdam is a nice destination for couples. 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 Glasgow or Potsdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Glasgow
Potsdam

For backpackers, both Glasgow and Potsdam are good places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Glasgow. There are a good number of hostels around town as well as a good social scene, making this a decent option for backpackers.

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

Is Glasgow or Potsdam Better for Students?

Glasgow
Potsdam

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

Glasgow is very popular with students. The city has the second largest student population in the UK, so you'll find plenty of students to hang out with.

Potsdam is not popular with students.


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

Glasgow
Potsdam

Glasgow and Potsdam both offer excellent public transit to get you around.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Glasgow. The subway is convenient in the city center, west end, and southside. There are also buses throughout the city.

Public transit in Potsdam is fairly effecient and thorough. The city is well connected to Berlin by S-Bahn and bus.

Is Glasgow or Potsdam a more walkable city?

Glasgow
Potsdam

Glasgow and Potsdam are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Glasgow is a very walkable destination. The city center is generally walkable and can be explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Potsdam or Glasgow?

How long in Glasgow or Potsdam?

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

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

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


  • How many days in Glasgow or Potsdam? Ideal Length of Stay
    Glasgow 2-3 
    Potsdam 1-2

One day in Glasgow or Potsdam?

In Glasgow, you'll find shopping and museums. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Potsdam, 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.


A weekend in Glasgow or Potsdam?

In Glasgow, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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 Glasgow has to offer.

In Potsdam, 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 Potsdam has to offer.

Five days in Glasgow or Potsdam?

Glasgow 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.

Potsdam 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.

A week in Glasgow or Potsdam?

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

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


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Potsdam or Glasgow?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Glasgow is £144, 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 Glasgow and Potsdam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Glasgow £74
    Potsdam £51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Glasgow £148
    Potsdam £102
Compare Hotels in Glasgow and Potsdam

Looking for a hotel in Glasgow 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 Glasgow


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: Glasgow Hotel Prices and Potsdam Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Glasgow £27
    Potsdam £24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Glasgow

Also for Glasgow, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport and Glasgow Centre Private Transfer to Oban: $312
  • Departure Private Transfer Glasgow City to Glasgow GLA Airport by Business Car: $93
  • Departure Private Transfer Glasgow City to Glasgow GLA Airport by Luxury Car: $139
  • Departure Private Transfers: Glasgow City to Glasgow Airport GLA in Business Car: $98
  • Executive transfer Glasgow/Edinburgh: $275
  • From Private Day Trip to Edinburgh with Transfers: $834
  • From Private One-Way Transfer to Edinburgh: $213
  • Glasgow Airport Transfer: Glasgow Airport GLA to Glasgow City in Luxury Van: $145
  • Glasgow Airport Transfers: Glasgow Airport GLA to Glasgow City in Luxury Car: $169
  • Glasgow Airport to Lecht Ski Resort - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $153
  • Glasgow Private Transfer from Glasgow city centre to Glasgow (GLA) Airport: $64
  • Glasgow city to Glasgow Airport -Luxury Transfer Chauffeured : $108

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Potsdam

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Potsdam:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Glasgow or Potsdam?

Prices for flights to both Potsdam and Glasgow 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
    Glasgow £45
    Potsdam £26
Typical Food Prices in Glasgow

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Glasgow:


  • Dessert at Farmer's Market
    £1.80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Glasgow

For Glasgow, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Glasgow Walking Food Tour with EatWalk Tours: $146

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Glasgow £22
    Potsdam £22
Typical Entertainment Prices in Glasgow

For Glasgow, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Luss Highland Games Entrance Fee (for 2)
    £12
  • Two Bike Rental
    £34

Tours and Activities in Glasgow

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Glasgow.

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $4.28
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $4.28
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Glasgow Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Glasgow Private Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Private Historical Walking Tour: $15
  • City Center Guided Walking Tour: $15
  • Glasgow City Centre Daily Walking Tour: 10:30am, 2pm & 5pm: $15
  • Street Art Guided Walking Tour: $17
  • Scottish Football Museum and Hampden Park Stadium Tour: $19

Tours and Activities in Potsdam

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

  • 2 hours: Private Harbor and Castle Sightseeing Cruise: $364
  • 4 hours Private Romantic River Boat Cruise with Wine: $620
  • 4h Private Havelland Discovery Boat Cruise with Skipper: $620
  • 8h: Private Potsdam Islands Sightseeing Boat Cruise: $1,358
  • AbenteuerPark Adventure Climbing in the Trees: $31
  • Babelsberg Park Walking Tour: $152
  • Beautiful Baroque A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Brandenburg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Christmas Walking Tour of Magical Potsdam: $502
  • Christmas Walking Tour of Magical Potsdam: $257
  • City Sightseeing Potsdam Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $22
  • City and Palaces Tour Potsdam - Stadt- und Schloesserrundfahrt Potsdam: $27

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Glasgow £15
    Potsdam £5.73
Typical Alcohol Prices in Glasgow

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Glasgow:


  • Bottle of Wine
    £12
  • Ciders at Kilted Skirlie
    £3.50

Sample the Local Flavors in Glasgow

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

  • Clydeside Distillery Tour and Whisky Tasting: $23
  • Tennent’s Brewery Guided Tour and Free Pint: $24
  • Glengoyne Distillery Tour with Whisky & Chocolate: $37
  • Glasgow Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
  • Sample Fine & Rare Whiskies at Glengoyne Distillery: $62
  • Stirling Castle, Loch Lomond Walk & Whisky Distillery Tour from Glasgow : $70
  • The Malt Master Experience at Glengoyne Distillery: $112
  • Scottish Whisky Distillery Tour: $186
  • Guided Electric Bike Tour with a Distillery Visit: $187
  • Pints & Past: Glasgow Pub Tour: $456


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


Which is Bigger, Glasgow or Potsdam?

Glasgow has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Potsdam. When comparing the sizes of Glasgow 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 Glasgow or Potsdam?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Glasgow or Potsdam in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Glasgow as well as Potsdam. Most visitors come to Glasgow for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Potsdam because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Glasgow is generally cooler than Potsdam. Daily temperatures in Glasgow average around 15°C (59°F), and Potsdam fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Potsdam. In the summer, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Potsdam. Glasgow gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 232 hours of full sun.

Glasgow usually gets more rain in July than Potsdam. Glasgow gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Glasgow 15°C (59°F) 
    Potsdam 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Glasgow or Potsdam in the Autumn?

Both Potsdam and Glasgow are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Glasgow because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Potsdam this time of year.

Glasgow is around the same temperature as Potsdam in the autumn. The daily temperature in Glasgow averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Potsdam fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Potsdam during autumn. Glasgow gets 69 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 114 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Glasgow. In October, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Potsdam. Glasgow gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Glasgow 10°C (49°F) 
    Potsdam 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Glasgow or Potsdam in the Winter?

Both Potsdam and Glasgow during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Glasgow 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 Glasgow in the winter. In the winter, Glasgow is much warmer than Potsdam. Typically, the winter temperatures in Glasgow in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Potsdam averages at about -0°C (31°F).

In the winter, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Potsdam. Glasgow gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 47 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Glasgow. Glasgow usually gets more rain in January than Potsdam. Glasgow gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Glasgow 3°C (38°F) 
    Potsdam -0°C (31°F)

Should I visit Glasgow or Potsdam in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Glasgow and Potsdam. Many travelers come to Glasgow for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Potsdam in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Glasgow is generally cooler than Potsdam. Daily temperatures in Glasgow average around 7°C (45°F), and Potsdam fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Potsdam during spring. Glasgow gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 168 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Potsdam. Glasgow gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Glasgow 7°C (45°F) 
    Potsdam 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Potsdam and Glasgow

Glasgow Potsdam
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 165 mm (6.5 in) -0°C (31°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 1°C (34°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 136 mm (5.4 in) 5°C (40°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 10°C (51°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 13°C (56°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 15°C (59°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 15°C (58°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 19°C (65°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 150 mm (5.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 163 mm (6.4 in) 10°C (51°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 151 mm (5.9 in) 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 164 mm (6.5 in) 1°C (34°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)