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

Should you visit Graz or Potsdam?

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

Should I visit Graz 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.

Graz

Graz is a beautiful, medieval, and cultural city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. 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's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Graz and Potsdam: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • 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
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Graz or Potsdam?

You'll generally find more things to do in Graz than Potsdam. Graz is bigger than Potsdam, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Graz is better known for its nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Potsdam is more popular for its small town charm. Graz is more touristy than Potsdam and is popular for its many cultural activities, its impressive old town, and its beautiful Baroque architecture. Also, Graz is famous for The Schlossberg and the Clock Tower. Potsdam is well known for its beautiful palaces, scenic town center, and accessibility to Berlin.

How is Graz different from Potsdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Graz
Potsdam

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Graz and Potsdam.

Graz offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The old town is among the largest in Europe and it's filled with sights and museums. The Schlossberg and the Clock Tower are among the most iconic sights but other highlights include the GrazMuseum, the Mohren Apotheke's Theriak Museum, a Gothic Franciscan Church, and the Robert Stolz Museum.

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 Graz or Potsdam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Graz
Potsdam

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at great restaurants in both Graz and Potsdam.

Graz has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a huge focus on sustainable dining in town, so you'll find many restaurants that use a farm to table approach. Local ingredients are heavily valued and it's fun to sample the many local flavors. Backhendl is a classic fried chicken dish that you must try.

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.

Is Graz or Potsdam Better for Nightlife?

Graz
Potsdam

Graz is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Graz is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The large student population means that there's an active nightlife scene that is diverse and fun. There's a wide variety of bars and pubs with almost any music genre you could want. There are also dance clubs for those who are looking for a party.

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 Graz or Potsdam Better for its Old Town?

Graz
Potsdam

Graz is very popular for its old town. However, Potsdam does not have a historic old town.

Graz has a world-famous historical area. The medieval city center is very well preserved and one of the largest in Europe. The city has a lot of hidden charm and quaint streets to explore.

Potsdam does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Graz or Potsdam?

Graz
Potsdam

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

Graz is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find a lot of shopping around both Jakominiplatz and Hauptplatz Squares. There are also a number of shopping streets in town including Herrengasse which is filled with shops, restaurants, and more.

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 Graz or Potsdam Better for Families?

Graz
Potsdam

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

Graz is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will love the fairytale train and there's also a 4D cinema that is fun for the whole family. In Schlossberg Hill, families should check out The Slide, which is the largest underground slide in the world. Other highlights include a Children's Museum, a Folklife Museum, and a Natural History Museum.

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 Graz or Potsdam Better for Couples?

Graz
Potsdam

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

Couples visit Graz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's filled with culture, history, and amazing food. Couples will appreciate the romantic old town and the many world class sights around town.

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 Graz or Potsdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Graz
Potsdam

For backpackers, both Graz and Potsdam are notable places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Graz. There are hostels and budget-friendly hotels around town that make this a nice town to explore as a backpacker.

Potsdam is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a handful of hostels to choose from in town.

Is Graz or Potsdam Better for Students?

Graz
Potsdam

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

Graz is very popular with students. It's long been an education center in Austria and students make up a significant portion of the population. It's also a chill city with a relaxed and student-friendly vibe.

Potsdam is not popular with students.

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

Graz
Potsdam

Graz and Potsdam both offer great public transit to get you around.

The public transit in Graz can get you around easily. There are buses and trams that travel around the town.

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


Is Graz or Potsdam a more walkable city?

Graz
Potsdam

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

Getting around Graz on foot is easy. You'll find everything you'd want to see in the old town, which is large, but still compact enough to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Potsdam or Graz?

How long in Graz or Potsdam?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Graz or Potsdam?

In Graz, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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 Graz or Potsdam?

In Graz, 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 Graz 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 Graz or Potsdam?

Graz 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 Graz or Potsdam?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Graz. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Graz. 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 compact 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 Christmas Market Tours in Austria, The Best Bicycle Tours in Austria, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Potsdam or Graz?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Graz is €112, while the average daily cost in Potsdam is €111. 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 Graz and Potsdam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Graz 67
    Potsdam 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Graz 134
    Potsdam 120
Compare Hotels in Graz and Potsdam

Looking for a hotel in Graz 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 Graz


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: Graz Hotel Prices and Potsdam Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Graz 18
    Potsdam 28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Graz

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

  • Graz Private Transfer from Graz Airport to City centre: $58
  • Graz Private Transfer from Graz city centre to Graz Airport: $58
  • Transfer from Graz Airport to Koper: $207

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 Graz or Potsdam?

Prices for flights to both Potsdam and Graz 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
    Graz 32
    Potsdam 31

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Graz 13
    Potsdam 25

Tours and Activities in Graz

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

  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Graz Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Graz Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $11
  • Kunsthaus Graz Museum Entrance Ticket: $13
  • Graz city tours: $14
  • 2.5-hour puzzle tour through Graz city center: $16
  • Graz Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $74
  • Graz Enchantment Walking Tour: $129
  • Guided Tour: Courtyards of Graz: $138
  • Tour with Private Guide: $176
  • Old Town Highlights Private Walking Tour: $191

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
    Graz 16
    Potsdam 6.70


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


Which is Bigger, Graz or Potsdam?

Graz has a larger population, and is about 53% larger than the population of Potsdam. When comparing the sizes of Graz 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 Graz 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 Graz or Potsdam in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Graz as well as Potsdam. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Graz this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Potsdam for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Potsdam. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Graz this time of the year. In the summer, Graz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Potsdam. Graz gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 232 hours of full sun.

Graz receives a lot of rain in the summer. Graz usually gets more rain in July than Potsdam. Graz gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Graz 23°C (73°F) 
    Potsdam 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Graz or Potsdam in the Autumn?

Both Potsdam and Graz are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Graz 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 the autumn, Graz is a little warmer than Potsdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Graz in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Potsdam averages at about 10°C (51°F).

Graz usually receives more sunshine than Potsdam during autumn. Graz gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 114 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Graz usually receives more rain than Potsdam. Graz gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Graz 13°C (55°F) 
    Potsdam 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Graz or Potsdam in the Winter?

Both Potsdam and Graz during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Graz 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. Graz can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Graz is generally much warmer than Potsdam. Daily temperatures in Graz average around 1°C (34°F), and Potsdam fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

In the winter, Graz often gets more sunshine than Potsdam. Graz gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 47 hours of full sun.

Graz usually gets less rain in January than Potsdam. Graz gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Graz 1°C (34°F) 
    Potsdam -0°C (31°F)

Should I visit Graz or Potsdam in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Graz and Potsdam. Most visitors come to Graz for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Potsdam because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Graz is a little warmer than Potsdam in the spring. The daily temperature in Graz averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Potsdam fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Graz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Potsdam during spring. Graz gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 168 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Graz usually receives more rain than Potsdam. Graz gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Graz 13°C (55°F) 
    Potsdam 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Potsdam and Graz

Graz Potsdam
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (34°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) -0°C (31°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 1°C (34°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (40°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 52 mm (2 in) 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 126 mm (5 in) 19°C (66°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 19°C (65°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in) 15°C (59°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 10°C (51°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 1°C (34°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)


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