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

Should you visit Helsinki or Potsdam?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Helsinki and Potsdam can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Helsinki

Helsinki is a waterfront, active, and nature-focused 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 accessible, compact, and park-filled city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Helsinki and Potsdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Helsinki or Potsdam?

Both Potsdam and Helsinki have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Helsinki is better known for its shopping and impressive beauty, while Potsdam is more popular for its food and small town charm. Helsinki is well known for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene. Potsdam is well known for its beautiful palaces, scenic town center, and accessibility to Berlin.

How is Helsinki different from Potsdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Helsinki. Many of the city's sights and attractions center around nature and the water. Major hightlights of the city include the Fortress of Sveaborg, Seurasaari open-Air Museum, and Temppeliaukio Rock Church. The city is also home to The National Museum of Finland.

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.

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

Potsdam is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Helsinki area. Food in town is all about local flavors and simple ingredients. The dishes let the flavor speak for itself without fancy cooking techniques or complex flavor combinations. Many of the restaurants are locally sourced with traditional ingredients. You'll find a lot of seafood, herring, grilled sausages, pancakes, and desserts.

Is Helsinki or Potsdam Better for Nightlife?

The notable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Helsinki and Potsdam.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Helsinki. The nightlife scene is at its best on weekends when the city center comes to life with parties, dance clubs, and student activities. Many of the best clubs and bars are concentrated in the city center. Weekends are a bit calmer and things quiet down a lot.

Potsdam has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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 the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Potsdam?

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

Helsinki is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is great for shopping, with many brands focused on sustainability. There are local boutiques as well as name brands. Flea markets and vintage shops are also popular.

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 Helsinki or Potsdam Better for Families?

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

Helsinki is a very kid-friendly city. The coastal setting offers many activities that kids and adults alike will enjoy. This capital city has a calm atmosphere with plenty of parkland to explore. The shoreline is dotted by islands where you'll also find a zoo and a fort. Kids will also enjoy exploring the islands by boat.

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 Helsinki or Potsdam Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Helsinki frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city's many parks offer the perfect setting for a picnic or a walk. There are also botanical gardens, evening boat rides, and saunas that will help you enjoy a romantic trip away.

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 Helsinki or Potsdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Helsinki and Potsdam are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Helsinki is a good city to visit for backpackers. With its active nightlife scene, vibrant atmosphere, and inclusive personality, this city is a fun place for backpackers, but you should expect to pay a premium for the experience. Many backpackers avoid the city because they have heard how expensive it is. There are a few hostels around that will help you keep costs a bit more manageable.

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

Is Helsinki or Potsdam Better for Students?

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

Helsinki is very popular with students. The city has an active student life with plenty of culture and nature. It's active nightlife scene and beautiful natural areas make it a wonderful place to study.

Potsdam is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find superb public transit in both Helsinki and Potsdam.

The public transit in Helsinki can get you around easily. Transit options include bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services.

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

Is Helsinki or Potsdam a more walkable city?

Potsdam is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Helsinki is a somewhat walkable city. Many neighborhoods are easy to explore on foot. The air is also clean and the setting is refreshing.

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

Should I spend more time in Potsdam or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Potsdam?

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

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

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

One day in Helsinki or Potsdam?

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

The city of Potsdam offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Helsinki or Potsdam?

In Helsinki, 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 Helsinki has to offer.

Potsdam is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Potsdam, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Helsinki or Potsdam?

Helsinki 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Helsinki or Potsdam?

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

Potsdam is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Finland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Finland, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Potsdam?

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

Both Potsdam and Helsinki during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Helsinki in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Potsdam for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Helsinki is cooler than Potsdam in the summer. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Potsdam fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Potsdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Helsinki. In the summer, Helsinki often gets more sunshine than Potsdam. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 232 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets more rain in July than Potsdam. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Potsdam in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Potsdam. Most visitors come to Helsinki for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Potsdam because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Helsinki is much colder than Potsdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Helsinki in October average around 6°C (42°F), and Potsdam averages at about 10°C (51°F).

Helsinki usually receives less sunshine than Potsdam during autumn. Helsinki gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 114 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Helsinki usually receives more rain than Potsdam. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Helsinki or Potsdam in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Potsdam. The winter months attract visitors to Helsinki because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Potsdam this time of year.

It's quite cold in Potsdam in the winter. The weather in Helsinki can be very cold. In January, Helsinki is generally much colder than Potsdam. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around -6°C (21°F), and Potsdam fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

In the winter, Helsinki often gets less sunshine than Potsdam. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 47 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in January than Potsdam. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Potsdam in the Spring?

Both Potsdam and Helsinki are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The natural beauty are the main draw to Helsinki this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Potsdam for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

It's quite cold in Helsinki in the spring. Helsinki is much colder than Potsdam in the spring. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 3°C (37°F) in April, and Potsdam fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Helsinki usually receives more sunshine than Potsdam during spring. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 168 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Helsinki usually receives less rain than Potsdam. Helsinki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Potsdam and Helsinki