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

Should you visit Heraklion 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 Heraklion 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.

Heraklion

Heraklion is a accessible, bustling, and historic 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 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.

Heraklion and Potsdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Potsdam?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Heraklion than Potsdam, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Heraklion is better known for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Potsdam is more popular for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Heraklion is more touristy than Potsdam and is popular for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. Also, Heraklion is famous for The Palace of Knossos. Potsdam is well known for its beautiful palaces, scenic town center, and accessibility to Berlin.

How is Heraklion different from Potsdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Heraklion. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. The impressive Palace of Knossos is a must-see, but also make sure you visit the Koules Fortress, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Natural History Museum of Crete.

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 Heraklion or Potsdam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Heraklion and Potsdam both to be superb destinations.

Heraklion has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city is home to countless Cretan restaurants that range in style and budget. There are fine dining restaurants as well as local dives with casual street food. The restaurants reflect the island's multi-cultural past with many styles and flavors available.

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 Heraklion or Potsdam Better for Nightlife?

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

Heraklion is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has some of the best nightlife on the island of Crete. There are many all-night clubs as well as bars that stay open until 2 or 3 in the morning. In particular, there are many British tourists hanging out at the clubs and bars.

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 Heraklion or Potsdam Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is well known for the beache. However, Potsdam is not a beach destination.

Heraklion is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. You'll find world-class beaches just outside of town, if you're willing to explore a little. Agia Pelagia Beach is about half an hour away and Limanakia Beach is also not a bad day trip. If you want to stay closer to town, head to nearby Amnissos Beach.

Potsdam is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Potsdam?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Heraklion and Potsdam.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Heraklion. There are a number of unique shops around town that sell everything from traditional pottery to homemade jewelry.

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.

Is Heraklion or Potsdam Better for Families?

Both Heraklion and Potsdam are notable to visit with kids.

Heraklion is a family-friendly city. In town you'll find many historical and educational sights such as the Palace of Knossos, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Koules Venetian fortress. Kids will also enjoy walking the Venetian Walls that are in town. If you're willing to head a bit outside of town, in about half an hour you can reach the Cretaquarium, Dinosauria Park, or Acqua Plus Water Park.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Potsdam. 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 Heraklion or Potsdam Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Heraklion frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Most couples head outside of town to other parts of the island, but those who linger in town for a while will enjoy world-class museums and fascinating archeological sights.

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 Heraklion or Potsdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heraklion is well known for backpackers. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Heraklion is a great city to visit for backpackers. The city is filled with budget-friendly hostels that often have a social atmosphere and a fun vibe.

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

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

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

Potsdam has some very good public transit options. The city is well connected to Berlin by S-Bahn and bus.

You'll find some public transit in Heraklion, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. KTEL buses travel both within town and to nearby villages.

Is Heraklion or Potsdam a more walkable city?

Heraklion and Potsdam are superb when it comes to walkability.

Heraklion is a very walkable city. Many parts of the town are walkable and doing a walking tour is a great way to see many of the city's sights.

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 Heraklion Worth Visiting? and Is Potsdam Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Potsdam or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Potsdam?

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

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

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

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

One day in Heraklion or Potsdam?

In Heraklion, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Potsdam. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Potsdam has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Heraklion or Potsdam?

In Heraklion, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Heraklion has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the compact destination of Potsdam. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Heraklion or Potsdam?

Heraklion is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the compact city of Potsdam. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Heraklion or Potsdam?

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

Potsdam is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Potsdam?

Potsdam has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Heraklion. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion 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 Heraklion 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 Heraklion or Potsdam in the Summer?

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

Heraklion is a little warmer than Potsdam in the summer. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 25°C (78°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 Heraklion. In the summer, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Potsdam. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 232 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in July than Potsdam. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Potsdam in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Potsdam. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene 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, Heraklion is much warmer than Potsdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Heraklion in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Potsdam averages at about 10°C (51°F).

Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Potsdam during autumn. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 114 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Potsdam. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Heraklion or Potsdam in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Potsdam. The winter months attract visitors to Heraklion 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. In January, Heraklion is generally much warmer than Potsdam. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 12°C (54°F), and Potsdam fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

In the winter, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Potsdam. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 47 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets more rain in January than Potsdam. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Potsdam in the Spring?

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

Heraklion is much warmer than Potsdam in the spring. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Potsdam fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heraklion. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Potsdam during spring. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 168 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Potsdam. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Potsdam and Heraklion