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

Should you visit Inverness or Potsdam?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Inverness and Potsdam can help you decide which place is right for you.

Inverness

Inverness is a local, historic, and cultural city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. 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 beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Inverness and Potsdam: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to Loch Ness
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit


Is there more to do in Inverness or Potsdam?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Inverness than Potsdam, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Inverness is better known for its shopping, while Potsdam is more popular for its impressive beauty. Inverness is more touristy than Potsdam and is known for its surrounding countryside, but also its regional heritage, local festivals and proximity to the famous Loch Ness. Also, Inverness is famous for Loch Ness. Potsdam is well known for its beautiful palaces, scenic town center, and accessibility to Berlin.

How is Inverness different from Potsdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Inverness
Potsdam

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both Inverness and Potsdam.

Many visitors head to Inverness specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. As a city rich in culture and heritage, you'll find a number of sights and museums in town. Check out the Highland House of Fraser, Culloden Moor, and Clava Cairns.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Potsdam can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Inverness or Potsdam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Inverness
Potsdam

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Inverness and Potsdam.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Inverness. The city makes a great spot to fill your belly after a few days exploring the Scottish Highlands. You'll find local restaurants that serve up regional specialties, and when the weather's nice, there are some spots with outdoor seating.

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.

Is Inverness or Potsdam Better for Nightlife?

Inverness
Potsdam

Both Inverness and Potsdam are notable when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Inverness. Nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind with this town, but there are actually lots of distilleries in the area and there's a surprising number of high quality bars and pubs that make for a fun evening.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Potsdam. 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 Inverness or Potsdam?

Inverness
Potsdam

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

Inverness is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The town is at the cultural heart of the Scottish Highlands you'll find plenty of local shops where you can pick up local products. Make sure you check out the Inverness Victorian Market.

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 Inverness or Potsdam Better for Families?

Inverness
Potsdam

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Inverness or Potsdam.

Inverness is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has some parks and activities that are great for kids. Make sure you explore Inverness Castle and the Inverness Mystery Treasure Trail.

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 Inverness or Potsdam Better for Couples?

Inverness
Potsdam

Both Inverness and Potsdam are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Inverness makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Located in the Scottish Highlands, there ae many scenic spots and nice activities that couples can enjoy in the area.

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 Inverness or Potsdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Inverness
Potsdam

Potsdam is very good for backpackers. However, Inverness is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Inverness is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There a some hostels and student hotels, but this isn't one of the major backpacker spots in the UK.


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

Inverness
Potsdam

Potsdam is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Inverness is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Inverness. There are local buses that pass through the town.

Is Inverness or Potsdam a more walkable city?

Inverness
Potsdam

Inverness and Potsdam both are very good when exploring on foot.

Inverness is a very walkable city. It's compact enough that you can explore much of the town 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 Inverness Worth Visiting? and Is Potsdam Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Potsdam or Inverness?

How long in Inverness or Potsdam?

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Potsdam than Inverness 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 Potsdam.


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

One day in Inverness or Potsdam?

In Inverness, 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.

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 Inverness or Potsdam?

In Inverness, 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 Inverness 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 Inverness or Potsdam?

Inverness 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.

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 Inverness or Potsdam?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Inverness. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Inverness. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Potsdam or Inverness?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Inverness is £168, 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 Inverness and Potsdam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Inverness £91
    Potsdam £51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Inverness £182
    Potsdam £102
Compare Hotels in Inverness and Potsdam

Looking for a hotel in Inverness 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 Inverness


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: Inverness Hotel Prices and Potsdam Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Inverness £33
    Potsdam £24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Inverness

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Inverness:

  • Transfers / Tour from , inverness, Edinburgh ,Glasgow ,Aberdeen : $184
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Inverness INV to Inverness City by luxury vehicle: $105
  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Glenshee Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $66
  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Lecht Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $33
  • Inverness Airport to Glenshee Ski Resort - Round-Trip Transfer: $131
  • Inverness Private Transfer to Aviemore: $229
  • Inverness to Edinburgh Direct transfer: $781
  • Inverness to Fort William Direct transfer: $374
  • Inverness to Glasgow Direct transfer: $781
  • Inverness to Isle of Skye Direct transfer: $623

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Potsdam

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Potsdam:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Inverness or Potsdam?

Prices for flights to both Potsdam and Inverness 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
    Inverness £49
    Potsdam £26

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Inverness £44
    Potsdam £22

Tours and Activities in Inverness

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Inverness are as follows:

  • City Discovery App-Based Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $15
  • Inverness City Daily Walking Tour (11:30am, 2pm & 5:30pm): $15
  • Guided Walking Tour with a Local: $17
  • SEA LIFE Loch Lomond General Admission Ticket: $20
  • Northern Highlights Sightseeing Pass: $25
  • Loch Ness 1-Hour Cruise with Urquhart Castle Views: $27
  • Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal 2-Hour Cruise from Dochgarroch: $38
  • Glenaladale Cruise - Great for wizard spotting!: $38
  • Inverness Bike Tour a 2 hours guided bike tour around the Waterways of Inverness: $39
  • Gaskan cruise - Golden Eagles!: $44
  • Puffin Tour: $57

Tours and Activities in Potsdam

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

  • Beautiful Baroque A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Sanssouci Park Self-Guided Gardens Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Baroque Buildings Self-Guided Mobile Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Sanssouci Park: A Self-Guide Audio Tour of the Garden's Landmarks: $5.99
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour of City Center: $8.45
  • Museum Barberini Entrance Ticket: $11
  • Brandenburg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Cecilienhof Castle Entrance Ticket: $13
  • Biosphäre Potsdam Entry Ticket: $16
  • In the Forbidden City - Potsdam Walking Tour: $20
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Inverness £23
    Potsdam £5.73

Sample the Local Flavors in Inverness

Also in Inverness, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • From Invergordon Port Dunrobin Castle, Clynelish Distillery Tour : $203
  • Speyside Distillery Tour From Inverness: $1,124


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


Which is Bigger, Inverness or Potsdam?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Inverness and Potsdam. The summer months attract visitors to Inverness because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Potsdam this time of year.

Inverness is cooler than Potsdam in the summer. The daily temperature in Inverness averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and Potsdam fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Potsdam this time of the year. Inverness usually receives less sunshine than Potsdam during summer. Inverness gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 232 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Inverness usually receives around the same amount of rain as Potsdam. Inverness gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Inverness 14°C (58°F) 
    Potsdam 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Potsdam in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Inverness as well as Potsdam. The shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Inverness this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Potsdam for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Inverness is cooler than Potsdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Inverness in October average around 9°C (49°F), and Potsdam averages at about 10°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Inverness often gets less sunshine than Potsdam. Inverness gets 84 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 114 hours of full sun.

Inverness usually gets more rain in October than Potsdam. Inverness gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Inverness 9°C (49°F) 
    Potsdam 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Potsdam in the Winter?

Both Potsdam and Inverness are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Inverness for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Potsdam in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Potsdam can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Inverness. In January, Inverness is generally much warmer than Potsdam. Daily temperatures in Inverness average around 3°C (38°F), and Potsdam fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

Inverness usually receives less sunshine than Potsdam during winter. Inverness gets 42 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Inverness usually receives more rain than Potsdam. Inverness gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Inverness or Potsdam in the Spring?

Both Potsdam and Inverness during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Inverness in the spring for the small town charm. Furthermore, most visitors come to Potsdam for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

Inverness is cooler than Potsdam in the spring. The daily temperature in Inverness averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Potsdam fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Inverness often gets less sunshine than Potsdam. Inverness gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 168 hours of full sun.

Inverness usually gets less rain in April than Potsdam. Inverness gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Inverness 7°C (44°F) 
    Potsdam 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Potsdam and Inverness

Inverness Potsdam
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) -0°C (31°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 1°C (34°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 5°C (40°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 14°C (58°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 19°C (65°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Oct 9°C (49°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 10°C (51°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in) 1°C (34°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)