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

Should you visit Kitzbuhel or Potsdam?

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

Should I visit Kitzbuhel 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.

Kitzbuhel

Kitzbuhel is a world-class, breathtaking, and outdoorsy ski resort. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and skiing.

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.

Kitzbuhel and Potsdam: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
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 Kitzbuhel or Potsdam?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kitzbuhel than Potsdam, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kitzbuhel is better known for its skiing, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Potsdam is more popular for its museums. Kitzbuhel is more touristy than Potsdam and is popular for its world renowned skiing, scenic natural beauty, and summer hiking opportunities. Also, Kitzbuhel is famous for The Kitzbüheler Horn. Potsdam is well known for its beautiful palaces, scenic town center, and accessibility to Berlin.

How is Kitzbuhel different from Potsdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Kitzbuhel or Potsdam Better for Skiing?

Kitzbuhel
Potsdam

Kitzbuhel is very popular for winter skiing. However, Potsdam is not a skiing destination.

Kitzbuhel is among the world's best ski destinations. There are four ski resorts near the village and 145 miles of slopes. Hahnenkamm Streif racecourse is world famous, but there are also 57 lifts that offer access to skiing for everyone from beginners to professionals. This is a world class ski area that is considered to be one of the best in the world. It attracts international skiers who come for the well maintained slopes and world class skiing.

Potsdam is not a skiing destination.


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

Kitzbuhel
Potsdam

Potsdam is great for its historical sights. However, Kitzbuhel is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

Potsdam offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. People visit this city for its high concentration of historic sights. The Renaissance Orangery Palace is a highlight of the visit for many travelers.

Kitzbuhel offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors come for the skiing and outdoor adventures, not the museums and historical sights. But you can visit the St. Andreas Parish Church, Museum Kitzbühel, or the Liebfrauenkirche while you're in town.

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

Kitzbuhel
Potsdam

Dining out at restaurants in both Kitzbuhel and Potsdam can be an enjoyable experience.

Kitzbuhel has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a diverse food scene with everything from rustic inns to award-winning fine dining experiences. You'll find both local dishes and international flavors around town as well.

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 Kitzbuhel or Potsdam Better for Nightlife?

Kitzbuhel
Potsdam

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

Kitzbuhel is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene offers everything from wine bars to high end cocktail bars or local pubs with beer on tap. There are also dance clubs and other party areas where visitors dance until the early morning hours.

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 Kitzbuhel or Potsdam Better for its Old Town?

Kitzbuhel
Potsdam

Kitzbuhel is well known for its old town. However, Potsdam does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Kitzbuhel. The town center is compact and charming with restaurants, churches, and shopping. It's the perfect place to unwind after a day on the slopes.

Potsdam does not have a historic old town.

Is Kitzbuhel or Potsdam Better for Hiking?

Kitzbuhel
Potsdam

Kitzbuhel is very popular for its hiking experiences. However, Potsdam is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Kitzbuhel specifically for its hiking. During the summer months the area is filled with miles of stunning hikes. There's the famous Kitzbüheler Horn, as well as more relaxing mountain strolls. You'll enjoy breathtaking views and serene mountain pastures.

Potsdam is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kitzbuhel or Potsdam?

Kitzbuhel
Potsdam

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Kitzbuhel. The village offers a mix of international and local brands. There's everything from fashion and jewelry to sporting goods and local foods.

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 Kitzbuhel or Potsdam Better for Families?

Kitzbuhel
Potsdam

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

Kitzbuhel is a very kid-friendly ski resort. This is a family-friendly ski area that has child care available in several places as well as kids slopes and other family friendly things to do. During the summer months there's hiking, biking, and other outdoor adventure activities.

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 Kitzbuhel or Potsdam Better for Couples?

Kitzbuhel
Potsdam

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

Couples visit Kitzbuhel frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy skiing, winter sports, and other outdoor adventures will truly appreciate a visit. It makes for an adrenaline filled holiday that is both romantic and fun.

Potsdam is a good ski resort 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 Kitzbuhel or Potsdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kitzbuhel
Potsdam

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

Kitzbuhel is a great ski resort to visit for backpackers. There are several hostels near town that cater to the budget crowd. There's also a large number of skiing and sport enthusiasts so its not hard to meet other likeminded travelers.

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


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

Kitzbuhel
Potsdam

Potsdam is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Kitzbuhel is not as popular, but is still a nice ski resort for its public transit.

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

Kitzbuhel has a few public transit options. There are trains and buses that connect the town to other nearby villages. During the winter months are are ski buses that take skiers to the ski areas.

Is Kitzbuhel or Potsdam a more walkable city?

Kitzbuhel
Potsdam

Kitzbuhel and Potsdam are great when it comes to walkability.

Kitzbuhel is a very walkable ski resort. The town is small and 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 Kitzbuhel Worth Visiting? and Is Potsdam Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Potsdam or Kitzbuhel?

How long in Kitzbuhel or Potsdam?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Kitzbuhel or Potsdam to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Kitzbuhel than Potsdam because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Kitzbuhel, and 1-2 days is enough time in Potsdam.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Kitzbuhel or Potsdam? Ideal Length of Stay
    Kitzbuhel 4-7 
    Potsdam 1-2

One day in Kitzbuhel or Potsdam?

Kitzbuhel is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This ski resort offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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 Kitzbuhel or Potsdam?

Kitzbuhel might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the park-filled 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 Kitzbuhel or Potsdam?

Kitzbuhel is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kitzbuhel has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic 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 Kitzbuhel or Potsdam?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kitzbuhel. Kitzbuhel is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and skiing. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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 Budget Tours to Austria, The Best Luxury Tours to Austria, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Potsdam or Kitzbuhel?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Kitzbuhel is €179, 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 Kitzbuhel and Potsdam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kitzbuhel 89
    Potsdam 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kitzbuhel 178
    Potsdam 120
Compare Hotels in Kitzbuhel and Potsdam

Looking for a hotel in Kitzbuhel 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 Kitzbuhel


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: Kitzbuhel Hotel Prices and Potsdam Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kitzbuhel 69
    Potsdam 28

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 Kitzbuhel or Potsdam?

Prices for flights to both Potsdam and Kitzbuhel 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
    Kitzbuhel 48
    Potsdam 31

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kitzbuhel 34
    Potsdam 25

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
    Kitzbuhel 11
    Potsdam 6.70


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


Which is Bigger, Kitzbuhel or Potsdam?

Potsdam has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Kitzbuhel. When comparing the sizes of Kitzbuhel 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.