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

Should you visit Kos 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 Kos 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.

Kos

Kos is a vibrant, beautiful, and ancient island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Potsdam

Potsdam is a accessible, compact, and park-filled city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Kos and Potsdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kos or Potsdam?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kos. Although Kos and Potsdam are popular destinations, Kos has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kos is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Potsdam attracts visitors for its small town charm. Kos is famous for its sandy beaches and crystal clear blue water. It is also well known for Asklepieion Archeological Site. Potsdam is famous for its beautiful palaces, scenic town center, and accessibility to Berlin.

How is Kos different from Potsdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kos is very popular for its museums and landmarks. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Kos are among the most recognizable in the world. The small island is packed with archaeological sites and interesting history. Famous places worth visiting include the ruins of Asklepion, the ancient Agora, Roman Odeon, Neratzia Castle, and so many more!

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 Kos or Potsdam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kos is very popular for its restaurant scene. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Kos has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The cuisine relies heavily on locally harvested ingredients with many dishes featuring cheese, seafood, vegetables, olive oil, and potatoes. The dishes are influenced by Italian and Turkish cuisines and common dishes include moussaka, souvlaki and tzatziki. Popular seafood options are prawns, squid, lobster and octopus. A great way to enjoy a sampling of local dishes is to visit an ouzeri, which is a Greek taverna that serves mezza style meals with small dishes that you can share.

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 Kos or Potsdam Better for Nightlife?

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

Kos is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. For such a small island you'll find a huge party scene during the peak summer months. There are almost nightly parties, beach raves, and late night clubs throughout the summer months. The bars and clubs are mostly concentrated around a couple of streets in the center of Kos Town, but Kardamena is also a lively party area. It's popular with British tourists who head here for the all-night clubs.

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 Kos or Potsdam Better for Resorts?

Kos is very good for its resorts. However, Potsdam is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Kos makes a nice vacation spot. It's a smaller island and there aren't as many resorts here as there are on some of the larger Greek islands. Some of the best resort areas include Lamp and Psalidi to the northwest, Tigaki on the west coast (a good option for families), as well as Mastihari and Marmari which both have relaxed atmospheres. The younger crowd often hangs out around Kardemena on the east coast.

Potsdam is not a resort destination.

Is Kos or Potsdam Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kos is very popular for its diving and snorkeling. However, Potsdam is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Kos is not to be missed. There are countless snorkeling sports around the island where you can immerse yourself in the undersea world. Popular snorkeling areas include Camel Beach and Limnionas Beach. Make sure you understand the water conditions before heading into the water.

Potsdam is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kos or Potsdam Better for Beaches?

Kos is very popular for the beache. However, Potsdam is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Kos is a very popular vacation destination. The island is famous for its beautiful beaches, many of which are sandy with various shades of color. There are touristy beaches with plenty of amenities as well as less frequented beaches that offer a quieter and more remote atmosphere. Some of the most visited beaches on the island include Agios Stefanos, Kardamena, Kefalos and Lambi while some of the more peaceful areas are Cavo Paradiso and Helona Beach.

Potsdam is not a beach destination.

Is Kos or Potsdam Better for Hiking?

Kos is very good for its hiking experiences. However, Potsdam is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Kos. This is a great walking island with a number of easy walks or hikes that take you along the coastline or through interesting landscapes.

Potsdam is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kos or Potsdam?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Kos and Potsdam.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Kos. There are a number of traditional items that you can pick up while you're in town. Fun souvenirs include jewelry, leather items, and perfumes.

Potsdam offers some nice shopping areas. There are plazas and shopping streets that have the standard chain stores as well as antique shops and other boutiques.

Is Kos or Potsdam Better for Families?

Both Kos and Potsdam are nice to visit with kids.

Kos is a family-friendly island. It's comparable to other Greek islands when it comes to kids' activities. Kos Town can get a bit lively at night so if you want to avoid the party crowds, then those areas are easily avoided. Popular activities include exploring ancient ruins, going to the Kos Archaeological Museum, visiting The Castle of the Knights, and of course, hanging out at the beach. One of the best family-friendly resort areas is Tigaki along the west coast.

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 Kos or Potsdam Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Kos frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This small island offers beautiful beaches and plenty of ancient ruins to explore. Kos Town is where you'll find the liveliest atmosphere but for some of the best resorts you'll want to stay in one of the resort suburbs like Lampi or Psalidi.

Potsdam is a good island 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 Kos or Potsdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Kos is a great island to visit for backpackers. It's a small island but has a few hostels and a variety of apartments available for rent. Despite its small size, there are areas where you'll want to have a car if you wish to explore, but if you stay in town you'll find getting around fairly easy. The island attracts its share of young travelers and you'll find plenty of people to hang out with.

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

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

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

Visitors to Kos can move around easily with public transportation. Buses connect many of the tourist destinations including beaches, cultural sights, are resort areas.

The public transit in Potsdam can get you around easily. The city is well connected to Berlin by S-Bahn and bus.

Is Kos or Potsdam a more walkable city?

Kos and Potsdam are superb when it comes to walkability.

Kos is very walkable. It's small size means it's possible to explore parts of the island on foot or bicycle. There are some beautiful walks on the island, but some areas will require a car or bus.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Potsdam or Kos?

How long in Kos or Potsdam?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Kos or Potsdam to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Kos than Potsdam because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Kos, and 1-2 days is enough time in Potsdam.

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

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

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

One day in Kos or Potsdam?

In Kos, you'll find shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With nightlife and food around the compact destination of Potsdam, there's plenty to do. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Kos or Potsdam?

In Kos, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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 Kos has to offer.

Many people visit Potsdam for a weekend. With food and shopping around the historic city of Potsdam, there's plenty to do. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Kos or Potsdam?

Kos is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kos has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The destination of Potsdam offers shopping and museums. It offers something for everyone. 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.

A week in Kos or Potsdam?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kos. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Kos. 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, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Athens, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to 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 Kos and Potsdam, we can see that Kos 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 Kos would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kos 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 Kos Expensive? and Is Potsdam Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kos or Potsdam?

Potsdam has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Kos. When comparing the sizes of Kos 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.