Which place is cheaper, Potsdam or Lisse?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Lisse or Potsdam?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Lisse 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.
Where Should I go: Lisse or Potsdam?
Lisse
Lisse is very much a seasonal destination. During a two month period every spring it becomes one of the Netherlands most popular tourist destinations. In the Bulb Region of South Holland, it is home to the Keukenhof amusement park, which comes to life every spring with millions of flowers coming into full bloom. The spectacular sight attracts over eight hundred thousand visitors every year, all during that two month time period. This sight truly is amazing with rows of colored flowers lighting up the grounds. The flowers cover more than 32 hectares and include tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and other spring flowers. Its a wonderful sight for people of all ages, and a wonderful photographic opportunity for anybody in the area.
Potsdam
Before you lays a treasure chest of historic beauties. From the glimmering Renaissance Orangery Palace that overlooks its sumptuous fountains to the neoclassical Charlottenhof Castle that is surrounded by lush England gardens, you find yourself in none other than Potsdam, Germany. The capital and largest city of the German federal state of Brandenburg, Potsdam borders the German capital Berlin and is located right on the bay of the River Havel. A home for Prussian kings until 1918 and a brainchild of the Enlightenment, Potsdam was constructed thoughtfully and carefully by its architects to create what many to believe as "a picturesque, pastoral dream" and a "balance between both nature and reason." From interconnected lakes to historic landmarks, Potsdam is a city that is bursting with life all year around. With its rich history, it was no wonder various parts of the city were named a World Heritage Site. With its landscape and cityscape rivaling in beauty, Potsdam is simply a breathtaking city that must be explored!
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Netherlands, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLisse €145Potsdam €111
The average daily cost (per person) in Lisse is €145, 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 Lisse and Potsdam in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLisse €79Potsdam €60
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLisse €158Potsdam €120
Compare Hotels in Lisse and Potsdam
Looking for a hotel in Lisse 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.
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: Potsdam Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Lisse €23Potsdam €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 Lisse or Potsdam?
Prices for flights to both Potsdam and Lisse 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 dayLisse €47Potsdam €31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lisse
For Lisse, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Haarlem's Food-steps: A self-guided Food Tour: $39
- WALKING DINNER HAARLEM | 3 courses + 3 drinks and a lot of fun: $87
- Guided Food Tour Haarlem (min. 2 persons) - Many local tastings : $97
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Lisse €30Potsdam €25
Tours and Activities in Lisse
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lisse.
- Walking tour Haarlem (Tip Based): $4.36
- Keukenhof: Parking Ticket or Park Information Booklet: $7.49
- Haarlem Highlights Walking Tour Audio and GPS Guided: $7.57
- Cultural and Historical Audio guided walking tour Tour of Haarlem: $13
- Leiden: Windmill and Countryside Cruise near Keukenhof: $16
- Haarlem: Canal Cruise Spaarne Mill to Mill: $20
- Haarlem: 50 minutes Boat Cruise: $20
- 90 minutes Self-Guided Walking tour and Escape room in Haarlem: $21
- Keukenhof: Entry Ticket: $21
- Haarlem Open Canal Tour with a real live guide: $25
- Discover Haarlem with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour: $27
- 2 Hours Walking Tour Throughout History & Highlights of Haarlem: $28
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 dayLisse €23Potsdam €6.70
Sample the Local Flavors in Lisse
Also in Lisse, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Haarlem Private Self Guided Pub Crawl: $22
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lisse and Potsdam, we can see that Lisse 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 Lisse would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lisse 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 Lisse Expensive? and Is Potsdam Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Lisse or Potsdam?
Potsdam has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Lisse. When comparing the sizes of Lisse 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 Lisse 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 Lisse or Potsdam in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Lisse as well as Potsdam. Additionally, many travelers come to Potsdam for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.
Lisse is cooler than Potsdam in the summer. The daily temperature in Lisse averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Potsdam fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Potsdam. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lisse this time of the year. In the summer, Lisse often gets less sunshine than Potsdam. Lisse gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 232 hours of full sun.
Lisse usually gets more rain in July than Potsdam. Lisse gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyLisse 17°C (62°F)Potsdam 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Lisse or Potsdam in the Autumn?
Both Potsdam and Lisse are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Potsdam in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Lisse is around the same temperature as Potsdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lisse in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Potsdam averages at about 10°C (51°F).
Lisse usually receives less sunshine than Potsdam during autumn. Lisse gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 114 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Lisse usually receives more rain than Potsdam. Lisse gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLisse 11°C (51°F)Potsdam 10°C (51°F)
Should I visit Lisse or Potsdam in the Winter?
Both Potsdam and Lisse during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Potsdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Potsdam can be very cold during winter. Lisse can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Lisse is generally much warmer than Potsdam. Daily temperatures in Lisse average around 2°C (36°F), and Potsdam fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).
In the winter, Lisse often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Potsdam. Lisse gets 46 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 47 hours of full sun.
Lisse usually gets more rain in January than Potsdam. Lisse gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLisse 2°C (36°F)Potsdam -0°C (31°F)
Should I visit Lisse or Potsdam in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisse and Potsdam. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Potsdam because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.
Lisse is cooler than Potsdam in the spring. The daily temperature in Lisse averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Potsdam fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).
Lisse usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Potsdam during spring. Lisse gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 168 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Lisse usually receives more rain than Potsdam. Lisse gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilLisse 8°C (46°F)Potsdam 9°C (48°F)
Typical Weather for Potsdam and Lisse
| Lisse | Potsdam | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 2°C (36°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | -0°C (31°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 3°C (37°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 5°C (41°F) | 63 mm (2.5 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 8°C (46°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 12°C (54°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 15°C (59°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jul | 17°C (62°F) | 75 mm (3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Aug | 17°C (62°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Sep | 14°C (57°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Oct | 11°C (51°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | 6°C (43°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) |
| Dec | 3°C (38°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.