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

Should you visit Lucerne or Potsdam?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Lucerne and Potsdam. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Lucerne

Lucerne is a active, cultural, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Potsdam

Potsdam is a park-filled, historic, and accessible city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Lucerne and Potsdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lucerne or Potsdam?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Lucerne than Potsdam. While Potsdam is larger than Lucerne, Lucerne has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lucerne is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Potsdam is known for its food and small town charm. Lucerne is more touristy than Potsdam and is popular for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips. It is also home to The Chapel Bridge. Potsdam is popular for its beautiful palaces, scenic town center, and accessibility to Berlin.

The Chapel Bridge

How is Lucerne different from Potsdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Potsdam and Lucerne.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Lucerne. Top sights in town include the famous Chapel Bridge, the Lion Monument and the town walls and towers. There are also a number of museums including the Swiss Transport Museum and Museum Sammlung Rosengart.

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.

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

Potsdam is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Lucerne offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Food is expensive around town, but there are some unique specialties like fondue, brätwurst, and of course, chocolate. It's nice to sit out by the river and enjoy a hearty meal while you soak up the view.

Is Lucerne or Potsdam Better for Nightlife?

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

Lucerne is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland, with many lively clubs, bars, and pubs. There are also many local events that are hosted in town and bring in a crowd.

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 Lucerne or Potsdam Better for its Old Town?

Lucerne 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 Lucerne. Sitting on the water's edge, this old town has a number of historic buildings and the beautiful Chapel Bridge.

Potsdam does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lucerne or Potsdam?

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

Lucerne is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is filled with high end shopping opportunities with everything from boutique shops to major chains. Popular items to purchase in town include chocolate, watches, jewelry, and Swiss army knives.

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 Lucerne or Potsdam Better for Families?

Both Lucerne and Potsdam are good family-friendly destinations.

Lucerne offers lots of family activities. The city is filled with history and there are a number of playgrounds around town. Also make sure you pop in a chocolate shop so that everyone can enjoy a sweet treat. If the weather's warm, you can also take a swim in Lake Lucerne. Many kids enjoy escaping the city and doing a day trip to the amazing Mt. Titlis, or other peaks that are nearby.

Potsdam is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Lucerne or Potsdam Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Lucerne frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city has many pleasant squares, excellent restaurants, and a romantic atmosphere that makes for a great couple's getaway. There are a number of nice hotels to choose from as well.

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 Lucerne or Potsdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Potsdam is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Lucerne is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Potsdam. There are a handful of hostels to choose from in town.

Lucerne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Prices are high everywhere in the area but there are a few hostels that attract backpackers. It's also possible to find free activities like swimming in the lake or simply wandering around town. Prices at restaurants are very high, so you'll do best to pick up food at supermarkets and prepare your own meals. Because it's a larger city, there are options that you might not find in smaller towns around Switzerland.

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

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

Many visitors use the public transit system in Potsdam. The city is well connected to Berlin by S-Bahn and bus.

Lucerne has a few public transit options. There's a comprehensive system of buses around town.

Is Lucerne or Potsdam a more walkable city?

Potsdam is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

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

Lucerne is somewhat walkable. The major tourist areas are fairly walkable if your hotel is in a convenient location.

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

Should I spend more time in Potsdam or Lucerne?

How long in Lucerne or Potsdam?

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

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

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

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

One day in Lucerne or Potsdam?

In Lucerne, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

In Potsdam, 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.

A weekend in Lucerne or Potsdam?

In Lucerne, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lucerne has to offer.

In Potsdam, 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 Potsdam has to offer.

Five days in Lucerne or Potsdam?

Lucerne is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Potsdam 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.

A week in Lucerne or Potsdam?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lucerne. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Lucerne. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland, The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Lucerne or Potsdam?

Potsdam has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne 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 Lucerne 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 Lucerne or Potsdam in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Potsdam. Many travelers come to Lucerne for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Potsdam in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Lucerne is generally a little warmer than Potsdam. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 21°C (70°F), 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 Lucerne this time of the year. In the summer, Lucerne often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Potsdam. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 232 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in July than Potsdam. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Potsdam in the Autumn?

Both Potsdam and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Lucerne in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Potsdam for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Lucerne is a little warmer than Potsdam in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Potsdam fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

Lucerne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Potsdam during autumn. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 114 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Potsdam. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lucerne or Potsdam in the Winter?

Both Potsdam and Lucerne during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Lucerne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Potsdam because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Potsdam can be very cold. Lucerne can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Lucerne is much warmer than Potsdam. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lucerne in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Potsdam averages at about -0°C (31°F).

In the winter, Lucerne often gets more sunshine than Potsdam. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 47 hours of full sun.

Lucerne usually gets more rain in January than Potsdam. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lucerne or Potsdam in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Potsdam. The spring months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Potsdam this time of year.

In April, Lucerne is generally a little warmer than Potsdam. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 12°C (53°F), and Potsdam fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Lucerne usually receives less sunshine than Potsdam during spring. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 168 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Potsdam. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Potsdam and Lucerne