A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nizhny Novgorod vs. Potsdam for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Nizhny Novgorod 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 Nizhny Novgorod 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.

Where Should I go: Nizhny Novgorod or Potsdam?

Nizhny Novgorod

Nizhny Novgorod, commonly referred to as simply Nizhny, is the fifth largest city in Russia. It has a population of over 1.2 million and it is the primary economic and cultural center for the Volga region. The city dates back to 1221 and it sits at the intersection of the Volga and Oka Rivers. It became popular with tourists back in 1817 when the Makaryev Monastery Fair was moved to the city. The city continued to grow in popularity and by the middle of the 19th century it was a major trade center for the country. During the Soviet Union times the city became an industrial center as trade connections were abandoned.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nizhny Novgorod and Potsdam, we can see that Potsdam is more expensive. And not only is Nizhny Novgorod much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nizhny Novgorod would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nizhny Novgorod 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 Potsdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Potsdam than you might in Nizhny Novgorod.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nizhny Novgorod Expensive? and Is Potsdam Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nizhny Novgorod or Potsdam?

Nizhny Novgorod has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Potsdam. When comparing the sizes of Nizhny Novgorod 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 Nizhny Novgorod 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 Nizhny Novgorod or Potsdam in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nizhny Novgorod as well as Potsdam. Additionally, most visitors come to Potsdam for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Nizhny Novgorod is around the same temperature as Potsdam in the summer. The daily temperature in Nizhny Novgorod averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Potsdam fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Nizhny Novgorod usually gets more rain in July than Potsdam. Nizhny Novgorod gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nizhny Novgorod or Potsdam in the Autumn?

Both Potsdam and Nizhny Novgorod are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Potsdam because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Nizhny Novgorod is much colder than Potsdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nizhny Novgorod in October average around 5°C (41°F), and Potsdam averages at about 10°C (51°F).

In October, Nizhny Novgorod usually receives more rain than Potsdam. Nizhny Novgorod gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nizhny Novgorod or Potsdam in the Winter?

Both Potsdam and Nizhny Novgorod during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Potsdam this time of year.

It's quite cold in Potsdam in the winter. The weather in Nizhny Novgorod can be very cold. In January, Nizhny Novgorod is generally much colder than Potsdam. Daily temperatures in Nizhny Novgorod average around -10°C (13°F), and Potsdam fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

Nizhny Novgorod usually gets less rain in January than Potsdam. Nizhny Novgorod gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nizhny Novgorod or Potsdam in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nizhny Novgorod and Potsdam. Also, many travelers come to Potsdam for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

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

In April, Nizhny Novgorod usually receives less rain than Potsdam. Nizhny Novgorod gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Potsdam and Nizhny Novgorod