A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Orkney Islands vs. Potsdam for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Orkney Islands or Potsdam?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Orkney Islands and Potsdam can help you decide which place is right for you.

Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands is a pristine, remote, and serene archipelago. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food.

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.

Orkney Islands and Potsdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or Potsdam?

Both Potsdam and Orkney Islands have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Orkney Islands is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Potsdam is known for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm. Potsdam is more touristy than Orkney Islands and is popular for its beautiful palaces, scenic town center, and accessibility to Berlin. Orkney Islands is popular for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights.

How is Orkney Islands different from Potsdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Orkney Islands or Potsdam?

Potsdam is great for its historical sights. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Potsdam specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. People visit this city for its high concentration of historic sights. The Renaissance Orangery Palace is a highlight of the visit for many travelers.

Orkney Islands is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The islands is home to a number of archaeological ruins including the stone age village of Skara Brae and the neolithic chambered cairn of Maes Howee. Also check out impressive Ring of Brodgar stone circle as well as the oldest dwelling in the UK, the Knap of Howar on Papa Westray.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at very good restaurants in both Orkney Islands and Potsdam.

Orkney Islands has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find so many local products on the islands. It's famous for its local beef, lamb, salmon, and seafood, but you'll also find cheeses and produce. There are two breweries on the island as well. Many people pick up some items that they take home with them.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Potsdam makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Orkney Islands or Potsdam Better for Nightlife?

Potsdam is very good for its evening party scene. However, Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Orkney Islands or Potsdam Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands is well known for the beache. However, Potsdam is not a beach destination.

Orkney Islands is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The archipelago has hundreds of miles of beaches that feel serene and remote. If you're looking for a tranquil setting that is natural and untouched, you'll have many to choose from. Some of the best beaches on the islands include Tresness Beach, Grobust Beach, and Sands of Evie Beach.

Potsdam is not a beach destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Potsdam Better for Hiking?

Orkney Islands is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Potsdam is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Orkney Islands. Rolling hills and rugged landscapes make for relaxing and beautiful walks. There are also many archaeological ruins that you can explore. Favorite hikes in the area include Balfour Village and Mill Dam, Birsay Whalebone, and Birwick to Barth Head.

Potsdam is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orkney Islands or Potsdam?

Potsdam is very good for its shopping areas. However, Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Potsdam Better for Families?

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Orkney Islands or Potsdam.

Orkney Islands offers lots of family activities. Exploring the beaches is one of the best way to spend your days with kids. There are also several places you can take the kids like Barony Mill, Skate Rumple Alpaca Farm, Corrigall Farm Museum, and Kirbuster Farm Museum.

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 Orkney Islands or Potsdam Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Orkney Islands frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Nature lovers will enjoy the stunning beaches and beautiful natural setting. There are also some great restaurants and even live music performances that make for a fun date night.

Potsdam is a good archipelago 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 Orkney Islands or Potsdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago to visit for backpackers. If camping is your style, you'll find some great campgrounds and campsites that make the most of this beautiful natural setting.

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

Is Orkney Islands 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, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its public transit.

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

Orkney Islands has a few public transit options. Buses travel to many parts of the islands and many islands are connected by ferries.

Is Orkney Islands or Potsdam a more walkable city?

Potsdam is great for its ease of walking around. However, Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Potsdam or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or Potsdam?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Orkney Islands or Potsdam to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Orkney Islands than Potsdam because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Orkney Islands, and 1-2 days is enough time in Potsdam.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands.

One day in Orkney Islands or Potsdam?

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

In Potsdam, you'll find museums and nightlife. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Orkney Islands or Potsdam?

In Orkney Islands, you'll find museums and food. 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.

Potsdam is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Orkney Islands or Potsdam?

Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Potsdam. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Orkney Islands or Potsdam?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Orkney Islands. In Orkney Islands, you'll find museums and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Potsdam. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.

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

When is the best time to visit Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands or Potsdam in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Orkney Islands as well as Potsdam. The summer months attract visitors to Orkney Islands because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Potsdam this time of year.

In July, Orkney Islands is generally much colder than Potsdam. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 12°C (54°F), and Potsdam fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Potsdam. In the summer, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Potsdam. Orkney Islands gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 232 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Potsdam. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Potsdam in the Autumn?

Both Potsdam and Orkney Islands are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Orkney Islands this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Potsdam for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Orkney Islands is cooler than Potsdam in the autumn. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 9°C (48°F) in October, and Potsdam fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Potsdam during autumn. Orkney Islands gets 73 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 114 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Orkney Islands. In October, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than Potsdam. Orkney Islands gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Potsdam in the Winter?

Both Potsdam and Orkney Islands during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Orkney Islands for the museums and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Potsdam in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Potsdam can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Orkney Islands. In the winter, Orkney Islands is much warmer than Potsdam. Typically, the winter temperatures in Orkney Islands in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Potsdam averages at about -0°C (31°F).

In the winter, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Potsdam. Orkney Islands gets 29 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 47 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Orkney Islands. Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in January than Potsdam. Orkney Islands gets 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Potsdam in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Orkney Islands and Potsdam. Many visitors come to Orkney Islands in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Potsdam for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Orkney Islands is generally cooler than Potsdam. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 6°C (43°F), and Potsdam fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Potsdam during spring. Orkney Islands gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 168 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than Potsdam. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Potsdam and Orkney Islands