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

Should you visit Oxford or Potsdam?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oxford or Potsdam, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Oxford

Oxford is a beautiful, historic, and scholarly college town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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.

Oxford and Potsdam: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Oxford or Potsdam?

Both Potsdam and Oxford have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Oxford is very popular for its nightlife, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Potsdam attracts visitors for its food. Oxford is famous for being home to one of the world's most notable universities. Potsdam is famous for its beautiful palaces, scenic town center, and accessibility to Berlin.

How is Oxford different from Potsdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Oxford
Potsdam

Spend time exploring the excellent sights and museums in either Oxford or Potsdam.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Oxford can be an interesting and educational experience. This town is filled with culture, history, and world class museums. Check out the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, The Museum of Modern Art, Ashmolean Museum, or the Museum of Oxford.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Potsdam. 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 Oxford or Potsdam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Oxford
Potsdam

Potsdam is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Potsdam. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Oxford. In addition to the typical British pubs and fish and chips shops, you'll find a wide diversity of ethnic food around town. Thai, sushi, Indian, and more are common dining options. Head to the Oxford Covered Market to try a traditional British breakfast or have some delicious ice cream.

Is Oxford or Potsdam Better for Nightlife?

Oxford
Potsdam

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

Oxford is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. As a college town, you'll find an active nightlife scene with trivia nights and plenty of parties. There are pubs around town where you can grab a drink or find out if there's a concert while you're in town.

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 the Shopping Better in Oxford or Potsdam?

Oxford
Potsdam

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Oxford. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

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 Oxford or Potsdam Better for Families?

Oxford
Potsdam

Oxford and Potsdam are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Oxford is a family-friendly college town. Families will enjoy taking a paddle boat out on the water and exploring the beautiful setting. There are also a number of sights that were influential in the making of Harry Potter. In particular, you'll find the inspiration for the "Great Hall" if you take a tour of Christ Church College. The tour must be booked in advance and they often sell out. Older kids will also enjoy exploring the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

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 Oxford or Potsdam Better for Couples?

Oxford
Potsdam

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

Couples visit Oxford frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The beautiful campus and striking architecture make this a great destination for romance. Hire a boat and explore the water or wander through one of the impressive gardens.

Potsdam is a good college town 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 Oxford or Potsdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Oxford
Potsdam

Potsdam is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Oxford is lacking in good options for backpackers.

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

Oxford is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town that offer affordable accommodation. As a college town, Oxford also has an active nightlife scene and a young crowd that keeps things affordable and fun.


Is Oxford or Potsdam Better for Students?

Oxford
Potsdam

Oxford is very popular for students. However, Potsdam is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Oxford. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

Potsdam is not popular with students.

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

Oxford
Potsdam

Potsdam is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Potsdam. The city is well connected to Berlin by S-Bahn and bus.

You'll find some public transit in Oxford, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses available if your legs get tired.

Is Oxford or Potsdam a more walkable city?

Oxford
Potsdam

Oxford and Potsdam are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Oxford is very walkable. The best way to explore most of the town is on foot, so you can soak up the full collegiate atmosphere.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Potsdam or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Potsdam?

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

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

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


  • How many days in Oxford or Potsdam? Ideal Length of Stay
    Oxford 1-3 
    Potsdam 1-2

One day in Oxford or Potsdam?

Oxford is a small town with plenty to do. This college town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Potsdam. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Oxford or Potsdam?

Oxford might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Oxford has to offer.

Potsdam is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Oxford or Potsdam?

Oxford 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Potsdam. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A week in Oxford or Potsdam?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oxford. Since Oxford is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the compact destination of Potsdam. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Potsdam or Oxford?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Oxford is £131, while the average daily cost in Potsdam is £95. 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 Oxford and Potsdam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Oxford £72
    Potsdam £51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Oxford £144
    Potsdam £102
Compare Hotels in Oxford and Potsdam

Looking for a hotel in Oxford 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.

Hotels in Oxford


Hotels in Potsdam


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: Oxford Hotel Prices and Potsdam Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Oxford £27
    Potsdam £24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Oxford

Also for Oxford, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Arrival or Departure Private Transfer: Stansted Airport to Central London: $224
  • Fareham to Southampton Airport (SOU) - Departure Private Transfer: $39
  • Gatwick Airport to Southampton Port or Hotel Private Airport Arrival Transfer: $230
  • National Express | Between Gatwick Airport and Heathrow Airports Bus Transfers: $34
  • Oxford City to London Heathrow Airport Private Transfer Service: $196
  • Oxford Private Departure Transfer - Oxford Hotel/Accommodation to Oxford Airport: $68
  • Private One Way or Round Trip Transfer: Kensington SW London to Gatwick Airport: $147
  • Private Transfer from Gatwick city hotels to Dover Cruise Port: $55
  • Southampton - London Transfer: via Bath and Windsor: $234
  • Transfer in private Vehicle from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) - Central London: $96

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Potsdam

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Potsdam:

  • Private Transfer from Potsdam to Berlin Tegel Airport: $160
  • Departure Airport Transfer from Potsdam Hotels to Berlin BER Airport: $174
  • Berlin Airport Departure Transfer from Potsdam Hotels: $174

Is it cheaper to fly into Oxford or Potsdam?

Prices for flights to both Potsdam and Oxford 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 day
    Oxford £41
    Potsdam £26

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Oxford £19
    Potsdam £22

Tours and Activities in Oxford

For Oxford, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Discovery Walk & Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Carfax Tower Entry Ticket: $3.81
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.35
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $5.35
  • Oxford Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
  • Oxford's Literary Legends and Landmarks" A Self-Guided Tour: $7.99
  • Discover Oxford's Timeless Tales: In-App Audio Tour: $11
  • Discover Oxford's Timeless Tales: In-App Audio Tour: $11
  • Explore Oxford's Legacy: In-App Audio Tour for Students: $11
  • Oxford Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Self-Guided City Sightseeing Treasure Hunt: $12
  • Stepping Through Oxford Walking Tour: $13

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 day
    Oxford £21
    Potsdam £5.73

Sample the Local Flavors in Oxford

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Oxford:

  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
  • Cambridge: Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
  • Edinburgh: Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $44
  • Bristol: Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47
  • Eccentric Oxford 3-Hour Pub Tour: $150
  • Wine Tasting in the Garden of England: $221


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


Which is Bigger, Oxford or Potsdam?

Oxford has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Potsdam. When comparing the sizes of Oxford 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 Oxford 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 Oxford or Potsdam in the Summer?

Both Potsdam and Oxford during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Oxford for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Potsdam because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Oxford is around the same temperature as Potsdam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Oxford in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Potsdam averages at about 19°C (66°F).

In Potsdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Potsdam. Oxford gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 232 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in July than Potsdam. Oxford gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Oxford 17°C (63°F) 
    Potsdam 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Oxford or Potsdam in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Oxford and Potsdam. The autumn months attract visitors to Oxford because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Potsdam this time of year.

In October, Oxford is generally around the same temperature as Potsdam. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 11°C (52°F), and Potsdam fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

Oxford usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Potsdam during autumn. Oxford gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 114 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Oxford 11°C (52°F) 
    Potsdam 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Oxford or Potsdam in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Oxford as well as Potsdam. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Oxford this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Potsdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Potsdam. It's quite cold in Oxford in the winter. Oxford is much warmer than Potsdam in the winter. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Potsdam fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

In the winter, Oxford often gets more sunshine than Potsdam. Oxford gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 47 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets more rain in January than Potsdam. Oxford gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Oxford 3°C (38°F) 
    Potsdam -0°C (31°F)

Should I visit Oxford or Potsdam in the Spring?

Both Potsdam and Oxford are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Oxford for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Potsdam in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Oxford is around the same temperature as Potsdam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Oxford in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Potsdam averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Potsdam during spring. Oxford gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 168 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Oxford usually receives around the same amount of rain as Potsdam. Oxford gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Oxford 9°C (48°F) 
    Potsdam 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Potsdam and Oxford

Oxford Potsdam
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 52 mm (2 in) -0°C (31°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 1°C (34°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (40°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 51 mm (2 in) 14°C (57°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in) 17°C (63°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 19°C (65°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 51 mm (2 in) 15°C (59°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 10°C (51°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 1°C (34°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)