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

Should you visit Potsdam or Auxerre?

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 Potsdam and Auxerre can help you decide which place is right for you.

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.

Auxerre

Auxerre is a under-rated, undiscovered, and authentic town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the food and museums.

Potsdam and Auxerre: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Potsdam or Auxerre?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Potsdam. Although Potsdam and Auxerre are both popular with visitors, Potsdam has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Potsdam is more touristy than Auxerre and is popular for its beautiful palaces, scenic town center, and accessibility to Berlin. It is also home to The Sanssouci Palace. Auxerre is popular for its food, wine, and art history.

How is Potsdam different from Auxerre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Potsdam
Auxerre

Potsdam is great for its historical sights. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Auxerre is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Although the town is often overlooked by tourists, there are many nice cathedrals and churches around town.


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

Potsdam
Auxerre

Potsdam is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Auxerre offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The town is a the heart of the wine industry, so you'll find many great restaurants where you can enjoy local food and wine.

Is Potsdam or Auxerre Better for Nightlife?

Potsdam
Auxerre

Potsdam is very good for its evening party scene. However, Auxerre is not a good destination for 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.

Most people don't head to Auxerre specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It has a quiet nightlife with some nice bars and pubs.

Is the Shopping Better in Potsdam or Auxerre?

Potsdam
Auxerre

Potsdam is very good for its shopping areas. However, Auxerre 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.

Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Potsdam or Auxerre Better for Families?

Potsdam
Auxerre

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

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.

Auxerre offers lots of family activities. There's the Zoo de La Fleche and the Aquarium de Touraine. You can also wander through Musee de l'Avallon or des Plantes.

Is Potsdam or Auxerre Better for Couples?

Potsdam
Auxerre

Both Potsdam and Auxerre are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Potsdam makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Auxerre is a good city for couples to visit. There are many great eateries as well nice architecture and, of course, excellent wine.

Is Potsdam or Auxerre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Potsdam
Auxerre

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

Potsdam is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a handful of hostels to choose from in town.

Auxerre is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a popular stop off on the backpacker circuit, but you will find some affordable accommodation options.


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

Potsdam
Auxerre

Potsdam is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Auxerre has a few public transit options. There are buses around town.

Is Potsdam or Auxerre a more walkable city?

Potsdam
Auxerre

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

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

Auxerre is somewhat walkable. The center is walkable but it is a bit more difficult to navigate than some nearby towns.

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

Should I spend more time in Auxerre or Potsdam?

How long in Potsdam or Auxerre?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Potsdam or Auxerre to fill your time. In our opinion, Potsdam has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Potsdam than Auxerre. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Potsdam than Auxerre 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 Potsdam or Auxerre? Ideal Length of Stay
    Potsdam 1-2 
    Auxerre 1-2

One day in Potsdam or Auxerre?

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.

In Auxerre, you'll find food and museums. This town 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 Potsdam or Auxerre?

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.

In Auxerre, you'll find museums and food. 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 Auxerre has to offer.

Five days in Potsdam or Auxerre?

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.

Auxerre 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 Potsdam or Auxerre?

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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Auxerre. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Auxerre. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Germany, The Best Adventure Tours to Germany, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Auxerre or Potsdam?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Potsdam is €111, while the average daily cost in Auxerre is €113. 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 Potsdam and Auxerre in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Potsdam 60
    Auxerre 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Potsdam 120
    Auxerre 102
Compare Hotels in Potsdam and Auxerre

Looking for a hotel in Potsdam or Auxerre? 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 Potsdam


Hotels in Auxerre


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 and Auxerre Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Potsdam 28
    Auxerre 46

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 Potsdam or Auxerre?

Prices for flights to both Auxerre and Potsdam 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
    Potsdam 31
    Auxerre 34

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Potsdam 25
    Auxerre 18

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

Tours and Activities in Auxerre

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Auxerre.

  • Chocolate Tour with Tasting: $16
  • e-Mehari Tour et dégustation Chablis Clotilde Davenne: $92
  • Touristic highlights of Auxerre a Private half day tour (4 Hours) with a local: $112

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Potsdam 6.70
    Auxerre 6.14

Sample the Local Flavors in Auxerre

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Auxerre:

  • From Dutch Barge Full-Day Cruise with Wine Tasting: $85
  • Chablis & Northern Burgundy Wine Tour: $273


When comparing the travel costs between Potsdam and Auxerre, we can see that Auxerre is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Potsdam or Auxerre?

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

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 Potsdam or Auxerre in the Summer?

Both Auxerre and Potsdam during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Potsdam because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Auxerre this time of year.

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

In Auxerre, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Potsdam. In the summer, Potsdam often gets less sunshine than Auxerre. Potsdam gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 255 hours of full sun.

Potsdam usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Auxerre. Potsdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Potsdam 19°C (66°F) 
    Auxerre 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Potsdam or Auxerre in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Potsdam and Auxerre. The shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Potsdam this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Auxerre for the small town atmosphere.

In October, Potsdam is generally cooler than Auxerre. Daily temperatures in Potsdam average around 10°C (51°F), and Auxerre fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Potsdam usually receives less sunshine than Auxerre during autumn. Potsdam gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Potsdam usually receives less rain than Auxerre. Potsdam gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Potsdam 10°C (51°F) 
    Auxerre 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Potsdam or Auxerre in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Potsdam as well as Auxerre. Many travelers come to Potsdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Auxerre in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Auxerre can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Potsdam. Potsdam is much colder than Auxerre in the winter. The daily temperature in Potsdam averages around -0°C (31°F) in January, and Auxerre fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Potsdam often gets less sunshine than Auxerre. Potsdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 53 hours of full sun.

Potsdam usually gets less rain in January than Auxerre. Potsdam gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Potsdam -0°C (31°F) 
    Auxerre 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Potsdam or Auxerre in the Spring?

Both Auxerre and Potsdam are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Potsdam in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Auxerre for the small town charm during these months.

In the spring, Potsdam is cooler than Auxerre. Typically, the spring temperatures in Potsdam in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Auxerre averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Potsdam usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Auxerre during spring. Potsdam gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 167 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Potsdam usually receives less rain than Auxerre. Potsdam gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Potsdam 9°C (48°F) 
    Auxerre 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Auxerre and Potsdam

Potsdam Auxerre
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (31°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 3°C (37°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 1°C (34°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 5°C (41°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 5°C (40°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 10°C (50°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 52 mm (2 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 19°C (65°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Oct 10°C (51°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 1°C (34°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)


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