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

Should you visit Potsdam or Biarritz?

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 Biarritz can help you decide which place is right for you.

Potsdam

Potsdam is a accessible, compact, and park-filled city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a dynamic, cultural, and relaxing seaside town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Potsdam and Biarritz: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Potsdam or Biarritz?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Biarritz than Potsdam, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Biarritz is better known for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Potsdam is more popular for its museums and impressive beauty. Biarritz is more touristy than Potsdam and is popular for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere. Also, Biarritz is famous for Grande Plage. Potsdam is well known for its beautiful palaces, scenic town center, and accessibility to Berlin.

How is Potsdam different from Biarritz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Biarritz 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 Biarritz?

Potsdam
Biarritz

Potsdam is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Biarritz offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.


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

Potsdam
Biarritz

Both Potsdam and Biarritz offer great local cuisine and restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Biarritz has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

Is Potsdam or Biarritz Better for Nightlife?

Potsdam
Biarritz

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

Biarritz is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

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 Potsdam or Biarritz Better for Resorts?

Potsdam
Biarritz

Biarritz is well known for its resorts. However, Potsdam is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Biarritz. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Potsdam is not a resort destination.


Is Potsdam or Biarritz Better for Beaches?

Potsdam
Biarritz

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

Biarritz is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

Potsdam is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Potsdam or Biarritz?

Potsdam
Biarritz

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

Biarritz is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

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 Potsdam or Biarritz Better for Families?

Potsdam
Biarritz

Biarritz is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Biarritz is a very kid-friendly seaside town. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

Potsdam offers lots of family activities. 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 Potsdam or Biarritz Better for Couples?

Potsdam
Biarritz

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

Couples visit Biarritz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples getaway.

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 Potsdam or Biarritz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Potsdam
Biarritz

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

Biarritz is a great seaside town to visit for backpackers. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

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

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

Potsdam
Biarritz

Potsdam is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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

You'll find some public transit in Biarritz, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.


Is Potsdam or Biarritz a more walkable city?

Potsdam
Biarritz

Potsdam and Biarritz both are great when exploring on foot.

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

Biarritz is a very walkable destination. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

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

Should I spend more time in Biarritz or Potsdam?

How long in Potsdam or Biarritz?

Both Potsdam and Biarritz have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Biarritz than in Potsdam. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Potsdam, and 3-7 days is enough time in Biarritz.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Biarritz 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 Biarritz.


  • How many days in Potsdam or Biarritz? Ideal Length of Stay
    Potsdam 1-2 
    Biarritz 3-7

One day in Potsdam or Biarritz?

The city of Potsdam offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Biarritz, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This seaside town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Potsdam or Biarritz?

Potsdam is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Potsdam, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Biarritz, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.


Five days in Potsdam or Biarritz?

Potsdam is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Biarritz is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Biarritz has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Potsdam or Biarritz?

Potsdam is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Biarritz. In Biarritz, you'll find shopping and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, The Best Adventure Tours to Germany, The Best Tours for Seniors to France, and The Best Contiki Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Biarritz 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 Biarritz is €131. 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 Biarritz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Potsdam 60
    Biarritz 74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Potsdam 120
    Biarritz 148
Compare Hotels in Potsdam and Biarritz

Looking for a hotel in Potsdam or Biarritz? 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 Biarritz


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 Biarritz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Potsdam 28
    Biarritz 39

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Biarritz

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

  • Arrival Private Transfer BIQ Airport to Biarritz by Luxury Vehicle: $85
  • Biarritz : Optimized transfer to/from Bordeaux: $749
  • Biarritz : Private transfer to/from airport & train Station: $70
  • Chauffeured Transfer between Biarritz Airport, Train Station and City Center: $71
  • Private Transfer from Biarritz city to San Sebastian : $167
  • Private Transfer from Biarritz city to San Sebastian Airport: $167
  • Private transfer from Biarritz BIQ airport to San Sebastian: $229
  • San Sebastian: Optimized transfer to Biarritz & surroundings: $262

Is it cheaper to fly into Potsdam or Biarritz?

Prices for flights to both Biarritz 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
    Biarritz 34

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Biarritz

For Biarritz, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Biarritz Food Tour Gastronomique- Taste 10 Basque specialties: $76
  • Bayonne Food Tour: Journey Through Flavors (with food and drinks): $97
  • Traditional Bayonne Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $104
  • Basque Country Food Tour: $240

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Potsdam 25
    Biarritz 16

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 Biarritz

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

  • Pierre IBAIALDE: Guided Tour Ham Workshop, tasting: $5.46
  • City Exploration Game & Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Complete Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $8.45
  • Walking tours of Biarritz: $22
  • E-bike Guided Tour With Sunset local Aperitif Ride: $32
  • E-bike Guided Tour to Small California: $37
  • Basque tour of Biarritz: $49
  • Unusual Guided Tour in a Segway in Biarritz: $59
  • Biarritz guided walking & gourmet tour: $74
  • Bayonne Food Gastronomic Tour - Taste 10 Basque specialties: $97
  • Guided Tapas Tour Hondarribia from Hendaye with Food and Drinks: $108
  • Private E-bike Guided Tour: $155

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Potsdam 6.70
    Biarritz 8.05


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


Which is Bigger, Potsdam or Biarritz?

Potsdam has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Biarritz. When comparing the sizes of Potsdam and Biarritz, 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 Biarritz?

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 Biarritz in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Potsdam as well as Biarritz. Most visitors come to Potsdam for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Biarritz because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Potsdam this time of the year. In the summer, Potsdam often gets more sunshine than Biarritz. Potsdam gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 209 hours of full sun.

Potsdam usually gets less rain in July than Biarritz. Potsdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Potsdam 19°C (66°F) 
    Biarritz 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Potsdam or Biarritz in the Autumn?

Both Biarritz and Potsdam are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Potsdam because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year.

In the autumn, Potsdam is much colder than Biarritz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Potsdam in October average around 10°C (51°F), and Biarritz averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Potsdam usually receives less sunshine than Biarritz during autumn. Potsdam gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. In October, Potsdam usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Potsdam gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Potsdam 10°C (51°F) 
    Biarritz 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Potsdam or Biarritz in the Winter?

Both Biarritz and Potsdam during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Potsdam this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Biarritz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Potsdam in the winter. In January, Potsdam is generally much colder than Biarritz. Daily temperatures in Potsdam average around -0°C (31°F), and Biarritz fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Potsdam often gets less sunshine than Biarritz. Potsdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 85 hours of full sun.

Biarritz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Potsdam usually gets less rain in January than Biarritz. Potsdam gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Potsdam -0°C (31°F) 
    Biarritz 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Potsdam or Biarritz in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Potsdam and Biarritz. Many travelers come to Potsdam for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Biarritz in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm.

Potsdam is cooler than Biarritz in the spring. The daily temperature in Potsdam averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Biarritz fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Potsdam usually receives more sunshine than Biarritz during spring. Potsdam gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Potsdam usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Potsdam gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Potsdam 9°C (48°F) 
    Biarritz 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Biarritz and Potsdam

Potsdam Biarritz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (31°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 8°C (47°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Feb 1°C (34°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 9°C (49°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
Mar 5°C (40°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 10°C (51°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 52 mm (2 in) 20°C (68°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 19°C (65°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Oct 10°C (51°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Dec 1°C (34°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 9°C (49°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)


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