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

Should you visit Potsdam or Budapest?

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 Budapest 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's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Budapest

Budapest is a cultural, artistic, and historic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Potsdam and Budapest: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Potsdam or Budapest?

You'll generally find more things to do in Budapest than Potsdam. Budapest is bigger than Potsdam, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Budapest is better known for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Potsdam is more popular for its food and small town charm. Budapest is more touristy than Potsdam and is popular for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. Also, Budapest is famous for The Hungarian Parliament Building. Potsdam is well known for its beautiful palaces, scenic town center, and accessibility to Berlin.

How is Potsdam different from Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both Potsdam and Budapest.

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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Budapest can be an interesting and educational experience. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

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

Potsdam is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Potsdam has a huge number of terrific 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.

Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.

Is Potsdam or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

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

Budapest is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

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 Budapest Better for its Old Town?

Budapest is well known for its old town. However, Potsdam does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Budapest. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.

Potsdam does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Potsdam or Budapest?

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

Budapest is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

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 Budapest Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Potsdam or Budapest.

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.

Budapest offers lots of family activities. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.

Is Potsdam or Budapest Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Budapest frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.

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 Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Budapest is very popular for backpackers. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Budapest. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other travelers.

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

Is Potsdam or Budapest Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over the world to visit Budapest. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

Potsdam is not popular with students.

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

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

Budapest has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

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

Is Potsdam or Budapest a more walkable city?

Budapest is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Budapest on foot is easy. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Budapest or Potsdam?

How long in Potsdam or Budapest?

In either Potsdam or Budapest, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Budapest than Potsdam because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Potsdam, and 2-5 days is enough time in Budapest.

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

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

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

One day in Potsdam or Budapest?

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.

Because Budapest is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city 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 Budapest?

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.

Because Budapest is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Budapest has to offer.

Five days in Potsdam or Budapest?

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.

Budapest is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Budapest has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Potsdam or Budapest?

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 Budapest. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Budapest. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 10-Day Tours from Budapest, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Potsdam and Budapest, we can see that Potsdam is more expensive. And not only is Budapest much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Budapest would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Budapest 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 Budapest.

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

Which is Bigger, Potsdam or Budapest?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Potsdam. When comparing the sizes of Potsdam and Budapest, 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 Budapest?

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 Budapest in the Summer?

Both Budapest 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 city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Budapest this time of year.

Potsdam is cooler than Budapest in the summer. The daily temperature in Potsdam averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Budapest fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

In Budapest, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Potsdam. In the summer, Potsdam often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Potsdam gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 278 hours of full sun.

Potsdam usually gets more rain in July than Budapest. Potsdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Potsdam or Budapest in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Potsdam and Budapest. 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 Budapest for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Potsdam is cooler than Budapest. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Potsdam in October average around 10°C (51°F), and Budapest averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Potsdam usually receives less sunshine than Budapest during autumn. Potsdam gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Potsdam usually receives around the same amount of rain as Budapest. Potsdam gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Potsdam or Budapest in the Winter?

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

Budapest can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Potsdam. In January, Potsdam is generally much warmer than Budapest. Daily temperatures in Potsdam average around -0°C (31°F), and Budapest fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

In the winter, Potsdam often gets less sunshine than Budapest. Potsdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Budapest receives 61 hours of full sun.

Potsdam usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Budapest. Potsdam gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Potsdam or Budapest in the Spring?

Both Budapest 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 Budapest for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Potsdam is cooler than Budapest in the spring. The daily temperature in Potsdam averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Potsdam usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Budapest during spring. Potsdam gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Budapest receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Potsdam usually receives around the same amount of rain as Budapest. Potsdam gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Budapest and Potsdam