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

Should you visit Potsdam or Cork?

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

Potsdam

Potsdam is a historic, accessible, and compact city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Cork

Cork is a cultural, seaside, and youthful city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Potsdam and Cork: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Potsdam or Cork?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cork than Potsdam. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Cork is very popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Potsdam attracts visitors for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Potsdam is famous for its beautiful palaces, scenic town center, and accessibility to Berlin. Cork is famous for its friendly personality, its thriving art scene and its local craft beer. It is also well known for The Blarney Castle and Stone.

How is Potsdam different from Cork?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Potsdam
Cork

Plenty of people visit the superb sights and museums in both Potsdam and Cork.

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 Cork can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with historic sights and landmarks. Most notable is the Blarney Castle and Blarney Stone, but also make sure you check out St. Fin Barre's Cathedral, the Cork Public Museum, Cork City Gaol Heritage Centre, and St. Anne's Church.


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

Potsdam
Cork

Both Potsdam and Cork offer superb 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.

Cork has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find charming seaside cafes and award winning restaurants. Also make sure you check out the English Market, which is among the best in Ireland.

Is Potsdam or Cork Better for Nightlife?

Potsdam
Cork

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

Cork is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. It's a university city, so you'll find plenty of students, bars, clubs, and cheap beer. Many pubs also have live music with everything from rock to Irish folk music.

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 Potsdam or Cork?

Potsdam
Cork

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

Cork is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. It offers a mix of high street shops and boutique vendors. Head to St. Patrick’s Street for some of the city's best shopping. Also check out Opera Lane and Oliver Plunkett 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 Cork Better for Families?

Potsdam
Cork

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Potsdam or Cork.

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.

Cork offers lots of family activities. For a bit of outside time, head to Fota Wildlife Park, Regional Park Ballincollig, or Inchydoney Beach. Kids will also enjoy exploring Cork City Gaol which is a heritage museum, or the Toy Soldier Factory. And of course, there's the Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone.

Is Potsdam or Cork Better for Couples?

Potsdam
Cork

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

Couples visit Cork frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Visiting Blarney Castle is a highlight, but you can also wander along the river or do the Ballycotton Cliff Walk. There are also several gardens to explore or small theaters where you can see a play.

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 Cork Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Potsdam
Cork

Potsdam and Cork are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

It's common for backpackers to visit Cork. There are plenty of hostels as well as a large student population and an active nightlife.


Is Potsdam or Cork Better for Students?

Potsdam
Cork

Cork is well known for students. However, Potsdam is not popular with students.

Cork is very popular with students. It's a university town with many students and plenty to do. The city plays host to many international students.

Potsdam is not popular with students.

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

Potsdam
Cork

Potsdam is notable for its public transit. However, Cork is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Potsdam can move around easily with public transportation. The city is well connected to Berlin by S-Bahn and bus.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cork. In town you'll find bus service but if you want to explore anywhere else in the county you really need your own vehicle.

Is Potsdam or Cork a more walkable city?

Potsdam
Cork

Potsdam is notable for its walkability. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Cork is a somewhat walkable place. The city center is compact and easy enough to explore on foot.


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

Should I spend more time in Cork or Potsdam?

How long in Potsdam or Cork?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Potsdam and Cork. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cork than in Potsdam. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Potsdam, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cork.

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

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


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

One day in Potsdam or Cork?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Potsdam. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Cork, 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.

A weekend in Potsdam or Cork?

Potsdam is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Cork, 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 Cork has to offer.

Five days in Potsdam or Cork?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Potsdam. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Cork 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 Cork?

The accessible city of Potsdam offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cork. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cork. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Cork 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 Cork is €101. 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 Cork in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Potsdam or Cork? 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 Cork


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 Cork Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Potsdam 28
    Cork 16

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 Potsdam or Cork?

Prices for flights to both Cork 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
    Cork 30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cork

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cork.

  • Hysterical Histories, Comedic Dinner Theater Show: $53
  • Hysterical Histories Cork Dinner Theatre Show: $57
  • Historic Cork Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $65

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Potsdam 25
    Cork 9.29

Tours and Activities in Potsdam

Here are a few actual costs in Potsdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Beautiful Baroque A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Sanssouci Park Self-Guided Gardens Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Baroque Buildings Self-Guided Mobile Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Sanssouci Park: A Self-Guide Audio Tour of the Garden's Landmarks: $5.99
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour of City Center: $8.45
  • Museum Barberini Entrance Ticket: $11
  • Brandenburg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Cecilienhof Castle Entrance Ticket: $13
  • Biosphäre Potsdam Entry Ticket: $16
  • In the Forbidden City - Potsdam Walking Tour: $20
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $21

Tours and Activities in Cork

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cork are as follows:

  • Highlights of A Self-Guided Walking Tour: $5.99
  • Cork Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Discover Cork's Legacy: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens Admission Ticket: $13
  • City Gaol Tour with Audio Guide: $14
  • Cork City Gaol Admission Ticket: $14
  • Cork Self-Guided Audio Tour: $14
  • Guided Historical Walking Tour: $20
  • Cork Instagram Photography Walking Tour: $22
  • Tour guidé de Cork City centre en français: $24
  • Cork City Hop On/Off Open Top Bus Tour: $24
  • Hop On/Hop Off Cork City Sightseeing Tour : $24

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Potsdam 6.70
    Cork 13

Sample the Local Flavors in Cork

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cork:

  • Clonakilty Distillery Tour & Classic Whiskey Tasting: $22
  • Cork City: Rebel City Distillery Tour: $27
  • Rebel City Distillery Tour: $27
  • Midleton Distillery Tour with Whiskey Tasting: $32
  • Midleton Distillery Experience & Whiskey Tasting -Home of Jameson: $33
  • Whiskey Cocktail Making Class at Midleton Distillery: $64
  • Cork Irish Whiskey Cocktail Making Class at Midleton Distillery : $65
  • Midleton Distillery Behind the Scenes Tour & Tasting: $80
  • Blarney Castle Cork City and Jameson Distillery Semi Private Tour: $196
  • Private Cork City Tour, Kinsale and Jameson Distillery: $254


When comparing the travel costs between Potsdam and Cork, we can see that Potsdam 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 Cork Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Potsdam or Cork?

Cork has a larger population, and is about 30% larger than the population of Potsdam. When comparing the sizes of Potsdam and Cork, 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 Cork?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Potsdam or Cork in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Potsdam and Cork. Many travelers come to Potsdam for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Cork in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Potsdam is generally a little warmer than Cork. Daily temperatures in Potsdam average around 19°C (66°F), and Cork fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Potsdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Potsdam usually receives more sunshine than Cork during summer. Potsdam gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Cork receives 178 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Potsdam usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cork. Potsdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cork receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Potsdam 19°C (66°F) 
    Cork 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Potsdam or Cork in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Potsdam as well as Cork. Many visitors come to Potsdam in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Cork for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Potsdam is around the same temperature as Cork in the autumn. The daily temperature in Potsdam averages around 10°C (51°F) in October, and Cork fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Potsdam often gets more sunshine than Cork. Potsdam gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cork receives 90 hours of full sun.

Potsdam usually gets less rain in October than Cork. Potsdam gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Cork receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Potsdam or Cork in the Winter?

Both Cork and Potsdam are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Potsdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Cork because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Potsdam can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Potsdam is much colder than Cork. Typically, the winter temperatures in Potsdam in January average around -0°C (31°F), and Cork averages at about 6°C (43°F).

Potsdam usually receives less sunshine than Cork during winter. Potsdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Cork receives 60 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cork. In January, Potsdam usually receives less rain than Cork. Potsdam gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Cork receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Potsdam -0°C (31°F) 
    Cork 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Potsdam or Cork in the Spring?

Both Cork and Potsdam during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Potsdam because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Cork this time of year.

In April, Potsdam is generally around the same temperature as Cork. Daily temperatures in Potsdam average around 9°C (48°F), and Cork fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Potsdam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cork. Potsdam gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cork receives 157 hours of full sun.

Potsdam usually gets less rain in April than Cork. Potsdam gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Cork receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Cork and Potsdam

Potsdam Cork
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (31°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (43°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Feb 1°C (34°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 6°C (43°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Mar 5°C (40°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (48°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 52 mm (2 in) 16°C (60°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Aug 19°C (65°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 10°C (51°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Nov 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (47°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 1°C (34°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 101 mm (4 in)