Which place is cheaper, Dresden or Potsdam?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
A Travel Price Comparison for Germany Potsdam vs. Dresden for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons
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Should you visit Potsdam or Dresden?
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 Dresden can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Potsdam or Dresden?
Potsdam
Before you lays a treasure chest of historic beauties. From the glimmering Renaissance Orangery Palace that overlooks its sumptuous fountains to the neoclassical Charlottenhof Castle that is surrounded by lush England gardens, you find yourself in none other than Potsdam, Germany. The capital and largest city of the German federal state of Brandenburg, Potsdam borders the German capital Berlin and is located right on the bay of the River Havel. A home for Prussian kings until 1918 and a brainchild of the Enlightenment, Potsdam was constructed thoughtfully and carefully by its architects to create what many to believe as "a picturesque, pastoral dream" and a "balance between both nature and reason." From interconnected lakes to historic landmarks, Potsdam is a city that is bursting with life all year around. With its rich history, it was no wonder various parts of the city were named a World Heritage Site. With its landscape and cityscape rivaling in beauty, Potsdam is simply a breathtaking city that must be explored!
Dresden
As towering baroque architecture and verdant woodlands surround your vision, this cityscape works almost as a time capsule of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, untouched by the burdens of modernity. With a melange of cultures and histories, Dresden, Germany stands before you. The capital of the eastern German state of Saxony, Dresden is globally known for its celebrated art museums and classic architecture of its reconstructed Old Town. From the baroque church Frauenkirche to the Versailles-inspired Zwinger palace, the aesthetic value of this Germany city is simply immeasurable. Located on the gorgeous Elbe River, Dresden receives about ten million tourists a year, most of them from Germany. Nevertheless, despite the traditional German culture its most historic buildings exude, Dresden is still touched by the present-day generation with its abundance of restaurants, clubs, shops, and theaters. Whether you wish to gaze at the Raphael's "Sistine Madonna" or simply go for a quick shopping run, Dresden obliges its guests most satisfactorily.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPotsdam €111Dresden €135
The average daily cost (per person) in Potsdam is €111, while the average daily cost in Dresden is €135. 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 Dresden in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPotsdam €60Dresden €61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPotsdam €120Dresden €122
Compare Hotels in Potsdam and Dresden
Looking for a hotel in Potsdam or Dresden? 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.
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 Dresden Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Potsdam €28Dresden €11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Potsdam
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Potsdam:
- Berlin Airport Departure Transfer from Potsdam Hotels: $198
- Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Potsdam Private Transfer: $172
- Departure Airport Transfer from Potsdam Hotels to Berlin BER Airport: $198
- Low Cost Private Transfer From Berlin-Schönefeld International Airport to Potsdam City - One Way: $108
- Private Business Transfer from Hotel in Potsdam to Schönefeld Airport (SXF): $70
- Private Transfer from Potsdam to Berlin Tegel Airport: $182
- Round Trip Berlin Schönefeld Airport (SXF) Transfer to Potsdam City Center: $146
- Round Trip Berlin Tegel Airport (TXL) Transfer to Potsdam City Center: $114
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dresden
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dresden:
- 1-way Dresden to Prague - private transfer - Mercedes Benz - up to 8 passengers: $243
- Arrival Private Transfer Dresden Airport DRS to Dresden by Luxury Vehicle: $52
- Departure Private Transfer Dresden to Dresden Airport DRS by Luxury Vehicle: $52
- Private Airport Transfer: Dresden International Airport (DRS) to Dresden: $30
- Private Airport Transfer: from Dresden to Dresden International Airport (DRS): $30
- Private Transfer from Dresden City to Leipzig City: $156
- Private Transfer from Dresden to Prague: $199
- Private Transfer from Dresden to Prague with 2 Sightseeing stops: $157
- Private Transfer from Dresden to Prague, Hotel-to-hotel, English-speaking driver: $132
- Private transfer from Dresden to Prague: $409
- Private transfer: Dresden Airport (DRS) to Dresden: $73
- Private transfer: Dresden to Dresden Airport (DRS): $73
Is it cheaper to fly into Potsdam or Dresden?
Prices for flights to both Dresden 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
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Food Meals for one dayPotsdam €31Dresden €31
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Potsdam €25Dresden €9.56
Tours and Activities in Potsdam
Here are a few actual costs in Potsdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Villa Schöningen Entrance Ticket: $10
- City Sightseeing Potsdam Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $25
- City and Palaces Tour Potsdam - Stadt- und Schloesserrundfahrt Potsdam: $26
- Berlin: Red Sightseeing Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus with Boat Option: $27
- Berlin: Private Tour with Locals – Highlights & Hidden Gems: $69
- Berlin: Sightseeing Tour in a Mini Hotrod: $87
- Private Tour: Discover the Amazing History of Babelsberg Park: $123
- Private Potsdam Tour - In the Forbidden City: $173
- Potsdam Private Walking Tour: $184
- Private Soviet History Walking Tour: $202
- Private Half-Day Walking Tour of Potsdam and Sanssouci: $210
- Private Walking Tour of Soviet Potsdam through Red Potsdam: $229
Tours and Activities in Dresden
Here are a few actual costs in Dresden for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Dresden's 'Balcony of Europe': An audio tour along the River Elbe: $5.00
- Classical Dresden Walking Tour with German-Speaking Guide: $13
- Dresden Old Town Walking Tour with a German-Speaking Guide: $13
- Zwinger Guided Tour: $14
- Tickets Dresden Transport Museum: $14
- The Original Night Watchman Tour in Lantern Light: $14
- Panometer Dresden Entrance Ticket: $15
- Semperoper Tickets and 45-Minute Guided Tour: $15
- 1719 Baroque Era Virtual-Reality Experience: $15
- Dresden Walking Tour of the Historic Old Town with English Speaking Guide: $15
- Discover the City Sights Walking Tour: $16
- Theatrical Poison, Ghosts, and Demons Tour: $17
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPotsdam €6.70Dresden €16
Sample the Local Flavors in Dresden
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Dresden:
- Dresden on Food! Without wine tasting.: $50
- Dresden on Food! With wine tasting. Small group tour: $62
- Boat Cruise, Wine Tasting and Lunch Platter: $96
- Adventure day boat trip, wine tasting & wine tasting: $101
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Potsdam and Dresden, we can see that Dresden 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 Dresden would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dresden than you might in Potsdam.
When is the best time to visit Potsdam or Dresden?
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 Dresden in the Summer?
Both Dresden and Potsdam are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
In the summer, Potsdam is around the same temperature as Dresden. Typically, the summer temperatures in Potsdam in July are around 19°C (66°F), and Dresden is about 20°C (68°F).
In July, Potsdam usually receives less rain than Dresden. Potsdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyPotsdam 19°C (66°F)Dresden 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Potsdam or Dresden in the Autumn?
Both Dresden and Potsdam during the autumn are popular places to visit.
In October, Potsdam is generally around the same temperature as Dresden. Temperatures in Potsdam average around 10°C (51°F), and Dresden stays around 11°C (51°F).
Potsdam usually gets less rain in October than Dresden. Potsdam gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberPotsdam 10°C (51°F)Dresden 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Potsdam or Dresden in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Potsdam and Dresden.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Dresden. It's quite cold in Potsdam in the winter. Potsdam is much colder than Dresden in the winter. The temperature in Potsdam is usually -0°C (31°F) in January, and Dresden stays around 1°C (33°F).
In January, Potsdam usually receives more rain than Dresden. Potsdam gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryPotsdam -0°C (31°F)Dresden 1°C (33°F)
Should I visit Potsdam or Dresden in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Potsdam as well as Dresden.
In the spring, Potsdam is cooler than Dresden. Typically, the spring temperatures in Potsdam in April are around 9°C (48°F), and Dresden is about 10°C (50°F).
Potsdam usually gets less rain in April than Dresden. Potsdam gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Dresden receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilPotsdam 9°C (48°F)Dresden 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Dresden and Potsdam
| Potsdam | Dresden | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -0°C (31°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (34°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 5°C (40°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 9°C (48°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 14°C (57°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 17°C (63°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 19°C (66°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 19°C (65°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 15°C (59°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Oct | 10°C (51°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 5°C (41°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | 1°C (34°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
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