A Travel Price Comparison for Germany Potsdam vs. Dusseldorf for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Potsdam or Dusseldorf?

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

Potsdam

Potsdam is a compact, park-filled, and historic city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dusseldorf

Dusseldorf is a cultural, vibrant, and historic 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 Dusseldorf: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Potsdam or Dusseldorf?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dusseldorf than Potsdam. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Dusseldorf is very popular for its historical sights and big city activities, while Potsdam attracts visitors for its museums, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Potsdam is famous for its beautiful palaces, scenic town center, and accessibility to Berlin. Dusseldorf is famous for its music and art scene, as well as being the fashion capital of Germany. It is also well known for Altstadt (the Old Town).

How is Potsdam different from Dusseldorf?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Potsdam is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Potsdam. People visit this city for its high concentration of historic sights. The Renaissance Orangery Palace is a highlight of the visit for many travelers.

Dusseldorf offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are museums, palaces, and many cultural sights. Make sure you check out Schloss Benrath, the Rheinturm, the North Rhine-Westphalia Art Collection, and Museum Kunstpalast.

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

Both Potsdam and Dusseldorf offer high quality 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.

Dusseldorf has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find a mix of regional specialties and international restaurant options. Traditional dishes include Rheinischer Sauerbraten (Rhine style marinated roast), Haxe (shin), Flönz (blood sausage), and Ähzezupp (pea soup).

Is Potsdam or Dusseldorf Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Potsdam and Dusseldorf.

Potsdam has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Dusseldorf has a few options to choose from. You'll find the highest concentration of bars and pubs in the old town area. Try to find a brewerie where you can try Dusseldorf's famous altbier.

Is Potsdam or Dusseldorf Better for its Old Town?

Dusseldorf 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 Dusseldorf. The old town is popular for its bars and pubs, which serve up the local altbier. The atmosphere is charming and there are restaurants that spill out onto the streets.

Potsdam does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Potsdam or Dusseldorf?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Dusseldorf and Potsdam.

Potsdam offers some nice shopping areas. There are plazas and shopping streets that have the standard chain stores as well as antique shops and other boutiques.

Dusseldorf has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head to the popular shopping street of Königsallee. You'll find luxury brands and boutique shops. The city also has department stores and large shopping malls.

Is Potsdam or Dusseldorf Better for Families?

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

Dusseldorf is a very kid-friendly city. It has many great playgrounds and parks where kids can run around. Animal lovers will appreciate Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum and Grafenberger Wald which has about 100 animals. If the weather's nice you can head to Unterbacher See, which is a lakefront beach. Other kid-friendly activities in town include the Neanderthal Museum and Museum Kunstpalast.

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 Dusseldorf Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Dusseldorf frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There is live theater, spa hotels, historic palaces, and many parks and gardens where couples can enjoy their time together. Popular activities for couples in town include visiting Rheinturm, taking a Rhine River cruise, and exploring Schloss Dyck.

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 Dusseldorf Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Potsdam and Dusseldorf 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 Dusseldorf. There are plenty of hostels and activities around town. There are also affordable restaurants and a nice nightlife scene.

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

Dusseldorf 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.

Dusseldorf has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. All of the public transportation in town is operated by Rheinbahn. There's a city railway, (U-Bahn), suburban trains (S-Bahn), trams, and buses. Dusseldorf is also easily connected to the many other nearby towns and cities including Cologne.

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 Dusseldorf a more walkable city?

Potsdam and Dusseldorf both are high quality when exploring on foot.

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

Dusseldorf is a very walkable destination. It's easy to explore most of the city on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Dusseldorf or Potsdam?

How long in Potsdam or Dusseldorf?

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

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

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

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

One day in Potsdam or Dusseldorf?

With museums and nightlife around the accessible city of Potsdam, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Potsdam, one day is sufficent for most.

In Dusseldorf, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Dusseldorf?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Potsdam, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

In Dusseldorf, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Dusseldorf has to offer.

Five days in Potsdam or Dusseldorf?

Potsdam, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Dusseldorf is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Dusseldorf?

Potsdam is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dusseldorf. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Dusseldorf. 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 Cultural Tours in Germany, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Potsdam or Dusseldorf?

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

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 Dusseldorf in the Summer?

Both Dusseldorf and Potsdam are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Potsdam in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Dusseldorf for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Potsdam is generally around the same temperature as Dusseldorf. Daily temperatures in Potsdam average around 19°C (66°F), and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Potsdam. Potsdam usually receives more sunshine than Dusseldorf during summer. Potsdam gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Dusseldorf receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Potsdam usually receives less rain than Dusseldorf. Potsdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Potsdam or Dusseldorf in the Autumn?

Both Dusseldorf and Potsdam during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Potsdam for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Dusseldorf because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Potsdam is cooler than Dusseldorf in the autumn. The daily temperature in Potsdam averages around 10°C (51°F) in October, and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Potsdam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dusseldorf. Potsdam gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dusseldorf receives 112 hours of full sun.

Potsdam usually gets less rain in October than Dusseldorf. Potsdam gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Potsdam or Dusseldorf in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Potsdam and Dusseldorf. The winter months attract visitors to Potsdam because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Dusseldorf this time of year.

It's quite cold in Dusseldorf in the winter. The weather in Potsdam can be very cold. In the winter, Potsdam is much colder than Dusseldorf. Typically, the winter temperatures in Potsdam in January average around -0°C (31°F), and Dusseldorf averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Potsdam usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dusseldorf during winter. Potsdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Dusseldorf receives 45 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Potsdam usually receives less rain than Dusseldorf. Potsdam gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Potsdam or Dusseldorf in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Potsdam as well as Dusseldorf. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Potsdam this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Dusseldorf for the activities around the city.

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

In the spring, Potsdam often gets more sunshine than Dusseldorf. Potsdam gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dusseldorf receives 155 hours of full sun.

Potsdam usually gets less rain in April than Dusseldorf. Potsdam gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dusseldorf and Potsdam