A Travel Price Comparison for Germany Potsdam vs. Frankfurt for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Potsdam or Frankfurt?

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 Frankfurt 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. Potsdam offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Potsdam travel costs.

Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a dynamic, diverse, and accessible city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Frankfurt travel costs.

Potsdam and Frankfurt: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Potsdam or Frankfurt?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Frankfurt than Potsdam, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Frankfurt is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Potsdam is known for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Potsdam is popular for its beautiful palaces, scenic town center, and accessibility to Berlin. Frankfurt is popular for its financial industry, its popularity as a transportation hub, and its active nightlife. It is also home to The Old Town Center.

The Old Town Center

How is Potsdam different from Frankfurt?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Frankfurt can be an interesting and educational experience. Many sights are concentrated in the old town center. Highlights include the Historical Museum and St. Nicholas Church. Elsewhere, make sure you check out Maintower, the Städel Museum, and the Museum District.

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

Both Potsdam and Frankfurt offer very good 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.

Frankfurt has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. In addition to a number of international restaurants, the city also has a strong regional cuisine. Some of the most interesting local dishes include Frankfurter Sausage, Rindwurst, Grüne Soße (an herb sauce), and Handkäse mit Musik (marinated sour milk cheese). Also make sure you sample the Apfelwein.

Is Potsdam or Frankfurt Better for Nightlife?

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

Frankfurt is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. It's a vibrant city with many trendy clubs, cocktail bars, music venues, and more. You can enjoy techno, hip hop, and almost any style of music. There are also festivals, beer halls, and classic pubs.

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 Frankfurt Better for its Old Town?

Frankfurt is very good for its old town. However, Potsdam does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Frankfurt to see the old town. Many museums and cafes are concentrated in the old town area.

Potsdam does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Potsdam or Frankfurt?

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

Frankfurt is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. It's a financial capital in Europe, and as such there are plenty of high end shopping opportunities. MyZeil is a major shopping mall in the city and Kleinmarkthalle is a more classic market. Popular shopping neighborhoods and streets include Goethestrasse, Sachsenhausen and Berger Strasse.

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 Frankfurt More Beautiful?

Potsdam is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Frankfurt is not a destination known for its beauty.

Potsdam offers plenty of beauty for visitors. There are many beautiful gardens and interesting places to explore.

Frankfurt is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Potsdam or Frankfurt Better for Families?

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

Frankfurt is a very kid-friendly city. In town there's a zoo, a children’s museum, a math and technology museum (EXPERIMINTA), and a number of parks, natural areas, and playgrounds. If you're willing to head out of town then you can visit Taunus Wunderland, which is an amusement park with about 50 rides and attractions.

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 Frankfurt Better for Couples?

Both Potsdam and Frankfurt are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Potsdam makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Frankfurt is a good city for couples to visit. The iconic spot of romance in the city is the Iron Footbridge, which is a traditional spot to attach a "love lock" and take a selfie. The city also offers river cruises, winery tours, and beautiful parks and natural areas.

Is Potsdam or Frankfurt Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Frankfurt is a great city to visit for backpackers. You'll find a number of hostels in town. The city is also a major transportation hub so many backpackers pass through the area at some point on their trip through Germany.

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

Is Potsdam or Frankfurt Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over the world to visit Frankfurt. The city offers prestigious universities and a world class education. The economy offers many internships and job opportunities and you'll find students from around the world studying here. Frankfurt is also well connected to the rest of Europe, so it's easy to explore the region.

Potsdam is not popular with students.

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

Frankfurt 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.

Frankfurt has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. It is a huge transportation hub with a major international airport and a number of international train connections. Locally, the city has a subway, trams, commuter trains and buses.

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 Frankfurt a more walkable city?

Potsdam and Frankfurt both are very good when exploring on foot.

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

Frankfurt is a very walkable destination. It has a compact city center that is generally pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Frankfurt or Potsdam?

How long in Potsdam or Frankfurt?

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

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

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

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

One day in Potsdam or Frankfurt?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Potsdam. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Potsdam has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Because Frankfurt is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Frankfurt?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the park-filled destination of Potsdam. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Because Frankfurt 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Frankfurt has to offer.

Five days in Potsdam or Frankfurt?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the compact city of Potsdam. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Frankfurt 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 Frankfurt?

Potsdam is a popular choice for travelers. 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 will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Frankfurt. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Frankfurt. 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Germany, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany, The Best Music Tours in Germany, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Potsdam or Frankfurt?

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

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 Frankfurt in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Potsdam as well as Frankfurt. 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 Frankfurt this time of year.

In the summer, Potsdam is around the same temperature as Frankfurt. Typically, the summer temperatures in Potsdam in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Frankfurt averages at about 19°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Frankfurt. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Potsdam this time of the year. In the summer, Potsdam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Frankfurt. Potsdam gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Frankfurt receives 225 hours of full sun.

Potsdam usually gets less rain in July than Frankfurt. Potsdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Potsdam or Frankfurt in the Autumn?

Both Frankfurt and Potsdam are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Frankfurt for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Potsdam is generally around the same temperature as Frankfurt. Daily temperatures in Potsdam average around 10°C (51°F), and Frankfurt fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Potsdam usually receives more sunshine than Frankfurt during autumn. Potsdam gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Frankfurt receives 103 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Potsdam usually receives less rain than Frankfurt. Potsdam gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Potsdam or Frankfurt in the Winter?

Both Frankfurt and Potsdam during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Potsdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Frankfurt in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Frankfurt can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Potsdam. Potsdam is much colder than Frankfurt in the winter. The daily temperature in Potsdam averages around -0°C (31°F) in January, and Frankfurt fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

In the winter, Potsdam often gets more sunshine than Frankfurt. Potsdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Frankfurt receives 41 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Potsdam or Frankfurt in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Potsdam and Frankfurt. Many visitors come to Potsdam in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Frankfurt for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Potsdam is around the same temperature as Frankfurt. Typically, the spring temperatures in Potsdam in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Frankfurt averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Potsdam usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Frankfurt during spring. Potsdam gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Frankfurt receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Potsdam usually receives less rain than Frankfurt. Potsdam gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Frankfurt receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Frankfurt and Potsdam