A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Potsdam vs. Gdansk for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Potsdam or Gdansk?

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

Where Should I go: Potsdam or Gdansk?

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!

Gdansk

Gdansk is the capital and largest city of the Pomeranian Voivodeship in northern Poland. The port dates back a thousand years and was an influential city in the Hanseatic League during the Middle Ages. The city was essentially destroyed during World War II but has rebuilt into one of Europe's most beautiful port cities. The city now has a population of around 460,000 and is a popular tourist destination for visitors from around the globe. It is known for its impressive city center, its great museums, and its beaches that line the coast of the Gulf of Gdansk. In particular, it is a popular summer destination.

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 in Poland, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Poland.


Which place is cheaper, Gdansk 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 Gdansk is €51. 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 Gdansk in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Potsdam 60
    Gdansk 25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Potsdam 120
    Gdansk 50
Compare Hotels in Potsdam and Gdansk

Looking for a hotel in Potsdam or Gdansk? 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 Gdansk


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 Gdansk Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Potsdam 28
    Gdansk 7.99

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Potsdam

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Potsdam:

  • Berlin Airport Departure Transfer from Potsdam Hotels: $174
  • Departure Airport Transfer from Potsdam Hotels to Berlin BER Airport: $174
  • Private Transfer from Potsdam to Berlin Tegel Airport: $160

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gdansk

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Gdansk:

  • Alle Taxi - Airport Transfer Gdansk: $36
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Gdansk Airport GDN to Gdansk City by Luxury Car: $56
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Gdansk Airport GDN to Gdansk City by Minivan: $39
  • Bubble Football with Hotel Transfers: $60
  • Departure Private Transfer: Gdansk City to Gdansk Airport GDN by Minivan: $39
  • From Gdansk, Sopot, Gdynia: Private Transfers to Olivia Sta: $36
  • From Gdansk, Sopot, Gdynia: Private Transfers to Olivia Star: $58
  • From Stutthof Concentration Camp Tour with Transfer: $192
  • Gdansk Airport (GDN) Private Transfer to City Center Gdansk: $44
  • Gdansk Airport - Gdynia City Private Transfer: $56
  • Gdansk Airport - Sopot Private Transfer: $53
  • Gdansk Airport One-Way Transfer: $47

Is it cheaper to fly into Potsdam or Gdansk?

Prices for flights to both Gdansk 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
    Gdansk 19

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Gdansk

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

  • Delicious Gdańsk Food Tour in Poland: $94
  • 4-hour Polish Food Tour: $109
  • Private Food-Pairing Dinner Experience: $121
  • Gdansk foodpairing dinner: $124
  • Gdansk Traditional Food Tour with Old Town Sightseeing: $156
  • Gdansk Food Tour Experience: $168
  • Gdańsk: World-Class Fine Dining Dinner on the Top Floor: $208

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Potsdam 25
    Gdansk 7.62

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 Gdansk

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

  • Gdańsk: City Exploration Game and Tour: $5.35
  • Gdańsk: Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.35
  • Discover Gdansk! - €5 Walking Tour: $5.46
  • Old Town Highlights Self-guided Tour: $6.31
  • Gdańsk: First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $6.42
  • Gdansk Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
  • Individual Sightseeing Tour with Audio Guide: $7.43
  • Gdańsk: Sightseeing Cruise around the Old Town of Gdansk: $14
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $14
  • Gorgeous Gdansk Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Gdańsk : Catamaran River Cruise (group): $17
  • Gdańsk: Motlawa River Yacht Cruise: $17

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Potsdam 6.70
    Gdansk 4.44

Sample the Local Flavors in Gdansk

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gdansk:

  • Gdansk Pub Crawl with Free Drinks: $22
  • Pub Crawl with Free Drinks: $25
  • Pub Crawl with Complimentary Drinks: $30


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

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


Which is Bigger, Potsdam or Gdansk?

Gdansk has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Potsdam. When comparing the sizes of Potsdam and Gdansk, 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 Gdansk?

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 Gdansk in the Summer?

Both Gdansk and Potsdam are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Potsdam this time of year.

In the summer, Potsdam is a little warmer than Gdansk. Typically, the summer temperatures in Potsdam in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Gdansk averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Gdansk. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Potsdam. Potsdam usually receives more sunshine than Gdansk during summer. Potsdam gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Gdansk receives 204 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Potsdam usually receives less rain than Gdansk. Potsdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Gdansk receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Potsdam 19°C (66°F) 
    Gdansk 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Potsdam or Gdansk in the Autumn?

Both Gdansk and Potsdam during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Potsdam for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Potsdam is generally a little warmer than Gdansk. Daily temperatures in Potsdam average around 10°C (51°F), and Gdansk fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the autumn, Potsdam often gets more sunshine than Gdansk. Potsdam gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gdansk receives 97 hours of full sun.

Potsdam usually gets less rain in October than Gdansk. Potsdam gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Gdansk receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Potsdam 10°C (51°F) 
    Gdansk 8°C (46°F)

Should I visit Potsdam or Gdansk in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Potsdam and Gdansk. Many visitors come to Potsdam in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Gdansk can be very cold during winter. Potsdam can get quite cold in the winter. Potsdam is much warmer than Gdansk in the winter. The daily temperature in Potsdam averages around -0°C (31°F) in January, and Gdansk fluctuates around -2°C (28°F).

Potsdam usually receives more sunshine than Gdansk during winter. Potsdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Gdansk receives 33 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Potsdam usually receives more rain than Gdansk. Potsdam gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Gdansk receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Potsdam -0°C (31°F) 
    Gdansk -2°C (28°F)

Should I visit Potsdam or Gdansk in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Potsdam as well as Gdansk. Most visitors come to Potsdam for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Potsdam is a little warmer than Gdansk. Typically, the spring temperatures in Potsdam in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Gdansk averages at about 6°C (43°F).

In the spring, Potsdam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Gdansk. Potsdam gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gdansk receives 162 hours of full sun.

Potsdam usually gets more rain in April than Gdansk. Potsdam gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Gdansk receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Potsdam 9°C (48°F) 
    Gdansk 6°C (43°F)

Typical Weather for Gdansk and Potsdam

Potsdam Gdansk
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (31°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) -2°C (28°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Feb 1°C (34°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) -2°C (28°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Mar 5°C (40°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 1°C (34°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (43°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 52 mm (2 in) 17°C (63°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 19°C (65°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 10°C (51°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 2°C (36°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 1°C (34°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) -2°C (28°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)