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

Should you visit Potsdam or Giverny?

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

Potsdam

Potsdam is a park-filled, historic, and accessible city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Giverny

Giverny is a inspiring, picturesque, and peaceful town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the food and museums.

Potsdam and Giverny: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Home and Gardens of Claude Monet
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Potsdam or Giverny?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Giverny than Potsdam, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Giverny is better known for its impressive beauty, while Potsdam is more popular for its food, nightlife, and shopping. Giverny is more touristy than Potsdam and is popular for being the home and inspiration for Claude Monet. Also, Giverny is famous for The Home and Gardens of Claude Monet. Potsdam is well known for its beautiful palaces, scenic town center, and accessibility to Berlin.

How is Potsdam different from Giverny?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Potsdam
Giverny

Plenty of people visit the great sights and museums in both Potsdam and Giverny.

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 Giverny can be an interesting and educational experience. The town is most notable as the home of Claude Monet between 1883 and 1926. Highlights of a visit include visiting Jardin d'Eau (The Water Garden), The Normandy Garden, and Monet's House.


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

Potsdam
Giverny

Potsdam is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Potsdam has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Giverny area. There are cozy cafes and charming restaurants in the town. If you visit as part of a tour, a restaurant stop may be included.

Is Potsdam or Giverny Better for Nightlife?

Potsdam
Giverny

Potsdam is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is the Shopping Better in Potsdam or Giverny?

Potsdam
Giverny

Potsdam is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Potsdam. There are plazas and shopping streets that have the standard chain stores as well as antique shops and other boutiques.

Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Potsdam or Giverny Better for Families?

Potsdam
Giverny

Potsdam is a popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Giverny is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Giverny is not the most family-friendly destination. The gardens are stunning and the house is impressive, but it's best to prepare younger kids with some activities beforehand. Even the most art-minded children will appreciate a hands-on activity that helps bring the experience to life.

Is Potsdam or Giverny Better for Couples?

Potsdam
Giverny

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

Couples visit Giverny frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The setting seeped in romance and the gardens bring art to life. On occasion you may even see a young couple get engaged during their visit.

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 Giverny Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Potsdam
Giverny

Potsdam and Giverny are notable 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 Giverny. Many people, backpackers included, visit the town as a day trip from Paris. It's possible to visit by train and shuttle bus.


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

Potsdam
Giverny

Potsdam is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

Potsdam has some very good public transit options. The city is well connected to Berlin by S-Bahn and bus.

Giverny has a few public transit options. You can reach Giverny by train from Paris. You'll leave from the Gare Saint-Lazare train station in Paris and arrive in the town of Vernon. The trip is about 45 minutes. From there you can take a bus or taxi on to Giverny.

Is Potsdam or Giverny a more walkable city?

Potsdam
Giverny

Potsdam is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Giverny is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its ease of walking around.

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

Giverny is a somewhat walkable city. Many people choose to walk between the town of Vernon and Giverny, both of which are worth visiting. They're separated by about 6 kilometers (3.5 miles).

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

Should I spend more time in Giverny or Potsdam?

How long in Potsdam or Giverny?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Potsdam or Giverny to fill your time. In our opinion, Potsdam has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Potsdam than Giverny. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Potsdam than Giverny 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 Potsdam.


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

One day in Potsdam or Giverny?

In Potsdam, 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.

In Giverny, you'll find food and museums. This town 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 Giverny?

In Potsdam, 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 Potsdam has to offer.

In Giverny, you'll find museums and food. 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 Giverny has to offer.

Five days in Potsdam or Giverny?

Potsdam 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.

Giverny 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 Giverny?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Potsdam. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Potsdam. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Giverny. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Giverny. 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 Coach Bus Tours in France, and The Best Adventure Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Giverny 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 Giverny is €125. 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 Giverny in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Potsdam or Giverny? 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 Giverny


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Potsdam 28
    Giverny 48

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Potsdam or Giverny?

Prices for flights to both Giverny 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
    Giverny 35

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Potsdam 25
    Giverny 26

Tours and Activities in Potsdam

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

  • 2 hours: Private Harbor and Castle Sightseeing Cruise: $364
  • 4 hours Private Romantic River Boat Cruise with Wine: $620
  • 4h Private Havelland Discovery Boat Cruise with Skipper: $620
  • 8h: Private Potsdam Islands Sightseeing Boat Cruise: $1,358
  • AbenteuerPark Adventure Climbing in the Trees: $31
  • Babelsberg Park Walking Tour: $152
  • Beautiful Baroque A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Brandenburg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Christmas Walking Tour of Magical Potsdam: $502
  • Christmas Walking Tour of Magical Potsdam: $257
  • City Sightseeing Potsdam Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $22
  • City and Palaces Tour Potsdam - Stadt- und Schloesserrundfahrt Potsdam: $27

Tours and Activities in Giverny

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Giverny.

  • Bike tour from Vernon to Giverny with local guide: $37
  • Monet’s House and Gardens Skip-the-Line Tour: $59
  • Giverny Monet House and Gardens Skip the line Walking tour: $60
  • Monet's House and Gardens Guided Tour: $62
  • Guided Tour of Monet's Gardens/small group: $63
  • Guided tour Monet's house and gardens/small group: $64
  • Trip from Paris to Monet's house in Giverny Skip the Line: $96
  • Monet's House & Gardens Private Guided Walking Tour: $256
  • Monet's House & Gardens Private Guided Walking Tour: $278
  • Giverny Private Guided Walking Tour: $294

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Potsdam 6.70
    Giverny 6.64


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


Which is Bigger, Potsdam or Giverny?

Potsdam has a larger population, and is about 260 times larger than the population of Giverny. When comparing the sizes of Potsdam and Giverny, 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 Giverny?

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 Giverny in the Summer?

Both Giverny and Potsdam during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Potsdam for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Giverny because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Potsdam is around the same temperature as Giverny in the summer. The daily temperature in Potsdam averages around 19°C (66°F) in July, and Giverny fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Giverny, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Potsdam. In the summer, Potsdam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Giverny. Potsdam gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Giverny receives 241 hours of full sun.

Potsdam usually gets less rain in July than Giverny. Potsdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Potsdam 19°C (66°F) 
    Giverny 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Potsdam or Giverny in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Potsdam and Giverny. The autumn months attract visitors to Potsdam because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Giverny this time of year.

In the autumn, Potsdam is cooler than Giverny. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Potsdam in October average around 10°C (51°F), and Giverny averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Potsdam usually receives less sunshine than Giverny during autumn. Potsdam gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Giverny receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Potsdam usually receives less rain than Giverny. Potsdam gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Potsdam 10°C (51°F) 
    Giverny 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Potsdam or Giverny in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Potsdam as well as Giverny. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Potsdam this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Giverny for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Giverny. It's quite cold in Potsdam in the winter. In January, Potsdam is generally much colder than Giverny. Daily temperatures in Potsdam average around -0°C (31°F), and Giverny fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Potsdam often gets less sunshine than Giverny. Potsdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Giverny receives 62 hours of full sun.

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


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Potsdam -0°C (31°F) 
    Giverny 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Potsdam or Giverny in the Spring?

Both Giverny and Potsdam are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Potsdam for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Giverny in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Potsdam is cooler than Giverny in the spring. The daily temperature in Potsdam averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Giverny fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Potsdam usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Giverny during spring. Potsdam gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Giverny receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Potsdam usually receives less rain than Giverny. Potsdam gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Potsdam 9°C (48°F) 
    Giverny 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Giverny and Potsdam

Potsdam Giverny
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (31°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 1°C (34°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 5°C (40°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 8°C (47°F) 52 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (1.9 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 52 mm (2 in) 20°C (68°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Aug 19°C (65°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 10°C (51°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (47°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 1°C (34°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 5°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)


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