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

Should you visit Potsdam or Hamburg?

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 Hamburg 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 offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hamburg

Hamburg is a vibrant, historic, and energetic port city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Potsdam and Hamburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Potsdam or Hamburg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hamburg than Potsdam, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Hamburg is more popular for its nightlife, music, and shopping, while Potsdam is known for its food and small town charm. Hamburg is more touristy than Potsdam and is known for its music clubs, beautiful architecture, relaxing natural areas, and green space. It is also home to St. Michael's Church. Potsdam is popular for its beautiful palaces, scenic town center, and accessibility to Berlin.

How is Potsdam different from Hamburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Hamburg can be an interesting and educational experience. The city's most famous district is the port area, which has a number of cultural sights and a pedestrian trail. There are also many museums and architectural landmarks around town.

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

Potsdam is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Potsdam is an experience not to be missed. 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 plenty of up and coming restaurants around Hamburg. The city has a mix of cosmopolitan restaurants and traditional places where you can enjoy a classic German dish like currywurst or labskaus (a type of stew).

Is Potsdam or Hamburg Better for Nightlife?

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

Hamburg is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city is often overlooked, but it's nightlife scene is actually among the best. There are techno concerts, music festivals, and nightclubs that appeal to all personalities.

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 Hamburg Better for Music?

Hamburg is very popular for its live music scene. However, Potsdam is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Hamburg The city is an influential power in the music scene around Europe. You'll find many clubs concentrated in the St. Pauli district.

Potsdam is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Potsdam or Hamburg?

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

Hamburg is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The diversity of shopping venues includes flea markets and luxury shopping malls. One of the main shopping streets in town is the Mönkebergstrasse.

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 Hamburg Better for Families?

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

Hamburg is a very kid-friendly port city. The city has a surprising number of opportunities to see wildlife nearby including a zoo and a wildlife park just outside of town. The city also has great playgrounds that are fun for kids who need a break from sightseeing.

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 Hamburg Better for Couples?

Both Potsdam and Hamburg 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.

Hamburg is a good city for couples to visit. Romantic activities in town include taking a boat ride or harbor cruise or grabbing a cocktail at one of the city's many bars.

Is Potsdam or Hamburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Potsdam and Hamburg are good 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 Hamburg. Many backpackers overlook the city, but there are a number of good hostels and a relaxing vibe that makes for a nice visit.

Is Potsdam or Hamburg Better for Students?

Hamburg is very good for students. However, Potsdam is not popular with students.

Hamburg is popular with students. The city has a few great universities and a number of opportunities for international students.

Potsdam is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Potsdam and Hamburg.

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

The public transit in Hamburg can get you to most places easily. There are trains and buses that make their way around town.

Is Potsdam or Hamburg a more walkable city?

Potsdam and Hamburg 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.

Hamburg is a very walkable destination. Most tourist areas can easily be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Hamburg or Potsdam?

How long in Potsdam or Hamburg?

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

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

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

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

One day in Potsdam or Hamburg?

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 Hamburg, you'll find shopping and museums. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. This port 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 Hamburg?

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 Hamburg, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hamburg has to offer.

Five days in Potsdam or Hamburg?

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.

Hamburg 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 Hamburg?

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 Hamburg. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Hamburg. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. 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 comparing the travel costs between Potsdam and Hamburg, we can see that Hamburg 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 Hamburg Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Potsdam or Hamburg?

Hamburg has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Potsdam. When comparing the sizes of Potsdam and Hamburg, 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 Hamburg?

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 Hamburg in the Summer?

Both Hamburg and Potsdam are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Potsdam because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hamburg this time of year.

In the summer, Potsdam is a little warmer than Hamburg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Potsdam in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Hamburg averages at about 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Hamburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Potsdam. Potsdam usually receives more sunshine than Hamburg during summer. Potsdam gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 207 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Potsdam usually receives less rain than Hamburg. Potsdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Potsdam or Hamburg in the Autumn?

Both Hamburg and Potsdam during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 Hamburg for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Potsdam is generally around the same temperature as Hamburg. Daily temperatures in Potsdam average around 10°C (51°F), and Hamburg fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the autumn, Potsdam often gets more sunshine than Hamburg. Potsdam gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 101 hours of full sun.

Potsdam usually gets less rain in October than Hamburg. Potsdam gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Potsdam or Hamburg in the Winter?

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

Hamburg can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Potsdam. Potsdam is much colder than Hamburg in the winter. The daily temperature in Potsdam averages around -0°C (31°F) in January, and Hamburg fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).

Potsdam usually receives more sunshine than Hamburg during winter. Potsdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 42 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Potsdam usually receives less rain than Hamburg. Potsdam gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Potsdam or Hamburg in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Potsdam as well as Hamburg. Many visitors come to Potsdam in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Hamburg for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Potsdam is a little warmer than Hamburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Potsdam in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Hamburg averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Potsdam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hamburg. Potsdam gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 161 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Hamburg and Potsdam