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

Should you visit Potsdam or Lindau?

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 Lindau 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 beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Lindau

Lindau is a picturesque, fun-filled, and scenic town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food.

Potsdam and Lindau: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Potsdam or Lindau?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Potsdam than Lindau, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Potsdam is better known for its museums, nightlife, and shopping, while Lindau is more popular for its historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Lindau is more touristy than Potsdam and is known for its lakefront location and quaint old town. Potsdam is well known for its beautiful palaces, scenic town center, and accessibility to Berlin. Also, Potsdam is famous for The Sanssouci Palace.

How is Potsdam different from Lindau?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Potsdam is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Lindau is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

While most people don't head to Lindau specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The town is more about it's beautiful setting than landmarks and museums, but there are some interesting sights including the harbor and lighthouse.

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

Both Potsdam and Lindau offer superb 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.

Lindau has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Head to the waterfront for the best seafood restaurants. Many restaurants use seasonal ingredients and serve local fish. The local whitefish is particularly popular. Dishes are influenced by the town's proximity to Switzerland and Austria, so you'll enjoy a hybrid of flavors and recipes.

Is Potsdam or Lindau Better for Nightlife?

Potsdam is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Lindau is a town with minimal options for its evening party scene.

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.

Lindau doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's not known for its nightlife scene but there are bars where you can enjoy a relaxing night out.

Is Potsdam or Lindau Better for its Old Town?

Lindau 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 Lindau. The old town is located on Lindau island in Lake Constance. It has quaint buildings and many waterfront restaurants.

Potsdam does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Potsdam or Lindau?

Potsdam is a city with good options for its shopping opportunities. However, Lindau is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Lindau is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Potsdam or Lindau Better for Families?

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

Lindau is a very kid-friendly town. Head to the waterfront where there's a playground, stand up paddleboarding, paddleboats, and more. Kids will also enjoy climbing to the top of the Old Lighthouse or exploring the Museum of Local History.

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 Lindau Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Lindau frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With its charming old town, beautiful waterfront, great seafood restaurants, and nice hotels, couples will really enjoy a few days away at this lakefront town. It's the perfect place to have a romantic weekend.

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 Lindau Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Potsdam and Lindau 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 Lindau. The town has a couple of hostels and affordable hotels that make this waterfront town accessible to backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Potsdam is a great destination for its public transit. However, Lindau is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Lindau. It's possible to reach town by bus or train and once you're in town you can walk many places.

Is Potsdam or Lindau a more walkable city?

Potsdam and Lindau both are superb when exploring on foot.

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

Lindau is a very walkable destination. The town is very walkable and there are also many walks into the countryside.

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

Should I spend more time in Lindau or Potsdam?

How long in Potsdam or Lindau?

It's fun to spend time in either Potsdam or Lindau. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Lindau due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Potsdam, and 2-4 days is enough time in Lindau.

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

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

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

One day in Potsdam or Lindau?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Potsdam. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Lindau is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town 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 Lindau?

Potsdam is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Lindau might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Lindau has to offer.

Five days in Potsdam or Lindau?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Potsdam. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Lindau 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 Lindau?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the compact destination of Potsdam. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lindau. Since Lindau is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 Lindau, we can see that Lindau 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 Lindau would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lindau 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 Lindau Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Potsdam or Lindau?

Potsdam has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Lindau. When comparing the sizes of Potsdam and Lindau, 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.