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

Should you visit Potsdam or Montpellier?

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 Montpellier 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.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a beautiful, friendly, and historic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Potsdam and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Potsdam or Montpellier?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Montpellier than Potsdam, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Montpellier is more popular for its beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Potsdam is known for its food and small town charm. Potsdam is popular for its beautiful palaces, scenic town center, and accessibility to Berlin. Montpellier is popular for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality. It is also home to The Place de la Comédie.

How is Potsdam different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Potsdam
Montpellier

Plenty of people visit the high quality sights and museums in both Potsdam and Montpellier.

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 Montpellier can be an interesting and educational experience. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.


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

Potsdam
Montpellier

Potsdam is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Montpellier 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 Montpellier. The dishes are made with fresh ingredients produced in the agricultural areas just outside of town. The area is known for its seafood and fish stews.

Is Potsdam or Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

Potsdam
Montpellier

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Potsdam and Montpellier.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Montpellier has a few options to choose from. The weather is mild, making for a nice evening out. The population is also young, so you can expect a lot of activity during the evenings, particularly in the area around Place Jean Jaurés. Make sure you enjoy local wine and champagne while you're in town.

Is Potsdam or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

Potsdam
Montpellier

Montpellier is well known for the beache. However, Potsdam is not a beach destination.

Montpellier is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The coastline near Montpellier feels pristine and beautiful. You can also visit Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone to the southwest of town, which is a protected area.

Potsdam is not a beach destination.


Is Potsdam or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

Potsdam
Montpellier

Montpellier is very popular for its old town. However, Potsdam does not have a historic old town.

Montpellier has a world-famous historical area. Known as L'Écusson the town's old town dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a pedestrian area that is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and churches.

Potsdam does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Potsdam or Montpellier?

Potsdam
Montpellier

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

Montpellier is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

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 Montpellier Better for Families?

Potsdam
Montpellier

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Potsdam or Montpellier.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Potsdam. 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.

Montpellier offers lots of family activities. Popular activities for kids include taking a ride on the carousel in the Comedie, visiting the playground - Jardin Champs de Mars, and visiting the botanical garden - Jardin des Plantes.


Is Potsdam or Montpellier Better for Couples?

Potsdam
Montpellier

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

Couples visit Montpellier frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.

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 Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Potsdam
Montpellier

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

Montpellier is a great city to visit for backpackers. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

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

Is Potsdam or Montpellier Better for Students?

Potsdam
Montpellier

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

Students come from all over the world to visit Montpellier. Montpellier is a popular university town that is home to many trendy university students. It's also where you'll find the youngest population of any city in France.

Potsdam is not popular with students.


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

Potsdam
Montpellier

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

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

The public transit in Montpellier can get you to most places easily. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

Is Potsdam or Montpellier a more walkable city?

Potsdam
Montpellier

Potsdam and Montpellier both are high quality when exploring on foot.

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

Montpellier is a very walkable destination. Many of the sights and attractions are easily accessible on foot and can be enjoyed as part of a self-guided walking tour.

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

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Potsdam?

How long in Potsdam or Montpellier?

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

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

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

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


  • How many days in Potsdam or Montpellier? Ideal Length of Stay
    Potsdam 1-2 
    Montpellier 1-3

One day in Potsdam or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic city of Potsdam. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Montpellier, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the compact destination of Potsdam. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Montpellier, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Montpellier has to offer.

Five days in Potsdam or Montpellier?

The accessible city of Potsdam offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Montpellier is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Montpellier?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Potsdam. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Montpellier. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Montpellier. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Montpellier 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 Montpellier is €118. 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 Montpellier in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Potsdam 60
    Montpellier 69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Potsdam 120
    Montpellier 138
Compare Hotels in Potsdam and Montpellier

Looking for a hotel in Potsdam or Montpellier? 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 Montpellier


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 Montpellier Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Potsdam 28
    Montpellier 26

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 Montpellier

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montpellier:

  • Montpellier Private Transfer from Montpellier city centre to Montpellier Airport: $74
  • Montpellier–Méditerranée Airport Transfer: $64
  • Private Transfer from Sète Cruise Port to Marseille city hotels: $131
  • Transfer Montpellier Airport and Beziers Airport: $49
  • Transfer from Sète Port to Marseille Provence Airport MRS: $131

Is it cheaper to fly into Potsdam or Montpellier?

Prices for flights to both Montpellier 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
    Montpellier 31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montpellier

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

  • Guided Food Tour With Local Snacks and Wine: $91
  • Montpellier Food Tour: $93
  • From Pic Saint-Loup Wine and Food Tour: $102
  • Cooking workshop: $106
  • Private cooking class with specialized chefs Montpellier: $108
  • Fusion Food Cooking Class: $428

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Potsdam 25
    Montpellier 12

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 Montpellier

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

  • Legendary Montpellier, flexible legends and storytelling tour: $16
  • CityTour and Photo Portraits Souvenirs in Montpellier: $38
  • Half-Day Hiking Tour of Pic Saint Loup & Picnic: $64
  • From Wine and Olive Tour: $75
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Wine and Olive Tour from Montpellier: $80
  • From Half-Day Vineyard & Pic Saint-Loup Tour: $80
  • Montpellier Wine and Oyster Tour: $86
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Wine and Oyster Tour from Montpellier: $95
  • Winetour & food experience in Pic St Loup: $107
  • Saint-Guilhem village and cave day tour : $142
  • Photoshoot Experience: $159
  • Private 2-hour Walking Tour of the Historical Center of Montpellier: $161

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Potsdam 6.70
    Montpellier 15

Sample the Local Flavors in Montpellier

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

  • The Châteaux of Grès de Montpellier & Wine Tasting: $80
  • Small-Group Half-Day Châteaux of Montpellier Wine Tour: $84
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Pic Saint-Loup Wine Tour from Montpellier: $84
  • Wine tour in Pic Saint-Loup area: $142
  • Half-Day Wine Tour with Lunch: $155
  • Montpellier : half day wine tour in Camargue: $159
  • Private Half-Day Languedoc Wine Tour from Sète: $240
  • Sète: Private Half–Day Wine Tour: $353


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


Which is Bigger, Potsdam or Montpellier?

Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 71% larger than the population of Potsdam. When comparing the sizes of Potsdam and Montpellier, 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 Montpellier?

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 Montpellier in the Summer?

Both Montpellier and Potsdam are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Potsdam in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Montpellier for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Potsdam is cooler than Montpellier. Typically, the summer temperatures in Potsdam in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Montpellier averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Montpellier. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Potsdam. Potsdam usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during summer. Potsdam gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 351 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Potsdam usually receives more rain than Montpellier. Potsdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Potsdam 19°C (66°F) 
    Montpellier 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Potsdam or Montpellier in the Autumn?

Both Montpellier and Potsdam during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Potsdam for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Potsdam is generally cooler than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Potsdam average around 10°C (51°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Potsdam often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Potsdam gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 187 hours of full sun.

Montpellier gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Potsdam usually gets less rain in October than Montpellier. Potsdam gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Potsdam 10°C (51°F) 
    Montpellier 15°C (60°F)

Should I visit Potsdam or Montpellier in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Potsdam and Montpellier. The winter months attract visitors to Potsdam because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year.

The weather in Potsdam can be very cold. Potsdam is much colder than Montpellier in the winter. The daily temperature in Potsdam averages around -0°C (31°F) in January, and Montpellier fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Potsdam usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during winter. Potsdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 147 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Potsdam usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Potsdam gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Potsdam -0°C (31°F) 
    Montpellier 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Potsdam or Montpellier in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Potsdam as well as Montpellier. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Potsdam this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Montpellier for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Potsdam is cooler than Montpellier. Typically, the spring temperatures in Potsdam in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Montpellier averages at about 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. In the spring, Potsdam often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Potsdam gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 230 hours of full sun.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Potsdam 9°C (48°F) 
    Montpellier 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Montpellier and Potsdam

Potsdam Montpellier
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (31°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 7°C (44°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 1°C (34°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 5°C (40°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 20°C (68°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 52 mm (2 in) 23°C (73°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Aug 19°C (65°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 19°C (67°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 10°C (51°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 15°C (60°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (51°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 1°C (34°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)