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

Should you visit Potsdam or Nantes?

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

Potsdam

Potsdam is a accessible, compact, and park-filled city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Nantes

Nantes is a welcoming, friendly, and historical 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 Nantes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Potsdam or Nantes?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nantes than Potsdam, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Nantes is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Potsdam is known for its small town charm. Potsdam is popular for its beautiful palaces, scenic town center, and accessibility to Berlin. Nantes is popular for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens. It is also home to The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany.

How is Potsdam different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Potsdam and Nantes.

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 Nantes can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with historical monuments, particularly in the Bouffay District. Highlights include Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, Château des Ducs de Bretagne, and the Musée d'Arts de Nantes.

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

Nantes is very popular for its restaurant scene. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Nantes has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The region lends itself to unique flavors with a great mix of seafood from the Atlantic, freshwater fish from the Loire, and dairy from the surrounding countryside. The region is also famous for its wine. Local dishes that you should try include Filet de Sandre au Beurre Blanc (fresh fish in butter sauce), Crepes Bretonnes (breakfast crepes), and Le Canard Nantais (duck with Muscadet wine).

Potsdam has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Is Potsdam or Nantes Better for Nightlife?

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

Nantes is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The large student population heavily influences the nightlife scene. You'll find a young vibe with a lot of bars and clubs to choose from, particularly around Île de Nantes.

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 Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Nantes is very good for its old town. However, Potsdam does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Nantes to see the old town. The city's old town is in the Bouffay District and it is filled with half-timbered houses and a maze of streets and shops.

Potsdam does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Potsdam or Nantes?

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

Nantes is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are impressive shopping streets, boutique stores, and grand shopping malls. Make sure you check out Rue Crébillon, Passage Pommeraye, and the shops around the Bouffay District. Talensac Market is also a historical covered market that you can explore.

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 Nantes Better for Families?

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

Nantes is a very kid-friendly city. It's filled with gardens, museums, and theme parks, making it a great combination of fascinating activities for adults and kids alike. Some of the top kid-friendly activities include a visit to Machine of the Isle of Nantes (both a theme park and a museum), seeing a show at Le Lieu Unique, or experiencing Naudières Park (a smaller theme park). Kids will also enjoy seeing Goulaine Castle or wandering around Jardin Extraordinaire or the Botanical Gardens.

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 Nantes Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Nantes frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There is a mix of both natural and historical beauty. Couples can enjoy a nice meal, stroll through one of the many parks and gardens, or even spend the day at the spa.

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 Nantes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Potsdam is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantes is lacking in good options for backpackers.

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

Nantes is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't as many hostels as you would expect in the area, so finding an affordable and social place to stay may be a bit challenging.

Is Potsdam or Nantes Better for Students?

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

Nantes is popular with students. There's a decent sized student population and the city has a welcoming atmosphere. It's also easy to get around with public transportation.

Potsdam is not popular with students.

Is Potsdam or Nantes 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 Nantes.

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

The public transit in Nantes can get you to most places easily. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

Is Potsdam or Nantes a more walkable city?

Potsdam and Nantes both are excellent when exploring on foot.

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

Nantes is a very walkable destination. The city is very walkable. Both locals and tourists alike choose to walk in Nantes.

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

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Potsdam?

How long in Potsdam or Nantes?

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

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

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

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

One day in Potsdam or Nantes?

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

In Nantes, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city 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 Nantes?

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.

In Nantes, you'll find food and shopping. 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 food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nantes has to offer.

Five days in Potsdam or Nantes?

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.

Nantes 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 Nantes?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the park-filled 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 Nantes. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nantes. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Potsdam or Nantes?

Nantes has a larger population, and is about 91% larger than the population of Potsdam. When comparing the sizes of Potsdam and Nantes, 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 Nantes?

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 Nantes in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Potsdam as well as Nantes. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Potsdam this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Nantes for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Potsdam is around the same temperature as Nantes. Typically, the summer temperatures in Potsdam in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Nantes averages at about 19°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nantes. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Potsdam this time of the year. In the summer, Potsdam often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Potsdam gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun.

Potsdam usually gets more rain in July than Nantes. Potsdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Potsdam or Nantes in the Autumn?

Both Nantes and Potsdam are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Potsdam for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Nantes in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Potsdam is generally cooler than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Potsdam average around 10°C (51°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Potsdam usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during autumn. Potsdam gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Potsdam usually receives less rain than Nantes. Potsdam gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Potsdam or Nantes in the Winter?

Both Nantes and Potsdam during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Potsdam in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Nantes for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Potsdam can get quite cold in the winter. Potsdam is much colder than Nantes in the winter. The daily temperature in Potsdam averages around -0°C (31°F) in January, and Nantes fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Potsdam often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Potsdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 72 hours of full sun.

Potsdam usually gets less rain in January than Nantes. Potsdam gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Potsdam or Nantes in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Potsdam and Nantes. Most visitors come to Potsdam for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Nantes because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Potsdam is cooler than Nantes. Typically, the spring temperatures in Potsdam in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Nantes averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Potsdam usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during spring. Potsdam gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Potsdam usually receives less rain than Nantes. Potsdam gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nantes and Potsdam