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

Should you visit Potsdam or Paris?

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 Paris 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 gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Paris

Paris is a beautiful, iconic, and bustling city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Potsdam and Paris: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Potsdam or Paris?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Paris than Potsdam. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Paris is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Potsdam attracts visitors for its small town charm. Paris is more touristy than Potsdam and is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also well known for The Eiffel Tower. Potsdam is famous for its beautiful palaces, scenic town center, and accessibility to Berlin.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Potsdam different from Paris?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Paris is very popular for its museums and landmarks. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Paris are among the most recognizable in the world. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Potsdam can be an interesting and educational experience. People visit this city for its high concentration of historic sights. The Renaissance Orangery Palace is a highlight of the visit for many travelers.

Is Potsdam or Paris Better for Theater?

Paris is very popular for its theatre productions. However, Potsdam is not a theatre destination.

The theater scene in Paris is world-class. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Potsdam is not a theatre destination.

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

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

Paris has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

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 Paris Better for Nightlife?

Paris is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Paris is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

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 Paris Better for Music?

Paris 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 Paris Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Potsdam is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Potsdam or Paris?

Paris is very popular for its shopping opportunities. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Paris make it a world-class shopping destination. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

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 Paris Better for Christmas?

Paris is very popular for its Christmas activities. However, Potsdam does not offer Christmas activities.

During Christmas, Paris is not to be missed. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

Potsdam does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Potsdam or Paris Better for Families?

Paris is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Paris is one of the most popular family destinations. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

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 Paris Better for Couples?

Paris is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Paris has plenty to offer. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a 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 Paris Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris is very popular for backpackers. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Paris. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

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

Is Potsdam or Paris Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over the world to visit Paris. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

Potsdam is not popular with students.

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

Paris is very popular for its public transit. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Paris has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

The public transit in Potsdam can get you to most places easily. The city is well connected to Berlin by S-Bahn and bus.

Is Potsdam or Paris a more walkable city?

Potsdam and Paris both are great when exploring on foot.

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

Paris is a very walkable destination. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Paris or Potsdam?

How long in Potsdam or Paris?

Both Potsdam and Paris have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Paris than in Potsdam. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Potsdam, and 3-7 days is enough time in Paris.

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

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

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

One day in Potsdam or Paris?

In Potsdam, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this park-filled destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Because Paris is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Paris?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Potsdam. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Because Paris is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Potsdam or Paris?

Potsdam is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Potsdam. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Paris is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Paris has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Potsdam or Paris?

You'll find food and shopping around the accessible destination of Potsdam. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Paris. Because Paris is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, The Best Adventure Tours to Germany, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Potsdam and Paris, we can see that Paris 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 Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris 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 Paris Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Potsdam or Paris?

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

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 Paris in the Summer?

Both Paris 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 Paris because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Potsdam is generally around the same temperature as Paris. Daily temperatures in Potsdam average around 19°C (66°F), and Paris fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Paris, 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 Paris. Potsdam gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 241 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Potsdam or Paris in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Potsdam and Paris. 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 city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Paris this time of year.

Potsdam is cooler than Paris in the autumn. The daily temperature in Potsdam averages around 10°C (51°F) in October, and Paris fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

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

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

Should I visit Potsdam or Paris in the Winter?

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

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

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

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

Should I visit Potsdam or Paris in the Spring?

Both Paris 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 Paris in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Potsdam is generally cooler than Paris. Daily temperatures in Potsdam average around 9°C (48°F), and Paris fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

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

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

Typical Weather for Paris and Potsdam