A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Potsdam vs. Plzen for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Potsdam or Plzen?

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

Where Should I go: Potsdam or Plzen?

Potsdam

Before you lays a treasure chest of historic beauties. From the glimmering Renaissance Orangery Palace that overlooks its sumptuous fountains to the neoclassical Charlottenhof Castle that is surrounded by lush England gardens, you find yourself in none other than Potsdam, Germany. The capital and largest city of the German federal state of Brandenburg, Potsdam borders the German capital Berlin and is located right on the bay of the River Havel. A home for Prussian kings until 1918 and a brainchild of the Enlightenment, Potsdam was constructed thoughtfully and carefully by its architects to create what many to believe as "a picturesque, pastoral dream" and a "balance between both nature and reason." From interconnected lakes to historic landmarks, Potsdam is a city that is bursting with life all year around. With its rich history, it was no wonder various parts of the city were named a World Heritage Site. With its landscape and cityscape rivaling in beauty, Potsdam is simply a breathtaking city that must be explored!

Plzen

Renowned as the home of the pilsner beer, Plzen is a city located in the West Bohemia region of the Czech Republic. Beyond beer, it also features a number of impressive landmarks some of which include St. Bartholomew's Cathedral and the Great Synagogue.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, The Best Adventure Tours to Germany, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Czech Republic, and The Best Cultural Tours in Czech Republic.


Which place is cheaper, Plzen 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 Plzen is €95. 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 Plzen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Potsdam 60
    Plzen 57
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Potsdam 120
    Plzen 114
Compare Hotels in Potsdam and Plzen

Looking for a hotel in Potsdam or Plzen? 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 Plzen


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 Plzen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Potsdam 28
    Plzen 7.75

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Potsdam

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Potsdam:

  • Private Transfer from Potsdam to Berlin Tegel Airport: $160
  • Departure Airport Transfer from Potsdam Hotels to Berlin BER Airport: $174
  • Berlin Airport Departure Transfer from Potsdam Hotels: $174

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Plzen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Plzen:

  • Private Transfer from Pilsen to Prague: $87
  • Private Transfer from Pilsen to Prague with 2 hours for sightseeing: $116
  • Private Transfer from Pilsen(Plzen) to Prague: $271

Is it cheaper to fly into Potsdam or Plzen?

Prices for flights to both Plzen 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
    Plzen 29

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Potsdam 25
    Plzen 20

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 Plzen

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Plzen are as follows:

  • Pilsen: Historic Underground Tour with a Glass of Beer: $8.56
  • Pilsen Historic Underground Tour with a Glass of Beer: $8.74
  • Pilsen: Old Town Gastronomy Tour: $32
  • Pilsen Private Walking Tour: $201
  • Experience Best Prague Tandem Skydiving : $250
  • Private Tour to Pilsner Urquell from Prague: $272

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Potsdam 6.70
    Plzen 22

Sample the Local Flavors in Plzen

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Plzen:

  • Brewery Museum Entrance including a Glass of Beer: $6.55
  • Pilsen: Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting: $17
  • Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour with Beer Tasting: $17
  • Pilsen Highlights Small-Group Tour and Pilsner Brewery Tour including Lunch and Beer Tasting: $108
  • Pilsner brewery tour incl beer tasting & Czech town Pilsen: $140
  • Day trip to Pilsner Urquell brewery and Bohemian glassworks: $207


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Potsdam and Plzen, we can see that Potsdam is more expensive. And not only is Plzen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Plzen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Plzen 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 Potsdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Potsdam than you might in Plzen.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Potsdam Expensive? and Is Plzen Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Potsdam or Plzen?

Plzen has a larger population, and is about 13% larger than the population of Potsdam. When comparing the sizes of Potsdam and Plzen, 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 Plzen?

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 Plzen in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Potsdam and Plzen. Many travelers come to Potsdam for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Potsdam is generally around the same temperature as Plzen. Daily temperatures in Potsdam average around 19°C (66°F), and Plzen fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Plzen this time of the year. In Potsdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Potsdam usually receives more sunshine than Plzen during summer. Potsdam gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Plzen receives 212 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Potsdam usually receives less rain than Plzen. Potsdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Potsdam 19°C (66°F) 
    Plzen 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Potsdam or Plzen in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Potsdam as well as Plzen. Many visitors come to Potsdam in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Potsdam is around the same temperature as Plzen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Potsdam averages around 10°C (51°F) in October, and Plzen fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Potsdam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Plzen. Potsdam gets 114 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plzen receives 120 hours of full sun.

Potsdam usually gets more rain in October than Plzen. Potsdam gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Potsdam 10°C (51°F) 
    Plzen 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Potsdam or Plzen in the Winter?

Both Plzen and Potsdam are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Potsdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Plzen can be very cold. Potsdam can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Potsdam is much warmer than Plzen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Potsdam in January average around -0°C (31°F), and Plzen averages at about -1°C (31°F).

Potsdam usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Plzen during winter. Potsdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Plzen receives 45 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Potsdam usually receives more rain than Plzen. Potsdam gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Potsdam -0°C (31°F) 
    Plzen -1°C (31°F)

Should I visit Potsdam or Plzen in the Spring?

Both Plzen and Potsdam during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Potsdam because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Potsdam is generally cooler than Plzen. Daily temperatures in Potsdam average around 9°C (48°F), and Plzen fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the spring, Potsdam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Plzen. Potsdam gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plzen receives 164 hours of full sun.

Potsdam usually gets more rain in April than Plzen. Potsdam gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Plzen receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Potsdam 9°C (48°F) 
    Plzen 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Plzen and Potsdam

Potsdam Plzen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (31°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) -1°C (31°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Feb 1°C (34°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 2°C (35°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Mar 5°C (40°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 52 mm (2 in) 20°C (67°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 19°C (65°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 10°C (51°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Nov 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (41°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Dec 1°C (34°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 1°C (34°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)