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

Should you visit Potsdam or Reykjavik?

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 Reykjavik 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's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a safe, friendly, and clean city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Potsdam and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Potsdam or Reykjavik?

Both Reykjavik and Potsdam have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Potsdam is very popular for its museums, food, and small town charm, while Reykjavik attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Reykjavik is more touristy than Potsdam and is popular for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals. Potsdam is famous for its beautiful palaces, scenic town center, and accessibility to Berlin.

How is Potsdam different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Potsdam is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Potsdam is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Reykjavik is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Reykjavik. Traditional Icelandic food may not have the best reputation, but restaurants these days are pretty good with a variety of dishes to choose from. Popular foods in the area include fish, lamb, and Icelandic skyr (a type of yogurt).

Is Potsdam or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Reykjavik has a few options to choose from. The city offers the best nightlife in Iceland and you'll be surprised at the number of clubs, bars, and craft breweries that you can choose from. Almost all of the popular nightlife spots are around Laugavegur, a major shopping street in town.

Is Potsdam or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is very popular for its hiking experiences. However, Potsdam is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Reykjavik specifically for its hiking. The city offers easy access to some of the world's most spectacular scenery. There are many hikes that you can easily reach from town. They pass through diverse landscapes that include waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and beaches.

Potsdam is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Potsdam or Reykjavik?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Reykjavik and Potsdam.

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.

Reykjavik has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city's main shopping street is Laugavegur, which is where you'll find the most activity around town as well as a bustling atmosphere.

Is Potsdam or Reykjavik Better for Families?

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

Reykjavik is a very kid-friendly city. With its many outdoor activities and hands on museums, the city is great for kids. The cafes and restaurants are family-friendly and their are plenty of entertainment options for the whole family.

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 Reykjavik Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Reykjavik frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are museums, outdoor activities, and even the northern lights that make this city very romantic. The cafes are laid-back and the atmosphere is friendly.

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 Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Potsdam and Reykjavik are nice 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 Reykjavik. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.

Is Potsdam or Reykjavik Better for Students?

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

Reykjavik is popular with students. Students will enjoy a unique experience in this city. There are good academic programs as well as beautiful outdoor settings that you can explore.

Potsdam is not popular with students.

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

Potsdam is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Potsdam. The city is well connected to Berlin by S-Bahn and bus.

You'll find some public transit in Reykjavik, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Potsdam or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Potsdam and Reykjavik 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.

Reykjavik is a very walkable destination. The city is small and compact, so it's easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Potsdam?

How long in Potsdam or Reykjavik?

In either Potsdam or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Reykjavik than Potsdam because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Potsdam, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Potsdam than Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Potsdam. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Potsdam has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Reykjavik, you'll find nightlife and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. 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 Reykjavik?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the park-filled destination of Potsdam. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Reykjavik, you'll find shopping and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Reykjavik has to offer.

Five days in Potsdam or Reykjavik?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the accessible city of Potsdam. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

A week in Potsdam or Reykjavik?

Potsdam is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Reykjavik. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Reykjavik. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

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

Which is Bigger, Potsdam or Reykjavik?

Potsdam has a larger population, and is about 28% larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Potsdam and Reykjavik, 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 Reykjavik?

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 Reykjavik in the Summer?

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

In July, Potsdam is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Potsdam average around 19°C (66°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Potsdam this time of the year. In the summer, Potsdam often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Potsdam gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun.

Potsdam usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Reykjavik. Potsdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Potsdam or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

Both Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Reykjavik can get quite cold in the autumn. Potsdam is much warmer than Reykjavik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Potsdam averages around 10°C (51°F) in October, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Potsdam usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during autumn. Potsdam gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Potsdam usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Potsdam gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Potsdam or Reykjavik in the Winter?

Both Reykjavik 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Reykjavik for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Reykjavik can be very cold during winter. Potsdam can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Potsdam is cooler than Reykjavik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Potsdam in January average around -0°C (31°F), and Reykjavik averages at about -0°C (32°F).

In the winter, Potsdam often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Potsdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun.

Potsdam usually gets less rain in January than Reykjavik. Potsdam gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Potsdam or Reykjavik in the Spring?

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

The weather in Reykjavik can be very cold. In April, Potsdam is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Potsdam average around 9°C (48°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Potsdam usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during spring. Potsdam gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Potsdam usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Potsdam gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Potsdam