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

Should you visit Potsdam or Strasbourg?

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 Strasbourg 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.

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a impressive, quaint, 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 Strasbourg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Potsdam or Strasbourg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Strasbourg than Potsdam. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Strasbourg is very popular for its historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Potsdam attracts visitors for its small town charm. Strasbourg is more touristy than Potsdam and is popular for its charming beauty, its impressive cathedral, and its quaint houses. It is also well known for The Strasbourg Cathedral. Potsdam is famous for its beautiful palaces, scenic town center, and accessibility to Berlin.

How is Potsdam different from Strasbourg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both Potsdam and Strasbourg.

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 Strasbourg can be an interesting and educational experience. It is filled with grand monuments and historic landmarks. Many are concentrated in La Petite France and highlights include Strasbourg Cathedral, Barrage Vauban, Ponts Couverts, and Église Saint-Thomas.

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

Both Potsdam and Strasbourg offer very good local cuisine and restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Strasbourg has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The cuisine combines French and German flavors for rich and hearty flavors. Popular dishes include Tarte Flambée, Alsatian Sausages, and Baeckeoffe (meat and vegetable stew). Also make sure you sample the Sauerkraut, munster cheese, and Reisling wine.

Is Potsdam or Strasbourg Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Strasbourg has a few options to choose from. It's most famous for its monuments and charm, but the city also has plenty to do at night. The liveliest areas are The Krutenau (for students and tourists alike), The Grande-île, and La Petite France.

Is Potsdam or Strasbourg Better for its Old Town?

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

Strasbourg has a world-famous historical area. Known as La Petite France, the old town is filled with charming squares, historic monuments, and beautiful architecture.

Potsdam does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Potsdam or Strasbourg?

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

Strasbourg is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city center is filled with pedestrian shopping streets and boutique stores. For some of the best shopping make sure you check out the main thoroughfare of Grand'Rue. If you want to pick up some trinkets or souvenirs, head to Place de la Cathédrale, and for department store shopping head to Galeries Lafayette Strasbourg.

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 Strasbourg Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Potsdam or Strasbourg.

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.

Strasbourg offers lots of family activities. Kids who love animals will enjoy a visit to Zoo de l’Orangerie or La Montagne des Singes. If the kids need to stretch their legs you can head to Deux-Rives Garden or on a rainy day check out Planetarium De Strasbourg or the Historical Museum of the City of Strasbourg.

Is Potsdam or Strasbourg Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Strasbourg frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the region and it is filled with romance. There is beautiful architecture, romantic restaurants, wine tours, and flower filled parks. The scenic squares and grand cathedrals offer a truly perfect couples 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 Strasbourg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Potsdam and Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg. The city has a handful of hostels that offer affordable accommodation for those on a shoestring budget.

Is Potsdam or Strasbourg Better for Students?

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

Strasbourg is popular with students. Students appreciate the mix of traditional culture and international opportunities.

Potsdam is not popular with students.

Is Potsdam or Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg.

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

The public transit in Strasbourg can get you to most places easily. The city has six tramlines and a number of bus routes.

Is Potsdam or Strasbourg a more walkable city?

Potsdam and Strasbourg both are very good when exploring on foot.

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

Strasbourg is a very walkable destination. One of the best ways to explore the city is on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Strasbourg or Potsdam?

How long in Potsdam or Strasbourg?

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

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

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

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

One day in Potsdam or Strasbourg?

With museums and nightlife around the compact city of Potsdam, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Potsdam, one day is sufficent for most.

In Strasbourg, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Strasbourg?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Potsdam, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

In Strasbourg, 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 Strasbourg has to offer.

Five days in Potsdam or Strasbourg?

Potsdam, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Strasbourg is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Strasbourg?

Potsdam is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Strasbourg. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Strasbourg. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

Which is Bigger, Potsdam or Strasbourg?

Strasbourg has a larger population, and is about 89% larger than the population of Potsdam. When comparing the sizes of Potsdam and Strasbourg, 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 Strasbourg?

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 Strasbourg in the Summer?

Both Strasbourg and Potsdam during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Potsdam because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Strasbourg this time of year.

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

In Strasbourg, 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 Strasbourg. Potsdam gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Strasbourg receives 240 hours of full sun.

Potsdam usually gets less rain in July than Strasbourg. Potsdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Potsdam or Strasbourg in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Potsdam and Strasbourg. The shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Potsdam this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Strasbourg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Potsdam is cooler than Strasbourg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Potsdam averages around 10°C (51°F) in October, and Strasbourg fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Potsdam usually receives more sunshine than Strasbourg during autumn. Potsdam gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Strasbourg receives 101 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Potsdam usually receives less rain than Strasbourg. Potsdam gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Potsdam or Strasbourg in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Potsdam as well as Strasbourg. Many travelers come to Potsdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Strasbourg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Strasbourg can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Potsdam. In the winter, Potsdam is much colder than Strasbourg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Potsdam in January average around -0°C (31°F), and Strasbourg averages at about 2°C (35°F).

In the winter, Potsdam often gets more sunshine than Strasbourg. Potsdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Strasbourg receives 42 hours of full sun.

Potsdam usually gets more rain in January than Strasbourg. Potsdam gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Potsdam or Strasbourg in the Spring?

Both Strasbourg and Potsdam are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Potsdam in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Strasbourg for the natural beauty during these months.

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

Potsdam usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Strasbourg during spring. Potsdam gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Strasbourg receives 161 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Potsdam usually receives less rain than Strasbourg. Potsdam gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Strasbourg and Potsdam