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

Should you visit Potsdam or Versailles?

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 Versailles 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.

Versailles

Versailles is a extensive, beautiful, and grand palace. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the museums.

Potsdam and Versailles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Potsdam or Versailles?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Potsdam than Versailles. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Potsdam is very popular for its food, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm, while Versailles attracts visitors for its museums and impressive beauty. Versailles is more touristy than Potsdam and is popular for its long running history and its grand architecture. Potsdam is famous for its beautiful palaces, scenic town center, and accessibility to Berlin. It is also well known for The Sanssouci Palace.

How is Potsdam different from Versailles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Versailles 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 Versailles are among the most recognizable in the world. The palace is filled with history and impressive items relating to the royal family. Within and near the palace you should make sure you see the Gardens of Versailles, Grand Trianon, the Hall of Mirrors, and the Royal Opera of Versailles.

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

Potsdam is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Versailles is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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 Versailles. There are a couple of restaurants and cafes on the grounds.

Is Potsdam or Versailles Better for Nightlife?

Potsdam is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is the Shopping Better in Potsdam or Versailles?

Potsdam is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Potsdam. There are plazas and shopping streets that have the standard chain stores as well as antique shops and other boutiques.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Potsdam or Versailles Better for Families?

Potsdam is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Versailles is not known for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Versailles does not offer many kid-friendly activities. While there are those unicorn children who fall in love with the grand setting, for most kids, a visit to Versailles can make for make for a long and draining day.

Is Potsdam or Versailles Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Versailles frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's opulence, grandeur, and history make this a wonderful place to explore as a couple. There are gardens and other unique settings that make Versailles very romantic.

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 Versailles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Potsdam is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Potsdam or Versailles 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 Versailles.

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

The public transit in Versailles can get you to most places easily. There are SNCF trains that travel from Gare Montparnasse to Versailles Chantiers train station and additional trains that travel between Gare Saint Lazare and Versailles Rive Droite.

Is Potsdam or Versailles a more walkable city?

Potsdam and Versailles 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.

Versailles is a very walkable destination. It's approximately a 20 minute walk from the Versailles Chantiers train station to the entrance to the palace. Versailles Rive Droite is slightly closer.

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

Should I spend more time in Versailles or Potsdam?

How long in Potsdam or Versailles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Potsdam or Versailles to fill your time. In our opinion, Potsdam has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Potsdam than Versailles. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

With museums and nightlife around the accessible 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 Versailles, you'll find museums. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This palace 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 Versailles?

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

Five days in Potsdam or Versailles?

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.

Versailles 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 Versailles?

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 Versailles. Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Versailles. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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 Sightseeing Tours in France, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Potsdam or Versailles?

Potsdam has a larger population, and is about 70% larger than the population of Versailles. When comparing the sizes of Potsdam and Versailles, 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 Versailles?

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 Versailles in the Summer?

Both Versailles and Potsdam during the summer are popular places to visit. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Potsdam this time of year.

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

In Versailles, 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 Versailles. Potsdam gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 239 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Potsdam or Versailles in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Potsdam and Versailles. Many travelers come to Potsdam for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Versailles in the autumn for the natural beauty of the area.

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

Potsdam usually receives less sunshine than Versailles during autumn. Potsdam gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

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

Should I visit Potsdam or Versailles in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Potsdam as well as Versailles. Many visitors come to Potsdam in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Versailles for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Versailles can be very cold during winter. Potsdam can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Potsdam is much colder than Versailles. Typically, the winter temperatures in Potsdam in January average around -0°C (31°F), and Versailles averages at about 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Potsdam often gets less sunshine than Versailles. Potsdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 56 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Potsdam or Versailles in the Spring?

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

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

Potsdam usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Versailles during spring. Potsdam gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 173 hours of full sun in the spring.

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

Typical Weather for Versailles and Potsdam