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

Should you visit Rotterdam or Potsdam?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Rotterdam and Potsdam. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a trendy, high energy, and modern port city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Potsdam

Potsdam is a park-filled, historic, and accessible city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Rotterdam and Potsdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rotterdam or Potsdam?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Rotterdam than Potsdam, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Rotterdam is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Potsdam is known for its museums, food, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Potsdam is more touristy than Rotterdam and is popular for its beautiful palaces, scenic town center, and accessibility to Berlin. Rotterdam is popular for its modern architecture, the cube houses, and the market hall. It is also home to The Cube Houses.

The Cube Houses

How is Rotterdam different from Potsdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Potsdam and Rotterdam. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Rotterdam or Potsdam?

Potsdam is great for its historical sights. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Potsdam. People visit this city for its high concentration of historic sights. The Renaissance Orangery Palace is a highlight of the visit for many travelers.

Rotterdam is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Although many of the historic buildings around town were destroyed during World War II, there are still a number of sights worth checking out. Head to the Old Harbor and Marine Museums, the Museum Boijmans-van Beuningen, or the Wereldmuseum to see some interesting places.

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

Potsdam is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Rotterdam is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Rotterdam offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city's restaurant scene is diverse. There are ethnic restaurants, vegan restaurants, local restaurants, and some popular chains.

Is Rotterdam or Potsdam Better for Nightlife?

Rotterdam is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Rotterdam is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. It is a trendy city with an active nightlife. You can relax with a beer or hit up one of the clubs around town. Popular options are Club Vibes, Toffler, and Club Vie.

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 the Shopping Better in Rotterdam or Potsdam?

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

Rotterdam is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find fashion and clothing shops in the area around Lijnbaan and Beurstraverse. This is also where you'll find the shopping mall of Bijenkorf.

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 Rotterdam or Potsdam Better for Families?

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

Rotterdam is a very kid-friendly port city. Fun activities for kids include Miniworld Rotterdam, the Kids Marina, and Fun Forest, which has ziplines and a ropes course.

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 Rotterdam or Potsdam Better for Couples?

Rotterdam and Potsdam both good destinations for a couple.

Rotterdam is a good port city for couples to visit. It is a modern city with good restaurants and some fun activities.

Potsdam is a nice destination for couples. 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 Rotterdam or Potsdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Rotterdam and Potsdam are good places to visit.

Plenty of backpackers visit Rotterdam. There are a number of hostels around town as well as a good nightlife that appeals to backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Potsdam. There are a handful of hostels to choose from in town.

Is Rotterdam or Potsdam Better for Students?

Rotterdam is well known for students. However, Potsdam is not popular with students.

Rotterdam is very popular with students. The city has a great job market and a lot of activities that appeal to international students.

Potsdam is not popular with students.

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

Rotterdam and Potsdam both offer high quality public transit to get you around.

Rotterdam offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are trams, buses, metros, and even a ferry.

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

Is Rotterdam or Potsdam a more walkable city?

Rotterdam and Potsdam are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Rotterdam is a very walkable destination. There are broad streets with wide sidewalks that are pedestrian friendly.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Potsdam or Rotterdam?

How long in Rotterdam or Potsdam?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Rotterdam or Potsdam to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Rotterdam than Potsdam because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Rotterdam, and 1-2 days is enough time in Potsdam.

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

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

One day in Rotterdam or Potsdam?

Because Rotterdam is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This port city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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.

A weekend in Rotterdam or Potsdam?

Because Rotterdam 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. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Rotterdam has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic 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.

Five days in Rotterdam or Potsdam?

Rotterdam 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the park-filled 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.

A week in Rotterdam or Potsdam?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rotterdam. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Rotterdam. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam, The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Rotterdam or Potsdam?

Rotterdam has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Potsdam. When comparing the sizes of Rotterdam and Potsdam, 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 Rotterdam or Potsdam?

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 Rotterdam or Potsdam in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Rotterdam as well as Potsdam. Many travelers come to Rotterdam for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Potsdam in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Rotterdam is generally cooler than Potsdam. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 17°C (62°F), and Potsdam fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Potsdam. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rotterdam this time of the year. In the summer, Rotterdam often gets less sunshine than Potsdam. Rotterdam gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 232 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets more rain in July than Potsdam. Rotterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Potsdam in the Autumn?

Both Potsdam and Rotterdam are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Rotterdam in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Potsdam for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

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

Rotterdam usually receives less sunshine than Potsdam during autumn. Rotterdam gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 114 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than Potsdam. Rotterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Potsdam in the Winter?

Both Potsdam and Rotterdam during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Rotterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Potsdam because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Potsdam can be very cold. Rotterdam can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Rotterdam is much warmer than Potsdam. Typically, the winter temperatures in Rotterdam in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Potsdam averages at about -0°C (31°F).

In the winter, Rotterdam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Potsdam. Rotterdam gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 47 hours of full sun.

Rotterdam usually gets more rain in January than Potsdam. Rotterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rotterdam or Potsdam in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Rotterdam and Potsdam. The spring months attract visitors to Rotterdam because of the activities around the city. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Potsdam this time of year.

In April, Rotterdam is generally cooler than Potsdam. Daily temperatures in Rotterdam average around 8°C (46°F), and Potsdam fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Rotterdam usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Potsdam during spring. Rotterdam gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 168 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Rotterdam usually receives more rain than Potsdam. Rotterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Potsdam and Rotterdam