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

Should you visit Saint Andrews or Potsdam?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Andrews or Potsdam, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Saint Andrews

Saint Andrews is a peaceful, historic, and charming university town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. 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

Potsdam is a historic, accessible, and compact city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Saint Andrews and Potsdam: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers


Is there more to do in Saint Andrews or Potsdam?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Andrews than Potsdam, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint Andrews is better known for its beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Potsdam is more popular for its museums. Saint Andrews is well known for its reputation as the birthplace of golf. Also, Saint Andrews is famous for The Old Course. Potsdam is well known for its beautiful palaces, scenic town center, and accessibility to Berlin.

The Old Course
The Old Course

How is Saint Andrews different from Potsdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Andrews or Potsdam?

Saint Andrews
Potsdam

Potsdam is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Saint Andrews. For many, a highlight of their trip is to play a round of golf at St. Andrews Links Golf Courses. Golf enthusiasts will also appreciate a visit to the British Golf Museum. Other interesting sights in the area include a visit to the ruins of the Cathedral of St. Andrew, visiting the St. Andrews University Museums, or stopping by St. Andrews Castle.


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

Saint Andrews
Potsdam

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Saint Andrews and Potsdam.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Saint Andrews. The town holds on to its history and heritage, and that stands out with the restaurant selection. There are a range of of independent cafes and pubs and surprisingly few major chain restaurants and fast food joints.

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.

Is Saint Andrews or Potsdam Better for Nightlife?

Saint Andrews
Potsdam

Both Saint Andrews and Potsdam are notable when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint Andrews. There are a large number of pubs and bars throughout the town, and you'll find students hanging out and keeping things lively.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Potsdam. 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 Saint Andrews or Potsdam Better for Beaches?

Saint Andrews
Potsdam

Saint Andrews is very good for the beache. However, Potsdam is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Saint Andrews to enjoy the beach. Adding to the natural beauty is the beautiful coastline around St. Andrews. Some of the best beaches include West Sands Beach, Kingsbarns Beach, Castle Sands, and Saint Andrews Beach.

Potsdam is not a beach destination.


Is Saint Andrews or Potsdam Better for Hiking?

Saint Andrews
Potsdam

Saint Andrews is very good for its hiking experiences. However, Potsdam is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Saint Andrews. There are some beautiful hikes just outside of town. Check out the views from Chamcook Mountain or wander down the Van Horne Trail.

Potsdam is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Andrews or Potsdam?

Saint Andrews
Potsdam

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

Saint Andrews is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The town is filled with boutique shops and local markets where you can buy unique items like artisan food, handmade crafts, or local art.

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 Saint Andrews or Potsdam Better for Families?

Saint Andrews
Potsdam

Saint Andrews and Potsdam are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Saint Andrews is a family-friendly place to visit. There are some great playgrounds, parks, and gardens that kids will enjoy. Check out Kingbrae Gardens, Ministers Island, and Katy’s Cove. For museums, head to Ross Memorial Museum and Huntsman Fundy Discovery Aquarium.

Potsdam is a family-friendly university town. 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 Saint Andrews or Potsdam Better for Couples?

Saint Andrews
Potsdam

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

Couples visit Saint Andrews frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The scenic landscapes, stunning views, and quaint charm make this a perfect place for couples to escape to. You can enjoy boat rides, seafood restaurants, golfing, and spas all while you soak up the natural beauty.

Potsdam is a good university town 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 Saint Andrews or Potsdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Saint Andrews
Potsdam

Potsdam is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Saint Andrews is not a good university town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Saint Andrews is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not really a backpacker's destination, but there are some guesthouses and apartments that are more affordable.

Is Saint Andrews or Potsdam Better for Students?

Saint Andrews
Potsdam

Saint Andrews is very popular for students. However, Potsdam is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Saint Andrews. At its heart, this is a university town with a long standing history in teaching. You'll find the town's population doubles when students are in town.

Potsdam is not popular with students.


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

Saint Andrews
Potsdam

Potsdam is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Potsdam can get you around easily. The city is well connected to Berlin by S-Bahn and bus.

Saint Andrews has some public transit options. There are buses through St. Andrews.

Is Saint Andrews or Potsdam a more walkable city?

Saint Andrews
Potsdam

Potsdam is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Saint Andrews is a somewhat walkable university town. Parts of the town are compact enough to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Potsdam or Saint Andrews?

How long in Saint Andrews or Potsdam?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Potsdam than Saint Andrews 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.


  • How many days in Saint Andrews or Potsdam? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint Andrews 1-2 
    Potsdam 1-2

One day in Saint Andrews or Potsdam?

Saint Andrews is a small town with plenty to do. This university town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the compact destination of Potsdam. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.


A weekend in Saint Andrews or Potsdam?

Saint Andrews might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Saint Andrews has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Potsdam. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Saint Andrews or Potsdam?

Saint Andrews 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 accessible destination of Potsdam. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

A week in Saint Andrews or Potsdam?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Andrews. Since Saint Andrews is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Potsdam. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


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


Which place is cheaper, Potsdam or Saint Andrews?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint Andrews is £215, while the average daily cost in Potsdam 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 Saint Andrews and Potsdam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint Andrews £116
    Potsdam £51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint Andrews £232
    Potsdam £102
Compare Hotels in Saint Andrews and Potsdam

Looking for a hotel in Saint Andrews or Potsdam? 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 Saint Andrews


Hotels in Potsdam


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint Andrews £53
    Potsdam £24

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint Andrews or Potsdam?

Prices for flights to both Potsdam and Saint Andrews 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
    Saint Andrews £62
    Potsdam £26

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint Andrews £45
    Potsdam £22

Tours and Activities in Saint Andrews

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

  • Rebels, Romance & Raisins St. Andrew's Walking Audio Tour: $6.99
  • St Andrews Must-Sees Daily Walking Tour (11am & 2pm): $18
  • St Andrews Golf Oriented Heritage Tours - Town and Old Course: $19
  • St Andrews History Tours: $19
  • St Andrews Old Course History Tour, for the Golfer: $19
  • St Andrews Walking Tours: $19
  • St Andrews Ghost Tours: $20
  • The Original St Andrews Photo Shoot Tour: $82
  • Private St Andrews Dark Side Tour: $145
  • Private St. Andrews: Home of Golf Old Course Walking Tour: $146
  • Private St. Andrews Tour with Dedicated Local Guide: $146
  • Private St Andrews Town Tour for Future Students: $146

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint Andrews £26
    Potsdam £5.73


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


Which is Bigger, Saint Andrews or Potsdam?

Potsdam has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Saint Andrews. When comparing the sizes of Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews or Potsdam?

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 Saint Andrews or Potsdam in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Andrews and Potsdam. Most visitors come to Saint Andrews for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Potsdam because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Saint Andrews is cooler than Potsdam in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint Andrews averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and Potsdam fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Potsdam this time of the year. Saint Andrews usually receives less sunshine than Potsdam during summer. Saint Andrews gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 232 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint Andrews usually receives around the same amount of rain as Potsdam. Saint Andrews gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saint Andrews 14°C (58°F) 
    Potsdam 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Potsdam in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saint Andrews as well as Potsdam. The autumn months attract visitors to Saint Andrews because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Potsdam this time of year.

In the autumn, Saint Andrews is around the same temperature as Potsdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint Andrews in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Potsdam averages at about 10°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Saint Andrews often gets less sunshine than Potsdam. Saint Andrews gets 100 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 114 hours of full sun.

Saint Andrews usually gets more rain in October than Potsdam. Saint Andrews gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saint Andrews 10°C (49°F) 
    Potsdam 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Potsdam in the Winter?

Both Potsdam and Saint Andrews are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint Andrews this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Potsdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Potsdam. It's quite cold in Saint Andrews in the winter. In January, Saint Andrews is generally much warmer than Potsdam. Daily temperatures in Saint Andrews average around 3°C (38°F), and Potsdam fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

Saint Andrews usually receives more sunshine than Potsdam during winter. Saint Andrews gets 58 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Andrews usually receives more rain than Potsdam. Saint Andrews gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saint Andrews 3°C (38°F) 
    Potsdam -0°C (31°F)

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Potsdam in the Spring?

Both Potsdam and Saint Andrews during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Saint Andrews for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Potsdam in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Saint Andrews is cooler than Potsdam in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint Andrews averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Potsdam fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Saint Andrews often gets less sunshine than Potsdam. Saint Andrews gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 168 hours of full sun.

Saint Andrews usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Potsdam. Saint Andrews gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saint Andrews 7°C (45°F) 
    Potsdam 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Potsdam and Saint Andrews

Saint Andrews Potsdam
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) -0°C (31°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 1°C (34°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (40°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 10°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in) 17°C (63°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 14°C (58°F) 52 mm (2 in) 19°C (66°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 14°C (58°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 19°C (65°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 10°C (51°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 1°C (34°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)


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