A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sigulda vs. Potsdam for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Sigulda or Potsdam?

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 Sigulda and Potsdam can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Sigulda or Potsdam?

Sigulda

Only 50 kilometers from Riga, Sigulda can be reached by either train or bus. The town is pleasantly situated in the Vidzeme Region of Latvia in the beautiful Gauja Valley. The area is quite scenic with steep banks and cliffs, and has earned itself the title as the "Switzerland of Latvia." Don't put too much emphasis on this name, but it is a pleasant area to explore, particularly if you're looking to get outside of the city and immerse yourself in some pristine wilderness.

Potsdam

Before you lays a treasure chest of historic beauties. From the glimmering Renaissance Orangery Palace that overlooks its sumptuous fountains to the neoclassical Charlottenhof Castle that is surrounded by lush England gardens, you find yourself in none other than Potsdam, Germany. The capital and largest city of the German federal state of Brandenburg, Potsdam borders the German capital Berlin and is located right on the bay of the River Havel. A home for Prussian kings until 1918 and a brainchild of the Enlightenment, Potsdam was constructed thoughtfully and carefully by its architects to create what many to believe as "a picturesque, pastoral dream" and a "balance between both nature and reason." From interconnected lakes to historic landmarks, Potsdam is a city that is bursting with life all year around. With its rich history, it was no wonder various parts of the city were named a World Heritage Site. With its landscape and cityscape rivaling in beauty, Potsdam is simply a breathtaking city that must be explored!

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


Which place is cheaper, Potsdam or Sigulda?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Sigulda is €24, while the average daily cost in Potsdam is €111. 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 Sigulda and Potsdam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Sigulda 16
    Potsdam 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Sigulda 32
    Potsdam 120
Compare Hotels in Sigulda and Potsdam

Looking for a hotel in Sigulda 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 Sigulda


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: Sigulda Hotel Prices and Potsdam Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Sigulda -
    Potsdam 28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Potsdam

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Potsdam:

  • Berlin Airport Departure Transfer from Potsdam Hotels: $174
  • Departure Airport Transfer from Potsdam Hotels to Berlin BER Airport: $174
  • Private Transfer from Potsdam to Berlin Tegel Airport: $160

Is it cheaper to fly into Sigulda or Potsdam?

Prices for flights to both Potsdam and Sigulda 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
    Sigulda 7.81
    Potsdam 31
Typical Food Prices in Sigulda

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Sigulda:


  • Pastry
    1.85

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Sigulda -
    Potsdam 25

Tours and Activities in Sigulda

Here are a few actual costs in Sigulda for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Thrilling Summer Bobsleigh Adventure in Latvia: $74
  • Riga: Private Sigulda, Turaida, and Gauja National Park Tour: $107
  • From Riga: Group Tour to Sigulda and Turaida: $128
  • Cēsis, Līgatne & Sigulda Tour: Must-see Highlights: $218

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
    Sigulda -
    Potsdam 6.70

Sample the Local Flavors in Sigulda

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Sigulda:

  • Latvian Brewery Visit & Sigulda City Tour (Full day tour): $144


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sigulda and Potsdam, we can see that Potsdam is more expensive. And not only is Sigulda much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sigulda would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sigulda 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 Potsdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Potsdam than you might in Sigulda.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sigulda Expensive? and Is Potsdam Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Sigulda or Potsdam?

Potsdam has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Sigulda. When comparing the sizes of Sigulda 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 Sigulda 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 Sigulda or Potsdam in the Summer?

Both Potsdam and Sigulda are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Potsdam this time of year.

In the summer, Sigulda is cooler than Potsdam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sigulda in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Potsdam averages at about 19°C (66°F).

In July, Sigulda usually receives more rain than Potsdam. Sigulda gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Sigulda 17°C (63°F) 
    Potsdam 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Sigulda or Potsdam in the Autumn?

Both Potsdam and Sigulda during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Potsdam for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Sigulda is generally cooler than Potsdam. Daily temperatures in Sigulda average around 7°C (45°F), and Potsdam fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

Sigulda usually gets more rain in October than Potsdam. Sigulda gets 60 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
    Sigulda 7°C (45°F) 
    Potsdam 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Sigulda or Potsdam in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Sigulda and Potsdam. Furthermore, many visitors come to Potsdam in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Potsdam can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Sigulda. Sigulda is much colder than Potsdam in the winter. The daily temperature in Sigulda averages around -5°C (23°F) in January, and Potsdam fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

In January, Sigulda usually receives less rain than Potsdam. Sigulda gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Sigulda -5°C (23°F) 
    Potsdam -0°C (31°F)

Should I visit Sigulda or Potsdam in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Sigulda as well as Potsdam. Additionally, most visitors come to Potsdam for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Sigulda is much colder than Potsdam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sigulda in April average around 5°C (42°F), and Potsdam averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Sigulda usually gets less rain in April than Potsdam. Sigulda gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Sigulda 5°C (42°F) 
    Potsdam 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Potsdam and Sigulda

Sigulda Potsdam
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -5°C (23°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) -0°C (31°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb -4°C (24°F) 25 mm (1 in) 1°C (34°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Mar -0°C (31°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 5°C (40°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 5°C (42°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 15°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 16°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (65°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in) 15°C (59°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Oct 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 10°C (51°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 2°C (36°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Dec -2°C (28°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 1°C (34°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)