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

Should you visit Tallinn or Potsdam?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tallinn 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.

Tallinn

Tallinn is a quaint, whimsical, and historical city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Potsdam

Potsdam is a accessible, compact, and park-filled city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Tallinn and Potsdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallinn or Potsdam?

You'll generally find more things to do in Tallinn than Potsdam. Tallinn is bigger than Potsdam, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Tallinn is better known for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Potsdam is more popular for its food and small town charm. Tallinn is more touristy than Potsdam and is popular for its well preserved old town and its active nightlife scene. Also, Tallinn is famous for The Old Town. Potsdam is well known for its beautiful palaces, scenic town center, and accessibility to Berlin.

The Old Town

How is Tallinn different from Potsdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Tallinn and Potsdam.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Tallinn can be an interesting and educational experience. There are beautiful historic churches, particularly in the city's old town. A highlight is the stunning Alexander Nevski Cathedral. You'll also find some unique museums around town as well as Toompea Castle.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

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

Potsdam is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Potsdam has a huge number of terrific 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Tallinn area. Food is affordable and hearty. Many dishes incorporate rye bread, pork, smoked fish, potatoes, or dairy products. You'll also find a lot of variation in dishes between seasons.

Is Tallinn or Potsdam Better for Nightlife?

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

Tallinn is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. As it's grown in popularity with tourists, the city has put itself on the map as a top party destination in Eastern Europe. There's an active bar and club scene, but there are also art venues and other creative activities for everyone.

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 Tallinn or Potsdam Better for its Old Town?

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

Tallinn has a world-famous historical area. The city's medieval old town is at the heart of it's tourist attractions. The Gothic architecture, local restaurants, and cobblestone streets give the city a fairytale charm.

Potsdam does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Tallinn or Potsdam?

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

Tallinn is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There's a mix of quirky shops and recognizable brands around town. Old town is a popular shopping area, as is nearby Kalamaja. Visitors enjoy picking up marzipan, local crafts, and unique 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 Tallinn or Potsdam Better for Families?

Tallinn and Potsdam are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Tallinn is a family-friendly city. Your kids will feel like they stepped into a fairytale in this beautiful city. It has countless museums including an open air museum and a zoo. There's also nearby Pirita Beach, where you and your kids can enjoy ice cream in a seaside setting.

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.

Is Tallinn or Potsdam Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Tallinn frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Filled with gardens, romantic walks, and impressive views, this city makes for a great couple's getaway. Base yourself in the city's beautiful old town and dine in one of the many local restaurants. There are also nice hotels around town that are great for couples.

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 Tallinn or Potsdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallinn is very popular for backpackers. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Tallinn. The city is both affordable and unique, which is perfect for travelers on a budget. There are plenty of hostels around town as well as casual places to grab a cheap bite to eat.

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

Is Tallinn or Potsdam Better for Students?

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

Tallinn is popular with students. International students appreciate the vibrant atmosphere and the affordable options around town.

Potsdam is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find excellent public transit in both Tallinn and Potsdam.

Tallinn has some very good public transit options. There are buses trolleys and trams around town.

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

Is Tallinn or Potsdam a more walkable city?

Tallinn is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Tallinn on foot is easy. The city is compact and easily explored on foot, particularly in the most touristy areas.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Potsdam or Tallinn?

How long in Tallinn or Potsdam?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Tallinn or Potsdam to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Tallinn than Potsdam because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Tallinn, and 1-2 days is enough time in Potsdam.

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

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

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

One day in Tallinn or Potsdam?

In Tallinn, 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.

In Potsdam, you'll find nightlife and food. This city 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 Tallinn or Potsdam?

In Tallinn, 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 Tallinn has to offer.

In Potsdam, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Potsdam has to offer.

Five days in Tallinn or Potsdam?

Tallinn 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.

Potsdam 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 Tallinn or Potsdam?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tallinn. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Tallinn. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Potsdam. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Potsdam. 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 2-Week Tours from Tallinn, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tallinn and Potsdam, we can see that Potsdam is more expensive. And not only is Tallinn much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tallinn would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tallinn 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 Tallinn.

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

Which is Bigger, Tallinn or Potsdam?

Tallinn has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Potsdam. When comparing the sizes of Tallinn 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 Tallinn 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 Tallinn or Potsdam in the Summer?

Both Potsdam and Tallinn during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tallinn for 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.

Tallinn is cooler than Potsdam in the summer. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Potsdam fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Potsdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tallinn. In the summer, Tallinn often gets more sunshine than Potsdam. Tallinn gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 232 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets more rain in July than Potsdam. Tallinn gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Potsdam in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallinn and Potsdam. The autumn months attract visitors to Tallinn because of the shopping scene 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, Tallinn is much colder than Potsdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tallinn in October average around 7°C (44°F), and Potsdam averages at about 10°C (51°F).

Tallinn usually receives less sunshine than Potsdam during autumn. Tallinn gets 92 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 114 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tallinn usually receives more rain than Potsdam. Tallinn gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tallinn or Potsdam in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tallinn as well as Potsdam. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Tallinn 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 Tallinn in the winter. In January, Tallinn is generally much colder than Potsdam. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around -5°C (22°F), and Potsdam fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

In the winter, Tallinn often gets less sunshine than Potsdam. Tallinn gets 25 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 47 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Potsdam. Tallinn gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Potsdam in the Spring?

Both Potsdam and Tallinn are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tallinn for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Potsdam in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Tallinn. Tallinn is much colder than Potsdam in the spring. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around 4°C (39°F) in April, and Potsdam fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Tallinn usually receives more sunshine than Potsdam during spring. Tallinn gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 168 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Potsdam. Tallinn gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Potsdam and Tallinn