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

Should you visit Tampere 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 Tampere and Potsdam can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Tampere or Potsdam?

Tampere

Tampere is a city in southern Finland. It sits between Nasijarvi Lake and Pyhajarvi Lake, with the Tammerkoski rapids in between. It is one of the larger Finnish cities, with more than 200,000 inhabitants, but Tampere has managed to keep the small town feel. The city center is compact in size, and the atmosphere is friendly and casual. The city is located on a scenic spot on a narrow isthmus. The Tammerkoski rapids and their riverbanks form the backdrop for the old industrial buildings, and ridges formed thousands of years ago by ancient seas and retreating ice offer fantastic views over the two lakes. Original architecture and innovative urban development blend together to please both viewers and users of the built environment. Enjoy the surrounding lakes on peaceful rowboat trips or on cruises on larger vessels, or concentrate on the urban sights from a sightseeing bus. Regenerated industrial buildings now house quirky museums, enticing shops, pubs, cinemas and cafes. Tampere has a down-to-earth vitality that makes it a favorite for many visitors.

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 10-Day Tours from Helsinki, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Finland, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Tampere or Potsdam?

Tampere has a larger population, and is about 40% larger than the population of Potsdam. When comparing the sizes of Tampere 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 Tampere 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 Tampere or Potsdam in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tampere as well as Potsdam. Additionally, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Potsdam this time of year.

Tampere is cooler than Potsdam in the summer. The daily temperature in Tampere averages around 16°C (61°F) in July, 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 Tampere this time of the year. In the summer, Tampere often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Potsdam. Tampere gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 232 hours of full sun.

Tampere usually gets more rain in July than Potsdam. Tampere gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tampere or Potsdam in the Autumn?

Both Potsdam and Tampere are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Potsdam for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Tampere is much colder than Potsdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tampere in October average around 5°C (42°F), and Potsdam averages at about 10°C (51°F).

Tampere usually receives less sunshine than Potsdam during autumn. Tampere gets 81 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 114 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tampere usually receives more rain than Potsdam. Tampere gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tampere or Potsdam in the Winter?

Both Potsdam and Tampere during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, 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 Tampere. In January, Tampere is generally much colder than Potsdam. Daily temperatures in Tampere average around -7°C (19°F), and Potsdam fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

In the winter, Tampere often gets less sunshine than Potsdam. Tampere gets 37 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 47 hours of full sun.

Tampere usually gets less rain in January than Potsdam. Tampere gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tampere or Potsdam in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tampere and Potsdam. Also, most visitors come to Potsdam for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

Tampere can get quite cold in the spring. Tampere is much colder than Potsdam in the spring. The daily temperature in Tampere averages around 3°C (38°F) in April, and Potsdam fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Tampere usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Potsdam during spring. Tampere gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 168 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tampere usually receives less rain than Potsdam. Tampere gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Potsdam and Tampere