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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Potsdam?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Potsdam? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a bustling, historic, and vibrant city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. 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.

Thessaloniki and Potsdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Potsdam?

You'll generally find more things to do in Thessaloniki than Potsdam. Thessaloniki is bigger than Potsdam, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Thessaloniki is better known for its nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Potsdam is more popular for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Thessaloniki is more touristy than Potsdam and is popular for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. Also, Thessaloniki is famous for The Monument of Rotonda. Potsdam is well known for its beautiful palaces, scenic town center, and accessibility to Berlin.

How is Thessaloniki different from Potsdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Thessaloniki offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are a huge number of historic and archeological sights in the city. These include the Rotunda of Galerius, the White Tower, the Church of Agios Dimitrios, and the Arch of Galerius.

Many visitors head to Potsdam specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Thessaloniki or Potsdam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Thessaloniki and Potsdam both to be great destinations.

Thessaloniki has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a huge culinary scene in the city, and you'll find everything from fun street food options to traditional tavernas and even some great international restaurants.

Dining out in Potsdam is an experience not to be missed. 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 Thessaloniki or Potsdam Better for Nightlife?

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

Thessaloniki is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. It's the second largest city in Greece, and it has large student and tourist populations, so the nightlife scene is among the best in Greece. There are clubs, bars, and lounges that stay busy late into the night.

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 Thessaloniki or Potsdam Better for Beaches?

Thessaloniki is a city with a few options for the beache. However, Potsdam is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Thessaloniki. Although the city's not known for its beaches, there are some places where you can relax by the water, particularly if you're willing to get a bit out of town.

Potsdam is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Potsdam?

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

Thessaloniki is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are shopping streets as well as large malls and shopping centers. You'll find everything from fashion, jewelry, and handicrafts to most European and international brands.

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 Thessaloniki or Potsdam Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Thessaloniki or Potsdam.

Thessaloniki is a family-friendly city. The port city has a number of museums and attractions for kids including Dinosaur Park, the Noesis Science and Technology Museum, and the water park known as Waterland. There's also the fascinating Kapani Market that is fun to explore.

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 Thessaloniki or Potsdam Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Thessaloniki and Potsdam make for a notable place to visit.

Thessaloniki makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a bustling city that is filled with history and excellent restaurants. Couples who enjoy history and fun cities will appreciate a visit here.

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 Thessaloniki or Potsdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki is well known for backpackers. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Thessaloniki is a great city to visit for backpackers. There's no shortage of hostels in this city, and you'll find plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

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

Is Thessaloniki or Potsdam Better for Students?

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

Thessaloniki is very popular with students. There's a large student population in the city and you'll find a vibrant nightlife scene, easy transportation options, and a reasonable cost of living.

Potsdam is not popular with students.

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

Potsdam is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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

You'll find some public transit in Thessaloniki, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system that connects most of the city and its suburbs.

Is Thessaloniki or Potsdam a more walkable city?

Potsdam is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Thessaloniki is a somewhat walkable city. You can explore much of the city center on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Potsdam or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Potsdam?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Thessaloniki or Potsdam to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki, and 1-2 days is enough time in Potsdam.

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

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

One day in Thessaloniki or Potsdam?

In Thessaloniki, you'll find nightlife and food. 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, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this compact city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Thessaloniki or Potsdam?

In Thessaloniki, 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 Thessaloniki has to offer.

Potsdam is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Thessaloniki or Potsdam?

Thessaloniki 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Potsdam. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Thessaloniki or Potsdam?

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

Potsdam is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Potsdam?

Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Potsdam. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki or Potsdam in the Summer?

Both Potsdam and Thessaloniki during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Potsdam for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Potsdam in the summer. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 25°C (77°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 Thessaloniki. In the summer, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Potsdam. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 232 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in July than Potsdam. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Potsdam in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Potsdam. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Potsdam in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Thessaloniki is much warmer than Potsdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Thessaloniki in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Potsdam averages at about 10°C (51°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Potsdam during autumn. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 114 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Thessaloniki usually receives more rain than Potsdam. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Potsdam in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Potsdam. Many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Potsdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Potsdam can be very cold during winter. In January, Thessaloniki is generally much warmer than Potsdam. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 5°C (41°F), and Potsdam fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

In the winter, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Potsdam. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 47 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in January than Potsdam. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Potsdam in the Spring?

Both Potsdam and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Potsdam because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Potsdam in the spring. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Potsdam fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Potsdam during spring. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 168 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Potsdam. Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki