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

Should you visit Turku or Potsdam?

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

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

Where Should I go: Turku or Potsdam?

Turku

Turku, a city on the southwest coast of Finland, straddles the Aura River. Dating from the 13th century, it's known for Turku Castle, a medieval fortress with a history museum, perched at the river mouth. Restaurants line the cobbled riverside streets. On the eastern bank lies the Old Great Square, a former trade hub, surrounded by grand buildings. The nearby Turku Cathedral houses a royal tomb and a museum. The historic castle and cathedral point to the city's rich cultural history when it was the Finnish capital, and contemporary Turku is full of experimental art and vibrant festivals, thanks in part to its spirited university population (the country's second largest), who make Turku's nightlife young and fun. As the first city many visitors encounter arriving by ferry from Sweden and Aland, it's a splendid introduction to the Finnish mainland.

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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Finland, The Best Adventure 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 Turku and Potsdam, we can see that Turku 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 Turku would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Turku 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 Turku Expensive? and Is Potsdam Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Turku or Potsdam?

Turku has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of Potsdam. When comparing the sizes of Turku 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 Turku 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 Turku or Potsdam in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Turku as well as Potsdam. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Potsdam because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Turku is cooler than Potsdam in the summer. The daily temperature in Turku 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 Turku this time of the year. In the summer, Turku often gets more sunshine than Potsdam. Turku gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 232 hours of full sun.

Turku usually gets more rain in July than Potsdam. Turku gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Turku or Potsdam in the Autumn?

Both Potsdam and Turku are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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, Turku is much colder than Potsdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Turku in October average around 6°C (43°F), and Potsdam averages at about 10°C (51°F).

Turku usually receives less sunshine than Potsdam during autumn. Turku gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 114 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Turku usually receives more rain than Potsdam. Turku gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Turku or Potsdam in the Winter?

Both Potsdam and Turku during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, 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 Turku in the winter. In January, Turku is generally much colder than Potsdam. Daily temperatures in Turku average around -6°C (20°F), and Potsdam fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

In the winter, Turku often gets less sunshine than Potsdam. Turku gets 39 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 47 hours of full sun.

Turku usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Potsdam. Turku gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Turku or Potsdam in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Turku and Potsdam. Furthermore, 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 Turku. Turku is much colder than Potsdam in the spring. The daily temperature in Turku averages around 3°C (37°F) in April, and Potsdam fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Turku usually receives more sunshine than Potsdam during spring. Turku gets 182 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 168 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Turku usually receives less rain than Potsdam. Turku gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Potsdam and Turku