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

Should you visit Vienna or Potsdam?

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

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

Vienna

Vienna is a artistic, musical, and ritzy city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. 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.

Vienna and Potsdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vienna or Potsdam?

You'll generally find more things to do in Vienna than Potsdam. Vienna is bigger than Potsdam, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Vienna is better known for its music, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Potsdam is more popular for its small town charm. Vienna is more touristy than Potsdam and is popular for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. Also, Vienna is famous for The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. Potsdam is well known for its beautiful palaces, scenic town center, and accessibility to Berlin.

The Imperial Schönbrunn Palace

How is Vienna different from Potsdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Vienna can be an interesting and educational experience. Filled with palaces, museums, and parks, there are many things to see around town. Make sure you check out the Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg, and Kunsthistorisches Museum.

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 Vienna or Potsdam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Vienna and Potsdam can be an enjoyable experience.

Vienna has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city's cuisine has been influenced by many different flavors. Pastries are ubiquitous so make sure you try the apfelstrudel and kaiserschmarrn. Other common dishes include wiener schnitzel and goulash.

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 Vienna or Potsdam Better for Nightlife?

The notable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Vienna and Potsdam.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Vienna. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.

Potsdam has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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 Vienna or Potsdam Better for Music?

Vienna is very popular for its live music scene. However, Potsdam is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Vienna On the surface, the city seems locked in the past, with ballet dancing and classical concerts filling the evenings. But the city also has a famous jazz scene, as well as techno, hip-hop, and rock all having a strong presence.

Potsdam is not a live music destination.

Is Vienna or Potsdam Better for its Old Town?

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

Vienna has a world-famous historical area. Innere Stadt, as it is known, is encircled by Ringstrasse and filled with many shops and cafes. Head to Kärntner Strasse and Graben for popular pedestrian streets.

Potsdam does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Vienna or Potsdam?

Vienna is very popular for its shopping opportunities. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Vienna make it a world-class shopping destination. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

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 Vienna or Potsdam Better for Families?

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

Vienna is a family-friendly city. Families enjoy taking carriage rides or dressing up in costumes at Schönbrunn Palace. The city also has children's museums, parks, and playgrounds where you can let little legs run around.

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 Vienna or Potsdam Better for Couples?

Vienna is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Vienna has plenty to offer. With it's Baroque architecture and classical concerts, this city is filled with romance. Explore the palaces, take a carriage ride, or enjoy a meal at a nice restaurant.

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 Vienna or Potsdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vienna and Potsdam are both notable destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Vienna. The city flies under the radar for many backpackers, but those who visit will be rewarded with beautiful buildings, charming cafes, and fun hostels.

Potsdam is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a handful of hostels to choose from in town.

Is Vienna or Potsdam Better for Students?

Vienna is very popular for students. However, Potsdam is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Vienna. The city is a popular destination for international students who are interested in art, architecture, and music.

Potsdam is not popular with students.

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

Vienna is very popular for its public transit. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Vienna has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

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 Vienna or Potsdam a more walkable city?

Vienna 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 Vienna on foot is easy. The city center is particularly walkable with pedestrian areas and low traffic zones.

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 Vienna Worth Visiting? and Is Potsdam Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Potsdam or Vienna?

How long in Vienna or Potsdam?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Vienna or Potsdam to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Vienna than Potsdam because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Vienna, and 1-2 days is enough time in Potsdam.

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

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

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

One day in Vienna or Potsdam?

In Vienna, you'll find shopping and museums. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Potsdam. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Vienna or Potsdam?

In Vienna, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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 Vienna has to offer.

Potsdam is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Vienna or Potsdam?

Vienna is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Vienna has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Potsdam. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Vienna or Potsdam?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vienna. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Vienna. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the accessible destination of Potsdam. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Austria, The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Vienna or Potsdam?

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

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

Vienna is a little warmer than Potsdam in the summer. The daily temperature in Vienna averages around 23°C (73°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 Vienna. In the summer, Vienna often gets more sunshine than Potsdam. Vienna gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 232 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets more rain in July than Potsdam. Vienna gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vienna or Potsdam in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Vienna and Potsdam. The autumn months attract visitors to Vienna because of the shopping scene, the music 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, Vienna is a little warmer than Potsdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vienna in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Potsdam averages at about 10°C (51°F).

Vienna usually receives more sunshine than Potsdam during autumn. Vienna gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 114 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Vienna usually receives more rain than Potsdam. Vienna 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 Vienna or Potsdam in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Vienna as well as Potsdam. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Vienna 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 Vienna in the winter. In January, Vienna is generally much warmer than Potsdam. Daily temperatures in Vienna average around 2°C (36°F), and Potsdam fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

In the winter, Vienna often gets more sunshine than Potsdam. Vienna gets 65 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 47 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets less rain in January than Potsdam. Vienna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vienna or Potsdam in the Spring?

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

Vienna is a little warmer than Potsdam in the spring. The daily temperature in Vienna averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Potsdam fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vienna. Vienna usually receives more sunshine than Potsdam during spring. Vienna gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 168 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Vienna usually receives more rain than Potsdam. Vienna gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Potsdam and Vienna