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

Should you visit Villach or Potsdam?

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

Should I visit Villach 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.

Villach

Villach is a historic, nature-filled, and outdoorsy town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and nightlife.

Potsdam

Potsdam is a historic, accessible, and compact city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Villach and Potsdam: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Villach or Potsdam?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Villach than Potsdam. While Potsdam is larger than Villach, Villach has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Villach is more popular for its historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Potsdam is known for its museums, food, and shopping. Villach is popular for its many alpine hikes, nearby lakes, and its quaint main square. It is also home to The Villach Main Square. Potsdam is popular for its beautiful palaces, scenic town center, and accessibility to Berlin.

How is Villach different from Potsdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Villach
Potsdam

Potsdam is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Villach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Potsdam offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. People visit this city for its high concentration of historic sights. The Renaissance Orangery Palace is a highlight of the visit for many travelers.

Villach is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several historical buildings in town such as the Parish Church of St. Jakob, the Holy Cross Church, and the Parish Church of St. Martin. Also worth a visit is the Museum of the City of Villach.


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

Villach
Potsdam

Potsdam is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Villach is a mediocre town for its 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.

Villach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find the standard options of pizza and burgers around town. While the food scene isn't particularly special, the quality is decent and reliable.

Is Villach or Potsdam Better for Nightlife?

Villach
Potsdam

Evening events are good in both Villach and Potsdam.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Villach. The weekends are when you'll find the best nightlife. There are some local bars and clubs that come to life and attract a young crowd on a weekend night.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Potsdam. 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 Villach or Potsdam Better for its Old Town?

Villach
Potsdam

Villach is very good for its old town. However, Potsdam does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Villach to see the old town. You'll find churches and gardens throughout the charming old town. At the heart of the town is the main square.

Potsdam does not have a historic old town.


Is Villach or Potsdam Better for Hiking?

Villach
Potsdam

Villach is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Potsdam is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Villach. The surrounding countryside is filled with both short and long hikes. You can take a short stroll or spend hours (or days) exploring the alpine scenery. Breathtaking views and peaceful retreats make this a wonderful area for hiking.

Potsdam is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Villach or Potsdam?

Villach
Potsdam

Potsdam is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Villach is a mediocre town for shopping.

Many visitors go to Potsdam to go shopping. There are plazas and shopping streets that have the standard chain stores as well as antique shops and other boutiques.

Villach is a good destination for shopping. There are your standard shopping centers where you can pick up clothes or anything you may have forgotten for your trip.

Is Villach or Potsdam Better for Families?

Villach
Potsdam

Villach is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Villach is a very kid-friendly town. The area is filled with outdoor adventures that the whole family will enjoy. There's kid-friendly hiking, adventure parks, nature parks, and some swimming areas.

Potsdam offers lots of family activities. 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 Villach or Potsdam Better for Couples?

Villach
Potsdam

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

Couples visit Villach frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy outdoor adventures, beautiful hikes, and stunning scenery will appreciate a visit to this area.

Potsdam is a good town 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 Villach or Potsdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Villach
Potsdam

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

Villach is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels in the area that cater to backpackers who enjoy the outdoor setting and beautiful hikes that are nearby.

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

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

Villach
Potsdam

Potsdam is notable for its public transit. However, Villach is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

Potsdam offers a very effecient public transportation network. The city is well connected to Berlin by S-Bahn and bus.

Public transit is mostly limited in Villach. There are buses and trains in the area, but to experience the nearby nature you'll want to have a car.


Is Villach or Potsdam a more walkable city?

Villach
Potsdam

Potsdam is notable for its ease of walking around. However, Villach is a mediocre town for its walkability.

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

Villach is generally not a very walkable town. Parts of the town are walkable but the surrounding natural areas are most easily accessed with a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Potsdam or Villach?

How long in Villach or Potsdam?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Villach or Potsdam to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Villach than Potsdam because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Villach, and 1-2 days is enough time in Potsdam.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Villach or Potsdam? Ideal Length of Stay
    Villach 1-3 
    Potsdam 1-2

One day in Villach or Potsdam?

In Villach, you'll find nightlife and museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 Villach or Potsdam?

In Villach, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Villach 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 Villach or Potsdam?

Villach is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Villach or Potsdam?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Villach. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Villach. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 in Austria, The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Potsdam or Villach?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Villach is €116, while the average daily cost in Potsdam is €111. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Villach and Potsdam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Villach 69
    Potsdam 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Villach 138
    Potsdam 120
Compare Hotels in Villach and Potsdam

Looking for a hotel in Villach or Potsdam? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Villach


Hotels in Potsdam


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Villach Hotel Prices and Potsdam Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Villach 18
    Potsdam 28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Potsdam

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Potsdam:

  • Private Transfer from Potsdam to Berlin Tegel Airport: $160
  • Departure Airport Transfer from Potsdam Hotels to Berlin BER Airport: $174
  • Berlin Airport Departure Transfer from Potsdam Hotels: $174

Is it cheaper to fly into Villach or Potsdam?

Prices for flights to both Potsdam and Villach change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Villach 35
    Potsdam 31

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Villach 15
    Potsdam 25

Tours and Activities in Villach

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Villach are as follows:

  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $74
  • Villach Private Walking Tour with Professional Guide: $250
  • Magic Christmas Tour: $769

Tours and Activities in Potsdam

Here are a few actual costs in Potsdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Beautiful Baroque A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Sanssouci Park Self-Guided Gardens Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Baroque Buildings Self-Guided Mobile Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Sanssouci Park: A Self-Guide Audio Tour of the Garden's Landmarks: $5.99
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour of City Center: $8.45
  • Museum Barberini Entrance Ticket: $11
  • Brandenburg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Cecilienhof Castle Entrance Ticket: $13
  • Biosphäre Potsdam Entry Ticket: $16
  • In the Forbidden City - Potsdam Walking Tour: $20
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Villach 14
    Potsdam 6.70


When comparing the travel costs between Villach and Potsdam, we can see that Villach is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Villach or Potsdam?

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

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Villach or Potsdam in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Villach and Potsdam. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Villach this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Potsdam for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Villach is generally a little warmer than Potsdam. Daily temperatures in Villach average around 24°C (75°F), and Potsdam fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Potsdam this time of the year. In Villach, it's very sunny this time of the year. Villach usually receives more sunshine than Potsdam during summer. Villach gets 288 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 232 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Villach usually receives more rain than Potsdam. Villach gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Villach 24°C (75°F) 
    Potsdam 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Villach or Potsdam in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Villach as well as Potsdam. Many travelers come to Villach for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Potsdam in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Villach is a little warmer than Potsdam in the autumn. The daily temperature in Villach averages around 16°C (60°F) in October, and Potsdam fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Villach often gets more sunshine than Potsdam. Villach gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 114 hours of full sun.

Villach usually gets more rain in October than Potsdam. Villach gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Villach 16°C (60°F) 
    Potsdam 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Villach or Potsdam in the Winter?

Both Potsdam and Villach are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Villach in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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 the winter, Villach is much warmer than Potsdam. Typically, the winter temperatures in Villach in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Potsdam averages at about -0°C (31°F).

Villach usually receives more sunshine than Potsdam during winter. Villach gets 96 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Villach usually receives more rain than Potsdam. Villach gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Villach 5°C (41°F) 
    Potsdam -0°C (31°F)

Should I visit Villach or Potsdam in the Spring?

Both Potsdam and Villach during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Villach for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Potsdam because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Villach is generally a little warmer than Potsdam. Daily temperatures in Villach average around 13°C (56°F), and Potsdam fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Villach often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Potsdam. Villach gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 168 hours of full sun.

Villach usually gets more rain in April than Potsdam. Villach gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Villach 13°C (56°F) 
    Potsdam 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Potsdam and Villach

Villach Potsdam
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) -0°C (31°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 1°C (34°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in) 5°C (40°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 22°C (71°F) 102 mm (4 in) 17°C (63°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 24°C (74°F) 101 mm (4 in) 19°C (65°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 20°C (68°F) 102 mm (4 in) 15°C (59°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Oct 16°C (60°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 10°C (51°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 10°C (51°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 6°C (44°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 1°C (34°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)