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

Should you visit Vilnius or Potsdam?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Vilnius and Potsdam. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Vilnius

Vilnius is a religious, surprising, and undiscovered city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Potsdam

Potsdam is a historic, accessible, and compact city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Vilnius and Potsdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vilnius or Potsdam?

You'll generally find more things to do in Vilnius than Potsdam. Vilnius is bigger than Potsdam, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Vilnius is better known for its nightlife, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Potsdam is more popular for its museums, food, and small town charm. Potsdam is more touristy than Vilnius and is known for its beautiful palaces, scenic town center, and accessibility to Berlin. Vilnius is well known for its authentic old town and long running history. Also, Vilnius is famous for Gediminas Castle Tower.

How is Vilnius different from Potsdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Vilnius. The city has fascinating museums relating to Soviet times. These include the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights and the Lithuanian Diaspora Art Museum. Other notable sights include the Three Crosses Monument and the St. Anne's and Bernardine Church Complex.

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

Potsdam is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Potsdam. 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.

Vilnius is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The food is hearty with plenty of meat and potatoes. There are also soups and herring dishes as well as great desserts. Popular dishes in the area include cepelinai (meat filled potato dumplings), kibinai (a pastry), and potato pancakes.

Is Vilnius or Potsdam Better for Nightlife?

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

Vilnius is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The large student population is at the heart of the city's nightlife scene. You'll find most of the activity centered around three streets - Vilniaus, Islandijos and Vokiečių. These areas have a number of bars and clubs, and they draw the biggest crowds.

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 Vilnius or Potsdam Better for its Old Town?

Vilnius is well known for its old town. However, Potsdam does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Vilnius. The old town is filled with history, architecture, and churches. It's also where you'll find Vilnius University. At the heart of the area is Pilies Gatve (Castle Street), which has shopping, cafes, and restaurants.

Potsdam does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Vilnius or Potsdam?

Both Vilnius and Potsdam are notable shopping destinations.

Vilnius offers some nice shopping areas. For quaint shops, head to old town, particularly around Pilies Gatve. The city also has an open air market, Kalvarijų Turgus, that is popular on Saturdays. There are also a few shopping malls around town.

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 Vilnius or Potsdam Better for Families?

Both Vilnius and Potsdam are notable family-friendly destinations.

Vilnius is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of historic sights, but once your kids have had their fill, you can head to one of the outdoor or indoor play areas in the city center. There's also a toy museum and an Energy and Technology Museum that kids will enjoy. After a busy day, make sure you grab some ice cream to lift everyone's spirits.

Potsdam is a family-friendly city. 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 Vilnius or Potsdam Better for Couples?

Vilnius and Potsdam both notable destinations for a couple.

Vilnius makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is filled with viewpoints, from hill tops to towers, where you can enjoy romantic views over the landscape. You can also dine in a local restaurant or enjoy a picnic in one of the outdoor settings.

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 Vilnius or Potsdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Vilnius is a great city to visit for backpackers. For backpackers who want to escape the crowds, this off-the-beaten path European capital is a great option. It has history, charm, and an authenticity that is hard to find in a more touristy area. It's also an affordable city, with hostels and plenty of cheap places to eat.

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

Is Vilnius or Potsdam Better for Students?

Vilnius is very good for students. However, Potsdam is not popular with students.

Vilnius is popular with students. The city is small but charming with a number of places where international students can study. It's an affordable city with a lively atmosphere and an authenticate and genuine personality.

Potsdam is not popular with students.

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

Potsdam is notable for its public transit. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Potsdam has some very good public transit options. The city is well connected to Berlin by S-Bahn and bus.

Vilnius has some public transit options. Bus and trolleybuses are available.

Is Vilnius or Potsdam a more walkable city?

Potsdam is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Vilnius is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Vilnius is a somewhat walkable city. The old town is the most walkable part of the city.

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

Should I spend more time in Potsdam or Vilnius?

How long in Vilnius or Potsdam?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Vilnius or Potsdam to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Vilnius than Potsdam because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-4 days is a good amount of time for Vilnius, and 1-2 days is enough time in Potsdam.

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

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

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

One day in Vilnius or Potsdam?

In Vilnius, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

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 Vilnius or Potsdam?

In Vilnius, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Vilnius 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 Vilnius or Potsdam?

Vilnius is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Vilnius or Potsdam?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vilnius. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Vilnius. 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.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vilnius, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Lithuania, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Vilnius and Potsdam, we can see that Potsdam is more expensive. And not only is Vilnius much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vilnius would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vilnius 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 Potsdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Potsdam than you might in Vilnius.

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

Which is Bigger, Vilnius or Potsdam?

Vilnius has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Potsdam. When comparing the sizes of Vilnius 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 Vilnius 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 Vilnius or Potsdam in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Vilnius and Potsdam. Many travelers come to Vilnius for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Potsdam in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Vilnius is around the same temperature as Potsdam in the summer. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around 18°C (65°F) in July, and Potsdam fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Potsdam this time of the year. In Vilnius, it's very sunny this time of the year. Vilnius usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Potsdam during summer. Vilnius gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 232 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Vilnius usually receives more rain than Potsdam. Vilnius gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Vilnius or Potsdam in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Vilnius as well as Potsdam. Many visitors come to Vilnius in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Potsdam for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Vilnius is cooler than Potsdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vilnius in October average around 8°C (46°F), and Potsdam averages at about 10°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Vilnius often gets less sunshine than Potsdam. Vilnius gets 94 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 114 hours of full sun.

Vilnius usually gets more rain in October than Potsdam. Vilnius gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vilnius or Potsdam in the Winter?

Both Potsdam and Vilnius are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Vilnius for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Potsdam because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Potsdam can be very cold. Vilnius can be very cold during winter. In January, Vilnius is generally much colder than Potsdam. Daily temperatures in Vilnius average around -5°C (23°F), and Potsdam fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

Vilnius usually receives less sunshine than Potsdam during winter. Vilnius gets 36 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Vilnius usually receives around the same amount of rain as Potsdam. Vilnius gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Vilnius or Potsdam in the Spring?

Both Potsdam and Vilnius during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Vilnius because of the natural beauty. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Potsdam this time of year.

Vilnius is cooler than Potsdam in the spring. The daily temperature in Vilnius averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Potsdam fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Vilnius often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Potsdam. Vilnius gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 168 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Potsdam and Vilnius