potsdam sightseeing tour

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Potsdam City Tours

This post reviews and compares the various Potsdam tour options available to you, including walking, bike, bus and boat tours (and one self-guided option). 

• Plan Your Visit
• Walking Tours
• Bus + Boat Tours
• Self-Guided Tour
• Free Tours by Foot

Potsdam is a fairy-tale city west of Berlin that provides a quiet escape from the big and grungy city.  

Walk around the garden and palace complexes built by the Prussian kings while being confronted with the western edge of the Berlin wall.

Stop for a coffee in the picturesque Dutch quarter and experience everyday life in this beautiful town.  

Getting there is easy and takes about 45 minutes.  Use this map for directions to the Potsdam Hauptbahnhof .

To travel to Potsdam you will need to have an ABC zone ticket.  Several Berlin tourist attraction concession passes include transportation. 

Also, be sure to read our guide to navigating the Berlin public transport system .

POTSDAM WALKING TOURS

Several of the tours listed below are either free or heavily concessionary with a Berlin Welcome Card. 

For more information, please check out our overview of Berlin tourist passes .

Walking tours are one of the best ways to get a close look at the most significant areas of Potsdam.

There are some locations that won't be easily accessible by bike or bus, so it makes sense to visit them on foot.

Most of these trips will take about half a day to complete, but transportation from Berlin could take another 1 ½ – 2 hours, so you may want to set aside an entire day for these Potsdam tours.

Ticket prices range from €15-€19 on average. Although we offer a free, self-guided option .

Berlin Walks

This company is well known for providing excellent walking tours in and around Berlin.

Their Potsdam tour is approximately 6 hours in length, allowing you to visit sites such as the Palace of Cecilienhof and Sanssouci castle.

Transportation is not included with this service, but train tickets to Potsdam are included with the Berlin Welcome Card , which also gets you concessionary or free tickets for this tour.  

Although lunch is not included, they will take a break for refreshments.  

They also offer other highly rated tours, such as their Third Reich Tour , East Berlin Tour , and Central Berlin Tour.

Ticket Prices

• €22 for Adults | €20 for Seniors and Youths
• 10:00 am on Wednesdays and Sundays
• Offered in English and Spanish.
• More information or to book .

Tip: Save 25% with Berlin Welcome Card or tour for free with their All-Inclusive Pass .

Berlin Walks has a 4.5 out of 5 stars rating on TripAdvisor and Get Your Guide ( read the reviews ).  

New Berlin Tours

Note: This tour is currently unavailable. We will update the information once it is available again.

New Berlin Tours is one of the most impressive tour companies in Berlin, and their Potsdam walking tour is no exception.

Clocking in at a total of 6 hours, this excursion will take you to a variety of historically important locations such as Sanssouci Castle, the Bridge of Spies, and the Church of Peace.

Transportation is not included, but the ticket price is a little more affordable than some of its competitors.

New Berlin Tours tends to attract a younger clientele and market their evening pub crawl on their day tours.

They also offer other highly rated tours, such as their Third Reich Tour , Red Berlin Tour , and Central Berlin Tour. 

• €17 for Adults | €15 for Students (with ID)
• 11:00 am on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays
• More information and to book .

Tip: Save up to 30% on their tour with the Berlin Welcome Card .

Just like their competition, New Berlin Tours currently enjoys a 5 out of 5 stars rating on TripAdvisor and Get Your Guide ( read the reviews ). 

Insider Walks

Much like their competitors, this Berlin tour company also offers a 6-hour trip to Potsdam. Discover sites such as the Dutch Quarter, Glienicke Bridge, and the Garrison Church.

Once again, this walking tour does not include transportation, but this shouldn't be too much of a problem.

Ticket prices are on par with competitors and you can actually take this tour for free if you have the Berlin Pass .  

• €25 for Adults | €20 for Seniors and Students (with ID)
• 10:00 am on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Tip: This tour for free with the purchase of the  Berlin Pass , a tourist concession pass.

Insider Tours has been given a 5 out of 5 stars rating on TripAdvisor and they have yet to receive even one negative review for their Potsdam walking tour.

BIKE TOURS OF POTSDAM

Although you won't find nearly as many options for these trips, they are all from highly rated and respected companies.

Most of the Potsdam tours listed below are at least 5 hours in length, giving you plenty of time to discover the history of this area of Germany.

Ticket costs range from €15-€50 on average, with longer outings commanding a higher price.

Fat Tire Bike Tours

This is one of the most well known and respected bike tour companies in Berlin. In addition to all of their Berlin bike tours, they also offer a day trip to Potsdam.

Over the course of 6 hours, you'll visit locations such as the Sanssouci Castle, the Dutch Quarter and the Marble Palace. This outing also includes an audio tour of Cecilienhof Palace, adding extra value to the journey.

Although ticket prices are a bit high, each trek comes with a free bike rental. 

• €65 for Adults | €60 for Students/Seniors | €60 for Children
• 9:45 am on Fridays, Sundays, and Wednesdays

Get 25% off with the Berlin Welcome Card

Fat Tire currently enjoys a 5 out of 5 stars rating on TripAdvisor and Get Your Guide ( read the reviews ), and their bike tour in Potsdam has yet to receive even one negative review.

BUS TOURS OF POTSDAM

If you don't feel like walking around the city, a bus tour is an excellent alternative. Some tour bus options will allow you to jump off at various locations in order to get a better look at significant sites around Potsdam.

Tickets for these trips are typically very affordable and will last for between 5-6 hours a day.

Take your time to discover the area at your leisure and enjoy audio commentary while riding from one landmark to the next.

These services are typically offered almost every day of the week, making them very accessible.

Hop-On-Hop-Off City Bus

City-Sightseeing offers bus tours all over the world, including Berlin, so it's not surprising to see that they also offer services in Potsdam.

Their hop-on-hop-off bus tour will allow you to explore the city at your own pace. One ticket lasts an entire day, giving you the opportunity to jump off and see the sites a little closer.

Although the live guide only provides commentary in English and German, an audio guide is available in Spanish, French, Italian, Russian and Portuguese. This trip is available pretty much every day of the week.  

You will need to make your own way to Potsdam to start the tour.

This photo of Potsdam City Tour is courtesy of TripAdvisor  

• €20 for Adults | €18 for Seniors and Students | €10 for Children
• Daily from 10:25 am until 15:25
• Available from April through October
• More information or to book  (free cancelation with 24 hours notice)

City Sightseeing's Potsdam tours have an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Get Your Guide ( see the reviews ).

Map of Stops

BEX Sightseeing

If you're looking for a more traditional bus tour, this should be right up your alley.

During this 5-hours trip from Berlin through Potsdam and return, a professional tour guide will reveal much of the history behind locations such as Sanssouci Palace and the Dutch Quarter.

You won't have the option to hop on and off as you wish, but your guide will likely point out a lot of details that you might otherwise miss on other excursions.

The cost of a ticket is higher than other options in the area, but it's a fair price considering the service provided. 

• €54 for Adults | €27 for Children
• 10:00 am every day but Mondays

Reviews for this company on Get Your Guide are quite good ( see the reviews ).

POTSDAM BOAT TOURS

If you'd rather see Potsdam from the water, that can definitely be arranged. This city is located right next to the Havel River, and you can actually see a lot of significant sites on a cruise.

While some boat tours only last for about 90 minutes, others can stretch to 4 hours in length.

Unfortunately, some of the vessels on these trips may not be suitable for handicapped individuals, but you are free to call ahead and ask if accommodations can be made.

Expect ticket prices to range from €15-€20 per person.

Weisse Flotte Potsdam

This company offers a wide variety of cruises in and around Potsdam. One of their boat tours focuses exclusively on Sanssouci Palace, while others will take you up and down the Havel River.

Most of their trips last between 1 ½ - 2 hours, but they do offer one outing that runs for a total of 4 hours. Considering the unique experience, ticket prices are pretty darn good for the service provided.

Many tours are offered multiple times per day, so it shouldn't be too difficult to book a cruise with Weisse Flotte Potsdam.

Their overall rating on TripAdvisor is a healthy 4 ½ stars, but they haven't really received many reviews. Thankfully, customers were just as likely to recommend this service on other platforms such as Yelp. 

Potsdam Palace Tour (90 minutes): €20 for Adults | €10 for Children

Potsdam Big Island Tour (4 hours): €29 for Adults | €14.50 for Children

SELF-GUIDED TOUR

This tour, depending on your pace will take 3-4 hours, not including travel time.

Take the S-Bahn 7 from Alexanderplatz going towards Potsdam Hauptbahnhof and exit the train at Wannsee.  

Follow the signs for buses and take the 316 bus towards Glienicker Brücke.  This bus ride is about ten minutes.

Click here for larger interactive map .

Exit the bus at Glienicker Brücke station and you will find yourself directly on a large bridge called Glienicker Brücke.

(A) Glienicker Brücke  

Bridge is more famously known as the Bridge of Spies.

You are currently standing in West Berlin but halfway across the bridge it becomes Eastern Germany and during the Cold War this bridge was used primarily for spy exchanges.

The first of these exchanges happened on February 10, 1962, when the Russian spy Rudolf Abel was exchanged for Francis Gary Powers, an event recently shown on the big screen in Steven Spielberg’s “Bridge of Spies” (2015) starring Tom Hanks.

They filmed the pivotal scene right here on the bridge.  

When you cross the bridge you will now be in the East. Turn right and follow the Havel river down the gravel path.  

You will come to an entrance of a green garden space called the New Garden.

(B) New Garden

This is one of many UNESCO world heritage sites in Potsdam.  

It was a project started in 1787 by Fredrick William II (Fredrick the Great’s nephew) and it became one of the largest English landscape gardens in Europe.  

When the path opens up into a wider meadow, look right, across the lake. This is Pfaueninsel.

(C) Pfaueninsel

Pfaueninsel (Peacock Island) built for Fredrick William II’s mistress Wilhelmine Enke with an intended sightline directly to the Marble Palace on your left, Fredrick William’s palace.  

Continue your leisurely walk through the garden following the left path.  

Take caution here especially if you are easily surprised because this stretch of the garden is reserved for one of Germany’s favourite pastimes, nude sunbathing.

Avert your eyes or join in, but make sure you wear lots of sunscreen!  

Go past the Green House (a summer home) and follow the signs to Schloss Cecilienhof.

(D) Schloss Cecilienhof

This was the last palace built by the Hohenzollern family from 1914-1917 for the crown prince Wilhelm and his wife Cecilie.  

Wilhelm never ascended the throne because, in 1918, his father Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated after World War I, thereby ending the long reign of the Hohenzollern family.  

The architectural design of this palace conceals the fact that it holds 176 rooms and 55 chimneys, a mark of prestige for the English Tudor style.

This palace is famous for hosting the Potsdam Conference on July 17, 1945 – August 2, 1945.  

The big three (Stalin, Truman, and Churchill – later replaced by Atlee) gathered here to decide the fate of Europe after VE day.

Here they decided all the big D’s: demilitarization, denazification, democratization, decentralization, and decartelization. 

Here, they decided to divide Germany (and Berlin) into four sections, the ramifications of which are still to be seen today.

Walk around to the front of the house and see Stalin’s famous red star in the garden which was a satirical present for Churchill who was upset about meeting on the Soviet-occupied territory.  

With your back to the palace walk straight and take the path on the left. Wind through the garden and soon you will see something that seems quite out of place. A giant black pyramid!  

This is, in fact, the refrigerator built in 1792 to keep perishable goods fresh. On your left, you will see the Marble Palace.

(E) Marble Palace

This was the summer home of Fredrick William II built by the designers of the Brandenburg Gate Carl von Gontard and Carl Gotthard Langhans.

This palace is constructed of grey and white Silesian marble, hence its name.  

Nearby on the lakeshore is the palace kitchen, built as an ancient temple ruin.

Follow the main path to pass by Egyptian entrance to the Orangery, the garden’s greenhouse where exotic fruits were grown.  

Exit the New Garden and enter the city of Potsdam.  Follow Allestrasse and turn left on Friedrich-Ebert Strasse.  

Walk down this main road and enter the old city of Potsdam through the Nauener Gate.

(F) Nauener Gate

It was built in 1755 in the English Gothic style and one of three remaining gates in the city.  

Once you enter the gate you will be in the Dutch Quarter.

(G) Dutch Quarter

This quarter of the city consists of 130 red Dutch houses designed by Jan Bouman from 1733-1740.  

When Fredrick William I (The Soldier King) needed craftsmen, he brought the Dutch to Germany and settled them in Potsdam.  It is the largest Dutch architecture collection found outside of the Netherlands.  

Stroll through these picturesque streets, pop in the small shops and grab a coffee and take a break. You earned it!  

After resting a bit, continue down Friedrich-Ebert Strasse and turn right on Brandenburger Strasse, a large pedestrian promenade which is home to the Christmas Market in Potsdam.  

Once you reach the end of the street you will encounter a massive gate that looks like a Roman triumphal arch.  

(H) Brandenburg Tor

This is the other, less famous Brandenburg Tor built by Fredrick the Great in 1770 after achieving victory in the Seven Years War.

The gate has two completely different sides because each side was designed by a different architect.

Carl von Gotthard designed the city-facing side and his pupil George Christian Unger designed the outside.  

Walk through the gate and through the square and take the road on the right.

This will take you to the entrance of Sanssouci, but before you enter the gardens through the large golden gates, go right through a tiny garden gate (it will look like you are entering the secret garden).  

This is the entrance to the Marly Gardens and the Friedenskirche.

(I) Friedenskirche (The Church of Peace)  

This was built by Fredrick Wilhelm IV in 1845. (Can’t keep all these guys straight yet?  Here’s a link to the Hohenzollern family tree: https://www.preussen.de/en/family/family_tree/frederick_william_i._king_in_prussia.html ).

The Church of Peace resembles an Italian Monastery and incorporates a Venetian mosaic from San Cipriano made from Murano glass.

Fredrick Wilhelm IV is buried here with his wife but his heart lies with his parents in Charlottenburg Palace in Berlin.  

When you exit the church, go right down the stairs and follow the pathway back to the gardens.  

Stroll through the various species of trees and go through another small fence. Follow this path and you will soon reach the climax of the tour.  

Turn right and you will see Sanssouci.

(J) Sanssouci

This is the largest UNESCO world heritage site in Germany. It was built by Fredrick the Great in 1745.  

This palace was built as a spot for retreat and relaxation and so was named Sanssouci, the French for ‘without cares’ or ‘no worries’.  

Fredrick the Great was such an influence on the design of this intimate palace that it is characterized as ‘Frederician Rococo’.  

The 120 steps up to the top of the palace are dotted with fig trees and trellised vines and the climb is rewarded with a panoramic view of Sanssouci Park.  

On your right, you will see a wing filled with famous busts surrounding a grassy area with a large concrete stone. This is Fredrick the Great’s grave.  

Feel free to leave a potato here, honoring him by his other famous name “The Potato King” because he was responsible for introducing this staple into the German diet.  

He was buried here in 1990 honoring his final wishes with his eleven dogs.  

After being stunned by the beauty of Fredrick’s palace, don’t miss out on Sanssouci’s other fantastic buildings.  Stroll through the gardens and encounter the Chinese House, the Temple of Friendship, and the grand New Palace.  

(K) The New Palace

The New Palace was built 20 years after Sanssouci in 1769.  This larger palace was in direct contrast with the smaller Sanssouci and was intended to display Prussia’s power and strength to the world.  

This was Fredrick the Great showing off after his victory in the Seven Years War.

After exploring the grounds, you can take bus 650/695 from Sansoucci palace and head back to the center of Potsdam.  If you aren’t too tired, take this opportunity to explore even more that Potsdam has to offer.  

Get off the bus at Alter Markt/Landtag and walk towards the giant green dome.  This is the Nikolaikirche.

(L) Nikolaikirche

Built between 1830-1837, this is one of the last structures built by the famous architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel.  

This church was badly damaged during World War II but has since been restored.  Here in the Alter Markt, you can also find the Potsdam City Palace built in 1662.  

This palace was severely damaged in 1945 and demolished in 1961 by East Communists.  The palace was reconstructed in 2013.  

On the eastern side of the Market square, you see the imposing City Hall (Altes Rathaus) built in 1755 by Jan Bouman. Gallery

Potsdam Hauptbahnhof is a short walk across the river from here, or you can take a bus (they all go to the main train station).

It’s easy to get back to Berlin just hop on the s-Bahn 7 going to Berlin. 

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Discover Potsdam in a new way

With our HopOn / HopOff tour you are free to break your trip as often as you like and to explore Potsdam individually.

Winter break

Dear Guests, the City Tour Hop On Hop Off will return in March 2024. Alternativly you can join our guided tour “Alter Fritz”, running daily at 11.15 am am 12.20 pm from main station Potsdam. For reservations please click the button.

Prices & Booking

  Suitable for wheelchairs

Booking over stadtrundfahrt.com All tickets are also available directly at the bus.

At our Hop-on / Hop-off Tour it´s always possible to leave the bus at one of our stops, and to continue the tour from there with later busses. Credit-cards are not excepted.

Tour information

One Tour-circle without getting off is around 105 minutes. Every 60 min comes a new bus. Our available stops are, starting at 10.25 am from Stop 1 (Luisenplatz):

Included: Headphones and a map of the tour Excluded: Entrance fee of castles (always additional)

Potsdam is worth more than one journey

Explore the beautiful baroque old town of Potsdam and admire the imposing castles with their lovingly landscaped gardens. We offer you twelve different stops so you decide what you want to see and when. There are plenty of interesting spots to walk around. Drive through Potsdam’s inner city and through the Dutch Quarter to the Glienicker Bridge and explore “ Alexandrowka ”, the colony of traditional russian wooden houses known as “ Little Siberia “.

See the grave of Frederick II, learn everything about the “ Forbidden City ” (a former KGB-Town) and hear exciting anecdotes. Experience the beautiful sights and impressive castles of Potsdam on this interesting and entertaining Potsdam-City -Tour on the trail of the prussian kings. Finally, discover the famous New Palace and the landscape of Potsdam. Walk past beautiful gardens and admire the biggest palace in Potsdam before spending the afternoon perhaps relaxing in the city.

Castle Cecilienhof

Marble palace / KGB prison

Sans, souci. Castle

Russian colony

Photograph: Valerie Kronewald

Agentur für Stadttourismus Potsdam GmbH & Co. KG

Luisenplatz 2 14471 Potsdam Germany

Phone: +49 (0) 331 97 43 76 Fax: +49 (0) 331 95 13 00 46 Mail: [email protected]

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• Deutsch ( German )

20 Top Attractions & Things to Do in Potsdam

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 25, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Potsdam, the capital of the German state of Brandenburg, lies just 40 kilometers southwest of Berlin in a beautiful area of woodlands and lakes. This former residence of the Prussian rulers is a city of palaces and gardens in a style that's even been given its own name: Potsdam Rococo.

Today, much of this beautiful historic German city is protected under the UNESCO Palaces and Parks of Berlin and Potsdam World Heritage Site status.

With so many great things to do in this beautiful city, it can be somewhat challenging to know where to start. If all you can spare is one day in Potsdam, make sure the magnificent Sanssouci Palace and Park top your list. And have your camera ready: it's for good reason that this splendid palace and its grounds are regarded as one of the best places to photograph in Germany .

The city also hosts a number of exciting festivals, including the Music Festival Potsdam Sanssouci (Musikfestspiele Potsdam Sanssouci), which focuses mostly on classical music, as well as one of the country's largest and most popular Christmas markets .

Find out more about the best places to visit and things to do with our list of the top attractions in Potsdam, Germany.

See also: Where to Stay in Potsdam

1. Visit the Historic Home of Germany's Royals: Sanssouci Palace

2. take a walk in sanssouci park, 3. tour the new palace at sanssouci, 4. see the old masters at museum barberini, 5. visit the potsdam museum at the old town hall, 6. explore the dutch quarter (holländisches viertel), 7. cecilienhof country house, neuer garten, 8. explore new garden and marmorpalais, 9. see the chinese house in sanssouci park, 10. the church of peace, sanssouci park, 11. st. nicholas church, 12. learn about german film-making at filmmuseum potsdam, 13. enjoy movie-themed rides at filmpark babelsberg, 14. charlottenhof palace, 15. biosphäre potsdam, 16. take a tour of the steam pump house, sanssouci, 17. view the observatory at einstein tower, 18. russische kolonie alexandrowka, 19. the birthplace of the movies: babelsberg, 20. experience the chilling kgb prison (memorial leistikowstraße), where to stay in potsdam for sightseeing, tips and tactics: how to make the most of your visit to potsdam, map of attractions & things to do in potsdam.

Widely considered one of the top tourist attractions in Germany , Sanssouci Palace (Schloss Sanssouci) was built in 1745 based on sketches by Frederick the Great. The result, a splendid single-story Rococo building with an elliptical dome in the center and circular rooms at each end, is simply spectacular. The garden front has rich plaster decorations, while on the rear is the Grand Courtyard, enclosed by colonnades of Corinthian columns.

The most notable interior features of Sansouci Palace are the oval Marble Hall, with its double Corinthian columns; the Little Gallery, with its elaborate decorations; the Concert Room with its large murals; the Bedroom and Study; the Library, with many antique busts; and the Voltaire Room.

Also worth checking out are the splendid New Rooms, or Neue Kammern. Built in 1747 as an orangery and later converted into a gardener's house, its interior is richly decorated. English-language audio guides are available for self-guided tours lasting approximately 40 minutes.

A fun time to visit is during the popular Night of the Palaces. This unique two-day event is held in June and sees Sanssouci Palace and Park open to the public after dark.

If you're visiting from Berlin and want to cram as much of this spectacular palace and its grounds into your itinerary as it will handle, you may want to consider joining an organized tour. The Potsdam half-day sightseeing tour from Berlin includes Sanssouci Palace and its beautiful gardens, as well as the Dutch Quarter and New Palace, all while avoiding line-ups. This fun four-hour guided tour also includes transport from a central location in Berlin.

Address: Maulbeerallee, 14469 Potsdam, Germany

Read More: Top-Rated Day Trips from Berlin

Sanssouci Park is the site of many beautiful gardens, buildings, and works of art. It's a pleasure to walk around, and makes a great starting place for a Potsdam cultural experience. The oldest part of the park dates back to 1744 and, along with its abundance of buildings and works of art, is considered the best example of Potsdam Rococo, reflecting as it does the influence of Frederick the Great.

The park entrance lies at the east end of Hauptallee, the property's main avenue. It's easy enough to find: just look for the tall obelisk near the main gate.

Once you're in you'll enjoy highlights including the lovely Neptune's Grotto, one of a series of roundels in the park, this one with the busts of four Moors. Look out for the splendid Picture Gallery at the Orange Roundel, too. Here you'll see many excellent 17th-century paintings, including works by Rubens, van Dyck, and Caravaggio.

Also worth seeing here is the Great Fountain with its representations of the four elements and of mythological figures. Have your camera at the ready!

Address: Zur Historischen Mühle 1, 14469 Potsdam

The New Palace (Neues Palais) was built between 1763-69 in red brick relieved by sandstone, with a copper dome. The palace's interior is sumptuously decorated, particularly in the Marble Hall, the Upper and Lower State Apartments, the Marble Gallery, and Theater.

You'll also see some of the palace's most valuable furniture, pictures, porcelain, and works of art. If you've got time, the New Palace is best viewed as part of an extended English-language guided tour that visits the King's Apartment.

While walking around New Palace, head to the rear of the building. Here you'll find the Communs, or Domestic Offices, two brick buildings in Baroque style with columned porticoes and curving external staircases. Between the two buildings are Corinthian colonnades and a triumphal arch.

In front of the New Palace are a number of other important structures, including the Ancient Temple and the Temple of Friendship built on the basis of sketches by Frederick the Great.

Address: Sanssouci, Am Neuen Palais, 14469 Potsdam

One of the newest attractions in this extremely old city, Museum Barberini opened in 2017 on the Old Market Square site once occupied by the former Barberini Palace, a building which was destroyed during a WWII bombing raid.

Already regarded as one of the top art museums in Germany, the facility's bright, modern galleries are home to a large collection of works from the country's leading painters, stretching from the time of the Old Masters to contemporary art.

Notable Impressionist artists whose work is featured include the likes of Monet and Rodin, as well as Edvard Munch. Regular temporary exhibits are also worth looking into and feature international collections of repute.

Daily English-language guided tours are available, as are audio guides. There's also a shop and a restaurant located on-site; weather permitting, opt for courtyard seating.

Address: Humboldtstraße 5-6, 14467 Potsdam

In Potsdam's Alter Markt, the Old Market Square, stands the former Town Hall, or Altes Rathaus. Now better known as a center for cultural events and activities, this splendid Baroque building was built in 1753 with three-quarter-length Corinthian columns and a tower with a stepped dome.

Be sure to look for the gilded figure of Atlas with the world on his back, the one original feature to survive the vagaries of weather and war. Extensively rebuilt after WWII, the building is used for exhibitions and concerts and houses the Potsdam Museum. It's worth visiting for its fine collections related to local art, culture, and the city's 1,000-plus-year history.

The Old Town Hall is linked by an intervening wing to the Baroque Knobelsdorff-Haus dating from 1750, also used for cultural programs.

Address: Am Alten Markt 9, 14467 Potsdam

To the north of Bassinplatz lies the famous Dutch Quarter, the Holländisches Viertel. Notable for its 134 charming red brick houses graced by shuttered windows, gables, and white trim, the neighborhood was built between 1737 and 1742 by Dutch craftsmen. Today, this charming community is the largest collection of Dutch-style homes outside the Netherlands.

Covering four city blocks, it's as popular a place to visit for tourists as it is with locals, who flock here for its numerous boutique shops, quaint cafés, and first-rate restaurants. Anticipate spending a few hours exploring the area on foot, especially if you take in Johann Boumann House , a museum dedicated to the architect who led this remarkable 18th-century building project.

An easy stroll leads to the Brandenburger Strasse pedestrian zone with its houses built between 1733-39 for the billeting of troops.

Address: Holländisches Viertel 1, 14467 Potsdam

One of the more interesting of the many other buildings found in Neuer Garten is Cecilienhof Country House (Schloss Cecilienhof). Built between 1914-17 in the style of an English Tudor country house, Cecilienhof is most famous as the meeting place of the Potsdam Conference of July-August, 1945, between the US (Truman), the UK (Churchill), and the USSR (Stalin) at the end of WWII.

Now set up as a museum, the building is wonderfully preserved in the state it was in during the conference, including the main conference room itself. Many original artifacts remain in place, along with displays detailing the event and its significance. Other highlights include the obelisk in the courtyard and the property's lovely gardens.

Address: Im Neuen Garten, D-14469 Potsdam

Potsdam's other large park, the New Garden (Neuer Garten) lies on the shores of the Heiliger See and covers an area of 253 acres. Splendidly landscaped in the sentimental style of the late 18th century and laid out in 1789, it was meant to reflect the style of a rural English country estate. The gardens are now a little more formal, but certainly retain their original splendor.

A highlight of your visit should be the lovely Marble Palace (Marmorpalais), a Neoclassical brick building constructed between 1787-91. Notable features are its columned portico on the lake side, as well as a unique, pyramid-shaped cold-storage room or icehouse. A pleasant café is located in the garden's original Orangery.

Address: Am Neuen Garten, 14467 Potsdam

A highlight of a visit to Sanssouci Park is the elegant Chinese House (Chinesisches Haus), sometimes also referred to as the Chinese Teahouse. Although listed as a garden pavilion, it's a description that really doesn't do this sumptuously decorated building justice.

Completed for Frederick the Great in 1763 as a focal point of his extensive flower and vegetable gardens, it encompasses many elements associated with Asian design so popular at the time, with a sprinkling of Rococo influences.

Its interior contains many interesting features, from its stucco marble walls to its musical monkeys and fine collections of porcelain and murals. Also of note are the nearby Chinese Kitchen and Dragon House , the Orangery with its Raphael Room containing copies of 47 works by the artist, and the Sicilian Garden with its Mediterranean plants and sculptures.

Address: Am Grünen Gitter, 14469 Potsdam

At the east end of Sanssouci Park stands the Church of Peace , or Friedenskirche. Built in 1844, it was modeled on the Early Christian basilica of San Clemente in Rome. Its greatest treasure is its apse mosaic dating from 1108 from the church of San Cipriano, Murano, purchased and installed here in 1834. Also of importance is the Kaiser Friedrich Mausoleum , added between 1888 and 1890.

Be sure to spend time wandering the park areas surrounding the church, too. Highlights include the aptly named Garden of Peace, a romantic-styled garden notable for its shrubbery and trees, as well as its Pool of Peace. On the avenue leading to the Grünes Gitter, the park's exit, are Villa Illaire, built in 1846, and the Villa Liegnitz dating from 1841, both built in the style of an Italian villa.

Address: Am Grünen Gitter 3, 14469 Potsdam, Germany

Located opposite the Old Town Hall in Potsdam, St. Nicholas Church (Nikolaikirche) is a beautiful Neoclassical church built between 1830-37 on the city's Old Market Square (Alter Markt ). The most outstanding feature of this impressive structure is its 77-meter-high dome, which rises high above most other buildings in the vicinity.

Although not reconsecrated until 1981 due to the rebuilding needed from extensive damage caused during WWII, it's a testament to the city's rich architectural history, a pleasing structure open to visitors for services and sightseeing. In front of the church is an obelisk built in 1753 with the likeness of the principal architects of Potsdam.

Also of note is nearby Friendship Island with its lovely gardens laid out in 1953.

Address: Am Alten Markt, 14467 Potsdam, Germany

Located in the stunning 17th-century Baroque Marstal, the former Court Stables (Potsdamer Stadtschloss), Filmmuseum Potsdam is an excellent resource of fun facts for film fans. With a worldwide focus, the museum regularly screens international and German movies and has many fascinating exhibits relating to the country's rich cinematic history.

One of the most interesting exhibits focuses on the famed Babelsberg studio, where many of the country's movies have been made over the past 100 years, including such recent classics as Grand Budapest Hotel . A great café is located on the premises, and the museum is easily reached by public transit.

Another nearby attraction is the French Church , a Baroque church remodeled in Neoclassical style in 1833.

Address: Breite Straße 1 A, 14467 Potsdam, Germany

Fun to visit after seeing Potdam's Filmmuseum, Filmpark Babelsberg is the world's oldest film studio and is home to a fun film-based theme park. In addition to the often thrilling rides, guests can enjoy tours of historic film sets, props, and costumes.

It's very much still a working film studio, and you can often also see domestic and international stars in action, or simply passing by on the way to the next big shoot. Fascinating behind-the-scenes tours are available in English and other languages, and include hands-on experiences that allow you to sit behind a news or weather desk in a TV studio.

There's also a 4D cinema showing the latest Hollywood blockbusters and other shows, plus movie-themed dining options. Special experiences are also available for children, including seeing the filming of popular kids' TV shows.

Address: Großbeerenstraße 200, 14482 Potsdam

Although much smaller than its neighbor, the Sanssouci Palace, the Neoclassical Charlottenhof Palace (Schloss Charlottenhof) is certainly worth including on your Potsdam itinerary. Often referred to as Charlottenhof Manor, it can, in fact, be included on a tour of Sanssouci Palace.

Built on grounds given by King Frederick William III of Prussia to his son, the Crown Prince, in 1825 as a Christmas gift, it's a pretty property to explore for its parklike setting and its many charming outbuildings. Much of the ensuing summer palace was in fact designed by the Crown Prince himself, evidence of which can still be seen in the interior design flourishes in the 10 rooms that are open to the public.

Highlights of a tour include the original elegant furniture and the famous "tent room," a colorful room said to be modeled after a royal tent from Roman times and once used as a guest room. As you tour the garden, you'll no doubt be impressed by its English styling, including its fountains and porticos, the creation of landscape designer Peter Joseph Lenné.

Address: Geschwister-Scholl-Straße 34A, 14471 Potsdam

If you're able to squeeze in another garden attraction on your already busy Potsdam itinerary, make sure it's Biosphäre Potsdam . This huge indoor tropical garden, found in Volkspark Potsdam near Sanssouci Park, is home to more than 350 species including some 20,000 individual plants.

Among its collections are beautiful orchids, a palm grove, a mangrove swamp, and tropical wildlife including snakes, lizards, butterflies, and spiders.

Address: Georg-Hermann-Allee 99, 14469 Potsdam

Built in 1841 to provide water for the numerous fountains in Sanssouci Park, the Steam Pump House , or Dampfmaschinenhaus, resembles a Moorish-style mosque with its chimney cleverly disguised as a minaret. Prior to its construction, Frederick the Great's plans for his fountains couldn't be realized.

Located on the edge of the Neustädter Havelbucht, today you can explore the facility during the warmer months via guided tours. These fascinating behind-the-scenes experiences take in the old steam machinery, permanent exhibits on the facility's history, as well as its architecture.

Address: Breite Straße 28, 14467 Potsdam

Those interested in science won't be disappointed with a visit to the Einstein Tower (Einsteinturm). Located in the Albert Einstein Science Park, the tower was built in 1924 and is in fact an important astrophysical observatory built to hold a large solar telescope.

The telescope itself was designed to prove Einstein's theory of relativity through observations and experiments and is still in operation as a solar laboratory, housed in its basement.

The brick and stucco building's unusual Expressionistic design reflects the great scientist's theories, rather euphemistically (and somewhat generously) described by Einstein as "organic."

Highlights of a visit include a rare pre-war sculpture that had evaded detection (the Nazi government would have destroyed them), and the curious, small bronze brain sculpture that references the theories of German scientist Ernst Poppel.

Address: Albert-Einstein-Straße, 14473 Potsdam

The houses in the little settlement of Alexandrowka in Potsdam were built to demonstrate the close friendship that existed between the rulers of Germany and Russia, Frederick William III, and the Czar Alexander. The houses were based on Russian models, and the settlement was laid out in the form of a St. Andrew's cross.

Other highlights of this quaint community include the Alexander Nevsky Church , a Russian Orthodox church built in 1829, with rich furnishings from St. Petersburg, as well as the Jewish cemetery started in 1743.

Address: Russische Kolonie 2, 14469 Potsdam

The district of Babelsberg, the largest area of Potsdam, was famous in the early days of cinema as the home of UFA film studios. Originally developed around Nowawes, an old colony of spinners and weavers, the district's heritage can still be detected near the church on Weberplatz, a modest building constructed in 1753.

Other highlights of this delightful area include Babelsberg Park . The third-largest public green space in Potsdam, it was laid out in 1832 and enlarged from 1843 onwards. You'll also want to take a look at Schloss Babelsber, or Babelsburg Palace, a Neo-Gothic English-style palace built in 1834.

Address: Park Babelsberg 10, D-14482 Potsdam-Babelsberg

For a fascinating yet chilling look at the often tough life in East Germany, pay a visit to the KGB Prison (Memorial Leistikowstraße). Operated by SMERSH, the Soviet counter-intelligence organization, this former detention center started off, ironically, as the offices of a Christian charitable group.

The prison also served the adjacent military camp and German KGB headquarters and was notorious for holding both German and Russian prisoners suspected of being spies or collaborators throughout the 1950s right up until the 1980s.

Now a memorial to those who were held and tortured here, you'll get to tour the former prison cells, some still with prisoner graffiti scratched into their walls. You'll also see the notorious detention room. There's also a permanent exhibit relating to its terrible history. Free audio guides are included with the cost of admission.

Address: Leistikowstraße 1, 14469 Potsdam

Luxury Hotels :

• A great choice of luxury accommodation in this important cultural city is the Hotel Brandenburger Tor Potsdam . Named after the beautiful Brandenburg Gate Potsdam, which it's close to, this luxe hotel is popular for its classy rooms and apartments.
• The Potsdam Hotel Am Jägertor is situated across from another historic city gate, the Jägertor, and offers a variety of chic rooms and suites with great city or courtyard views.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• The centrally-located Maxx Hotel Sanssouci Potsdam offers affordable four-star hotel quality along with friendly staff, a fun classic movie theme, and a variety of spa services, including a Finnish sauna.
• Other good mid-range accommodation options include NH Potsdam , popular for its great-value rates, its fabulous location near the city's top restaurants and shops, and its excellent breakfast; and the elegant Hotel Villa Monte Vino , a charming, family-owned boutique hotel set in a historic building within easy walking distance of Sanssouci Palace.

Budget Hotels :

• A high-quality big-brand hotel offering, the Mercure Hotel Potsdam City offers surprisingly affordable, budget-friendly rates with modern rooms in a convenient location. A great breakfast is also included.
• Other great accommodations offering affordable stays include the Seminaris SeeHotel Potsdam ; though located a little farther from the main sites, it's worth considering for its lovely lake views. Also worth checking into is the Wyndham Garden Potsdam, offering straightforward, clean rooms within an easy walk of the city's top attractions.

Take a Bike :

• Given its high density of top historic attractions, Potsdam is a great place to tour on two wheels. A great option for day-trippers arriving via Berlin, the fun 4.5-hour guided Potsdam Day Bike Tour takes in such important tourist attractions as Sansoucci Palace, the historic Dutch Quarter, and the famous Cecilienhof Palace (audio-guide provided), scene of the famous Potsdam Conference at the end of WWII. In addition to return rail fares from Berlin, insurance, bike rentals, and helmets are included (suitable ages 12 and up).

Take a Hike :

• If you prefer foot-power to pedal-power, there are also a variety of great walking tours of Potsdam worth shelling out for. One of the best is the Potsdam Half-Day Walking Tour . Highlights of this six-hour walk around one of the most pedestrian-friendly cities in Germany, if not Europe, include the exquisite Sanssouci Palace and Gardens, plus Cecilienhof Palace. Along the way, you'll see the Marble Palace, the Dutch quarter, and the city's Babelsberg castle, as well as enjoy a lunch break (the latter at your own expense). This particular walking tour experience starts in Berlin (meet up at the Hackescher Markt train station) where you'll be greeted by your guide before embarking on the short ride to Potsdam. And if you need more time to see additional sites, you can carry on touring afterwards at your own pace (your guide will provide you with maps and tips). A note regarding rail tickets: the handy Berlin Transport ABC Zone Day Pass will also get you all the way to Potsdam.

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The Nation's Capital, Berlin : Less than a 30-minute train ride northwest of Potsdam, Berlin is also worth visiting for its many fine cultural attractions. Of particular interest are its many museums and art galleries , some of the best of which can be found on its famous Museum Island. It's also possible to enjoy some great day trips from Berlin , too, including to beautiful Peacock Island, and the lovely Spree and Havel rivers.

Germany's Best Castles : Germany has done a magnificent job of preserving (or, in some cases, rebuilding) its many old castles. Some of the best places to view these majestic fortresses, some of which date back to medieval times, include the lovely Rhine Valley , including Marksburg Castle and more than 20 others, and the Mosel Valley , home to the imposing Etz Castle. One of the most impressive old fortresses, though, is Nuremberg Castle, the home of German kings since the early 11th century, and one of the top attractions in Nuremberg .

Top Vacation Spots in Germany : One of the largest countries in Europe, Germany has many great places to spend a vacation. Those seeking a big-city getaway should consider either Munich , famous for its magnificent cathedral and royal palace, and Frankfurt , a great choice for those who enjoy walking pedestrian-friendly streets and market squares. For those seeking a slightly slower, rural pace, head for lovely Lake Constance , home to some of the prettiest scenery in the country.

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One Day in Potsdam (Walking Itinerary + Map)

• December 26, 2023

A complete itinerary for one day trip to Potsdam from Berlin (+ a map with all key sights, where to eat and how to get there).

Berlin may be the capital of Germany, but Potsdam is where the Prussian Kings resided. The city is packed with history, culture and gorgeous royal palaces. It’s a true gem for architecture and history lovers!

Potsdam is the capital of the Brandenburg region of Germany. It’s situated on the River Havel, only half an hour away by train from Berlin. This makes it the perfect day trip from Germany’s capital city.

Planning a few days in Berlin as well? Well, then take a look at my complete 3 day itinerary for Berlin . It covers all the key sights, including how to skip the lines for the TV Tower and how to save money.

One day in Potsdam itinerary

This one day in Potsdam itinerary is perfect for all, who plan to explore the city on a day trip from Berlin. In fact, this is the exact itinerary I followed during my last visit. It’s designed in such a way that you can see the maximum of the city with minimal walking.

At the end of the blog post, you’ll find a map of the itinerary (with all attractions and restaurants’ websites).

One day trip to Potsdam from Berlin (best itinerary)

Marvel at the new palace, explore sanssouci park.

• Stop for lunch at Zur Historischen Mühle Restaurant

Tour Sanssouci Palace

See brandenburg gate, explore the dutch quarter, admire st. nicholas’ church.

• Take a boat tour around Potsdam

I’d recommend you have an early breakfast in Berlin, before leaving for Potsdam. There are not many cafés to choose from along your way to the palace. Plus, it will be better to arrive as early as you can, because you have to book a timed entry for your visit (even if you buy tickets in advance online).

10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Most of the people start with Sanssouci Palace, but I’d suggest you start with the New Palace instead. Arrive at Bahnhof Potsdam Park Sanssouci station and make your way through the gardens and the historical centre in the afternoon. In this way, you’ll be able to see both palaces till noon, when there are fewer tourists.

If you have time only for one palace, forget about Sanssouci. Visit the New Palace (Neues Palais)! Sanssouci Palace may be more popular, but it’s nothing compared to the grandeur of the New Palace.

Friedrich II built the New Palace after Prussia won the Seven Years War (1756 – 1763). The palace wasn’t intended to serve as a royal residence, but to host royal guests.

By building it, Friedrich II wanted to demonstrate the power and glory of Prussia. And he surely achieved that goal, considering that the New Palace is one of the most impressive Prussian Baroque palaces.

To visit the palace, you have to buy a timed entry ticket, which is not possible online. This is the main reason why it is better to start with the New Palace instead of Sanssouci. Also, note that the ticket office is located about 300m away from the palace entrance. So, head straight to the palace after buying your tickets, unless you want to miss your time slot.

Keep in mind, that even if you buy in advance the Sanssouci+ pass, you have to go to the ticket office of the New Palace and reserve a time slot for your visit. Do this immediately after you arrive at the palace grounds.

Right across the palace, you’ll find the Communs. This is where the royal kitchens and servants rooms were.

11:30 AM – 12:00 PM With more than 70km of walkways, this is the largest park in Brandenburg. So be prepared and bring your comfy shoes.

It’s about a 20-30min leisurely walk from the New Palace to Sanssouci. A few more landmarks are scattered around the park. The most impressive are the Orangery Palace, Chinese House and the New Chambers. You can visit them for free with the Sanssouci+ pass.

The Orangery Palace is a gorgeous building in Italian Renaissance style. It is built after the image of the Villa Medici in Rome and the Uffizi in Florence.

The Chinese House is a small garden pavilion, built by Frederick the Great to adorn his flower and vegetable garden.

The New Chambers can be considered an extension to Sanssouci Palace. Initially, they were used as an orangery to keep the terraces’ potted plants safe during the cold winter months. Later, the chambers were transformed into a gallery.

The Sanssouci+ pass also includes the Charlottenhof Palace, Belvedere on Klausberg and Roman Baths. To be honest, it’s not possible to see it all in just one day, so choose according to your interests.

Lunch at Zur Historischen Mühle Restaurant

12:00 PM – 01:30 PM There aren’t many places for lunch in the park, but Zur Historischen Mühle Restaurant is a good option. The atmosphere is very nice and they offer excellent homemade cakes!

02:00 PM – 03:00 PM King Frederick the Great commissioned the construction of Sanssouci Palace in the middle of the 18th century. This small palace is built in opulent Rococo style with beautiful terraced gardens.

Sanssouci Palace was the summer residence of King Frederick the Great. The place where he could escape from the pomp and ceremony of the Berlin court life. This is reflected in the palace’s name – sans souci means without a care in French.

Note, that to take photos, you’ll need to buy a photo permit for €3.

03:20 PM – 03:30 PM Don’t mistake this for a replica of the iconic Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. In fact, the Brandenburg Gate in Potsdam is older than its famous namesake. It was built as a triumphal arch after Prussia won the Seven Years’ War in 1770.

03:30 PM – 04:00 PM The Dutch quarter is one of the most charming quarters in Potsdam. It’s founded in the middle of the 18th century when King Frederick William I ordered the construction of 134 red brick houses in Dutch style. In this way, he wanted to attract more expert craftsmen from neighbouring Holland.

And while you’re in the area, don’t miss to stop for a cheesecake at Café Guam . They offer excellent cheesecakes, and there are always numerous flavours to choose from. A great spot to stop and relax after a day of walking.

04:10 PM – 04:30 PM St. Nicholas’ Church (Nikolaikirche) is the largest church in Potsdam. Built in the middle of the 19th century, the church dominates the Old Market Square.

Dinner at Restaurant Loft

Before you take the train back to Berlin, stop for an early dinner at Restaurant Loft . The restaurant features a rooftop terrace with lovely views of Potsdam.

More ideas for your one day in Potsdam

Church of peace.

Church of Peace (Friedenskirche) is located on the grounds of Sanssouci Park. It’s a perfect stop on your way to the historical centre.

King Frederick William IV commissioned the church in the middle of the 19th century. The structure resembles an Italian monastery. In addition to this, an original Venetian mosaic from the 13th century decorates the apse. It was brought by King Frederick William IV himself from Venice by boat!

Cecilienhof Palace and the Potsdam Conference

Cecilienhof Palace (Schloss Cecilienhof) is the location, where the famous Potsdam Conference took place. Truman, Churchill and Stalin met here to discuss the future of Europe after the end of the Second World War.

Originally, Cecilienhof Palace was constructed for the crown prince Wilhelm and his wife Cecilie. Built in the English Tudor style, the palace features more than 170 rooms! In fact, this was the last palace of the House of Hohenzollern.

Babelsberg Palace

Babelsberg Palace was built in 1833 as a summer residence of Emperor William I. Constructed in a neo-Gothic style, the palace features an English garden with lovely river views.

Although Babelsberg Palace is not open to visitors, you can access its beautiful gardens free of charge.

Find more information at the Potsdam Tourist Information Centre .

Sanssouci Palace – it’s the most popular sight in Potsdam and the tickets are timed entry. Even if you’re travelling outside the season, book your ticket in advance here .

Getting around in Potsdam

Find here a map with all the mentioned attractions in this Potsdam itinerary.

As the attractions are quite scattered, prepare for a lot of walking, especially in Sanssouci Park. Don’t forget to bring comfy shoes!

Another option is to rent a bike . There are multiple locations from where you can rent a bike, including the Potsdam Hauptbahnhof Station and Bahnhof Park Sanssouci Station.

How to get to Potsdam

To visit Potsdam as a part of a guided tour, take this Sanssouci Palace Tour from Berlin (it’s the most popular one). The tour includes a bus transfer directly from the Berlin city centre, a guided tour of Potsdam and a tour of Sanssouci Palace.

Potsdam is an easy day trip from Berlin (a 30min ride on the S-Bahn). To get there just hop on the S7 S-Bahn train (towards Potsdam Hbf) or RE1 train (towards Magdeburg). The S7 train stops at the Central train station (Potsdam Hbf), while the RE1 train at Park Sanssouci Bhf.

To follow my Potsdam itinerary, take the RE1 train to Potsdam in the morning and the S7 train to get back to Berlin. In this way, you can start with the New Palace and make your way through the park and then the historic city centre.

Potsdam is located in zone C, so the regular Berlin zone AB ticket is not enough. You’ll need to buy an ABC ticket. If you plan to use public transport in Potsdam, buy a Tageskarte Berlin ABC (day ABC ticket) to save money.

How many days in Potsdam

Is one day in potsdam enough.

Potsdam is the perfect day trip destination from Berlin. For 1 day you’ll be able to visit Sanssouci Palace, the New Palace and tour the historical city centre.

Best time to visit Potsdam

A day trip to Potsdam includes a lot of walking. Besides, one of the most popular attractions is Sanssouci Park. So, you’ll definitely need nice weather. Having this in mind, it’s best to visit Potsdam from May to October. Also, most of the small palaces in the park are closed in the winter months.

My first visit was on a cold December day and I didn’t even make it to the New Palace, because of heavy snow. Not to mention, that the terraced gardens of Sanssouci Palace are not a nice view in the winter.

Also, take in mind that Sanssouci Palace is closed on Mondays, while the New Palace – on Tuesdays. So, ideally from Wednesday till Sunday is the best time to visit Potsdam.

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About the author

Now it’s the 24th of November and we just visited the Neue Palace. The tour was nice, however short. But it was long enough to get a nice glimps. We followed your instructions to walk through the park towards the city center. Very nice. Then went along the Branderburger Tor and the main street towards the Dutch houses. There we had a nice lunch at Poffertjes en Pannenkoeken. Typical Dutch delights. Mittelstrasse 32, Potsdam.

I’m glad you enjoyed Potsdam, Mariëlle. 🙂

Thank you Milena so much ! for the information. I will follow your itinerary on our upcoming trip. but we would like to deviate and go to Schloss Cecilienhof after the tour at Sanssouci Palace, then after that probably head back to Berlin. How would you suggest we get around to Schloss Cecilienhof after Sanssouci ?

You can take bus 603 from the Rathaus (1.6km walk from the palace) and get off at Schloss Cecilienhof bus station (or tram 91 or 94 from Luisenplatz-Süd/Park Sanssouci to Platz der Einheit/West and then change to bus 603 again). Unfortunately, there is no direct line which connects both sights.

Greetings. Thanks for all the precious information. Getting to the New Palace first from the Park Sanssouci train station is perfect. FYI, in the website the park opens at 09:00, but the Palaces open at 10:00. Between the New and Sanssouci, there is a 20-30 minutes walk, so plan adequately. About 45 minutes to visit each Palace. Walk to town is 15 minutes. Loved the old town and small boutique and shop. Thanks again.

Thank you for your comment and the helpful info! 🙂

Good morning. What is best way to get to the “Bridge of Spies” ? Also if time is limited and you had to choose between walking around Potsdam city center or Sansouci which would you suggest? Thank you

I’d recommend visiting Sansouci, as it’s really beautiful palace with a lot of history. The easiest way to get to the Bridge of Spies (Glienicker Brücke) is by taking tram 93 (15min journey) from Potsdam Hauptbahnhof (the central train station). It will take you directly to the bridge.

I’d recommend visiting Sansouci first, as you need a timed-entry ticket booked in advance, then Glienicker Brücke. However to get from Sansouci to Glienicker Brücke you have two options: either take two trams (or buses), or walk for about 30 minutes to the city centre and then catch tram 93 from Alter Markt/Landtag.

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Potsdam Sanssouci Park | Sanssouci Palace | Best Potsdam Sights | Potsdam City History | Events in Potsdam

Potsdam travel guide with tours and information

We have put together some good travel guides for you that can help you plan and organize your trip to Potsdam. Most travel guides also offer a helpful city map so that you do not miss any of Potsdam’s many sights and also find your way back to your own hotel. They also contain mostly marked tours, gastro tips but also interesting information about the theater, scene and museums as well as other helpful information.

Table of contents

What should a good Potsdam travel guide contain?

Do you ask yourself this question shortly before buying? But what is important in a good travel guide? This question is not so easy to answer, as it also depends on the trip itself and the reader. A good travel guide for Potsdam should include the following points:

• the most important Potsdam sights

Recommended routes in Potsdam

• a Potsdam city map

Potsdam gastrotips

Potsdam cultural scene.

• Information on the history of the city of Potsdam
• Hotel recommendations & suitable accommodations in Potsdam

General information about Potsdam

The most important potsdam sights.

Of course, a travel guide should include all of Potsdam’s major sights and districts. In addition, general information on the construction and history of the attraction. It is best to divide everything into areas with landmarks on the Potsdam city map.

It can be helpful if routes are already recommended. This saves time, especially on short trips.

A Potsdam city map

A map helps you to find your way around and plan routes. Which sights in Potsdam are close together? Every travel guide should include city maps, ideally as a removable folding map and an overview of public transport.

A good travel guide should include tips for a culinary excursion. What are the best restaurants in Potsdam. What are the recommendations of the Potsdam gastronomic scene? Which bars are trendy right now? The topic of eating and drinking is an important part of a Potsdam travel guide. From gourmet restaurants to cafes and bars to midnight snacks.

Potsdam has several galleries & museums, but also theaters, cabaret and other events. A good travel guide should cover the main Potsdam facilities and events .

History of the city of Potsdam

If you also want to find out more about the history of the city, some travel guides and short abstracts of Potsdam’s history contain. Of course, you cannot read a detailed history of the city here. But one or the other travel guide more or less of it.

Find suitable accommodations in Potsdam

What hotels and accommodations are offered in Potsdam and where are they located. What are the special features and what does an overnight stay cost. These questions should be part of a good travel guide.

It is also important that all practical travel information on how to get there, prices, city traffic, shopping, events and help in an emergency is included. The most important telephone numbers for emergencies and hospitals.

Book form or ebook?

Most travel guides are also available as ebooks in addition to book form. So everyone can decide for themselves whether they prefer to hold the travel guide in their hand in the tried and tested way and mark important points and carry them digitally on their mobile phone or tablet.

Without a guide, you’re missing out – keep that in mind.

Selection of travel guides for Potsdam

You can find a large selection of travel guides on Amazon. We have put together some recommendations for you here.