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Potsdam: a land of gardens, palaces and lakes

Prussian pomp and splendour, a heritage of great architects and scholars and a focal point during the Cold War: Potsdam offers breathtaking dimensions of culture and history.

300 years ago, Potsdam was transformed into one of Europe's most splendid royal cities. The Prussian kings created a Baroque dream in Potsdam and the surrounding area and commissioned great monuments to Classicism. The Palaces and Parks of Potsdam, which cover about 500 hectares of parkland and encompass 150 buildings dating from 1730 to 1916, were awarded UNESCO World Heritage status back in 1990. A good starting point for a walk is the Alter Markt square, taking in St. Nicholas Church, the Lustgarten park, the Old Town Hall, the Barberini Museum and the reconstructed former City Palace. Opposite Alter Markt, somewhat tucked away, lies the Neuer Markt square, one of the best-preserved Baroque squares in Europe.

Sanssouci Palace

Dutch quarter, inner city/old market, marble palace, cecilienhof palace.

Nauen Gate gives access to the Dutch quarter with its lovingly decorated courtyards, cafés, offbeat bars and galleries, where the ambiance and lifestyle of the city are a bit more laid back. No visit to Potsdam would be complete without a trip along the city's waterways on one of the Weisse Flotte steamboats. The vessels go as far as Glienicke Bridge, which connects Potsdam to Berlin and is where East and West exchanged secret agents and spies until into the 1980s. Over in Babelsberg, the cameras are always rolling at Europe's biggest and oldest film studios, which is no real surprise, as Potsdam was named UNESCO Creative City of Film in 2019.

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Home » Travel Guides » Germany » 15 Best Things to Do in Potsdam (Germany)

15 Best Things to Do in Potsdam (Germany)

The capital of Brandenburg, Potsdam is a World Heritage city of palaces and royals parks for the Kings of Prussia. After being devastated in the Thirty Years’ War in the 17th century, Potsdam was remodelled 100 years later by Frederick the Great.

And even after the Kingdom of Prussia was dissolved in 1918, the town witnessed a momentous event in 1945 when the Cecilienhof palace hosted the Potsdam conference. Potsdam’s palaces all tell us something about their Kings and Princes, as well as Prussia’s standing in the world at the time.

Take the Sanssouci, the compact palace where Frederick the Great would get away from it all, the colossal Neuer Schloss, built when Prussia was more confident than ever, or the Orangery Palace, representing Frederick William IV’s love for the Italian Renaissance.

Let’s have a look at the best things to do in Potsdam :

1. Sanssouci Palace

Frederick the Great’s summer palace was built between 1745 and 1747 as somewhere he could escape from the strictures of the Berlin court.

That thinking is clear from the name, Sanssouci, which roughly translates to “without cares”. This sublime Rococo palace is also surprisingly intimate in its scale, standing at only one storey tall (only the secondary wings have upper floors) and settled at the top of a terraced vineyard that holds his simple mausoleum.

Inside, despite the virtuoso stuccowork, carved marble and gilding of the Rococo period, the main purpose was comfort and conviviality.

The finest of the rooms is the ceremonial Marmorsaal (Marble Hall), that has pairs of Corinthian columns from Carrara marble rising from a marble intarsia floor to a white and gilt dome.

2. Sanssouci Park

The palace and its terraced garden are at the centre of an expansive park designed and landscaped in the decades that followed.

The size of this project is almost bewildering, as the park encompasses almost 300 hectares and is crisscrossed by alleys framed by hedges trimmed at right angles.

To get an idea of scale it’s 2.5-kilometres from Sanssouci to the Neues Palais in the west, also built by Frederick the Great in the 1860s.

You’ll need a map, but there’s a host of smaller buildings to discover, all beautiful in their own way, and most containing something exciting.

Take the Bildergalerie holding the King’s art collection, which has pieces by Van Dyck, Caravaggio and Rubens.

Frederick also ordered the Chinese House, a captivating example of Chinoiserie, built from 1755 to 1764 to accompany his vegetable and flower garden.

3. Dutch Quarter

During Potsdam’s second expansion between 1733 and 1742 a whole neighbourhood of Dutch-style red brick gabled houses cropped up either side of Mittelstraße.

There are 134 buildings in all, designed by the Dutch architect Jan Bouman.

The quarter is testament to Frederick William I of Prussia’s love for Dutch culture and desire to attract Dutch artisans and engineers to Potsdam as they were famed for their technical knowhow.

Today these fine houses are in perfect condition, and are occupied by antiques shops, cafes, galleries, design stores and ateliers.

There’s museum about the quarter’s background at the Jan-Bouman-Haus, as well as a tulip festival in April, a pottery market in September and a Dutch-style Christmas market in December.

4. Cecilienhof

The House of Hohenzollern’s final palace was built during the First World War in the style of an English Tudor mansion.

Cecilienhof is half-timbered and has decorative turreted chimney stacks.

The whole palace was inspired by Hill Bark on Merseyside, which itself is a Victorian reproduction of a Renaissance half-timbered design and was adored by German Crown Prince Wilhelm when he visited.

But far outweighing the architecture, what makes Ceclienhof so significant is that it was the stage for the Potsdam Conference from 17 July to 2 August 1945. President Truman, Winston Churchill (followed by Clement Atlee) and Josef Stalin all slept and worked here as they thrashed out a plan for the future of Germany and Europe in the wake of the Second World War.

5. Neues Palais

The other end of the spectrum to the cute, personal Sanssouci, the Neues Palais is a huge Baroque palace built as a statement of Prussian power by Frederick the Great at the conclusion of the Seven Years’ War with France.

Frederick had a preference for the outdated Baroque over the new Neoclassical style, and he roped in Johann Gottfried Büring, who had already designed the Chinese House and the Bildergalerie.

The Neues Palais was intended to create an impression on foreign visitors at banquets and has 200 rooms and four galleries in the Rococo style.

The most peculiar is the Grottensaal, where the walls are clad with over 24,000 seashells, gemstones, fossils and minerals.

To the rear are the Communs, utility structures linked to the palace by a tunnel.

6. Brandenburg Gate

Not to be mixed up with the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Potsdam’s own Neoclassical arch was built around 20 years earlier, in 1770/71. The monument, based on Rome’s Arch of Constantine, was ordered by Frederick William II to celebrate Prussia’s victory in the Seven Years’ War.

It replaced the Medieval gate that stood here before, and was part of Potsdam’s walls until they were torn down at the start of the 20th century.

Something worth noting about the Brandenburg Gate is how it has completely different designs on the city and “field” side.

They were created by separate architects: The city side and its pilasters was by Carl von Gontard, while the busier field side and its double rows of Corinthian columns was by his pupil Georg Christian Unger.

7. Belvedere auf dem Pfingstberg

Frederick William IV commissioned this grand viewing platform in the middle of the 19th century to take advantage of the view from the top of the Pfingstberg hill, which rises to 76 metres.

Although the structure is only a small piece of what was here before it’s still a marvellous piece of heritage: The belvedere was restored in the 1990s after being closed off during the days of the wall for providing a view of West Berlin.

Sitting on a tall podium around a courtyard are two towers, above three viewing terraces.

The east and west sides have dignified colonnades with Corinthian style pillars, while the north side has Renaissance-style arches.

8. Park Babelsberg

On Potsdam’s northeastern fringe is a 124-hectare park bordering the Tiefen See lake on the River Havel, laid out for Frederick William IV in the 1830s and 1840s.

The undulating terrain descending to the lake was first shaped by Peter Joseph Lenné, followed by Hermann, Fürst von Pückler-Muskau another celebrated landscape architect.

The latter designed a system of narrow, winding and criss-crossing paths in this hilly scene, which is now sprinkled with mature trees and has uplifting vistas of the lake.

Frederick William IV’s palace in the park was designed by Karl Friedrich Schinkel in the Gothic Revival style and looks like fairytale castle.

Other structures around the park have a similarly Romantic aspect, like the fortress-like pump house on the water and the Kleines Schloss (Little Place).

9. Neuer Garten

In the north of Potsdam on the shores of the Jungfernsee and Heiliger See lakes, Frederick William II (Son of Frederick the Great) plotted a new garden from 1787 onwards.

This differed from Sanssouci, and where his father’s park had arrow-straight alleys and parterres, the Neuer Garten was in the looser English style.

And as with Sanssouci there’s much to discover around this 102.4-hectare park.

The servants’ quarters were set in gabled Dutch-style houses, the palace’s ice house was in styled as an Egyptian pyramid, while there’s also an orangery with an Egyptian portal, a Gothic-style library and the Marmorpalais (Marble Palace) designed by Carl von Gontard.

10. Museum Barberini

The Palast Barberini was an 18th-century Italianate palace on Alter Markt that was completely destroyed in 1945. Since 2013 the facades of the palace have been resurrected, while the interiors are completely modern and are home to a new museum that only opened in 2017. Among the guests for the unveiling were Angela Merkel and Bill Gates, while the collection belongs to the American Hasso Plattner Foundation and focuses mainly on art from the GDR as well as movements the last 25 years.

There’s also a summary of painting from the Old Masters to the 2000s, via Impressionism and Symbolism, with pieces by Monet, Renoir and Munch.

11. Alexandrowka

A reminder of the kinship between the Prussian Hohenzollern and Russian Romanov houses, Frederick William III built this Russian colony in the 1820s in memory of the Tsar Alexander I, who died in 1825. The origins of the colony go back to 1812, when Russian soldiers captured by Napoleon settled in Potsdam and formed a choir with the permission of the Russian Tsar.

After Tsar Alexander I died more than a decade later, the remaining choir members were given Russian-style timber houses.

The colony was plotted in the shape of a St Andrew’s cross by Lenné, while the designs of the 13 houses were provided by the Italian-born Russian architect Carlo Rossi.

The last of the choir members died in 1861, but the houses were passed down through their families and the last direct descendant passed away only in 2008.

12. Neuer Markt

One place full of Potsdam’s typical grandeur is this market square bordered by striking palaces and townhouses from the 1700s and 1800s.

In the southwest of the square is maybe the most eye-catching of these buildings: The Neoclassical Kutschstall used to be the royal coach house and now has a museum for Prussian and Brandenburg history.

The Kabinetthaus at Am Neuen Markt 1 was Frederick William II’s “city palace” in the days that he was Crown Prince.

This building was the birthplace of the philosopher Wilhelm von Humboldt, as well as Frederick William III three years later in 1770.

13. Orangery Palace

One of the later additions to Sanssouci Park was a luxurious palace constructed for King William IV, who was famed for his devotion to Romanticism.

Built between 1851 and 1864 the Orangery Palace is in the Italian Renaissance style and took its cues from the famed Uffizi in Florence and the Villa Medici in Rome.

The facade is 300 metres in length, the longest of any in the Sanssouci Park, and its side wings are still used to store the gardens’ exotic plants in winter.

The plush royal apartments and the servants’ quarters are in the complex’s middle building, capped with two towers.

Also in this edifice is the “Raffael” hall, designed like the Vatican’s Sala Regia.

Illuminated by an enormous skylight, this hall is adorned with red silk and has 50 copies of famous Renaissance paintings.

14. Filmmuseum

In the majestic stables Potsdam’s old city palace is the oldest film museum in Germany.

The attraction has also just come through a renovation, and has more than a million exhibits on the evolution of filmmaking.

The main exhibition is on Studio Babelsberg, the world’s oldest film studio, in business since 1912. There’s a totally interactive step-by-step guide to how movies get made, going into the screenplay, casting, makeup, costume design, set design, filming, editing, sound design, marketing and much more.

There are also original props, costumes, cameras, microphones and much more, all used in productions down the years.

One fantastic exhibit is the working cinema organ, made for Chemnitz’s Luxor-Palast cinema in 1929.

15. Nikolaikirche

Opposite the rebuilt facade of the Palast Barberini on Alter Markt is a regal Neoclassical church grabbing your attention for its dome and portico.

Court architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel drew up the plans, and the church, the largest in Potsdam, was built in two phases from 1830 to 1850. The last thing to be completed was that dome, which rises 77 metres above the city streets and took inspiration from St Paul’s in London.

The Nikolaikirche was hit on two occasions during the war and its restoration and was only re-consecrated in 1981.

15 Best Things to Do in Potsdam (Germany):

• Sanssouci Palace
• Sanssouci Park
• Dutch Quarter
• Cecilienhof
• Neues Palais
• Brandenburg Gate
• Belvedere auf dem Pfingstberg
• Park Babelsberg
• Neuer Garten
• Museum Barberini
• Alexandrowka
• Neuer Markt
• Orangery Palace
• Nikolaikirche

©Sergey Kohl/500px

Potsdam, on the Havel River just 25km southwest of central Berlin, is the capital and crown jewel of the federal state of Brandenburg. Easily reached by S-Bahn, the former Prussian royal seat is the most popular day trip from Berlin, luring visitors with its splendid gardens and palaces, which garnered Unesco World Heritage status in 1990.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Schloss & Park Sanssouci

This glorious park and palace ensemble is what happens when a king has good taste, plenty of cash and access to the finest architects and artists of the…

Schloss Sanssouci

Frederick the Great's famous summer palace, this rococo gem was designed by Georg Wenzeslaus von Knobelsdorff in 1747 and sits daintily above vine-draped…

Museum Barberini

The original Barberini Palace was a baroque Roman palazzo commissioned by Frederick the Great and bombed to bits in World War II. Since January 2017, a…

Chinesisches Haus

The 18th-century fad for the Far East is strongly reflected in the adorable Chinese House. The cloverleaf-shaped pavilion is among the park's most…

Alter Markt

Halfway between the Hauptbahnhof and the Altstadt, the Alter Markt is the site where Potsdam's settlement began. Under Frederick the Great, it evolved…

Neues Palais

The final palace commissioned by Frederick the Great, the Neues Palais has made-to-impress dimensions, a central dome and a lavish exterior capped with a…

Park Sanssouci

Park Sanssouci is the oldest and most resplendent of Potsdam's many green patches. It's open from dawn til dusk year-round and is dotted with numerous…

Memorial Leistikowstrasse (KGB Prison)

Now a memorial site, Potsdam's central remand prison for Soviet Counter Intelligence – colloquially known as 'KGB prison' – is a particularly sinister…

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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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11 Best Things to Do in Potsdam, Germany

Potsdam, the capital of Brandenburg in east Germany , makes a great day trip from Berlin and provides some of the elegance missing from a modern big city. The Prussian kings left their royal imprint with lavish palaces, parks, and gardens, many of them with UNESCO World Heritage status.

Most people come to Potsdam to see the rococo style Palace Sanssouci, built for Frederick the Great, but the city has much more to offer. Here are the best things to do in Potsdam, Germany.

Vacation Like Royalty

Tripsavvy / Christopher Larson

When the King of Prussia, Friedrich der Große, wanted to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life in Berlin, he would flee to the tranquility of his summer palace. Sanssouci ("without worries" in French) was built in 1774 and is as breathtaking today as when it was first built.

Buy a ticket to step inside Friedrich's world. The interiors are decorated in the elaborate Frederician Rococo style. The highlights include the Entrance Hall and Marble Hall, although all the structures offer decadent design. The palace is regally perched on top of a terraced vineyard, overlooking 700 acres of royal gardens.

Styled after Versailles in France, the ornate gardens are as attractive as the elegant interiors. There are fountains, marble sculptures, and a Chinese tea house sprinkled throughout the expansive grounds. On the highest terrace close to the palace, there is the tomb of Fredrick, relocated here after reunification in 1990.

Botaurus / Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain

Sweeping gables, red bricks, and white window shutters straight out of the Netherlands have found a home in Potsdam. The Dutch Quarter (Hollaenderviertel) was built in the 18th century for Dutch artisans and craftsmen who were invited to settle down here by Frederick the Great.

The ensemble of over 130 houses built in the traditional Dutch style is unique in Europe and also on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Walk down the cobblestone streets of Mittelstrasse and Benkertstrasse, which are brimming with lovely cafes, specialty shops, and restaurants.

Walk the Bridge of Spies

Ulf Boettcher / LOOK-foto / Getty Images

Before the wall fell and Germany was still divided into two, the Glienicke Bridge was one of the Cold War's most mysterious sites. Spanning the Havel River, the bridge connected the Soviet-occupied Potsdam in the east with U.S.-occupied West Berlin, and the two superpowers used this checkpoint to exchange captured Cold War spies and secret agents. Perhaps most famous is the 1962 trade of Russian agent Rudolf Abel for downed U.S. pilot Francis Gary Powers.

Now just a quiet bridge in the countryside, the bridge's infamous history gained international attention with the 2015 Academy Award-nominated movie, "Bridge of Spies."

Be in the Movies at Filmpark Babelsberg

Studio Babelsberg is the oldest large-scale film studio in the world. They have been producing films here since 1912!

Visitors to the studio can learn about Germany’s golden age of film. Babelsberg has contributed such cinematic masterpieces from "Metropolis" to "Valkyrie" to "Inglourious Basterds." However, the studio also has a darker past as a tool for the National Socialists to pump out anti-Semitic propaganda, often under Josef Goebbels himself.

When the studio is filming, stages and props can be seen on the tour. There are also seasonal events like an epic Halloween celebration.

Tour the Site of the Potsdam Conference

Gettyimages / Vladislav Zolotov

Another must-see for history buffs is Cecilienhof Palace, set in the beautiful park of Neuer Garten. The last palace the Hohenzollern family ever built, it offers an interesting contrast to Sanssouci as it was designed in the rustic English Tudor style.

Visitors can tour historical rooms such as the smoking salon, the music salon, and the royal family's bedroom, but of particular interest is the Great Hall. It was here that the Potsdam Conference was held in 1945. Stalin, Churchill, and Truman gathered here to decide to divide Germany into four different occupied zones.

(House of the Wannsee Conference just outside of Potsdam is another historical site for those seeking World War II history).

Enter Russia in Germany

Von A.Savin—Eigenes Werk / Wikimedia Commons /  CC BY-SA 3.0

Just north of Potsdam’s city center, you’ll find the Russian Colony Alexandrowka. Built in 1827, there are 13 wooden Russian homes that the Prussian King erected. They were built to house the Russian singers of the First Prussian Regiment of the Guards. Briefly occupied by the Red Army following World War II, some of the original Russian descendants still lived in these beautiful historic homes until the early 2000s.

Visitors today find stunning architecture, community gardens, and a Russian Orthodox chapel and Russian teahouse. The colony was plotted in the shape of a St. Andrew’s cross.

Observe Church and State

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Distinguished St. Nicholas Church can be spotted by its stand-out turquoise dome and its size—the largest in Potsdam. Located in Potsdam’s Old Market Square and completed in 1828, it is an excellent example of German classicism designed in the shape of a Greek cross. Damaged in World War II, it wasn't reopened until 1981. It now serves as the center of Potsdam's catholic community.

Located nearby is Brandenburg's pink parliament building, Landtag, which was once a palace. Potsdam is the capital of the German state of Brandenburg, and this is where state laws are decided. Steeped in history from its first elections in 1946 as part of the Soviet Occupation Zone to being abolished in 1952 to its re-establishment in 1990, it is worth a tour.

Raise a Glass at a Brewery

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Located on the picturesque lake of Jungfernsee in Neuen Garten, Meierei Brauerei provides a taste of the good life or good German life at least. The sprawling brewery features craft beers brewed in-house. There are pilsners and summery hefeweizens or the "Potsdamer" which mixes a beer with Fassbrause, a Berlin lemonade.

Complete the experience by sitting out in the sunshine facing the lake and add beloved German specialties to your order, like schweinshaxe (roasted pork knuckle). For a pleasant stroll, look for the point where the Berlin Wall once ran right next to the brewpub and follow the path with a wegbier (beer to go).

Walk Through the Gates

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Potsdam was once a heavily protected city with entry points only allowed through guarded city gates that lasted until the 20th century. Only three remain.

The oldest gate is Jägertor with its hunting decor. Nauener Tor was redesigned in 1755 and showcases neo-Gothic style. The third gate should remind you of another famous gate—Berlin's very own Brandenburger Tor! Potsdam's version is actually slightly older, replacing a medieval gate that stood here before. The current design is based on Rome’s Arch of Constantine, which was created to celebrate Prussia’s victory in the Seven Years’ War.

When walking through the gate, take note of the different designs on each side. This is the result of two different architects. The city side was by Carl von Gontard with his pupil, Georg Christian Unger, creating designs for the "field" side.

Stroll Through the Park

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Potsdam many parks offer spaces to run, lounge, and play. Expansive 114 hectares Babelsberg Park is part of Potsdam's recognized UNESCO World Heritage site and is pristine parkland.

Located in the northwest of Potsdam on the Havel River banks and Tiefen See, it has views of Glienicke Bridge. Its manicured lawns, leafy paths, and breezy waterfront connect historical buildings like Kleines Schloss , the mid-1800s tower, and Babelsberg Palace . This is a park in which to stroll, not run.

Eat Your Way Around the Neighborhood

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After a long day of exploring Potsdam's many attractions, there is no reason to trek back to Berlin to find a meal. There is something for every appetite, from wacky modern burgers to French cafe fare to East German classics. However, some of Potsdam's most unique meals can be found at restaurants that cater to one of its minority communities.

"The Flying Dutchman," or Zum Fliegenden Holländer, was built by the same court craftsmen who worked on the famed Sansoucci. The charming restaurant design of unfurling gables and red brick looks like they are straight out of Holland. Inside, both hearty German and Dutch food is served.

Note that Potsdam's crowds can make seating impossible in the busy summer months. Call ahead to reserve a spot and try out your restaurant German. Also, be advised: Most German restaurants only accept cash.

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

The top sights in Potsdam

Explore the most fascinating sights in Potsdam with our top 10 list. Plan enough time for your visit and experience the diversity of attractions. Even if you have limited time, our recommendations will help you make the most of your stay in Potsdam. Get inspired!

Every visitor to Potsdam has their own preferences and can tailor their trip accordingly. Many visitors definitely want to explore Sanssouci Park with its numerous palaces, including Sanssouci Palace, the Orangery, or the New Palace. Perhaps you’d prefer to visit the historic old town with remnants of the city wall and beautiful city gates, combining it with some shopping. And let’s not forget the Old Market with its many museums, the City Palace, and St. Nicholas’ Church – perfect for culture enthusiasts.

Whether you explore Potsdam spontaneously or plan your stay meticulously, our list of the top sights in Potsdam will ensure your visit leaves you with beautiful memories. We have compiled the top ten highlights in Potsdam for you, making trip planning significantly easier.

Are you planning a family outing to Potsdam? Here, we present you with a selection of special highlights designed specifically for children.

Table of contents

The top sights in Potsdam that you shouldn’t miss – our top 10

Here you will find a list of sights and highlights that you shouldn’t miss.

Sanssouci Palace

Chinese tea house.

• Peace Church
• Charlottenhof Palace
• New Garden in Potsdam with Cecilienhof Palace
• Historic Old Town with its city wall, city gates, and the Dutch Quarter Potsdam
• Krongut Bornstedt
• Babelsberg Park with Babelsberg Palace
• Barberini Palace (Barberini Museum)
• Potsdam City Palace
• Babelsberg Film Park
• Garnison Church Potsdam

St. Nicholas’ Church Potsdam

• St. Peter & Paul Church Potsdam
• Holy Spirit Church in Potsdam
• Lindstedt Castle

1. Sanssouci Park | Top sights in Potsdam

The first attraction on every list is Sanssouci Park . The approximately 290 hectare park with its many castles of different styles is one of the most beautiful park landscapes in Germany. Sanssouci Park is therefore very high on our list and should definitely be visited, even during a short stay in Potsdam.

The park is a creation of architecture and garden art, in which world-famous garden artists have realized themselves. Georg Wenzeslaus von Knobelsdorff, Heinrich Christian Eckstein, Peter Joseph Lenné and Gottlob Schulze were among those who worked on the construction, expansion and redesign.

In Sanssouci Park you will also find some of the most important sights of the city of Potsdam.

The highlight of every Potsdam trip is Sanssouci Palace in Sanssouci Park. The summer palace of Frederick II with the famous vineyard terraces is the main attraction and will enchant you. Take a nice photo on the stairs to the castle. If you want to see the castle from the inside, it is best to secure online tickets in advance. You can thus avoid long waiting times.

New palaces

Friedrich’s last creation – the New Palace – the Fanfaronade stands in the western part of the park and forms the end of the park there. The New Palace was built in 1763-1769 to mark the end of the Prussian Seven Years’ War. Builder for Frederick the Great included Büring, Manger and Gontard.

Another attraction of the park is the orangery or the so-called orangery castle. The orangery was built between 1851 and 1860 by Persius on behalf of Friedrich Wilhelm IV. The Italian Renaissance is reflected in the 300 m long building. The castle has a very special charm and also offers a beautiful view of the park.

Frederick the Great had the small Chinese pavilion – the Chinese tea house – built around his summer palace Sanssouci, around which life-size, gilded sandstone figures of musicians and Chinese musicians are grouped. For many, this exotic building is a special highlight of the park. There is something hidden in the park.

2. New garden with Cecilienhof Palace and the Marble Palace

After the Sanssouci Park, the New Garden is another sight that should not be missed. The 102.5 ha New Garden in the north of Potsdam borders the Holy Lake and the Jungfernsee. Friedrich Wilhelm II had a new garden created on this area from 1787. Hence the name. In the New Garden you can find some important Potsdam sights. Among other things, the Cecilienhof Palace , which was built in 1913-1917. The castle is located in the northern part of the New Garden. Other sights in the New Garden are the Gothic Library and the Marble Palace.

3. Historic Old Town with its city wall, city gates, and the Dutch Quarter in Potsdam | Top Sights in Potsdam

A visit to the historic city center should definitely be planned. There are many sights here, which are also easily accessible on foot. Worth mentioning are the Potsdam city gates that surround the city center. The Brandenburg Gate in the west is a particularly attractive photo opportunity. In addition, the Dutch Quarter , a rarity in Potsdam, is located in the city center.

Dutch quarters

The four blocks through Mittel- and Benkertstraße with the 134 red brick houses form the Dutch Quarter . The district was built between 1734 and 1740 as part of the second expansion under the direction of the Dutch architect Johann Boumann. In this well-known sight many small towns, shops and restaurants invite you to visit.

4. Krongut Bornstedt

The Krongut, which was renovated in 2002 or “Italian village” as it was called by King Friedrich Wilhelm IV. The Krongut Bornstedt is also one of the important Potsdam sights. It used to serve as a country residence for the Prussian nobility. The Italian architectural style of the crown estate is characteristic. There are numerous events throughout the year that invite you to visit. Even so, the Krongut Potsdam should be planned during a visit.

5. Babelsberg Park with Babelsberg Palace

On behalf of Prince Wilhelm (later Emperor Wilhelm I) and his wife Princess Augusta of Saxony-Weimar, the Babelsberg Park was created along the Havel River from 1833 onwards. Alongside the New Garden and Sanssouci Park, Babelsberg Park is one of the extensive park landscapes and attractions in the city of Potsdam. Since 1990, it has also been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is home to Babelsberg Palace , the Flatow Tower, and other points of interest.

6. Old market

The Old Market in Potsdam’s city center houses some of Potsdam’s sights. With the reconstruction of the City Palace and the Barberini Museum, the Old Market has become the focus again. In addition to these two sights, you will also find the Old Town Hall, the Potsdam Museum and the Nikolaikirche.

7. Barberini Palace

From 2013 to the end of 2016, the Barberini Palace , which had been destroyed in the war, was largely restored to its original appearance as the “ Museum Barberini ” art house. Potsdam has got back a wonderful sight.

The Barberini Palace was originally built under the designs of Carl von Gontard under the Prussian King Friedrich II from 1771 to 1772 as a classicist-baroque town house. The aim was to give the old market the appearance of a Roman square. Today you can visit changing art exhibitions in the Museum Barberini. You can find out more about the program here.

8. Potsdam City Palace

The original Potsdam City Palace was largely built until 1752 according to plans by the architect Georg Wenzeslaus von Knobelsdorff with the cooperation of the owner Friedrich II. It was the most important building in the city center of Potsdam until it was destroyed in the city center. The external reconstruction was inaugurated in 2014 as the seat of the Brandenburg state parliament. The very simple, functional interior was designed by Peter Kulka. Be sure to visit the Potsdam City Palace with the famous Fortuna portal.

9. Babelsberg Film Park

The seasonal amusement park “ Filmpark Babelsberg ” is located in the Babelsberg district of Potsdam. The theme park has over 20 film-specific attractions, four shows, a 4D and XD cinema, original backdrops and exhibition areas on film and film craft. A nice visit and great attraction for young and old. Among other things, there was also the Harry Potter exhibition here. Allow enough time for this.

10. Churches in Potsdam |Top sights in Potsdam

The Potsdam churches are also countless sights of the city. They can all be easily linked on foot to a tour of the city center.

The classicistic Nikolaikirche, designed by Karl Friedrich Schinkel, was built in 1830/1837 instead of the baroque church that burned down in 1795. It stands on the Old Market in Potsdam, next to the Old Town Hall and the Potsdam City Palace and is one of the landmarks of Potsdam. The tower tour offers a great view of the city of Potsdam.

Catholic parish church of St. Peter and Paul

The Catholic Church of St. Peter and Paul at the end of Brandenburger Straße (east). It was completed in 1870 and served both the Potsdam parish (which today belongs to the Archdiocese of Berlin) and the Catholic soldiers stationed in the city. It has had the status of a provost church since 1992. The Dutch Quarter is right next to the church. Combine both sights when you visit.

Garrison Church

The garrison church or court church of Potsdam, built between 1730 and 1735, was an evangelical church in the center of Potsdam. With its almost 90 meter high tower, it was not only the tallest building in the city but also a landmark that was visible from afar. The church is considered a major work of baroque church architecture in Central Europe. It has been rebuilt since 2017. The tower is currently being built, making it one of the city’s most visible sights.

11. Lindstedt Castle

Lindstedt Castle was built under Friedrich Wilhelm IV between 1858 and 1861. It was created according to drawings by Friedrich Wilhelm IV. By Ludwig Persius, Ludwig Ferdinand Hesse, August Stüler and Ferdinand von Arnheim. It was to serve as a retirement home. Today the asymmetrical villa construction is used for events (e.g. weddings).

Guided tours and tickets

• Hohenzollern Palaces
• Filmmaking in Potsdam
• WWII / Cold War
• Our Neighbour Berlin
• Dutch Quarter
• City Center
• Colony Alexandrovka
• Freundschaftsinsel
• Mansion Colony New Babelsberg
• UNESCO World Heritage
• A journey through Europe
• Christmas Season
• Sanssouci Palace
• Orangery Palace
• Picture Gallery
• Charlottenhof Palace
• Cecilienhof Palace
• Marble Palace
• Babelsberg Palace
• Flatow Tower
• Museum Barberini
• Potsdam Museum
• Filmmuseum Potsdam
• Digital Tour
• Potsdam in One day
• Potsdam in Two Days
• Potsdam in Three Days
• Discovery Tours
• Audio Tours via App
• Arrival and Departure

Berlin WelcomeCard - Potsdam Edition

• Information for groups
• Staying in Potsdam
• Eat and Dine in Potsdam

Tourist Information Centres

• Request a Brochure
• My Wishlist

Potsdam in one day

Start your day in Potsdam at the Old Market , which is used to be one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. With the inauguration of the Brandenburg State Parliament in the reconstructed facade of the City Palace which got destroyed during World War 2, the historic heart of the city started to beat again in 2014. Only three years later in 2017 the Museum Barberini opened its gates for art lovers from all over the world. Monet, Richter, Picasso and van Gogh are just a few names of artists whose masterpieces call this gallery their temporary home.

If you are not into art, try out the Filmmuseum Potsdam . Potsdam-Babelsberg is home to the modern filmmaking as we know it.  Therefore the permanent exhibition takes you on a time travel through 100 years of filmmaking in Babelsberg. Also the guided walking tour “Getting to know Potsdam” is highly recommended. The tour starts right at the Tourist Information Center in Humboldtstrasse. Within only two hours you will walk over the Old Market, to the New Market and end up with lots of inspiring Information and interesting stories at the Dutch Quarter .

Alternatively, enjoy the view from the 42m high platform of St. Nicholas’ Church. You will see blocks of red brick buildings that may remind you of houses in the Netherlands. Welcome to the Dutch Quarter. It’s considered to be Europe’s greatest collection of Dutch-style houses outside the Netherlands. Cosy cafés provide a delicious ranch from big brunch buffets to small bites of Dutch “Pannekoeken”.

After a culinary refreshment your way leads you through the retail strip of Brandenburger Strasse. Lovely backyards along the busy pedestrian area are worth more than just a glimpse. Regional shops and boutiques invite you to linger. Maybe you will find just the right souvenir for your loved ones at home.

At the end of the Brandenburger Straße you will see the gate Brandenburger Tor . No, you are not in Berlin. But yes, it has the same name. Actually the gate Brandenburger Tor in Potsdam was built 20 years before its famous brother in Berlin.

Crossing the square Luisenplatz you can continue to the main entrance of Sanssouci Park . 300 hectares of garden art await you with more than 11 palaces and historic buildings such as the Orangery Palace and the Chinese House . Entering the Park, you will firstly walk towards Sanssouci Palace sitting enthroned on its famous vineyard terraces. Looking west you are bound to be surprised by a windmill. The Historic Windmill is a perfect lookout to get an overview over this huge park area. Its creaking wings still turn to prcess grain, today. You can buy bread baked with Sanssouci flour in the museum shop right across it.

Highlight of the western part of Sanssouci Park is the colossal New Palace . It is by far the biggest palace in Potsdam and bears a strong contrast to the intimate and rather modest Sanssouci Palace. Take your time to wander around this green oasis and let your thoughts wander.

After hours of strolling along baroque facades, pompous palaces and romantic gardens, there is no doubt that you need to take it slow in the evening hours. Therefore, we suggest to get on board of one of the excursion boats. Enjoy some replenishing German food and let your feet rest. Carried across the waves of the idyllic river Havel, the sunset will immerse Babelsberg Palace in blood orange light just before you pass below the Glienicke Bridge, which, not even 30 years ago, separated West Berlin from Potsdam in East Germany. The film "Bridge of Spies" with Tom Hanks tells the story of the first agent exchange that took place here during the Cold War between the Soviet Union and the USA in 1962. Last, but not least, Cecilienhof Country House might make you curious about stories of the Potsdam Conference after World War II you will get to know. And with this in mind, you may start to plan your next 24 hours in Potsdam right away. There is a lot more to explore.

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The Berlin WelcomeCard - Potsdam Edition enables you to use all public transport services in Berlin ABC and in Potsdam. On top, there are numerous discounts, which make this ticket worthwhile.

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Sightseeing walk in the historic city center of Potsdam (© TMB-Fotoarchiv/Seibt)

The cultural landscape of Potsdam with its palaces and parks, scenic beauty as well as the rich architectural and historical heritage of the city form the foundation of Potsdam’s tourist industry. That is the foundation on which we build.

Tourism is an important economic factor for Potsdam. About 20,000 Potsdam citizens work in this sector. Potsdam is focused on day-trips, conferences and international tourism. Possibilities for a tourist in the city are diverse and often unique. With dedication and innovative ideas like the “Potsdam Palaces Night”, the “Music Festivals Potsdam Sanssouci” or the “Tulip Festival” in the Dutch Quarter, organizers are committed and offer attractivepackage tours. The highest level of service in both dining and lodging is guaranteed through the program “Potsdam Hospitality”.

Potsdam is the No. 1 destination in eastern Germany. The ‘National Geographic Traveler’ puts Potsdam at No. 8 worldwide of the most beautiful and historical sites. More than 50 hotels and guesthouses with more than 5,000 beds are available for visitors to the city. There are around 1 million overnight stays in Potsdam every year, 10% of the guests come from abroad. These numbers continue to increase. New tourist destinations and opportunities like the Crown Estate Bornstedt, the Filmpark Babelsberg and the Potsdam Adventure Park contribute to a steady increase in attracting tourists.

An extensive river-and-lakescape offers the best conditions for water tourism. A compact network of bike paths invites you to discover Potsdam’s rural area. And those who have experienced enough of the “outdoors” can be in the metropolis Berlin in just a few minutes where a whole world of alternatives awaits.

» Contact person: Mr Frerichs

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Potsdam blog — the super potsdam travel guide for first-timers.

Less than an hour traveling by train from Berlin is the city of Potsdam, one of the best day trip destinations from Berlin , a tourist paradise for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Berlin and an ideal place to stop for those who love to explore history, quaint architectures, a peaceful atmosphere, grand gardens and magnificent palaces and churches. Potsdam is one of the most richest cities in terms of history of Germany. So, is Potsdam worth visiting, what to do and how to plan a perfect budget trip to Potsdam for the first-time? Let’s check out our Potsdam blog with the fullest Potsdam travel guide (Potsdam guide, Potsdam tourist guide) from how to get there, best time to come, where to stay, best places to visit and top things to do to find out the answer!

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Potsdam blog: Overview of Postdam

Potsdam is the capital of the state of Brandenburg and is 35 km from Berlin. This city was known as the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Prussia (1701-1918) with many famous, stunning palaces. The city has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Dec, 1990 and has officially became the largest recognized complex in Germany.

Potsdam is dubbed the Hollywood of Germany, the neighbor of Berlin, has the largest number of palaces in Germany. Multinational influences from France, Switzerland, the Netherlands and many other countries have strongly influenced the lifestyle, culture and architecture of this city. In addition, the unique architecture and landscape of Potsdam, which has long been chosen by kings as their residential place, is also chosen by filmmakers as an ideal filming location. A series of famous movie works were filmed in Potsdam such as: The Blue Angel (Der blaue Engel), The Pianist (Der Pianist), Around the World in Eighty Days (Reise um die Erde in 80 Tagen), Inglourious Basterds…

Potsdam blog: When to come?

Potsdam owns the oceanic climate prevailing with chilly winters and warm summers. The rainiest months fall in months of Nov, Dec and Jun. The average temperatures ranging from 3 Celsius degrees (Jan) to 24 Celsius degrees (Jul).

The best time to travel to Potsdam is from July to September with pleasant temperature (maximum of 25 Celsius degrees in July) and limited rainfall and during spring season (March through May) with pleasant weather and cherry blossoms bloom everywhere. However, winter is also a good time to come if you love snow and the atmosphere of Christmas markets while autumn is gentle, charm and calm.

Potsdam travel guide: How to get to Potsdam from Berlin?

There 2 ways to travel to Potsdam, one by S-bahn (skytrain) S7 or the other by RE1 (DB train) as describe in the table below.

You should buy Berlin Zone ABC ticket to be able to travel comfortably in the center of Berlin and the city of Potsdam. Because Potsdam is located in Zone C, so buying this type of ticket is more convenient than buying a single ticket to travel from Berlin to Potsdam. I highly recommend to buy a day pass (day ticket) of EUR 7.7 because a single ticket costs EUR 3.4/way. With a day pass, you can go all buses/trams in Potsdam for free! For more information about transportation and train tickets in Berlin, please refer to my previous post here .

Depending on where you stay in Berlin to choose to take S-bahn or DB train for your convenience. However, I recommend (for convenience and save time):

• If travel by RE1: Get off at Potsdam-Park Sanssouci station (don’t get off at Potsdam Hauptbahnhof because you have to take a bus ride to Sanssouci park).
• If travel by S7: Get off at Potsdam-Babelsberg station, walk about 2 minutes to Rathaus Babelsberg station, take bus 616 to visit the first Babelsberg Palace (vice versa the route above).

Potsdam tourist guide: Getting around Potsdam

You can also use the Berlin Zone ABC ticket above to take means of transport in Potsdam. The famous tourist attractions of Potsdam can be reach by bus easily.

Hop-on Hop-Off: €17. If you have a Welcome Card, it will be reduced to €12.5/person. The time I went in July was too hot, so I was afraid to find the way. So I bought hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour for convenience. The ticket counter is right at the entrance of the shopping mall where you will get off the train.

Potsdam blog: What to do and where to go?

• Sanssouci Park: Including the entire part in the leftmost circle in the diagram above which is extremely large with a number of castles, palaces, churches, structures and gardens scattered.
• Sanssouci Palace (Schloss Sanssouci): The palace of the Prussian Royal Family. This is probably the most famous palace in Potsdam (though it’s not the biggest).
• New Palace (Neues Palais): The largest and second famous palace in Potsdam. It is also the largest Baroque Prussian palace.
• Charlottenhof Palace (Schloss Charlottenhof).
• Orangery Palace (Orangerieschloss): A palace for guests from other royal families stay when they visit Potsdam.

• Old Market Square (Alter Markt): This old square is located in the center of Potsdam.
• Dutch Quarter (Holländisches Viertel): Including 150 old Dutch-style houses.

Cecilienhof Palace (Schloss Cecilienhof): For those who love history, this is the site of the Potsdam Conference in 1945 when the three great powers of Britain, the United States, and the Soviet Union discussed the fate of Germany after World War II.

Babelsberg Palace (Schloss Babelsberg): Located on the Eastern part of the city (rightmost circle in the diagram above).

Suggested Potsdam itinerary 1 day

With only one day, I chose to visit the Eastern and Western areas of the city, skipping the central area (with 2 years living in the Netherlands, the “Dutch Old Quarter in Germany” is not attractive at all ^^!) and the northern area. To explore all the remaining places, the itinerary will be arranged as the picture below.

Sanssouci Park

Built as a royal garden around the Sanssouci palace at the request of Frederick the Great of the Kingdom of Prussia, it is now a complex of parks – botanical gardens – chapels – large palaces. Besides the architectural works, you will have the opportunity to visit the large flower gardens with the lake and many sculptures placed all over the ground.

Sanssouci Park is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you can visit it for free.

With seemingly endless roads but absolutely no vehicles, well-groomed hundreds of years old forests, ancient architectural works scattered all over the roads, Sanssouci Park is a Great destination for a day of outdoor activities, such as picnic, sports, travel, dating…

The fastest way to get to Sanssouci Park – Potsdam’s most popular tourist complex – is to take bus 695 from Potsdam Hbf Station. About 20 minutes by bus, then walking to come.

Sanssouci Palace

Referring to the city of Potsdam, the place cannot help but to mention is Sanssouci Palace – the summer palace of Frederick the Great II – King of Prussia, the Potsdam’s most famous attraction which was built in the architectural style of the 18th century and also one of the most visited places in Europe with more than 2 million visitors per year. The Palace of Sanssouci is often compared to the palace of Versailles in France with more than 200 large and small rooms, four ballrooms and a theater in Rococo style. Along with more than 400 statues from the ancient world of gods used to decorate the facades and railings, roofs.

This magnificent palace was built at the request of King Frederick the Great where he could rest and relax away from all the worries of court meetings in Berlin. The name of this palace is derived from a French word of “Sans Souci” which translates to “no worry”, “carefree” or “without worry” — is a resting place, relaxing, not involved in political affairs. The palace was built on top of a terraced hill in the center of the park of the same name.

Sanssouci Palace is located opposite a beautiful terraced garden. During the 19th century, this was the residence of King Frederick William IV of Prussia, although Germany was severely damaged after World War II, the Sanssouci Palace remained almost intact, it shows a prosperous period of Germany in 18th century and the great talent of the architect Von Knobelsdorff. It is no coincidence that the palace of Sanssouci is considered the most formidable “rival” of the famous French palace of Versailles.

Address: Maulbeerallee, 14469 Potsdam, Germany Hours: 9AM–5:30PM/Monday: Closed

The Church of Peace (Friedenskirche)

At the eastern end of Sanssouci Park is the Friedenskirche church (Church of Peace) built in accordance with the wishes of King Frederick William IV, this Protestant church completed in 1854, in medieval Italian style.

Address: Am Grünen Gitter 3, 14469 Potsdam, Germany Hours: Saturday: 11AM–4PM/Sunday: 11:30AM–4PM

Sanssouci Picture Gallery

King Frederick II of Prussia was a man with a passion for the arts. So he built this art gallery. Having existed since 1764, it is now the oldest private picture gallery of a German ruler.

A 3-min walk from Sanssouci Palace Address: Im Park Sanssouci 4, 14469 Potsdam, Germany Hours: 10AM–5:30PM/Monday: Closed

Chinese House and Roman Bath

On the walk from Sanssouci Palace to Charlottenhof Palace, you will pass these 2 places. These two works are small, so it only takes about 10 minutes to visit them.

Chinese House is a small pavilion built by King Frederick the Great to decorate his fruit garden. It is called “Chinese House” because it has a very Chinese “chinoiserie” architecture.

Address: Am Grünen Gitter, 14469 Potsdam, Germany

New Palace (Neues Palais)

It is the most magnificent architecture of Sanssouci Park, located at the western end of the park. Neues Palais was built between 1763-1969 with stand out of red brick walls and a large bronze dome. The interior of the palace is splendid decorated, especially in the Marble Hall, Upper and Lower State Apartments, Marble Gallery and Theatre. The palace has valuable furniture, paintings, porcelain and works of art.

The construction started in 1763 and completed in 1769, after the 7-year war, the New Palace is considered the largest Prussian baroque structure ever built. Some of buildings of this palace are also used by the University of Potsdam as its campus, the school is very beautiful.

Address: Am Neuen Palais, 14469 Potsdam, Germany Hours: 10AM–5:30PM/Tuesday: Closed

Charlottenhof Palace

The Neoclassical architecture palace is neither big nor flashy, but it has a corridor covered with grape vines. When autumn comes you will see the red and green grape leaves covering the corridor and full of fruit.

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

Babelsberg Palace

This palace has a direct view of Lake Glienicker and the bridge of the same name. Not too famous, located quite far away from center, having to change buses many times, so it’s very deserted. In return, it’s a beautiful palace, beautiful view and peaceful, I like this beauty.

Located in the Babelsberg forest, Babelsberg Palace was the summer palace of Wilhelm I, the first emperor of the German Empire for almost 50 years. The palace was built in the English Middle Ages style from 1835-1849, a style that also influenced a number of other palace such as Kittendorf Palace in Mecklenburg. The palace once witnessed an important historical event when Emperor Wilhelm I appointed Otto von Bismack as chancellor, who then brought Germany into the ranks of the great powers in Europe.

Address: Park Babelsberg 10, 14482 Potsdam, Germany Opened: 1849

Orangery Palace

Actually, it is not very beautiful, but the walking path from this palace to Sanssouci passes through many beautiful gardens (especially in autumn).

Address: An der Orangerie 3-5, 14469 Potsdam, Germany Architectural style: Renaissance Revival architecture Opened: 1864

Marmorpalais (or Marble Palace)

Once the palace of the Prussian royal family until the early 20th century, the Marmorpalais was built by King Frederick Wilhelm II shortly after he succeeded King Frederick the Great. The palace was originally built of red brick, in neoclassical style, with a garden and river view. However, the palace was later named after the white or gray marble from Silesia that was used to support its pillars and decorative motifs.

The palace was given by the king to his mistress, Countess Lichtenau, and she was a direct influence on the interior design process for the palace. After World War II, the East German government used the palace as a military museum. Currently, the palace serves as a cultural and historical museum managed by the Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation Berlin-Brandenburg.

Address: Im Neuen Garten 10, 14469 Potsdam, Germany Opened: 1791

The Alte Rathaus (“Old Town Hall”)

Located in Alter Markt square, a splendid Baroque-style marble building built in 1753, featuring Corinthian stone columns. Extensively rebuilt after World War II, the building is used for exhibitions and concerts and houses the Potsdam Museum with its beautiful collections relating to local art, culture and history.

Address: Am Alten Markt 9, 14467 Potsdam, Germany Hours: 12–6PM/Monday: Closed

Babelsberg District

The Babelsberg district is Potsdam’s largest neighborhood, famous in the early days of cinema as the home of the UFA film company. Originally developed around Nowawes, an old quarter of spinners and weavers, the district’s heritage can still be discovered near the church of Weberplatz, a modest building built in 1753. Other highlights of this interesting area include Babelsberg Park, the third largest in Potsdam, established in 1832 and expanded from 1843 and Schloss Babelsberg, an Anglo-Gothic palace built in built in 1834.

Dutch Quarter (Holländisches Viertel)

Holländisches Viertel is home to the largest Dutch community abroad. The neighborhood was built between 1737 and 1742 by Dutch craftsmen, headed by Johann Boumann. The neighborhood is housed in 4 blocks, including 134 houses built with typical Dutch red brick and shuttered windows, gables, white borders.

Holländisches Viertel is popular with both locals and tourists for its small shops, cafes and typical Dutch restaurants. In the neighborhood there is also a small house that is used as a museum about Johann Boumann and Dutch culture. Strolling here, easily leads to the Brandenburger Strasse pedestrian area with houses built between 1733-1939 for the mobilization of the army.

New Garden (Neuer Garten)

The New Garden is located on the banks of the Heiliger See (Holy Lake) and covers an area of ​​253 acres. The stunning landscape is in the poetic style of the late 18th century and established in 1789, it is meant to reflect the style of an English countryside.

Address: Am Neuen Garten, 14467 Potsdam, Germany Hours: 8AM–8PM

St. Nicholas’ Church

St. Nicholas’ Church is the most majestic church in Potsdam is a neoclassical style built between 1830-1837. The most striking feature of this impressive structure is the 77-meter-high domed main hall. In front of the church is a memorial built in 1753.

The church was heavily destroyed during the Second World War, and then rebuilt in 1981. Today, in addition to its religious function, the church is also open to visitors and hosts concerts.

Address: Am Alten Markt, 14467 Potsdam, Germany Hours: 9:30AM–6:30PM

Filmmuseum Potsdam

This is Germany’s oldest film museum. Formerly, the museum used to be a Prussian royal horse farm, the building was built with the typical 17th century baroque architectural style. The museum is an interesting destination for visitors who love the Seventh Art, with a collection of the history of world cinema in general and German cinema in particular from the end of the 19th century to the present, in terms of techniques, ideas and originals of famous movies. The museum also displays images of the oldest film studio Babelsberg in German history.

Address: Breite Str. 1A, 14467 Potsdam, Germany Hours: 10AM–6PM/Monday: Closed Opened: 1977

Russische Kolonie Alexandrowka

During the nineteenth century a number of Russian soldiers were part of a choir serving the entertainment needs of the Prussians living in the city. In 1826, Frederick William II ordered the construction of a new neighborhood for these people. It is because of this that “the Russian city” was named Alexandrowka.

In total twelve picturesque wooden houses were built here, you will visit the Russian Orthodox small church, now this place is added another building, Kirche Alexander-Newski

If you don’t have too much time, focus on the main places like:

• Sanssouci complex including palace, flower garden and New palace
• Dutch Quarter
• Downtown Luisenpatz
• Palace of Cecilienhof

You can refer to Klook’s half day tour for €17 . The tour departs from Berlin and does not include entrance tickets or tickets from Berlin to Potsdam. A single ticket costs €3.4 if you do not have a Berlin Zone ABC card.

Potsdam blog: What to eat?

On the day I went, I ate at a Vietnamese restaurant in the shopping mall right next the station. In general, this area is quite large and has a variety of food stalls, restaurant, you can come here to try. If I remember correctly, there are 3 or 4 Vietnamese shops here. The price is also on par with Berlin about €7/meal.

Potsdam guide: Where to stay?

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• NH Potsdam ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Dorint Sanssouci Berlin/Potsdam ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Seminaris Avendi Hotel Potsdam ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Hotel Brandenburger Tor Potsdam ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )

Check-out more top hotels in Potsdam via Agoda or Booking .

In general, I find Potsdam quite beautiful. The atmosphere is peaceful and not too hustle and bustle like in Berlin. It feels very enjoyable to have a leisurely, gentle day walking around the city after a few days in the crowded capital :). If you are still wondering where to go when traveling to Berlin, then do more research on this place.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Potsdam you can refer to

• Potsdam Half Day Tour from Berlin
• Potsdam Day Tour from Berlin
• Potsdam Hop-On Hop-off City Sightseeing Bus Tour

See more Berlin travel guide here and Germany guide here .

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Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Potsdam is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe . It was once home to the former royal palace and gardens of the Prussian Royal Family and German Kaisers .  

Situated just 24km from central Berlin , Potsdam offers the perfect combination of art and nature .

Founded around the seventh century by the Polabian Slavs, Potsdam was chosen as the hunting headquarters in 1660 by Frederick William I.

Subsequently, it became the residence of Prussia ’s Royal Family . During this period numerous splendid buildings and palaces were built in the area, most of which still stand today. 

Potsdam's magnificent palaces and elegant gardens made it an essential UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990 . It is now one of the most-visited cities in Germany.

What to do in Potsdam?

Potsdam is relatively small, but it has numerous architectural gems that are worth discovering. Some of the most interesting places to see in Potsdam are:

• Sanssouci Palace : Frequently compared to the Palace of Versailles, Sanssouci Palace is one of the most popular landmarks in Potsdam. Its magnificent gardens are worth exploring .
• Dutch Quarter : Also called “Little Amsterdam”, the Dutch Quarter is a small neighbourhood with red-brick houses where the Dutch lived during the eighteenth century after moving from Holland to Potsdam.
• Babelsberg Palace : The Gothic styled Babelsberg Palace was constructed between 1833 and 1835 as a summer residence for the German Emperor William I. Sitting on the banks of Havel river , this mansion and its gardens are extremely romantic. Sometimes the palace is closed due to renovation works.
• Neues Palais : The enormous Baroque palace is crowned by an impressive green-coloured dome and has a red-brick façade.
• Glienicke Bridge (Glienicker Br ücke) : Built in 1907, Glienicke Bridge crosses the Havel river connecting Berlin and Potsdam . Also known as Bridge of Spies, it was where the Soviet Union and the U.S. exchanged captive spies during the Cold War .
• Cecilienhof Palace: The elegant palace is designed as a typical Tudor manor house. It is currently used as a hotel and museum but has an important history since it was where the Potsdam Conference of 1945 took place.
• Brandenburg Gate : Although the most famous Brandenburg Gate is in Berlin, the Brandenburg Gate of Potsdam was built prior to Berlin ’s landmark . It is in the Old Town, next to Luisenplatz.
• Charlottenhof Palace : This beautiful neoclassical mansion looks a bit like a Roman villa . It was built on the ruins of a farmhouse.

How long should you stay in Potsdam?

Potsdam is a city packed with iconic landmarks and things to do, but it is quite small, so one full day is enough time to explore this charming city.

How to get to Potsdam?

• Booking a guided tour : the easiest way if you're looking to visit without complication. If you book an excursion to Potsdam you'll get transport from Berlin , as well as a specialist guide who'll fill you in on all the points of interest in the city .
• Trains : Visitors can either take the S-Bahn which takes approximately 40 minutes or the regional express train that takes 20 minutes . If you prefer the S-Bahn option, you must purchase a Berlin ABC ticket (single ticket: € 3.80 ( US$ 4.10) or day ticket: € 10 ( US$ 10.80)). If you have a travel card for areas A and B, you only need to purchase a ticket for zone C which costs € 1.60 ( US$ 1.70).

30 km southeast of Berlin

Nearby places

House of the Wannsee Conference (8.3 km) Kurfürstendamm (20.9 km) Berggruen Museum in Berlin (21 km) Charlottenburg Palace (21.2 km) Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church (22.3 km)

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• Contrast Contrast

To the south-west of Berlin lies Potsdam , the capital of the federal state of Brandenburg. The city, with its rich cultural landscape and many attractions, is a worthwhile destination that makes a wonderful complement to a trip to Berlin. The main attractions of Potsdam include the palaces and royal parks, which have been named UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Potsdam's Palaces and Gardens

The beautiful natural landscape between Berlin and Potsdam became dotted with grand palaces and aristocratic houses in the 18th and 19th centuries. This glorious symbiosis of nature and architecture includes the royal parks of the Neuer Garten (New Garden) , Babelsberg and the world-famous Sanssouci . Glienicke and the Pfaueninsel (Peacock Island), with their fairy-tale miniature palaces, and Sacrow park, home to the Heilandskirche (Church of the Redeemer) standing right by to the water, are also world heritage sites. In 1999, an additional 14 historical buildings were added to the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Potsdam, including the Russische Kolonie Alexandrowka (Alexandrovka Russian colony) and the Belvedere palace on the Pfingstberg. This has now made Potsdam home to the highest concentration of UNESCO World Heritage sites in Germany. The best known palace is Sanssouci, the magical summer palace of Frederick the Great. The whole appearance of Potsdam is marked not just by the royal palaces and parks, but also the many luxury villas, which give Potsdam a certain Mediterranean flair.

The Dutch Quarter in Potsdam

The Holländerviertel (Dutch Quarter) is home to 134 red brick houses constructed in the 18th century in the typical Dutch style. These were originally planned as accommodation for Dutch settlers, but were later used to house soldiers. The lovingly restored little houses are now home to boutiques, craft shops and cafés.

Film in Potsdam: Studio Babelsberg and the Film Museum

The Studio Babelsberg is famous around the world. Films have been shot here since the 1920s, including great silent film classics like Die Nibelungen (The Nibelungs), Der letzte Mann (The Last Laugh), and Metropolis, as well as East German feature films by DEFA (the state-owned film studio of the GDR) such as Die Legende von Paul und Paula (The Legend of Paul and Paula), and modern blockbusters like The Bourne Supremacy or Inglourious Basterds. Filmpark Babelsberg lets you get a look behind the scenes in a real film studio and you won't be disappointed with the action in the spectacular stunt shows. The Filmmuseum Potsdam is housed in the Marstall, the former royal stables of the Prussian kings, and is dedicated to the history of filmmaking in Babelsberg and around the world.

Music + Theatre in Potsdam

The major theatre in Potsdam is the Hans Otto Theater , which has been putting on shows in its new building on the Schiffbauerdamm since 2006. The rococo theatre in the Neues Palais (New Palace) is still in use today and is easily one of the most beautiful historic theatres of the 18th century. Contemporary architecture isn't completely absent here: visitors will want to check out the Nikolaisaal Potsdam concert hall, which hides a bold, modern design from the year 2000 behind a baroque façade. The programme at the Nikolaisaal is as varied and exciting as the building's architecture.

Worth Seeing in Potsdam:

• Sanssouci and Park
• Neues Palais
• Schloss Babelsberg
• Alexandrowka Colony
• Holländerviertel
• Filmpark Babelsberg
• Schloss Cecilienhof

Use our Ticket Cecilienhof Palace with Exhibition for the palace and the permanent historical exhibition:

Ticket Cecilienhof Palace

Potsdam by app

As an alternative to traditional travel and city guides, visitors can explore the city of Potsdam on their own. By app. As a treasure hunt. The Global Treasure App provides exciting questions about various places across the city, with multiple choices for answers. At the end, many places will give the treasure hunters a small thank you gift.

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Things to Do in Potsdam, Germany - Potsdam Attractions

Things to do in potsdam.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
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• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Kids
• Good for Couples
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Hidden Gems
• Adventurous
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Sanssouci Park

2. Sanssouci Palace

3. Potsdam Paradise Garden

4. Schloss Cecilienhof

5. Neues Palais

6. Holländisches Viertel

7. Biosphere Potsdam

8. Museum Barberini

9. Neuer Garten

10. Belvedere Castle on the Pfingstberg

11. Park Babelsberg

12. Glienicke Bridge

13. Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor)

14. Chinesisches Haus (Chinese House)

15. Orangerie im Park Sanssouci

16. Alexandrowka

17. Marmorpalais

18. Babelsberg Castle

19. St. Nikolai-Kirchengemeinde

20. Heilandskirche am Port von Sacrow

21. Potsdam Friedenskirche

22. Bildergalerie

23. Charlottenhof Castle

24. The Historic Windmill

25. Filmmuseum Potsdam

26. Gedenk- und Begegnungsstatte Leistikowstrasse

27. St. Peter Und Paul Kirche

28. Freundschaftsinsel

29. Stiftung Gedenkstätte Lindenstraße

30. Nauen Gate

What travelers are saying.

10 Things To Do In Potsdam: Complete Guide To One Of New York's Charming Mountain Communities

This picturesque mountain town of Potsdam, NY offers visitors a wealth of outdoor adventures and tons of things to do.

Without a doubt, Potsdam is one of the most underrated East Coast cities in the U.S. to visit . Nestled in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains between the sprawling six-million-acre park and the St. Lawrence River, the city is also one of the most beautiful towns in New York . But, in addition to its breathtaking wilderness views and lush landscapes, the charming mountain escape is the perfect destination for those looking to avoid the hustle and bustle of popular New York hot spots like NYC.

Home to SUNY Potsdam and Clarkson University, the city was founded in 1806 , so its historical roots run deep. And, from its many interesting museums to its vast parks, not to mention the stunning grandeur of the Adirondacks nearby, the town certainly offers visitors a wealth of outdoor adventures.

Related: Top 10 Towns To Retire To For Cheap In Beautiful Upstate New York

Top Things To Do In Potsdam, New York

For a scenic New York getaway, here are some of the best local attractions and excursions that Potsdam has to offer.

1 Visit The Potsdam Public Museum

Nestled in the heart of the city's historic downtown district, the Potsdam Public Museum itself is a historical point of interest. The building was built in 1876 and served as the city's First Universalist Church.

Inside the museum, visitors will find incredible collections about the history of Potsdam, including 18th-, 19th-, and 20th-century decorative arts.

• Address: Civic Center, 2 Park St, Potsdam, NY 13676
• Hours: Open Tuesdays to Fridays from 10 am to 4 pm (also open the second Saturday of each month)

Free parking is available in the municipal parking lot behind the civic center.

2 Take The Little Ones To The North Country Children's Museum

For tourists visiting with children, the North Country Children's Museum is located less than half a mile away from the Potsdam Public Museum. Let their imaginations run wild in the various hands-on exhibits, which include a playspace, a kids co-op and bakery, and a construction zone.

• Address: 10 Raymond St, Potsdam, NY 13676
• Hours: Open Wednesdays to Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm
• Cost: $8 for adults and children; free for children under 12 months old

3 Hit The Mini Golf Course

Hit the mini links at SwingTime Mini Golf for some family fun. Situated in Potsdam's beautiful farmlands, the mini golf course offers a day of excitement for all ages.

• Address: 7065 US-11, Potsdam, NY 13676
• Hours: Open Saturdays from 12 pm to 6 pm and Sundays from 12 pm to 5 pm ( check the website for seasonal schedule updates)
• Cost: $12 for adults and $10 for children ages 4 to 12

4 Tour The Art Museum At SUNY Potsdam

Part of the State University of New York at Potsdam, this art museum is known as the Gibson Gallery. It's open to the public, just be sure to check the website for updates on the current and future exhibits.

• Address: 44 Pierrepont Ave, Potsdam, NY 13676
• Hours: Open Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays from 1 pm to 5 pm and Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1 pm to 7 pm

5 Enjoy A Picnic In Lehman Park

Situated on the banks of the Raquette River, Lehman Park is the perfect spot to enjoy an afternoon picnic or stroll along the waters. The park, which is owned by SUNY Potsdam, is located right next to the state university.

• Address: Pierrepont Ave, Potsdam, NY 13676

6 Hike Along The River Via Munter Trail

Embark on a peaceful hike through Potsdam via the area's many picturesque trail options. Perfect for those looking to take an afternoon stroll, the 2.2-mile out-and-back Munter Trail is relatively easy and provides a scenic view of the Raquette River.

For a more challenging trail, opt for the Stone Valley Trailhead , an eight-mile loop that runs parallel to the river.

7 Explore Hannawa Falls

Located about 4.5 miles south of Potsdam, Hannawa Falls is a lovely hamlet along the Raquette River. Perfect for an off-the-beaten-path adventure, the area features miles of hiking trails, the sandy Postwood Beach, and the lush Postwood Park — making for quite the outdoorsy New York outing.

• Address: Hannawa Falls, New York 13676

8 Go Kayaking In Sandstoner Park

This 15.8-acre park along the Raquette is an absolute must for sports lovers. In addition to its indoor ice skating rink, which is typically open between October and March , the recreational facility has fields for baseball, softball, and soccer as well as six pickleball courts.

And, for those steamy summer vacations, the beach affords visitors a plethora of fun in the sun. Not to mention, kayak and paddle board rentals are also available for excursions out on the river's rushing waters.

• Address: 43 Pine Street, Potsdam, NY 13676

The beach is usually open from mid-June to the end of August from 10 am to 7 pm. Kayak rentals are $5 per two hours and paddle boards are $5 per hour (cash only).

9 Lounge On Waddington Beach

Waddington Beach may be located about 20 miles outside of Potsdam, but it's surely worth the drive. Nestled along the banks of the St. Lawrence River, which runs between Canada and New York, the beach is a great option for campers.

Camping sites are available for rent at Leishman Point, which each feature a fire pit and picnic table.

• Address: Waddington Beach, Waddington, NY 13694
• Hours: Open daily from 10 am to 8 pm

Swimming in the waters of the St. Lawrence River is only permitted when a lifeguard is on duty.

10 Get Lost In The Adirondack Park

Featuring six million acres of wilderness to explore, Adirondack Park is undoubtedly one of the best free things to do in New York State . From the mammoth mountains of the Adirondacks and boreal forests to the shimmering waterways and fantastic vistas, it's arguably the best thing to do during a Potsdam getaway.

• Hours: Open 24 hours

See more of the park's beautiful mountain views by embarking on a scenic Adirondacks road trip .

11 Best Time To Visit

Featuring a humid continental climate, Potsdam is a dream just about any time of year. However, for more favorable weather for outdoor activities, the best time of year to visit the small town is during the summer, from late June to about the beginning of September.

The hottest months are June, July, and August; and, rainfall can occur throughout the year, so be sure to pack accordingly.

12 Best Ways To Get Around

Although it's not as expansive as larger cities, and understandably so, Potsdam's public transportation system is still a good option for navigating the area.

Otherwise, a car is a great option for getting around the city, especially if tourists are interested in visiting attractions outside of town, such as portions of the Adirondack Park and Waddington Beach.

• Visit slcnypublictransit.com to view transit schedules.

13 Where To Eat

Potsdam has plenty of great eateries for every meal.

Village Diner

• Address: 22 Depot St, Market St, Potsdam, NY 13676

Old Market Coffee

• Address: 1/2, Main St, Potsdam, NY 13676

Eben's Hearth

• Address: 115 Maple St, Potsdam, NY 13676

Sergi's Italian Restaurant

• Address: 10 Market St, Potsdam, NY 13676

Potsdam Little Italy

• Address: 30 Market St, Potsdam, NY 13676

Cactus Grill & Cantina

• Address: 11 Raymond St, Potsdam, NY 13676
• Address: 15 Market St, Potsdam, NY 13676

1/2 Ton's Bar & Grill

• Address: 141 1/2 Market St, Potsdam, NY 13676

Related: New York Street Food: What's Worth It, What's Not, & What You Need To Try

14 Where To Stay

Looking for accommodations in Potsdam? There are hotels to suit every budget.

Budget-Friendly Hotels

Scottish Inns Potsdam

• Address: 7575 US Route 11, Potsdam, NY 13676
• Amenities: Complimentary breakfast and free parking

Northern Family Motel

• Address: 6775 State Highway 56, Potsdam, NY 13676
• Amenities: Casino, parking, and complimentary breakfast

Mid-Tier Hotels

Hampton Inn Potsdam, NY

• Address: 169 Market Street, Potsdam, NY 13676
• Amenities: Indoor pool, free parking, and fitness center

Butternut Ridge Bed & Breakfast

• Address: 327 Butternut Ridge Road, Potsdam, NY 13676
• Amenities: Parking and complimentary breakfast

Upscale Hotels

• Address: 16 Elm Street, Potsdam, NY 13676
• Amenities: Free parking and complimentary breakfast

The Clarkson Inn

• Address: 1 Main Street, Potsdam, NY 13676
• Amenities: Complimentary breakfast

Related: Deserted But Not Forgotten: 10 Towns In New York State That Have Been Lost To Time

15 Tips To Know When Visiting

This charming New York mountain town is brimming with excitement at every turn.

However, for those interested in partaking in more leisurely activities, there are several popular shopping attractions in the area, including Maple Run Emporium — which carries a variety of maple products, gourmet foods, teas, spices, and more — and the Isle of You.

And a helpful tip on the weather: pack wisely because rainfall could be on the forecast no matter what time of year a traveler chooses to visit.

Related: 10 Most Beautiful Eco-Tourism Destinations To Visit In New York (& What To Do There)

16 How To Spend The Perfect Day In Potsdam, New York

Start the morning strong with a steaming cup of coffee and a nourishing breakfast at Old Market Coffee on Main Street. Then, spend the afternoon seeing the local area. Explore Potsdam's lush green spaces, including Ives Park, Falls Island Park, and Lehman Park before visiting the town's museums, including the Potsdam Public Museum and the Art Museum at SUNY Potsdam.

Later, grab lunch at Eben's Hearth on Maple Street before spending the rest of the day trekking through Adirondack Park. Alternatively, tourists can make the short drive out to Waddington Beach for fun along the St. Lawrence River.

For dinner, grab a table at Potsdam Little Italy before finishing the evening off with a nightcap at Maxfields, which is located right around the corner about 0.1 miles away.

When is the next total solar eclipse in the US?

Mark your calendars for 2033.

Did you see the total solar eclipse?

If you were one of the lucky ones with cloudless skies on Monday (April 8), you might be hooked on eclipse chasing for the rest of your life. And if you were one of the unlucky ones stuck under clouds , well, there's always next time.

But when is that next time? If you're willing to travel abroad, not that long: two years and change. But if you want to stay in the U.S., you'll be waiting a while: nearly a decade.

" Solar eclipses happen every few years on the Earth , but the path of totality is only about 100 miles [160 kilometers] wide," Jason Steffen, associate professor of physics at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, told Space.com. "Two-thirds of the time, the path of totality will be over the oceans. So, it's not that eclipses are rare, but that it is rare that the eclipse passes nearby."

So, whether you've caught the eclipse bug or are still hoping to see your first-ever total solar eclipse,  here's what you need to know about the upcoming celestial events.

Related: Total solar eclipse 2024: Everything you need to know

You might've seen the year 2044 thrown around, and while it's true that there will be a total solar eclipse in the U.S. that year, there's actually one even sooner. 

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On March 30, 2033, a total solar eclipse will be visible in Alaska — remote Alaska, that is. The path of totality sweeps across the northwestern part of the state, from Utqiagvik (formerly known as Barrow) down to Nome, and totality will last about 2.5 minutes. Infrastructure is quite limited in this part of the state, so if you're planning to go, definitely be sure to book your accommodations in advance.

The next total solar eclipse visible from the Lower 48, however, is on Aug. 22, 2044. Totality will only be visible in three U.S. states: Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota. And while there's definitely more infrastructure in this part of the country than in remote Alaska, it's still a pretty sparsely populated area. Again, you'll want to make your travel plans as early as possible. What's unique about this eclipse, however, is the fact that it occurs around sunset — that will certainly make for gorgeous photography.

Then, just one year later, there will be another "Great American Total Solar Eclipse," which will be much more widely visible. On Aug. 12, 2045, totality will cross the entirety of the country, running from northern California to Florida. That event may be 21 years away, but we suspect it will stoke the same frenzy as this year's eclipse. Plus, August is typically better for total solar eclipses cloud-wise. 

"I prefer my total eclipses in August," tweeted meteorologist Jim Cantore , referring to the cloud coverage for this year's total solar eclipse.  

When (and where) is the next total solar eclipse in the world?

If you're too impatient to wait nine (or 20) years for the next total solar eclipse, you have plenty of options. The next total solar eclipse anywhere in the world will occur on Aug. 12, 2026, just slightly more than two years away. 

What's great about this eclipse is that totality will be visible from a place that's easy (and fun) to visit: Spain. The path of the eclipse cuts right through the northern half of the country, with totality falling between Barcelona and Madrid, and continuing on to the Balearic Islands. Though there are thousands of hotel rooms and vacation rentals in this region, August is peak tourist season in many parts of Spain, so it'll likely be fairly crowded.

Fortunately, the eclipse will also pass through some more remote locations that might appeal to intrepid eclipse chasers. It'll travel down the east coast of Greenland and make it all the way to Reykjavik, Iceland. But chances are the weather might be a little more cooperative along Spain's sunny Mediterranean Coast.

— When is the next solar eclipse?

— Solar eclipse viewing through history: A roundup of some of the best photos

— 10 things you probably didn't know about the 2024 total solar eclipse

When is the next annular eclipse or partial eclipse?

While partial and annular solar eclipses might not be as spectacular as total solar eclipses, they're still cool celestial events to witness. The next annular or "ring of fire" solar eclipse will occur later this year, on Oct. 2, and it'll be visible across a thin section of Chile and Argentina, as well as a few Pacific islands.

The next solar eclipse to hit the U.S. is the partial eclipse of March 29, 2025 , which will darken skies for observers in the nation's far northeastern reaches.  

Editor's Note: If you snapped an amazing solar eclipse photo and would like to share it with Space.com's readers, send your photo(s), comments, and your name and location to [email protected].

Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky and more! And if you have a news tip, correction or comment, let us know at: [email protected].

Space.com contributing writer Stefanie Waldek is a self-taught space nerd and aviation geek who is passionate about all things spaceflight and astronomy. With a background in travel and design journalism, as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree from New York University, she specializes in the budding space tourism industry and Earth-based astrotourism. In her free time, you can find her watching rocket launches or looking up at the stars, wondering what is out there. Learn more about her work at www.stefaniewaldek.com .

I just proposed to my fiancée under the diamond ring of the 2024 total solar eclipse. (She said 'Yes!')

Total solar eclipse 2024: Live updates

These solar eclipse 2024 photos from our readers are absolutely amazing (images, video)

• Ofeent The next total solar eclipse visible from the United States will occur on April 8, 2024. During this eclipse, the path of totality will cross parts of 13 states, starting in Mexico and moving northeast through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, and Maine. It's worth noting that while a total solar eclipse will be visible along the path of totality, a partial eclipse will be visible from a much wider area. Viewing a total solar eclipse can be an unforgettable experience, so if you're interested in witnessing it, be sure to plan ahead and find a suitable location within the path of totality. Reply

Ofeent said: The next total solar eclipse visible from the United States will occur on April 8, 2024. During this eclipse, the path of totality will cross parts of 13 states, starting in Mexico and moving northeast through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, and Maine. It's worth noting that while a total solar eclipse will be visible along the path of totality, a partial eclipse will be visible from a much wider area. Viewing a total solar eclipse can be an unforgettable experience, so if you're interested in witnessing it, be sure to plan ahead and find a suitable location within the path of totality.

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