Potsdam (abundant in parks, palaces, and lakes) is not only the capital city but also the largest city of Brandenburg. The city is full of history and rich in culture. Do not get duped by its slow pace of lifestyle. If you try and dig deeper, it is sure to surprise you with the very exciting features it embodies. It is after all not a UNESCO world heritage site for no good reason. The institutions and all the historical structures are marvelous pieces of art. Listed below are the reasons that make Potsdam the amazing city that it is. If you are keen to find out, then read on to know about some of the most amazing places, affording the most amazing things to do in Potsdam, Germany!
1. Appreciate New Palace - the biggest palace in Sanssouci
The palace is situated in a remote location of Sanssouci. You can go for a guided tour of the palace or even opt for an audio guide (available in eight different languages) to take a tour of this place. It is a nice palace, with well-decorated interiors. Weekends are usually a good time to visit because, because on weekdays, most of the rooms remain shut, owing to renovations.
New Palace
Address: Am Neuen Palais, 14469 Potsdam, Germany
Website: New Palace
Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 10am - 4:30pm (closed on Tue)
Tip from tour guide
When in Potsdam, don't just visit Sanssouci Palace. Have a stroll to the other end of Sanssouci garden and witness the biggest of all Potsdam palaces: The Neues Palais, or New Palace. It has over 200 rooms - the most spectacular being the Grotto hall, which is made up of thousands of shells and stones.
2. Walk into the Dutch Quarter in the middle of Potsdam
The Dutch quarter was built during the time when Dutch labourers resided in Germany; this was to make them feel more at home in a strange place. A long stroll or a bicycle ride around this place is a good way to spend some time when in Potsdam. You will find a lot of Dutch-style residential buildings, cafes and restaurants serving food that you might be interested to try.
Dutch Quarter
Address: Nordliche Innenstadt, Benkertstraße 6-12, 14467 Potsdam, Germany
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
3. Catch a good stunt show at Filmpark Babelsberg
This is a great place to visit either with family or alone (if you are travelling solo). You can book prior tickets, but they are not date-specific, so you can book and go on any date. Do check out the stunt show, trained animals show - the ones you watch in movies and TV programmes and behind the scenes acts while the creation of a TV show. This is definitely a fun place to be at. You don’t want to miss it.
Filmpark Babelsberg
Address: Großbeerenstraße 200, 14482 Potsdam, Germany
Website: Filmpark Babelsberg
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4. Enjoy a spectacular view from Belvedere Castle
Belvedere Castle is built on a high place, hence allowing the observer standing atop the castle to enjoy a view of the beautiful surrounding it overlooks. The building is situated on the most elevated point of the park amidst a lot of greenery. There is also a big pool within the vicinity of the castle. Picnics are a commonality during the day, while the evenings are dominated by events involving gorgeous lighting. Pay a visit as per your preference for the time of the day.
Belvedere Castle
Address: Pfingstberg, Neuer Garten, 14469 Potsdam, Germany
Website: Belvedere Castle
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed from Mon to Fri)
Potsdam Tour Guide
Asaf Leshem
My name is Asaf and I am a professional tour guide. I hold a Ph.D. in Dark Tourism and interpretation of history. In Berlin I guide tours on such topics as the Cold War, the Third Reich, Berlin's Jewish Heritage, Berlin and Brandenburg's Prussian History, and more. I also guide in Potsdam, and I am certified to guide in the Memorial and Museum Sachsenhausen. I am also an enthusiastic runner a... Read more
Tours by Asaf
Potsdam Tour Guide
Matti Geyer
I was born in Berlin the year before the wall fell and thus had the fortune and privilege to grow up in a city that was growing up itself. In 2008, I decided to turn my passion for this amazing city into a career by becoming a tour guide. Both my parents lived in East Germany: My dad became a teacher, until refusal to join the Communist party ended his career, whilst my mom worked as a tour gui... Read more
Tours by Matti
5. Marvel at the stunning scenes of Babelsberg Park (from USD 108.04)
Babelsberg Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is not only a beautiful sight to witness, but there is a lot of history entwined with this park and its structure. A guided tour of around an hour and a half will inform you about the 1945 Potsdam Conference, the Bridge of Spies and other things. A tour of this historical park is definitely worth the experience and your time. Add it to your itinerary.
Babelsberg Park and World History Walking Tour
Duration: 1.5 hour
6. Drop by the Old Market Square
The Old Market Square had been destroyed in the war, and the new Old Market Square was built over it. There are several local attractions around the square that you might want to visit if you have the time. It stands in the middle of a few grand buildings, so it is a great place to stop by. Even though it is out of the way from the popular tourist destinations of Sanssouci Park, it is worth your visit. Plan one clear day for this activity.
Old Market Square
Address: 14467 Potsdam, Brandenburg, Germany
7. Visit the Chinese House in Sanssouci Park
Take a glimpse of the small Chinese house in the park. It embodies an amalgamation of both Chinese and European baroque. The house is pretty simple yet gorgeous If you have a whole access ticket to the park, then you are automatically entitled to a tour of the interiors; however, if you are thinking of buying tickets to visit the house solely, then you may skip it. You may enjoy admiring it from the outside too.
Chinese House
Address: Am Grünen Gitter, 14469 Potsdam, Germany
Website: Chinese House
8. Understand the intricacies of Russian history at Alexandrowka Russian Colony
Alexandrowka was a colony built for Russian artists. It embodies the Russian style of architectural design and in fact, gives off the appeal of a Russian colony. Several Russian-built wooden houses in this colony had been recognised by UNESCO in the 1800s itself. There is a pretty church, which is worth the visit, and you should definitely not miss out on the variety of popular and delicious Russian food that you will find here. There are a number of restaurants to choose from.
Alexandrowka Russian Colony
Address: Russische Kolonie 2, 14469 Potsdam, Germany
Website: Alexandrowka Russian Colony
Opening hours: Thu - Tue: 10am - 6pm (closed on Wed)
9. Witness the architectural style at Orangery Palace
Orangery Palace in Potsdam has drawn complete inspiration from the Baroque style of Italy. Take a guided tour to enjoy the Roman architectural appeal of the palace. The interiors are wonderfully decorated and exude luxury. The palace in itself is huge and beautiful; it overlooks parts of the park; the museum houses several interesting exhibits, about which the audio guides will offer detailed information. If you are fond of art, then this palace will, without a doubt, appeal to your aesthetic sense at the fullest.
Orangery Palace in Potsdam
Address: An der Orangerie 3-5, 14469 Potsdam, Germany
Website: Orangery Palace in Potsdam
Opening hours: Sun: 12pm - 12am (closed from Mon - Sat)
10. Check out live demonstrations at Einstein Tower
The tower is located in the Albert Einstein Science Park of Potsdam in Germany, and to reach it you have got to hike a little bit. It is an astrophysical observatory built between 1920 and 1921, to back up the theory of relativity, which Albert Einstein had come up with, 10 years ago. It is a great place to visit with your kids. They are going to see a practical demonstration of what they are reading in their textbooks, and you are going to find it equally fascinating.
Einstein Tower
Address: Albert-Einstein-Straße, 14473 Potsdam, Germany
Website: Einstein Tower
11. Take a guided tour of the pretty Marmorpalais
This is a pretty palace to visit. It overlooks a beautiful lake, and from one of the rooms, you can also catch the sight of a pyramid. Guiding tours to the palace will offer with you an enriching experience. The tour guides take the time and effort to explain the history of a particular destination you are visiting or a particular structure that you are witnessing. It is great to learn while witnessing it practically and listening to exciting stories about it. Like any other museum, it is packed with the history of Potsdam.
Marmorpalais
Address: Im Neuen Garten 10, 14469 Potsdam, Germany
Website: Marmorpalais
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed from Mon to Fri)
12. Walk into Filmmuseum Potsdam if you are a movie buff
It is a beautiful red building and looks stunning from the outside. If you are a film fanatic, then this museum is definitely worth your visit. There is a permanent exhibition on the ground floor that makes available to the visitors several audio-visual displays. Several of these exhibitions tell how animation was done and gives you so much more exciting information about films and its making. You will also find film snippets being screened out here - a compilation of some awesome scenes from various movies.
Filmmuseum Potsdam
Address: Breite Str. 1A, 14467 Potsdam, Germany
Website: Filmmuseum Potsdam
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mon)
13. Dine at Kades Restaurant "Am Pfingstberg
This restaurant offers a very pretty ambience, and you might want to end up having lunch or dinner here after a long day of touring activities, owing to the soothing atmosphere occupied by greenery. The service out here is excellent, you get great beer, and to top it all, they serve a variety of dishes, (most forms of meat), for you to try and enjoy. If you are a foodie, then do not miss out on this place.
Kades Restaurant "Am Pfingstberg
Address: Große Weinmeisterstraße 43B, 14469 Potsdam, Germany
Website: Kades Restaurant “Am Pfingstberg
Opening hours: Sun: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 9pm; Mon, Wed - Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 5pm - 9:30pm (closed on Tue)
14. Bring your friends to Bar Fritz'n
The bar stands true to its quality of being one. It exudes a pretty buzzy vibe to its guests. Apart from offering a vivacious atmosphere, it also has beautiful music playing in the background. You can hum to it while gulping down your shot. They serve amazing cocktails, and they have a variety of cocktails to offer. You don’t find snacks here, so fill yourself up before coming here to drink or taste the cocktails and then go on to having dinner at one of the restaurants nearby.
Bar Fritz'n
Address: Dortustraße 6, 14467 Potsdam, Germany
Website: Bar Fritz'n
Opening hours: 6pm - 3am (daily)
15. Watch a play at Hans Otto Theater
This theatre has beautiful architectural facade. Apart from enjoying the shows inside, you can’t help marvelling at the architectural design on the exterior. You may witness a number of plays by different stage artists. If you are fond of theatre and are looking for an interesting way to spend your day in the city, then you should visit and catch a show here. Bring your friends or family who also appreciate theatre.
Hans Otto Theater
Address: Schiffbauergasse 11, 14467 Potsdam, Germany
Website: Hans Otto Theater
16. Buy stunning paintings from the exhibitions held at Museum Barberini
It is located in the town centre of Potsdam, which in itself is a beautiful place to be. The museum contains artefacts conforming to the style of the Italian Baroque. You might consider a short visit, especially if you want to witness the exhibition. The events are mostly good, and even though the displayed rates are really on the steeper side, it does not matter. Your passions should always take a lead even if it costs a fortune.
Museum Barberini
Address: Humboldtstraße 5-6, 14467 Potsdam, Germany
Website: Museum Barberini
Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 10am - 7pm (closed on Tue)
17. Learn porcelain and glass painting at Studiogosha of Fine Art
Gosha Nagashima, trained from Joshiba University in Japan, teaches pottery, drawing, porcelain and glass painting in his academy called the Studiogosha of Fine Art. He teaches students of all ages. If you happen to visit Potsdam, you might want to visit his academy with your friends or family, to train your hands in pottery too or glass painting. You can also learn macrobiotic Japanese cooking in his studio. This is a completely unique activity and must-do when you are in Potsdam.
Studiogosha of Fine Art
Address: Dortustrasse 55 | Hinterhof Remise, 14467 Potsdam, Brandenburg, Germany
Website: Studiogosha of Fine Art
Opening hours: 11am - 6pm (daily)
18. Find a rich collection at the House of Brandenburg-Prussian History
The museum has a dense collection of artefacts and relics, exhibiting the cultural history of Prussia of over 900 years. The exhibits are arranged in such a way that historical art objects are placed next to documents of everyday use, allowing for a unique comparison. Regular exhibitions, events and talks are arranged here, and guided tours of the museum are also available; you can opt for these packages if you want to have an informed tour experience.
Brandenburg-Prussian History
Address: Am Neuen Markt 9, 14467 Potsdam, Germany
Website: Brandenburg-Prussian History
Opening hours: Fri - Sun: 10am - 6pm; Tue - Thu: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
19. Visit the natural history museum - Naturkundemuseum Potsdam
This is a great place to take your children to. It houses a variety of animal models, including those of the dinosaur and the T-rex. Not only your children but you too are going to love this place if you are fond of nature. It is as important to know about the natural history of a place as much as it is to learn about cultural history. This offers you to get a broader idea about how a city was and in what way it is different from what it used to be like.
Naturkundemuseum Potsdam
Address: Breite Str. 13, 14467 Potsdam, Germany
Website: Naturkundemuseum Potsdam
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
20. Check out the historical remains at Krampnitz
Krampnitz was built during Hitler’s rule in 1937. It was among the several luxury living quarters built for officers then. It became home to officers and soldiers of the Nazi Wehrmacht and also housed the new Military Riding Institute, which was earlier based in Hannover. It has now been turned into a residential area, where even though the historical structures have not been demolished, there has been no renovation made to it either; instead, residential buildings have been constructed around it, to achieve a unique amalgamation of the past and the present. This is a must-visit attraction in Potsdam.
Krampnitz
Address: 14476 Potsdam, Germany
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
21. Witness the milling of corn at the Historic Mill of Sanssouci
Just next to Sanssouci Palace is the Dutch windmill that still mills corn, with the power of the wind. This windmill has survived since 1738. There used to be a post mill in its place, which was replaced by a bigger Dutch mill by Frederick William II, who believed the mill to be the attraction of the palace. However, it was destroyed during the war in 1945 and was rebuilt by 1993, post which it has been functioning till date. The tower of the windmill is not only a marvellous structure, but it is also a drawing point for tourists to learn more about the past.
Historic Mill of Sanssouci
Address: Maulbeerallee 5, 14469 Potsdam, Germany
Website: Historic Mill of Sanssouci
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed from mon - Fri)
22. Visit Potsdam's version of Brandenburg Gate
Brandenburg Gate is located at the centre of Potsdam, with several restaurants and shops surrounding it. The gate is a fascinating outcome of the Broque style of architecture. This gate was erected 55 years before the one erected in Berlin. This gate was dedicated to the victory of Frederick the Great in the Seven Years’ War, which still looks like it has been recently built. This one is pretty differently done than the one in Berlin, but both are equally fascinating, with different sculptures covering the gate from the back to the front.
Brandenburg Gate
Address: Luisenplatz 214471 Potsdam Germany
Website: Brandenburg Gate
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
23. Be awestruck by the collosal gate of Nauener Tor
Nauener Tor is a historical landmark of Potsdam, which was built in 1755. It is one of the three existing gates today, which was built with the idea of guarding the entrance for merchants and craftsmen to the old city of Potsdam. It was in the olden times connected to other gates by the walls of the old city. If you are someone who is fascinated by history, then you must check out this medieval marvel. It embodies the style of medieval architecture and culture. It surely is a sight to catch in the middle of the city.
Nauener Tor
Address: Friedrich-Ebert-Straße 32, 14469 Potsdam, Germany
Website: Nauener Tor
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
24. Take a short tour of Charlottenhof Palace
This interesting palace that you will see has actually been redone after it was completely destroyed during World War 2. Try and take out one whole day to tour the place, as you will otherwise fall short of time. The gardens are huge, and they alone will take up much of your time. The castle is pretty much like a museum comprising several symbolic artefacts. The porcelain room inside is magnificent. You must book a guided tour of the palace, as you can’t visit it on your own.
Charlottenhof Palace
Address: Geschwister-Scholl-Straße 34A, 14471 Potsdam, Germany
Website: Charlottenhof Palace
Opening hours: Sun: 12pm - 12am (closed from Mon - Sat)
25. Delve into the past at Potsdam Museum – Forum für Kunst und Geschichte
Potsdam Museum – Forum für Kunst und Geschichte (a forum for art and history) is situated right opposite to the Barberini Museum. It consists of the cultural and historical relics of Potsdam. There are around 600 artefacts defining the past and the present of the city of Potsdam, its people and their stories about how they migrated from different regions of the world and how they settled in. Regular exhibitions will put on display models of some of the original exhibits, such as furniture, pottery and paintings.
Potsdam Museum – Forum für Kunst und Geschichte
Address: Am Alten Markt 9, 14467 Potsdam, Germany
Website: Potsdam Museum – Forum für Kunst und Geschichte
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 10am - 6pm; Tue - Wed: 10am - 5pm; Thu: 10am - 7pm; Fri: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 5 EUR ( 5.5 USD)
26. Marvel at the stunningly beautiful Sanssouci Picture Gallery
The Sanssouci Picture Gallery or Bildergalerie is located inside Sanssouci Park. This gallery was listed by UNESCO as one of the Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This 18th-century gallery is the oldest one still standing in Germany. It was built by Frederick the Great, comprising sculptures and artwork from the Flemish and Dutch Baroque schools of painting, the Italian Renaissance, and the Baroque period collection of paintings. The interiors, having carved and gilded frames, beautiful yellow and white marble floors, are also no less fascinating than the art pieces it houses.
Sanssouci Picture Gallery
Address: Im Park Sanssouci 4, 14469 Potsdam, Germany
Website: Sanssouci Picture Gallery
27. Gape at Rechenzentrum Potsdam
Rechenzentrum is a cultural centre at Potsdam hosting a range of creative and artistic productions and events, such as film screening, music concerts and art and craft exhibitions. It is an out-of-the-box space within a concrete structure. It is basically a co-working space that was founded in September 2015. A former administration building was converted into this creative space with 200 rooms, decorated doors and walls covered in artwork, housing several people from different creative lines.
Rechenzentrum Potsdam cultural center
Address: Dortustraße 46, 14467 Potsdam, Germany
Website: Rechenzentrum Potsdam
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
28. Go on a shopping spree with family at Stern-Center Potsdam
Stern-Center Potsdam is a huge shopping mall with a number of stores of different varieties. You can shop here for apparel, shoes, food, home decor, furniture and the like. The best thing about this mall is that the prices for all these items are quite affordable. You get good clothes and fresh grocery at a good price. It is a place to go visit with your family, with ample of parking space for both big and small cars, a food court to refuel yourself in-between some hardcore shopping and a variety of stores to tend to all your needs.
Stern-Center
Address: Stern-Center 1-10, 14480 Potsdam, Brandenburg, Germany
Website: Stern-Center
Opening hours: Sat: 9am - 9pm; Mon - Thu: 10am - 8pm; Fri: 10am - 9pm (closed on Sun)
29. Spend some quiet time at the tropical world of Biosphere Potsdam (from USD 15.72)
Here, you will find a range of birds, butterflies, and plants. If you are fond of nature, then you must visit this place. If you have kids to bring to this place, then you must because they are going to love it. This is not only a treat to the eyes but also to the soul. You will even get to learn a lot about the different species of birds, aquatic animals butterflies and so on. A fake thunderstorm with thunder and lightning adds to the appeal of the tropical atmosphere.
Potsdam: Biosphäre Potsdam Entry Ticket
Duration: 1.0 day
30. Book a tour of Sanssouci Palace (from USD 61.81)
Sanssouci Palace houses the most popular tourist attractions in Potsdam. It has beautiful palaces, parks and other architectural structures. If you take a guided tour of Sanssouci Park, you will cover most of the popular attractions that exist in the city. In this tour, you board a bus from Kurfürstendamm 216 departure point to reach this garden. With both audio guides and physical guides, gathering information about what you see out here is pretty easy.
Potsdam: Sanssouci Palace Guided Tour from Berlin
Duration: 4.0 hour
Experience the beauty of the city of castles
There is so much to engage yourselves in this city. Don’t wonder where to go, instead wander the streets of Potsdam. Visit every museum, film city, art studio and some other specific, popular spots of the city. Start with the first activity on the list and stop only when you reach the end of the list. You are going to return utterly satisfied.
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