Discover Potsdam's Pristine Palaces and Parks

Affordable adventure awaits in Potsdam, Germany!

21 June 2023

With its stunning palaces, gardens and lakes, Potsdam is a must-visit destination for budget-conscious travellers. Visitors can take advantage of free admission days to explore the stunning Sanssouci Palace and Park, the tranquil New Garden and the picturesque Babelsberg Park. For affordable dining options, locals recommend the traditional German cuisine offered at Wirtshaus am Templiner See and Griebnitzsee restaurants.

Day trip plan

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Palaces and Parks in Potsdam

  • Start your day with a walk through Sanssouci Park, a stunning landscape garden featuring fountains, sculptures, and historic ruins.
  • Visit the Sanssouci Palace, former summer residence of Frederick the Great, and stroll through its terraced vineyards.
  • Head to the New Palace, a grand baroque-style building with a vast colonnaded courtyard, and explore its opulent rooms and galleries.
  • Have lunch at the charming Cafe & Restaurant Drachenhaus, surrounded by lush gardens and serving delicious German cuisine.
  • After lunch, take a guided tour of the Cecilienhof Palace, the site of the Potsdam Conference where the post-World War II peace agreements were signed.
  • End the day at the Alexandrowka, a Russian colony of wooden houses and a Russian Orthodox chapel surrounded by woodland. Enjoy a peaceful stroll and admire the architecture.
  • Potsdam offers visitors a unique combination of history, nature and architecture, making it a perfect day trip destination from Berlin.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Potsdam by plane is to fly to Berlin Tegel Airport, which is about 30 km away or Berlin Schönefeld Airport, which is about 40 km away. From there, take a train or bus to Potsdam.

Car

The best way to get to Potsdam by car is to take the A115 motorway from Berlin to Potsdam, which takes about 30 minutes depending on traffic.

Train

The best way to get to Potsdam by train is to take a regional train from Berlin Hauptbahnhof or Berlin Zoologischer Garten to Potsdam Hauptbahnhof, which takes about 30 minutes.

Boat

The best way to get to Potsdam by boat is to take a scenic boat tour from Berlin to Potsdam along the River Havel, which takes about 4 hours.

Bus

The best way to get to Potsdam by bus is to take bus 316 or 643 from Berlin ZOB bus station to Potsdam, which takes about 40 minutes.

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