More about: Day Trips to Potsdam from Berlin
Berlin is an amazing city. Modern, creative, multicultural... always full of things to see and where every corner breathes culture and history. A different place that is easy to get caught up in as it is always renewing itself and surprising us with many new things.
However, on the outskirts of the German capital lies a magnificent city that is well worth leaving Berlin and setting aside a day of your holiday to visit. It represents the ideal combination of nature, history and art and for many years was home to Prussian royalty - Potsdam, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe!
Potsdam Day Trip from Berlin
Excursion to Potsdam from Berlin
Discover the palaces and gardens of Potsdam on a 6-hour excursion from Berlin, with an expert guide and free time to explore on your own.
On this excursion to Potsdam from Berlin you will experience the majesty of this historic city, famous for its fairytale palaces and spectacular gardens. You'll explore sites such as the Glienicke Bridge, famous for spy exchanges during the Cold War, and Sanssouci Palace, the summer residence of Frederick the Great.
You'll also visit Cecilienhof, the key site of the 1945 Potsdam Conference. Finally, you will have free time to stroll around the historic city centre and discover its charming streets and shops.
Why I like this option: This is a very comprehensive cultural excursion, ideal for exploring the elegance of Potsdam without leaving Berlin.
Recommended if.... You are interested in Prussian history and want to discover world-renowned palaces and gardens on a city break from Berlin.
Berlin City Bus Tour with Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Tickets and Potsdam Visit
Tour of Berlin, Sachsenhausen and Potsdam
A 7-hour tour combining the best of Berlin, the history of Sachsenhausen and the majestic palaces of Potsdam, including an expert guide.
This combined tour of Berlin, Sachsenhausen and Potsdam is an intense and enriching day out, ideal for making the most of your stay in the German capital. You'll start with a bus tour of Berlin, where you'll discover iconic monuments such as the Brandenburg Gate, the Cathedral and the Reichstag building.
You'll then visit the Sachsenhausen concentration camp, where an expert guide will tell you about the history of this harrowing place. Finally, you will explore Potsdam, stroll through the gardens of Sanssouci Palace and see the historic Cecilienhof Palace. You will also have free time to discover Potsdam at your own pace.
Why I like this option: It's a perfect combination of history, architecture and nature in a full-day guided tour.
Recommended if.... You want to get to know three must-see places near Berlin without worrying about logistics.
This is what an organised excursion to Potsdam from Berlin looks like
If you have more time for sightseeing during your stay in Berlin, then this half-day guided walking tour of Potsdam is the perfect choice for you .
During the route you will see the main tourist attractions of Potsdam that have given it its international fame such as the gardens and the Sanssouci Palace (with rococo airs), the Marble Palace of Frederick William II (summer residence of the Prussian monarch), the Cecilienhof Castle (site of the Potsdam Conference at the end of World War II) or the Babelsberg Castle (which has impressive views over the Havel River).
Other sights you'll have the chance to see on this tour of Potsdam include the picturesque Dutch Quarter, crossing the popular 'Bridge of Spies' or walking through the Brandenburg Gate (older than the German capital).
Useful information about Potsdam
- Price: - from AED 615
- Duration: about 6 hours
What to see in Potsdam?
Gardens and Sanssouci Palace
This impressive 18th century palace was built on the orders of the Prussian King Frederick II "the Great" as his summer residence near Berlin and as a meeting place for artists, philosophers, musicians and other intellectuals of the time with whom he shared his concerns.
The Sanssouci Palace (meaning "carefree") is considered the "German Versailles" for its elegant architecture and tasteful decorations, although it is a small building in comparison to the French palace.
Marble Palace of Friedrich Wilhelm II
The monarch also commissioned the Marble Palace on the shores of Lake Heiliger See as his summer residence.
It is remarkable for the beautiful landscape that surrounds it and for being the only Prussian palace in the Classicist style with a cubic form. The truth is that Prussian architects were quite original when it came to design, and they racked their brains to ensure that no palace looked like any other.
Cecilienhof Castle
This beautiful palace, built in Gothic-Tudor style on the orders of Emperor Wilhelm II and reminiscent of a large English country house, is striking not only for its appearance, but also because an important chapter in 20th-century European history took place here.
It was the place where Churchill (Great Britain), Truman (USA) and Stalin (USSR) met at the end of World War II to draw up the Potsdam Conference Charter, where they agreed on how Germany would be administered after the conflict and how Europe would be divided into areas of influence.
New Palace
Near Sanssouci is the New Palace, the largest of all the palaces in Potsdam, which was also erected by King Frederick II in the 18th century.
It is notable for its Renaissance style and sober appearance on the outside but, if you have time, it is worth visiting the inside after the tour because it is a real sight to behold. You will have the opportunity to see the sumptuous reception rooms, the marble gallery and the luxurious palatial rooms, among other spaces.
Pay attention to the marine gallery! Its walls are decorated with precious stones, marble and shells.
Babelsberg Castle
This is another of Potsdam's most charming castles. It dates back to the 19th century and has spectacular views over the Havel River- be warned, you won't stop taking pictures!
The Dutch Quarter
This is one of the most unusual places in Potsdam. In the 18th century, many Dutch workers and craftsmen who came to work in the city at the invitation of King Frederick William I settled here.
It is affectionately known as "Little Amsterdam" because its reddish brick buildings are very reminiscent of those in the capital of the Netherlands. In fact, the Dutch themselves have come to feel at home here, and if you have visited Amsterdam, you can certainly understand them.
Bridge of Spies
This bridge has an amazing history. Located over the waters of the River Have, during the Cold War it became a kind of border for the USSR and the United States where they carried out their respective exchanges of prisoners and spies captured by the adversary. Curious, isn't it? That's where it gets its peculiar name, and also from the many films about spies that have been shot here.
Brandenburg Gate
Although the most famous Brandenburg Gate is in the German capital, the oldest is actually in Potsdam. It dates back to the 18th century and was built in the historic centre (next to Ludwigplatz), inspired by the Arch of Constantine in Rome.
Old Town Potsdam
During the tour you will have the opportunity to stroll through the beautiful Old Town of Potsdam. Despite having suffered several bombings during World War II, it was later restored to its former grandeur.
Take the opportunity to visit the old town's main shopping street known as Brandenburger Strasse and buy some souvenirs from your visit - there are some great local shops!
Why is a trip to Potsdam worthwhile?
Given Potsdam's proximity to Berlin (only 25 kilometres southwest of the German capital), it is a good idea to set aside a day of your holiday to visit this former residence of the Prussian kings and German kaisers and get to know Berlin's surroundings a little better.
As a former "Imperial City", Potsdam retains a beautiful and well-kept historic centre. King Frederick II "the Great" had a weakness for this town, so he devoted a lot of effort to beautify it and make it a place to admire by building many palaces and gardens.
In fact, it is said that Potsdam represents the ideal fusion of nature, history and art, and in my opinion there is some truth in this, as anyone who has ever visited Potsdam knows that it is a jewel.
Another reason to take a trip to Potsdam from Berlin is to learn more about the recent history of Europe. This is the site of the Potsdam Conference where the victors of World War II divided up Germany and other areas of influence.
If you like history, and specifically this period, you can combine a visit to Berlin and Potsdam with a visit to the Sachsenhausen concentration camp, which is also very close to the German capital. Read more about it in the post Visiting the Sachsenhausen concentration camp.
How to get to Potsdam?
When booking any of these tours to Potsdam from Berlin online, please note that the transfer to and from Potsdam is not included. In other words, transport is at your own expense. The easiest and quickest way to get to Potsdam from Berlin is by train.
In Berlin, S-Bahn trains run from Hackescher Markt to Potsdam Central Station directly and the journey takes about 45 minutes. An all-day ticket for the ABC zone costs 7.70 euros, but you can also buy a ticket for 3.40 euros for the ABC zone, which is valid for two hours.
The good news is that you can use your Berlin travel pass for public transport in Potsdam, as long as it is valid for the ABC zones.
Useful information for Potsdam
How much do tickets cost?
I recommend you to take a look at Hellotickets for tickets to Potsdam from Berlin because there are usually several options and the prices are quite reasonable. Here you can compare ticket availability, prices, schedules and guided tours. There are currently no tours to Potsdam available but check out the rest of the activities you can do in Berlin.
When is the best time to go to Potsdam?
The best time to take a trip to Potsdam from Berlin is summer. However, the city is still just as beautiful during other seasons but the weather gets colder and there is a greater chance of rain. My advice is to plan your trip for July, August and September.
How to book?
If you are planning a trip to Potsdam from Berlin in the summer, i.e. in high season, I recommend you book online as early as possible.
Booking your place on the tour is very easy. All you have to do is choose the date you want to do the activity and select the number of participants. To secure your place in the group you will have to pay for it at the time of booking.