Potsdam is the state capital of Brandenburg, Germany located near the city of Berlin in an area of beautiful forests and lakes. This former residence of Prussian rulers is filled with palaces and gardens.
Potsdam Germany
How to spend 1 day in Potsdam Germany
In this 1-day itinerary in Potsdam, discover the main attractions of the city.
Day 1 in Potsdam
The main attraction of Potsdam is Sanssouci Park, where you will find palaces, gardens. In the park, start by visiting the New Palace, head to the Chinese House, pass by the Orangerieschloss and head to the beautiful Sanssouci Palace, visit its interior and enjoy the view from the garden.
Schloss Cecilienhof is another attraction in the city, located 3.2 km (2 miles) from Sanssouci Palace.
Things to see
- Neues Palais Potsdam
- Chinese House in Sanssouci Park
- Orangerieschloss
- Sanssouci Palace
- Neptungrotte
- Brandenburg Gate Potsdam
- Schloss Cecilienhof
Day 1 Itinerary Map
Sights in Potsdam
1. Sanssouci Park
The Sanssouci Park is a large park surrounding the Sanssouci Palace.
The park has numerous attractions such as the New Palace of Sanssouci, the Chinese House, the Ancient Temple, the Temple of Friendship, The Neptungrotte.
Zur Historischen Mühle 1, 14469
2. Cecilienhof
The Cecilienhof Palace was built between 1914 and 1917 for Prince William and his wife Cecilie.
At the site, the winning powers of World War II, Churchill Trumann, and Stalin wrote history. Today the castle is a historic memorial in which the conference rooms can be visited.
Im Neuen Garten 11, 14469
3. Russische Kolonie Alexandrowka
Frederick William III and Czar Alexander were close friends. To give expression to this friendship Frederick III built the Russische Kolonie Alexandrowka.
Russische Kolonie 2, 14469
4. Babelsberg Palace
The Babelsberg Palace was built in 1833. From 1871 the palace was the summer residence for Prince William.
It is closed for visits due to restoration. Only the park can be visited.
Park Babelsberg 10, 14482
Where to stay in Potsdam
1. Mercure Hotel Potsdam City
The Mercure Hotel Potsdam City is located near the Central Station and 2.6 km (1.6 miles) from the Sanssouci Park
Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV and a minibar.
Lange Brücke, 14467
2. NH Potsdam
Located in the center of Potsdam, NH Potsdam offers excellent value for money.
The rooms are cozy and have a TV, desk, and minibar
The hotel has a gym and a sauna.
Friedrich-Ebert-Straße 88, 14467
3. Steigenberger Hotel Sanssouci
The Steigenberger Hotel Sanssouci is located 1.3 km (0.8 miles) from the Sanssouci Park.
Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, minibar, safe.
Allee nach Sanssouci 1, 14471
4. Hotel Am Jägertor
Hotel Am Jägertor is an elegant hotel located in the city center opposite the historic Jägertor Potsdam Gate.
Rooms have a seating area, work desk, and TV.
The hotel has a bar and a terrace.
Hegelallee 11, 14467 Potsdam, Germany
5. INSELHOTEL Potsdam
INSELHOTEL Potsdam is located beside Lake Templiner See on Hermannswerder Island, 2.8 km (1.8 miles) from the city center.
All rooms have a TV, work desk and minibar. Some rooms have a balcony or a terrace.
The hotel has an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, and a spa.
Hermannswerder 30, 14473 Potsdam, Germany
6. Seminaris Hotel Potsdam Griebnitzsee
Located on the banks of the Griebnitz See in Babelsberg, 6.8 km (4.2 miles) from the Potsdam city center, Seminaris Hotel Potsdam offers quiet and comfortable rooms.
Rooms have a small seating area, TV, and minibar. Some rooms offer lake views.
The hotel has a restaurant that serves seasonal German and international dishes.
Rudolf-Breitscheid-Straße 190, 14482 Potsdam, Germany
7. Hotel Brandenburger Tor Potsdam
The Brandenburger Tor Potsdam Hotel is located right in the heart of the city next to Potsdam’s Brandenburg Gate.
All rooms have a flat-screen TV, work desk and minibar.
The hotel has a terrace where you can enjoy delicious drinks.
Brandenburger Str. 1, 14467 Potsdam, Germany
8. Waveboard
Waveboard is an aparthotel located beside the Tiefer See lake, a 20-minute walk from the center of Potsdam.
The apartments are modern and equipped with a full kitchen. Some rooms offer a view of the lake.
Schiffbauergasse 13, 14467 Potsdam, Germany
Shopping in Potsdam
1. Karstadt Potsdam
Karstadt is a German department store chain with many stores in Germany.
The company features brands like Cacharel, Clarins, Coach, Desigual, Estée Lauder.
Brandenburger Str. 49/52, 14467
2. Stern Center Potsdam
The Stern Center Potsdam is located 5.9 km (3.7 miles) from the Central Station.
Brands: Deichmann Schuhe, Camp David, Tom Tailor.
Stern-Center 1-10, 14480
Plan your Trip
Potsdam has easy train access from Berlin.
Distances
Berlin – 35.8 km (22.2 miles)
Lübeck – 279 km (173 miles)
Schwerin – 205 km (128 miles)
Bremen – 364 km (226 miles)
Dresden – 203 km (126 miles)
Leipzig – 160 km (99.5 miles)
Potsdam Germany Map
Book Your Trip
Book Your Accommodation
Book your hotel with Booking.com as they consistently provide the cheapest and lowest rates.
Book Your Flight
Find cheap flights to Germany by using Momondo. Momondo is a flight search engine that searches a lot of different airlines, including many budget carriers.
Book a Train Ticket
Check the train routes and schedules with Omio. Omio is an authorized Deutsche Bahn ticket seller, which compares and combines transport options for complete flexibility.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, and cancellations. It’s a protection in case anything goes wrong. You can book your travel insurance with Travelexinsurance.com.
See also
Train from Berlin to Potsdam: Travel Tips & Guide
10 Best Hotels in Mitte Berlin
10 Suggested Itineraries for Germany + Top Destinations
Outlets & Department Stores in Germany: Shopping Guide
