Things to do in Potsdam

Activities, attractions and tours

Photo provided by German National Tourist Board
Photo provided by German National Tourist Board
Photo provided by German National Tourist Board
Photo provided by German National Tourist Board
Photo provided by German National Tourist Board
Photo provided by German National Tourist Board
Photo provided by German National Tourist Board
Photo provided by German National Tourist Board
Photo provided by German National Tourist Board
Photo provided by German National Tourist Board
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Top places to visit

1. Sanssouci Palace

Walk in the footsteps of a revered king and military leader at Sanssouci Palace. Admire the palace’s lavish architecture, opulent interiors and art collection. Stroll around vineyards and orderly gardens, scattered with further architectural treasures. Fredrick the Great commissioned Sanssouci Palace in the 1740s as a summer retreat and a place to escape his official duties. Today it is the dominating feature of Sanssouci Park.
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Sanssouci Palace showing heritage architecture, château or palace and heritage elements

2. Sanssouci Park

Palaces, art galleries, flower gardens and water features make Sanssouci Park one of Potsdam’s most loved green spaces. The park incorporates almost 741 acres (300 hectares) of grassy lawns and woodland dissected by crisscrossing pathways, including the 1.2-mile (2-kilometer) long Hauptallee promenade. Sanssouci Park began as an orchard and became a favored escape of Frederick the Great in the mid-1700s. Prussian landscaper Peter Joseph Leneé remodeled the park in the 1800s and it was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 1990.
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The Sanssouci Park view in Potsdam of Germany

3. New Palace

Wander the majestic halls and ornate staterooms of the New Palace (Neues Palais), a magnificent royal residence in Potsdam’s Sanssouci Park. The construction of the palace began in 1763 as a celebration of the end of the Seven Years’ War. Frederick the Great ordered the palace’s design to represent Prussia’s power and glory through the lavish use of marble, stone and gilt. Stroll around the palace grounds admiring the building’s grand façade and enter the complex to see its opulent interiors.
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Potsdam which includes a square or plaza, château or palace and heritage architecture

4. University of Potsdam

Visit the University of Potsdam (Universität Potsdam) to enjoy an educational experience and drink in the atmosphere of its various campuses. Spend a day here and watch students go about their daily activities, appreciate the architecture of the faculty buildings and discover an impressive botanical garden. Established as recently as 1991, the University of Potsdam is today the biggest academic institution in the state of Brandenburg.
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University of Potsdam which includes heritage architecture and heritage elements

5. Schloss Cecilienhof

Discover the quaint English gardens and Tudor-inspired architecture of Schloss Cecilienhof, a palace in Potsdam’s captivating New Garden. The picturesque palace was completed in 1917 as the residence of Crown Prince Wilhelm and his wife Cecilie. Today, the palace is a fascinating historic memorial dedicated to the 1945 Potsdam Conference, which decided the fate of postwar Germany.
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Potsdam featuring heritage elements, a castle and heritage architecture

What to do in Potsdam

Popular places to visit

Alexanderplatz showing a square or plaza, a city and modern architecture

Alexanderplatz

With its stark, 1960s layout, “Alex” is a showcase of Communist-era architecture and a lively central meeting place for locals.

Alexanderplatz
Potsdamer Platz featuring shopping, cbd and interior views

Potsdamer Platz

Berliners come to celebrate their city in this public square, which was leveled during World War II and isolated in the Cold War.

Potsdamer Platz
Brandenburg Gate which includes a city, night scenes and heritage architecture

Brandenburg Gate

This symbol of German unification ranks alongside Paris' Arc de Triomphe as one of Europe’s most iconic and emotive monuments.

Brandenburg Gate
Kurfuerstendamm which includes street scenes

Kurfürstendamm

Often described as “Berlin’s Champs-Élysées,” this elegant promenade is the city’s premier shopping strip and is punctuated with a moving war memorial.

Kurfürstendamm
Berlin Zoo featuring land animals and zoo animals

Zoo Berlin

Say “guten tag” to some of the world’s most exotic creatures in one of Europe’s most comprehensive and elegant zoos.

Zoo Berlin
Checkpoint Charlie

Checkpoint Charlie

You can learn about the history of Berlin with a visit to Checkpoint Charlie. Discover the fascinating museums and shops in this vibrant area.

Checkpoint Charlie
Messe Berlin

Messe Berlin

Learn about the events happening in Messe Berlin during your trip to Berlin. Discover the fascinating museums and shops in this vibrant area.

Messe Berlin
Olympiastadion

Olympiastadion

Catch an event at Olympiastadion during your trip to Berlin. Experience the fascinating museums and acclaimed theatre scene in this vibrant area.

Olympiastadion
Waldbühne

Waldbühne

Get tickets for a show at Waldbühne, a theatre with a story to tell in Berlin. Discover the acclaimed theatre scene and notable monuments in this walkable area.

Waldbühne

Frequently asked questions

Is Potsdam worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Potsdam is explore Babelsberg Film Park. Tick this leading attraction off your itinerary, then discover more of the area's history and shopping.
How do I spend a day in Potsdam?
Once you've visited top attractions like Babelsberg Film Park and Strandbad Wannsee, spend the rest of your day experiencing Potsdam's shopping and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Potsdam?
Don't go home without exploring Babelsberg Film Park, rated the top tourist attraction in Potsdam.
Is three days enough to stay in Potsdam?
Three days will be enough time to check out many city highlights, such as Babelsberg Film Park, Strandbad Wannsee and Sanssouci Park. The average stay in Potsdam is three days. If you feel the urge to extend your holiday, Berlin isn't far away.
Is Potsdam a walkable city?
With exciting neighbourhoods and top sights within walking distance of the city centre, Potsdam is a great place to discover on foot. Enjoy wandering between Babelsberg Film Park and Sanssouci Park. Then take a stroll through Innenstadt Potsdam, located 0.97 kilometres from the centre, and Westliche Vorstadt, which is about 5 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Potsdam with kids?
Whether you're travelling with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, an itinerary filled with fun activities is the key to a stress-free getaway. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in Potsdam with kids.

What to do in Potsdam for adults?
Klosterhof Töplitz Winery and Historic Mill of Sanssouci are just a few of the things to do in Potsdam. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Potsdam?
In Potsdam, Sanssouci Park is an unmissable spot for anyone wanting to see the city without opening their wallet. Also, wander around the green spaces and other neighbourhoods, and ask a local tour guide for recommendations. It's a simple way to find out about the best free things to do in Potsdam.

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