Potsdam

Things to do in Potsdam

Search attractions or local attractions & tours
Search

Explore top experiences

Top 10 attractions in Potsdam

View all Attractions
Sanssouci Palace
No. 4 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Germany

Sanssouci Palace

6.3
4.6/5
134 reviews
Sanssouci Palace is located in the northern suburbs of Potsdam and was built by King Frederick II of Prussia to imitate the Palace of Versailles in France. The name of the palace comes from the French word for "carefree". The entire palace and garden area is 90 hectares. Because it was built on a dune, it is also called "Palace on the Dune". Sanssouci Palace is dominated by Rococo architecture, and the rooms still maintain an elegant and harmonious arrangement. In the large park are other palace buildings such as the Neues Palais, the Neue Kammern, the Chinese Pavilion (ChinesischesHaus), the Orangerieschloss or the SchlossCharlottenhof. On the east side of the palace is a gallery (Bildergalerie) that houses 124 famous paintings, most of which are masterpieces by Italian and Dutch painters during the Renaissance.Potsdam · 2.6 km from downtown
Sanssouci Park
No. 5 of Family-friendly Attractions in Germany

Sanssouci Park

5.7
The Sanssouci Park is a historic royal garden that revolves around the Sanssouci Palace. The park was built in the 18th century by order of the King of Prussia and was intended to serve as his summer residence. The park combines Baroque and Rococo styles, and the landscape design is exquisite, attracting many tourists. The main attractions in the park include the Sanssouci Palace, the Picture Gallery, the Tea House and the New Palace. The Sanssouci Palace is famous for its exquisite architecture and interior decoration, and is one of the must-see attractions for tourists. The Picture Gallery displays a rich art collection, and the Tea House provides a good place to relax. The New Palace showcases the aristocratic life of the Prussian royal family. Tourists can take a train from Berlin to Potsdam, and then walk or take public transportation to the park, which is convenient for transportation. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes to stroll around the vast park. There are cafes and restaurants in the park that provide catering services. Please pay attention to protecting the environment and follow the park regulations when visiting.Potsdam · 3.1 km from downtown
Museum Island
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Berlin-Brandenburg Metropolitan Region

Museum Island

8.4
4.7/5
471 reviews
Museum Island is located in the center of Berlin, a museum complex at the northern end of Spree Island, with the river flowing around both sides. In 1999, this complex was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. At the southern end, the Altes Museum faces the Berlin Cathedral across the tree-lined Lustgarten. Moving northward, the Neues Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie, and Pergamon Museum are lined up in order, with the Bode Museum completing the island's tip. These five buildings, constructed in different eras with distinct styles, form a continuous riverside ensemble, allowing visitors to explore a complete exhibition route on foot. Each museum has its own strengths. The Altes Museum in Berlin, completed in 1830, features a neoclassical facade designed by architect Schinkel, supported by rows of stone columns. Its grand domed hall primarily houses ancient Greek and Roman artworks. The Neues Museum suffered severe damage during World War II and intentionally retained some war scars during its 2009 renovation. It now hosts the Egyptian Museum and Papyrus Collection, with the painted bust of Queen Nefertiti as its star attraction. The Alte Nationalgalerie focuses on 19th-century paintings, showcasing both Caspar David Friedrich's romantic landscapes and works by French impressionists like Manet, Monet and Renoir. The Pergamon Museum is renowned for full-scale reconstructions of ancient structures, with the Pergamon Altar, Market Gate of Miletus and Ishtar Gate of Babylon as its signature exhibits. The Bode Museum combines sculpture collections, Byzantine art and hundreds of thousands of ancient coins within a Baroque building. When not visiting exhibitions, strolling on the island is equally delightful: street musicians often perform in the gardens, offering a perfect chance to rest and listen before walking to the bridge to admire the unique urban scenery of five museums lining the riverbank. △The Pergamon Museum is undoubtedly one of the most popular museums and also one of the world's renowned archaeological museums. The solemn and majestic gray building exterior easily evokes associations with various ancient architectures. Upon entering through the central gate, the left side houses the ancient Roman and Greek collections, while the right side features the ancient Near East exhibition. The second floor is dedicated to Islamic culture. The museum's crown jewel—the Pergamon Altar—is not to be missed. Dating back to the 2nd century BCE, this 9.66 m high altar features exquisitely carved deity figures on its base. Additionally, the Market Gate of Miletus from the 2nd century BCE and the Ishtar Gate of Babylon are also highly worth seeing. △The old museum in Berlin opened in 1830 and is a historic museum on Museum Island. This museum follows the neoclassical architectural style, with its facade supported by 18 parallel columns. The main hall inside is spherical, topped by a striking large circular dome. The old museum displays a rich collection of ancient Greek and Roman art treasures. △At the old national art gallery, you can admire masterpieces by impressionist masters such as Manet, Monet, and Renoir. △The Bode Museum is located on the outer side of Museum Island, built between 1898 and 1904. This Baroque-style building features a triangular layout and houses three unique small museums: the German Byzantine Art Museum, showcasing various artistic masterpieces from the Byzantine Empire; the Coin Museum, displaying 500,000 ancient coin exhibits; and the Sculpture Museum, which houses Germany's premier collection of medieval sculptures. △The new museum in Berlin was built in 1855 and was severely damaged in the bombings of World War II, leaving it in ruins. After reopening in 2009, it serves as the Egyptian Museum and Papyrus Collection, featuring exhibits such as the bust of Nefertiti, wife of the ancient Egyptian pharaoh Akhenaten, and other artworks from the Akhenaten period. Additionally, the new museum displays unearthed artifacts from prehistoric times, ancient history, and the Stone Age. △Besides visiting museums, strolling and relaxing on Museum Island is also a great choice. The lush Lustgarten offers a beautiful environment, and street performers playing lovely music add to the charming scenery. When tired, you might as well sit down and enjoy it.Berlin · 26.2 km from Potsdam
Charlottenburg Palace
No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Berlin-Brandenburg Metropolitan Region

Charlottenburg Palace

6.2
4.6/5
100 reviews
Charlottenburg Palace is a grand and well-preserved Hohenzollern palace complex in the area and a representative example of Prussian Baroque architecture. The palace was built at the end of the 17th century, initially as a summer palace by Elector Frederick III for his wife, Sophie Charlotte. It was later expanded following the layout of thePalace of Versaillesand was rebuilt to its original state after World War II. The courtyard in front of the palace features an equestrian statue of the Great Elector. Inside, Baroque rooms such as the Knight's Hall and the chapel are arranged in sequence. The Porcelain Cabinet is particularly magnificent, with walls and ceilings inlaid with over 2,000 pieces of porcelain, complemented by ceiling frescoes. The New Wing on the east side was built during the era of Frederick the Great, and the White Hall and Golden Gallery on the upper floor are filled with Rococo decorative art. The large garden behind the building blends the characteristics of French Baroque and English landscape gardens. The central flower beds are symmetrical and orderly. Before leaving, looking back from the garden at the gilded statue of the Goddess of Fortune on the dome is an iconic view.Berlin · 20.7 km from Potsdam
Neues Museum
No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Berlin-Brandenburg Metropolitan Region

Neues Museum

7
4.7/5
107 reviews
The Neues Museum is located on Museum Island in Germany. Construction began in 1841 under the direction of Friedrich August Stüler, and it officially opened in 1855. Since the Altes Museum on Museum Island had already been open to the public since 1830, this venue was named the Neues Museum. In 1999, the entire Museum Island, including the Neues Museum, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Neues Museum primarily displays collections and artworks related to ancient Egypt, prehistoric human history, and early civilizations, with the bust of Queen Nefertiti as its iconic exhibit.Berlin · 26.1 km from Potsdam
Berlin Cathedral
No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Berlin-Brandenburg Metropolitan Region

Berlin Cathedral

6.9
4.6/5
575 reviews
The Berlin Cathedral is located on the east side of the Museum Island in downtown Berlin, with the Spree River as its back. The Berlin Cathedral was built from 1895 to 1905. It was destroyed in World War II. The repair work continues to this day, but it is still an eye-catching landmark in Berlin, known as the "Museum Island entrance": three large Baroque domes The four-story building facing the Spree River is decorated in the style of a Baroque palace and is brilliant; the bell tower on the west side has been in service so far, and the bells of prayer are long and long; after climbing 260 steps, you can admire the city of Berlin at the top of the cathedral. Stunning views of the area. The steps on the front facade of the church are paved with granite, and the curved arches are quite striking, supported by Greek-style Koslin stone columns on both sides, and the doors are decorated with bronze reliefs and mosaic frescoes. The altar is set on a high platform that is seven steps higher than the mission hall. The altar is made of white marble and onyx, surrounded by a gilded fence, overflowing with golden light. The 72-meter-high dome is the most essential part of the Berlin Cathedral. The dome is decorated with gold-encrusted mosaic paintings, also by Wiener, depicting the scene of the saints' cloths. Each painting is 39 square meters. More than 2,000 colors are shared, which is very shocking. The dome is surrounded by glass windows, and the holy light is poured through the windows, as if the Holy Spirit descended. Next, you can move to the baptistery to visit, on both sides of the entrance are the coffins carved by the German sculptor Andreas Schlüter for the king. The second floor is the Cathedral Museum, which displays models, historical drawings, designs, original parts and carvings of Berlin Cathedral buildings. The photos on the walls record the bombing and damage of the church during World War II. There is also an interesting multimedia "simulation table" in the museum, where you can lean in and feel the charm of the dome of Berlin Cathedral up close. Going up the stairs and crossing the 270th steps, you will come to the vaulted corridor at the top of the church. Standing here, you can clearly see the angel statue at the top of the church, the icon and the cross at the top of the main entrance. The view of the cloister is very broad, with beautiful landscapes such as the Spree River, the German History Museum, the Humboldt University of Berlin, and the Old Museum of Berlin. Before leaving, don't forget to visit the underground Hohenzollern tomb, where 94 members of the Hohenzollern royal family from the 16th century to the early 20th century were buried, Friedrich III. , Elector John Cicero, Elector Elector, etc. are all buried here. After the visit, you can take a break in the square in front of the church and feel the leisurely pace of life in Berlin.Berlin · 26.2 km from Potsdam
New Palace

New Palace

3.9
4.5/5
31 reviews
The New Palace (Neues Palais) is a huge palace building with a unique shell hall, the entire wall is covered with shells and gems.Potsdam · 3.9 km from downtown
German Spy Museum
No. 6 of Best Things to Do in Berlin-Brandenburg Metropolitan Region

German Spy Museum

6.1
4.7/5
20 reviews
Experience the fun for yourself at every corner of the Spy Museum in Berlin, Germany, with more than 1,000 multimedia exhibits on more than 200 high-resolution screens. You can also crack some passwords, go through the laser maze to see how secure your favorite passwords are, and learn how they hack into websites.Berlin · 24.4 km from Potsdam
Berliner Fernsehturm
No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Berlin-Brandenburg Metropolitan Region

Berliner Fernsehturm

6.5
4.5/5
201 reviews
• Imagine yourself standing on Europe's second tallest TV tower and soak in the unparalleled views of Berlin as it unfolds again • Marvel at iconic landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag and the Spree • Whether you are a local or a tourist, the views are sure to mesmerize and leave a lasting impression of Berlin's grandeur! This TV tower, built between 1966 and 1969, is 365 meters high. The large steel-framed sphere at the top of the tower shines brightly and can be seen from any neighborhood in Berlin, like a lighthouse in Berlin. Not only that, you can enjoy delicious food while admiring the stunning views. Additionally, you can immerse yourself even further with our VR experience, which allows you to explore Berlin's landmarks in virtual reality, adding an extra layer of depth to your visit. • It only takes 40 seconds to take the panoramic elevator to the summit, and then you can enjoy the charming city view of Berlin: the Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Main Station, the Olympic Stadium, and the Museum Island Potsdamer Platz are all in sight. On the upper floor of the viewing platform is a revolving cafe, which rotates once in 30 minutes. You can enjoy the food and sip coffee while feeling the automatic scene changing due to the rotation of the sphere.Berlin · 26.8 km from Potsdam
Museum Barberini

Museum Barberini

3.7
The Museum Barberini in Potsdam, Germany, is a museum dedicated to art exhibitions. It permanently displays over 100 Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings, including masterpieces such as Monet's "Haystacks" and Paul Signac's "The Port at Sunset." The museum's collection not only showcases the essence of French art from the late 19th to early 20th century but also traces the development of French landscape painting through works of Pointillism and Fauvism. The building itself holds significant historical value, as it stands on the site of the historic Barberini Palace, which has been meticulously restored and transformed into a museum. Additionally, the museum frequently collaborates with international collections to host large-scale exhibitions, offering visitors a rich artistic feast. Whether you're an art enthusiast or a history buff, you'll find something to captivate you here.Potsdam · 717m from downtown

Experiences you can't miss in Potsdam

Featured Day tours in Potsdam

View all Day tours
Potsdam Tour from Berlin With Guided Sanssouci Palace Visit
󱌍
4.8/5
· 139 reviews
Duration: 4 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
94.2% of travelers recommend
FromMXN1,370.25
Potsdam: City and Castles Tour
󱌍
4.8/5
· 709 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
Free cancellation
96.8% of travelers recommend
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromMXN497.82MXN524.03
Potsdam: 2-Hour Wannsee Cruise
󱌍
4.8/5
· 119 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
97.5% of travelers recommend
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromMXN537.65MXN565.95
From Berlin: Potsdam and Sanssouci Palace Tour with Entry
󱌍
4.7/5
· 160 reviews
Duration: 4 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
93.8% of travelers recommend
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromMXN1,274.42MXN1,341.5
Potsdam: Palace Tour by Boat
󱌍
4.6/5
· 532 reviews
Duration: 1.5 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for today
43 consecutive positive reviews
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromMXN457.99MXN482.1
Potsdam: Biosphäre Potsdam Entry Ticket
󱌍
4.3/5
· 3 reviews
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromMXN398.25MXN419.22
City and Palaces Tour Potsdam - Stadt- und Schloesserrundfahrt Potsdam
󱌍
3.6/5
· 24 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
Free cancellation
FromMXN578.23
Berlin: Seven Lakes Tour from Berlin's Wannsee
󱌍
4.7/5
· 275 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
Free cancellation
Book now for today
93.1% of travelers recommend
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromMXN448.03MXN471.62

Featured Cultural experiences in Potsdam

View all Cultural experiences
Neuer Garten Audio Tour: Marble Palace to 1945
󱌍
Duration: 1.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for today
20% off
Limited-time sale
FromMXN133.98MXN167.48
Potsdam Highlights Audio Tour: Royal Palaces and Historic Landmarks
󱌍
Duration: 2 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for today
20% off
Limited-time sale
FromMXN133.98MXN167.48
Best of Berlin HopOn HopOff Tour
󱌍
2.6/5
· 14 reviews
Free cancellation
Book now for today
FromMXN642.33
Berlin Trabi Museum: Day Ticket
󱌍
4.6/5
· 5 reviews
English
Free cancellation
Book now for today
5% off
Limited-time sale
FromMXN179.21MXN188.65
Big Bus Berlin Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with optional River Cruise
󱌍
4.0/5
· 307 reviews
Free cancellation
Book now for today
FromMXN615.23
Berlin True Crime: Self-Guided Audio Tour
󱌍
English
Instant confirmation
Book now for today
FromMXN137.42
1-day private charter to Brandenburg Gate + Berlin Cathedral + Museum für Naturkunde + Bode Museum
󱌍
FromMXN12,594.46

Featured Food & drink in Potsdam

View all Food & drink
Sphere Tim Raue restaurant package admission ticket in Berlin
󱌍
FromMXN714.91
Hard Rock Cafe Berlin: Skip-the-Line Entry + 2 or 3-Course Menu
󱌍
FromMXN590.05
Berlin CODA Dessert Dining viral restaurant reservation service
󱌍
FromMXN152.11
Berlin Grill Royal popular restaurant reservation service
󱌍
FromMXN152.11
Private East Berlin Food Tour with Berlin Wall and Craft Beer
󱌍
4.9/5
· 117 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
Free cancellation
27 consecutive positive reviews
FromMXN5,297.26

More things to do

Free things to do in Potsdam

What travelers say about Potsdam

user-avatar
_TI***yaAugust 22, 2025
4.0
Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam is beautifully preserved and well organized for visitors. The one-way route and included audio guide make it easy to follow the story, though it also means you should take your time—once you pass a room, you can’t return. Tickets are timed and sell out quickly, so booking in advance is strongly recommended.Beyond the interiors, the gardens are vast and lovely, with terraces, fountains, and paths perfect for an afternoon stroll. If time allows, don’t miss the Neues Palais (New Palace) at the far end of the park for a striking contrast in scale and style. Altogether, it’s one of the most rewarding cultural experiences near Berlin.

Sanssouci Palace

user-avatar
Kiss YuYuMay 8, 2026
5.0
50-word scenic spot review This place boasts beautiful scenery, a tranquil and clean environment, and convenient transportation with excellent facilities. A stroll through the area is pleasant and relaxing, and every snapshot is a masterpiece. It's definitely worth a visit for a leisurely trip.

Museum Island

user-avatar
Anonymous userJuly 24, 2025
5.0
We continue our art journey and come to Charlottenburg Palace. This magnificent palace was built by King Frederick I of Prussia for his wife Sophie Charlotte, and is an outstanding representative of Baroque architecture. The palace has a magnificent exterior, and the exquisite sculptures and complex decorative lines highlight the majesty and luxury of the royal family. Walking into the palace, it seems as if you have traveled back to that glorious era. The magnificent halls and beautifully decorated rooms, every detail shows the ultimate pursuit of court art. The gorgeous chandeliers, exquisite murals, and precious works of art are dazzling. Walking along the corridors of the palace and admiring these artistic treasures, we can imagine the luxury and elegance of court life in those days.

Charlottenburg Palace

user-avatar
快嘴儿ωǒ李梓睿October 12, 2026
5.0
It's actually not bad, but the fact that you can't take close-up photos of the museum's centerpiece is a bit off. I can take photos freely at the Egyptian Museum, the Louvre, and the Orsay, so I don't know what's so special or special about this thing. I can only grit my teeth and say I respect it…

Neues Museum

user-avatar
86338633February 15, 2025
5.0
Berlin Cathedral (Berliner Dom) is a famous Protestant church in Berlin, the capital of Germany. It is located on the Museum Island in the center of the city, next to the Spree River. This magnificent church is not only the religious center of Berlin, but also an important landmark and tourist attraction of the city. ⛪️The history of Berlin Cathedral dates back to the 15th century, when there was a smaller church on the same site. The existing cathedral was built from 1894 to 1905 under the order of German Emperor Wilhelm II to serve as the court church of the Hohenzollern family. The original church was demolished at the end of the 19th century to make way for a new and more magnificent church. ⛪️Berlin Cathedral adopts Renaissance and Baroque styles and was designed by architect Julius Raschdorff. Its gorgeous appearance and exquisite interior decoration reflect the characteristics of neo-Baroque architecture. The church is 98 meters high, and its green dome is an important part of the Berlin skyline. ⛪️During World War II, the Berlin Cathedral was severely damaged, especially an air raid in 1944 that caused part of the church's dome to collapse. After the war, the restoration of the church lasted for decades and was finally completed in 1993. ⛪️The interior of the church is richly decorated with many exquisite sculptures, paintings and mosaics. The altarpiece and the pulpit on the central altar are particularly eye-catching. ⛪️The Berlin Cathedral has an organ built by Wilhelm Sauer, which is one of the largest and most important historical organs in the world. Visitors can climb 270 steps to the observation deck on the church's dome, from which they can overlook the magnificent view of the center of Berlin.

Berlin Cathedral

user-avatar
suifeng2019May 21, 2020
5.0
Compared with the Sanssouci Palace, the New Palace is larger and more luxurious, with far fewer tourists. The most representative is the banquet hall on the first floor. Although it is mainly gray, it does not look dull at all. It is decorated with tens of thousands of shells, which is extremely exquisite.

New Palace

user-avatar
亭亭向阳October 20, 2020
5.0
This museum opened in 2015. It is a very interesting museum with many fun exhibits. It is currently closed and will reopen depending on the situation!

German Spy Museum

user-avatar
MelsidaApril 28, 2025
5.0
The Berlin TV Tower (Berliner Fernsehturm) is an iconic landmark offering stunning panoramic views of the city from its observation deck. Standing at 368 meters, it’s Germany’s tallest structure, and visitors can enjoy a 360-degree view of Berlin's landmarks. The rotating restaurant at the top adds to the experience, though it can be a bit pricey. It's a must-visit for first-timers in the city!

Berliner Fernsehturm

Popular cities near Potsdam

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Potsdam?

Don't miss these attractions in Potsdam: Sanssouci Palace, Sanssouci Park, and Museum Island. If you like Day tours, try Potsdam Tour from Berlin With Guided Sanssouci Palace Visit. If you enjoy Cultural experiences, try Neuer Garten Audio Tour: Marble Palace to 1945.

You can give Sphere Tim Raue restaurant package admission ticket in Berlin and Hard Rock Cafe Berlin: Skip-the-Line Entry + 2 or 3-Course Menu a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Potsdam Tour from Berlin With Guided Sanssouci Palace Visit, Potsdam: City and Castles Tour, and Potsdam: 2-Hour Wannsee Cruise. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of October 23, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Potsdam is around MXN 398.25 – MXN 1,370.25. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

Get help anytime, anywhere within 30 secondsContact customer support

Change and cancellation policies vary by attractions and tours. Please check the product details page for more information.

Ticket prices may vary between weekdays and weekends, as well as during peak and off-peak seasons. When booking with Trip.com, you can also use Trip Coins to get extra savings. For more tips on booking discounted tickets, please visit Trip.com for the latest information.