Germany has numerous amazing cities, and Potsdam is one of them. For an amazing trip, let’s explore the most stunning things to do in Potsdam.
One of Germany’s largest states is Brandenburg. Its capital city is Potsdam, a city that receives millions of visitors every year. As a visitor, there are many things to Potsdam that will keep you and your family entertained for the whole trip.
Potsdam’s earliest mention goes as far back as 1317 as a small town. Come 1345, it got its charter and became an official town in the region.
Later on, it grew into a famous market town in 1573. The city continued to grow until it became the royal residence of the Prussian empire.
In 1815, the Brandenburg province became official, with Potsdam as the second capital of the Prussian empire. WWI saw an end to the second capital city status, with the city becoming part of East Germany after WWII. Once the Berlin wall fell, the city became the capital of the new Brandenburg state.
Potsdam Today
Potsdam is home to many beautiful parks and palaces that are worth exploring. The Sanssouci Palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. The palace was built in the 18th century and is surrounded by stunning gardens.
If you’re looking for something more active, there are also several Potsdam lakes perfect for swimming, canoeing, or simply relaxing by the water.
In addition to its outdoor attractions, Potsdam also has a number of museums and historical sites that are worth visiting. The Museum of Natural History is a great place to learn about the area’s flora and fauna, and the Brandenburg Gate is a symbol of the city’s history.
Potsdam is a city with something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing trip or an action-packed vacation, you’ll find it all in Potsdam. Today, there are lots of Potsdam attractions to see, and below I have compiled the list for you.
Things to Do in Potsdam, Germany
1. The Neues Palais
Address: Am Neuen Palais, 14469 Potsdam, Germany
As you contemplate all the things to do in Potsdam, be sure to visit the Neues Palais. Popularly known as the New Palace, this royal residence dates to 1763, when construction began.
The Neues Palais in Potsdam is a striking example of Baroque architecture. This style was popular among the Prussian rulers in the 18th century, and the palace boasts many features that exemplify this ornate aesthetic. From the grand staircase to the ornately carved main door, the New Palace is a true work of art.
It is a beautiful palace to explore on a Potsdam private tour and day trip from Berlin. Visitors can explore the stately rooms and learn about the royal family’s history. Admission to the palace also includes access to the beautiful gardens, which are perfect for a leisurely stroll. With so much to see and do, the Neues Palais is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Potsdam.
Unlike other royal palaces of the time, it was not built for official business. Instead, it served as an entertainment location for visiting dignitaries.
The palace was designed by Carl von Gontard, and construction was completed in 1769. The exterior of the palace is decorated with ornate stucco work and features quotes from famous authors.
The interior is just as opulent, with ceilings adorned with frescoes and walls covered in tapestries. The highlight of the New Palace is the magnificent Marble Hall, which is considered one of the finest examples of Rococo architecture. Today, the Neues Palace is open to the public and offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of 18th-century royalty.
Apart from the great architectural marvel, you can catch some shows on the ground floor at the theater. It dates back to the 18th century but still puts on amazing shows to date.
Also, step outside and enjoy a stroll in the marvelous park that surrounds the palace. It has lots of walkways, paths, fountains and flora.
See Related: Must-See Castles in Germany
2. Museum Barberini
Address: Humboldtstraße 5-6, 14467 Potsdam, Germany
While you might have seen better places, you can also never run out of things to see in Potsdam. For instance, check out the Museum Barberini that opened its doors in 2017. Inside is an excellent collection of classic and contemporary masterpieces.
Museum Barberini is the brainchild of Hasso Plattner, and it mainly features his work. He funded the building reconstruction of a former palace that lay in ruins.
Every year, the museum hosts three exhibitions with pieces lent to it from all across the world. The three significant exhibitions are temporary. Additionally, it puts on smaller displays that run for short durations plus a whole host of events.
The interior and exterior of this museum give you plenty of unique backgrounds to capture memorable pictures.
3. The Babelsberg Park
Address: Park Babelsberg Schlosspark, 14482 Potsdam, Germany
On the list of things to do in Potsdam and surrounding areas, including a tour of Babelsberg Park isn’t a bad idea. Once summer is in full swing, the flowers are blooming, and the sun is shining, it’s a great place to be.
The park has plenty to keep the whole family entertained, from a UNESCO World Heritage Site to beautiful botanical gardens. And if you’re looking for something active to do, there are plenty of walking and cycling trails to explore. So whether you’re looking for a peaceful stroll or an adventurous hike, Babelsberg Park is definitely worth a visit.
The park is north of the famous Babelsberg Film Studio and a short trek from Germany’s Capital city, Berlin. This is in a perfect location on the banks of the Havel River. Everything about this park speaks of the excellent landscaping and architecture of the area.
Inside, you can enjoy learning about classic architecture mixed with neo-gothic inspirations. That’s not all because there are plenty of other periods of architectural designs to check out.
4. Holländisches Viertel
Address: Dutch Quarter14467 Potsdam, Germany
Add a tour of the old Dutch Quarters (Holländisches Viertel) to your itinerary of things to do in Potsdam. As you walk by, you’ll think you have left Germany because the architecture is synonymous with many Dutch buildings. The famous Dutch Quarters are north of Bassinplatz and consist of 134 buildings.
All the buildings along the Dutch Quarters are made using red brick and contain stripes of white along with the shutter windows. The construction of this architectural marvel began in 1737 by Dutch craftsmen. It’s still intact and houses the largest community of its kind anywhere else in the world, apart from the Netherlands.
Be ready to walk for some time, and be sure to wear some comfortable shoes. The Dutch Quarters are pretty expansive, covering four city blocks in total. Here you can meet tourists from all over the world plus mingle with the locals who love touring this area of Brandenburg.
Apart from viewing the houses, there are lots of cafes and shops with different items on sale. The good news is that this part of the city also offers some of the best things to do in Potsdam at night. Enjoy a pint while catching up with friends and locals.
Remember to allocate some time to tour the Johann Boumann House, a museum that pays homage to the man who led the building of these grand quarters.
5. Neuer Garten
Address: Am Neuen Garten, 14467 Potsdam, Germany
There’s no limit to the beautiful tourist attractions in Potsdam. As such, two great lakes await you in the city’s northern parts. These are Heiliger See and Jungfernsee. Along their shore is a magnificent garden known as Neuer Garten (New Garden) that you can’t miss touring.
Fredrick William the Second, also known as Frederick the Great, commissioned the New Garden in 1787, and it’s remained a wonderful sight ever since. Moving away from the more distinctive Prussian garden style, Fredrick opted for a more English feel. The garden has more of an English layout and landscape, similar to many parks in Europe.
Bring on your walking shoes and camera as you enter one of the most beautiful places in Potsdam. The garden covers 102.4 hectares in total and includes some Dutch-style buildings. These buildings served as the servants’ quarters for the people tasked with maintaining the garden.
Additionally, there’s the Ice Palace that resembles the pyramids of Egypt, plus an orangery. The orangery is quite interesting because it looks like an Egyptian portal.
You can also tour the Library, built in the distinct Gothic style. The spectacular marble palace is a fantastic addition to your list of Potsdam tourist attractions.
There are many wonderful things to do in Potsdam and Cologne, Ulm, Upper Saxony, and enjoy great things to do in Mannheim and other beautiful cities in Germany.
6. Babelsberg Film Studio
Address: August-Bebel-Str. 26-53, 14482 Potsdam, Germany
Are you still wondering what to do in Potsdam during your visit? How about a visit to the grand Babelsberg Film Studio?
Be ready to catch a glimpse of the oldest film studio globally on such a grand scale. The studio is quite expansive and has been operational since 1912. So many films have been shot here since then, and it continues to generate masterpieces each year.
The most exciting thing about this studio is that you get to learn more about film history in Germany. Go back to the beginning and learn the making of movies at the start of the 20th century. The State and studio have played a key role in making numerous top films known across the world.
But, also spend some time learning about the dark past associated with this famous film studio. During the era of Adolf Hitler, it served as a production site for anti-Semitic propaganda. You can view many of the props and other items used in making films for decades.
Regarding shows, be sure to ask about any upcoming ones you might enjoy with your family. Moreover, you can plan to catch the Halloween celebrations that happen at this studio annually.
See Related: Celebrating the Holidays Across the World
7. St. Nicholas Church
Address: Am Alten Markt, 14467 Potsdam, Germany
Do not forget to check out the marvelous churches in Brandenburg. As you contemplate what to see in Potsdam, St. Nicholas Church at the Old Market Square is a great addition.
The most distinctive feature of this church is its German classical architecture. Both the interior and exteriors consist of the most fabulous finishes. It’s part of the Evangelical Church in Germany and dates as far back as 1830.
The structure reaches 77m high, towering above many other buildings in the whole city. You can use it as your starting point as you begin viewing Potsdam tourist attractions to visit on wheels.
In terms of design, the church resembles a Greek cross. It suffered lots of damage during WW2 and took a long time to reconstruct.
However, services resumed in 1981 and today host a large parish in the city of Potsdam. Members of the public are welcome to attend mass and enjoy excellent music.
8. The KGB Prison
Address: Leistikowstraße 1, 14469 Potsdam, Germany
Also known as the Memorial Leistikowstrabe, the KGB Prison gives you a glimpse of life during East and West Germany. Remember to add it to your list of things to do in Potsdam and learn more about the tough times of this era.
Back in the day, the building was a base of a Christian charity group. But later on, it changed tactics and became a notorious detention center. The prison saw lots of dissidents locked away for various crimes against the ruling Soviet government.
Adjacent to the prison was a military camp at the KGB headquarters in Germany. Russian and German prisoners were held here for suspicion of spying or collaborating with the West. Once the Soviet Union collapsed, it closed its doors as a prison and is now a Memorial.
Visitors can enter the cells that remain intact with prison graffiti. More so, you can check out the detention rooms where interrogations took place.
See related: Things to Do in Nuremberg, Germany
9. The Sanssouci Park
Address: Zur Historischen Mühle 1, 14469 Potsdam, Germany
Stepping away from the dark past of the East Germany era, bring back some sunshine to your day by touring Sanssouci Park. It ranks high among stuff to do in Potsdam thanks to the beautiful gardens. Everywhere you look, there’s beauty and splendor that only nature can provide.
As you check out the marvelous flora, catch a glimpse of the different art pieces, plus some fantastic architectural masterpieces.via
The park’s history goes back to 1744 and has continuously undergone expansion. It’s another idea of Fredrick the Great, who was renowned for their great gardens and buildings during his era. You enter the park from the east and get captivated by what lies ahead of you right away.
Typically, the parts you don’t want to miss are the Neptune Grotto and the Orangery Picture Gallery. Inside the gallery are numerous 17th-century works of art by famous artists like Caravaggio and Ruben. Also, don’t miss spending some time at the grand fountain with lots of mythological creatures around it.
Getting hungry before or after touring Sanssouci Park is not a problem. Many restaurants serve different German food as well as different types of German sausages.
10. The Sanssouci Palace
Address: Maulbeerallee, 14469 Potsdam, Germany
The grand Sanssouci Palace was the summer residence of Fredrick the Great. Its construction began in 1745 and was completed in 1747.
The summer residence was a haven for the ruler. Here he could enjoy a quitter and casual lifestyle away from the rigorous Berlin court. The name Sanssouci signifies just that, as it loosely translates to ‘without cares’.
It’s a grand building with numerous architectural marvels that you can’t miss as you walk around. It’s an intimate palace in design and size, symbolic of its purpose.
Unlike other more extensive castles, it’s only one story high and has a terraced vineyard. The ruler wanted comfort and relaxation since not many people were permitted to visit.
Don’t forget to view the Marble hall (Marmoorsal) with its columns resembling the famous Corinthian ones. You can visit the palace and Potsdam on a private half-day tour.
See Related: Best Places to Visit in Northern Germany
11. Alexadrowka
Address: Russische Kolonie 8, 14469 Potsdam, Germany
Did you know there’s a Russian colony in Germany? Part of the amazing things to do in Potsdam includes visits to Alexadrowka. It’s a Russian settlement that goes as far back as 1827 and consists of 13 wooden houses built like a cross.
The then-Prussian king erected these as homes for Russian musicians. The musicians were part of the First Prussian Regiment of the Guards, who continued to live here until the fall of the Prussian empire.
The houses were home to the WW2 Red Army for a brief moment. But, some descendants of the Russian musicians continued to live here until the 21st century.
Today, the homes are open to visitors who want to learn more about the history of Potsdam. They form part of Potsdam tourist attractions, complete with fantastic gardens. Additionally, you can check out the Orthodox Church and tea house.
12. Old Market Square
Address: 14467 Potsdam, Germany
If you find yourself in Potsdam’s charming town, visit the Old Market Square. This picturesque square is located in the heart of the town and is surrounded by historic buildings.
The central feature of the square is the Fountain of Friendship, which was built in 1789 to symbolize the town’s close relationship with France. In the summer months, the square comes to life with a lively farmers’ market, and in December, it is transformed into a festive Christmas market.
Whether you’re browsing the stalls or simply enjoying a cup of coffee in one of the cafes, Old Market Square is a great place to spend an afternoon.
See Related: Best Family Vacation Ideas in Germany
13. Albert Einstein Science Park
If you’re a fan of science, then the Albert Einstein Science Park in Potsdam is definitely worth a visit.
Address: Telegrafenberg, 14473 Potsdam, Germany
Named after the famous physicist, the park is home to a variety of scientific institutions, including the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics and the German Aerospace Center. There are also several museums on site, such as the Einstein Museum and the Museum of Natural History. And if you need a break from all the learning, the park also has a beautiful garden with plenty of benches to relax on. Don’t miss the Einstein tower, the Einsteinturm.
Whether you’re a science buff or just looking for a place to enjoy some fresh air, the Albert Einstein Science Park is definitely worth a visit.
14. Orangery Palace
Address: An d. Orangerie 3-5, 14469 Potsdam, Germany
If you’re looking for a truly breathtaking palace experience, look no further than the Orangery Palace in Potsdam.
This beautiful baroque building was once the summer residence of Frederick the Great, and it’s easy to see why he fell in love with it.
The Orangery is surrounded by manicured gardens and carefully landscaped parks, and the interior is just as impressive as the exterior. From the stunning marble floors to the intricate ceiling frescoes, every detail of the Orangery is a work of art.
Even if you’re not a history buff, you’ll be impressed by the Orangery Palace and its many fascinating features. Marvel the beauty of the palace and explore other Postdam attractions by booking a Potsdam city and castle tour.
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15. Cecilienhof Palace
Address: Im Neuen Garten, 14469 Potsdam, Germany
Cecilienhof Palace in Potsdam, Germany, is a beautifully restored site that was once the home of German Crown Prince Wilhelm and his family.
The palace was built in the 18th century in the Baroque style and is set on sprawling grounds that include gardens, lakes, and woodlands. Cecilienhof was the last imperial palace to be built in Germany, and it has a long and fascinating history.
During World War II, the palace was used as a military hospital and then as a headquarters for the Soviet Army.
In 1945, Cecilienhof served as the venue for the Potsdam Conference, where leaders from the Allies gathered to discuss post-war plans. Today, Cecilienhof is open to the public and guests can tour the stately rooms, learn about its incredible history, and enjoy the beautiful grounds.