Before you go

Your trip to Potsdam.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Potsdam – Brandemburgo Destination Berlim and Potsdam Capital

How to get there

Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg Willy Brandt (BER) Schönefeld · 50 km
Potsdam Hauptbahnhof 1 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Check before buying. The airport is Berlin (BER). From Berlin, the regional train departs Berlin Hauptbahnhof and arrives at Potsdam Hauptbahnhof in about half an hour; the S-Bahn S7 makes the journey in around 40 minutes from the centre. Your Berlin ticket needs to cover zone C.

How many days

A full day is enough to see Sanssouci, the park, the Neues Palais and the centre on a day trip from Berlin. With two days there's time for the Neuer Garten, the Glienicker Brücke and the Museum Barberini at a relaxed pace. Staying overnight in Potsdam is a calm option and allows you to get to the palaces early.

When to go

From May to September the parks are at their best, with fountains running and long days; it's also the busiest period, so it's advisable to buy Sanssouci tickets in advance. September and October bring autumn colours and fewer visitors. In winter, from December to February, it is cold, it gets dark early and some palaces reduce their opening hours.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

No. From Berlin you reach Potsdam by regional train or S-Bahn, and within Potsdam trams and buses link the station with the centre, Sanssouci and the Neues Palais. The parks are made for walking. The city has an environmental zone (Umweltzone) and parking by the palaces is paid.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Potsdam

Morning
Schloss Sanssouci and the terraces
Arrive early from Berlin and travel from Potsdam Hauptbahnhof to Sanssouci. Enter the palace at the time shown on your ticket, then walk down the vineyard terraces, see the tomb of Frederick the Great, the Bildergalerie and the historic mill.
Afternoon
Park Sanssouci to the Neues Palais
Cross Park Sanssouci along the main avenue, stopping at the Casa Chinesa, and arrive at the Neues Palais. Visit the interior (the palace usually closes on Tuesdays) or just the façade and the Communs. Have lunch at one of the park cafés or bring a packed lunch.
Late afternoon
Brandenburger Tor and the Holländisches Viertel
Return to the centre by bus or on foot, pass Potsdam's Brandenburger Tor and follow the pedestrian street Brandenburger Straße to the Holländisches Viertel, with its red-brick houses.
Evening
Alter Markt and dinner in the centre
Walk to the Alter Markt to see the Nikolaikirche and the Stadtschloss illuminated on the banks of the Havel. Dine in the Holländisches Viertel or near the square and return to Berlin by regional train or S-Bahn from Potsdam Hauptbahnhof.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit Potsdam on a day trip from Berlin?

Yes — it's the most common way. The regional train takes about half an hour from Berlin Hauptbahnhof to Potsdam Hauptbahnhof, and the S-Bahn S7 about 40 minutes from the centre. A full day allows you to see Sanssouci, the park and the historic centre.

Which transport ticket should I use when leaving Berlin?

Potsdam is in zone C of Berlin's transport system. Buy a ticket that covers zones A, B and C, and validate it at the machine before boarding if it doesn't have the date and time printed.

What's the best day of the week to visit?

Avoid Mondays if you want to enter Sanssouci, which is usually closed that day, and Tuesdays if your focus is the Neues Palais or the Museum Barberini. Check opening hours before you go.

Is Potsdam in Berlin?

No. Potsdam is the capital of the state of Brandenburg, neighbouring Berlin, separated from the German capital by the river Havel and by lakes. The Glienicker Brücke marks the boundary between them.

How long does it take to see Park Sanssouci?

For the Sanssouci palace, the main avenue and the Neues Palais, allow at least half a day. The park covers about 300 hectares and has many gravel paths, so wear comfortable shoes.

Back to Potsdam