A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Leiden vs. Potsdam for Attractions, Food, Families, and Nightlife

Should you visit Leiden or Potsdam?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Leiden and Potsdam can help you decide which place is right for you.

Leiden

Leiden is a cultural, scholarly, and historic city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Leiden travel costs.

Potsdam

Potsdam is a accessible, compact, and park-filled city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Potsdam offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Potsdam travel costs.

Leiden and Potsdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Leiden or Potsdam?

Both Potsdam and Leiden have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Leiden is popular for its many museums and renowned university. Potsdam is popular for its beautiful palaces, scenic town center, and accessibility to Berlin.

How is Leiden different from Potsdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Potsdam and Leiden. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Leiden or Potsdam?

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Potsdam and Leiden.

Many visitors head to Leiden specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are a huge number of museums around town. Some are affiliated with the museum, while others are not. Some of the favorites include the National Museum of Antiquities (Rijksmuseum van Oudheden), Naturalis Biodiversity Center, The Boerhaave Museum, the Corpus Museum, and the National Ethnological Museum.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Potsdam can be an interesting and educational experience. People visit this city for its high concentration of historic sights. The Renaissance Orangery Palace is a highlight of the visit for many travelers.

Is the Food Better in Leiden or Potsdam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Leiden and Potsdam offer a number of very good restaurants to choose from.

Leiden has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There's a diverse food scene with many international flavors such as Japanese, Chinese, and French. The cafe culture influences the culinary scene and you'll find many cozy cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a bite to eat.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Potsdam makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find a diverse restaurant scene, although the city is quite small. There are international restaurants as well as local venues where you can try regional specialties.

Is Leiden or Potsdam Better for Nightlife?

Both Leiden and Potsdam have good vibes after the sun sets.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Leiden. The large student population means that there is a good nightlife scene. There are a variety of bars, pubs, and cafes where you can enjoy a drink, with options ranging from cozy, intimate spots to larger, more vibrant venues. The Oude Markt area, with its charming historic setting, is a hotspot for nightlife, offering a mix of traditional Dutch bars and international-themed pubs.

Potsdam has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city is not far from Berlin, so head in to Germany's nightlife capital for the most famous clubs and venues. In the town of Potsdam there are cocktail bars and breweries that make for a mellow and relaxed evening.

Is the Shopping Better in Leiden or Potsdam?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Leiden and Potsdam.

Leiden has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a mix of unique boutiques, international brands, and charming local stores. The Breestraat and Nieuwe Rijn are popular shopping streets, and they're lined with a variety of shops selling everything from fashion and accessories to books, art, and antiques. The city also has several markets, including a weekly Saturday market near the Pieterskerk, where you can find fresh produce, flowers, and vintage items.

Potsdam is a great destination for shopping. There are plazas and shopping streets that have the standard chain stores as well as antique shops and other boutiques.

Is Leiden or Potsdam More Beautiful?

Potsdam is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Leiden is not a destination known for its beauty.

Potsdam offers plenty of beauty for visitors. There are many beautiful gardens and interesting places to explore.

Leiden is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Leiden or Potsdam Better for Families?

Leiden is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Potsdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Leiden is a very kid-friendly city. The town has a mix of educational, cultural, and fun activities for all ages. There are many family-friendly museums like Naturalis Biodiversity Center, where kids can explore dinosaurs and wildlife, and the National Museum of Antiquities, which brings history to life. There's also the Corpus Museum, which takes visitors on a unique, interactive journey through the human body.

Potsdam offers lots of family activities. There are a number of playgrounds around town as well as several beaches by lakes that are fun for kids. Another highlight for families is a visit to Babelsberg Film Studios.

Is Leiden or Potsdam Better for Couples?

Both Leiden and Potsdam are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Leiden is a good city for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy charming towns and world class museums will enjoy their time here. The town also has picturesque canals, historic bridges, and cozy street cafes. Couples can explore places like the Hortus Botanicus, one of the oldest botanical gardens in the Netherlands, or enjoy a quiet moment in the scenic Leidse Hout Park.

Potsdam is a nice destination for couples. Exploring the city and soaking up the sights is the best way for couples to enjoy their time. There are some nice hotels and restaurants in the area that make for a great date night.

Is Leiden or Potsdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Leiden and Potsdam are both good destinations for backpackers.

Leiden is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The city offers affordable accommodations, including hostels and budget-friendly hotels, as well as reasonably priced eateries serving Dutch classics and international cuisine. Many of Leiden’s attractions, like its historic canals, charming streets, and open-air markets, can be enjoyed for free.

It's common for backpackers to visit Potsdam. There are a handful of hostels to choose from in town.

Is Leiden or Potsdam Better for Students?

Leiden is well known for students. However, Potsdam is not popular with students.

Leiden is very popular with students. It feels like a university town and it's home to Leiden University, the oldest university in the Netherlands. The university is known for its academic excellence and vibrant student community. The town also has a young atmosphere with plenty of affordable cafes, bars, and cultural events that influence the student life. Its compact size makes it easy to navigate by bike, and the abundance of libraries, study spaces, and museums provides ample resources for learning and inspiration. Housing can be difficult to find though.

Potsdam is not popular with students.

Is Leiden or Potsdam Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Potsdam is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Leiden is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Potsdam. The city is well connected to Berlin by S-Bahn and bus.

You'll find some public transit in Leiden, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The Leiden Central Station is the main hub for trains, which connect the city to other towns throughout the country. Around town there are buses that are reliable and convenient.

Is Leiden or Potsdam a more walkable city?

Leiden and Potsdam are very good when it comes to walkability.

Leiden is a very walkable destination. The city is compact and easy to navigate on foot, with many of its attractions, cafes, shops, and historical sites located within walking distance of each other.

Potsdam is very walkable. It's a smaller, compact city that can mostly be explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Leiden Worth Visiting? and Is Potsdam Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Potsdam or Leiden?

How long in Leiden or Potsdam?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Leiden or Potsdam to fill your time. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Leiden than Potsdam. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Leiden, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Potsdam than Leiden. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Potsdam that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Leiden or Potsdam?

In Leiden, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Potsdam. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Leiden or Potsdam?

In Leiden, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Leiden has to offer.

Potsdam is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Leiden or Potsdam?

Leiden is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Potsdam. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Leiden or Potsdam?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Leiden. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Leiden. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the accessible destination of Potsdam. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Leiden and Potsdam, we can see that Leiden is more expensive. And not only is Potsdam much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Potsdam would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Potsdam and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Leiden would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Leiden than you might in Potsdam.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Leiden Expensive? and Is Potsdam Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Leiden or Potsdam?

Potsdam has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of Leiden. When comparing the sizes of Leiden and Potsdam, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Leiden or Potsdam?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Leiden or Potsdam in the Summer?

Both Potsdam and Leiden during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Leiden because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Potsdam this time of year.

In July, Leiden is generally cooler than Potsdam. Daily temperatures in Leiden average around 17°C (62°F), and Potsdam fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Potsdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Leiden. In the summer, Leiden often gets less sunshine than Potsdam. Leiden gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 232 hours of full sun.

Leiden usually gets more rain in July than Potsdam. Leiden gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Leiden or Potsdam in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Leiden and Potsdam. The shopping scene are the main draw to Leiden this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Potsdam for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Leiden is around the same temperature as Potsdam in the autumn. The daily temperature in Leiden averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Potsdam fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

Leiden usually receives less sunshine than Potsdam during autumn. Leiden gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 114 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Leiden usually receives more rain than Potsdam. Leiden gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Leiden or Potsdam in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Leiden as well as Potsdam. Many travelers come to Leiden for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Potsdam in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Potsdam can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Leiden. In the winter, Leiden is much warmer than Potsdam. Typically, the winter temperatures in Leiden in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Potsdam averages at about -0°C (31°F).

In the winter, Leiden often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Potsdam. Leiden gets 46 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 47 hours of full sun.

Leiden usually gets more rain in January than Potsdam. Leiden gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Leiden or Potsdam in the Spring?

Both Potsdam and Leiden are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Potsdam for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Leiden is generally cooler than Potsdam. Daily temperatures in Leiden average around 8°C (46°F), and Potsdam fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Leiden usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Potsdam during spring. Leiden gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 168 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Leiden usually receives more rain than Potsdam. Leiden gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Potsdam and Leiden