Less than an hour train ride from Berlin, Potsdam feels like a world apart. Stepping into this charming city is like stepping back in time, with its grand palaces, pristine parks, and fascinating historical sites.
As someone who has lived in Berlin for more than a decade, I couldn’t believe it took me so long to discover this fantastic city so close to me.
During my first years living in Berlin, I only went there once with the clear goal of seeing some of the palaces. This happened because I only knew the city in scope of the imperial city surrounded by palaces, which are popular with many people. Only later did I decide to explore what the town offers besides that. What I found was exciting enough that I ended up going to Potsdam more than twice a year.
From its Prussian heritage to its role in the Cold War, Potsdam offers a fascinating glimpse into Europe’s diverse history. It’s no wonder that this city, with its unique blend of culture and architecture, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1990. Potsdam is home to an astounding palace and parks, boasting 150 buildings constructed between 1730 and 1916.
And I didn’t even mention the number of parks and natural areas that the city has.
Fairytales and History: Exploring the Best Things to Do in Potsdam
While many visit Potsdam as a day trip from Berlin, I quickly realized that a single day simply doesn’t do it justice, but I have yet to do this myself. Still, I decided to write about what would be the perfect weekend getaway to truly appreciate all Potsdam has to offer.
Since I have been to the city many times, I can help you plan your trip; I’ve compiled a list of the ten best things to do in Potsdam.
1. The Enigmatic Journey of Potsdam’s Lenin Statue: A Silent Observer in Volkspark
Let’s start our journey with a bit of mystery—a Cold War mystery. Tucked away in the Volkspark, one of Potsdam’s largest parks is a massive bust of Lenin.
Its presence here is an enigma. No one knows exactly how it got there. It wasn’t placed by the city or the park authorities, yet there it sits, a silent observer of history.
Initially, this statue stood in the military complex at Bornstedter Feld. When the Soviet army left Germany in 1994, they left the statue behind. Its sheer size and weight made it too difficult to move. Whatever the reason, it now resides in the Volkspark, a curious reminder of a bygone era.
2. A Touch of Netherlands in Potsdam: The Dutch Quarter
Next, let’s transport ourselves to the Netherlands while still in Germany! This is different from what we did in Aachen with its triple border.
The Dutch Quarter, also known as “Little Amsterdam,” is a charming neighborhood that feels like a scene from a Vermeer painting. Its 130 Dutch-style houses, with gabled roofs, white-green shutters, and red brick facades, make it an entertaining place to wander and soak up the atmosphere.
Built between 1732 and 1742 by Dutch architect Jan Bouman, the Dutch Quarter was commissioned by King Frederick William I to entice skilled Dutch craftsmen to immigrate to Germany.
Today, the Quarter is a lively hub of pubs, galleries, shops, cafes, and restaurants. It is one of my favorite places to take pictures while in town.
3. Sanssouci Park and Palace: A Prussian Paradise
Every trip to Potsdam is complete with a visit to Sanssouci Park, a sprawling expanse of palaces and baroque gardens centered around the magnificent Sanssouci Palace. Even in the winter, when some buildings are closed, the park is a joy to explore on a winter walk.
From the eastern entrance, you’ll be greeted by a grand obelisk and a stunning view of the New Palace in the distance. As you stroll through the park, you’ll encounter a variety of architectural gems, including the Church of Peace, the Picture Gallery, the Chinese House, and the Orangery Palace.
Sanssouci Palace, often called the “Prussian Versailles,” is the park’s crown jewel. Though smaller than its French counterpart, Sanssouci Palace is no less impressive.
The palace offers a captivating insight into Frederick the Great’s life. It showcases luxurious rooms, including the stunning Marble Room, the impressive circular library, and the “flower room,” where Voltaire once stayed.
While exploring Sanssouci Palace, you might encounter a curious sight: Frederick the Great’s grave adorned with potatoes. This unusual tribute honors his role in popularizing the potato in Prussia.
Initially met with resistance, the potato was seen as a suspicious novelty from the Americas. However, during a famine, Frederick recognized its potential to save his people. He cleverly employed various tactics, including serving potatoes in the royal court and staging a “theft” of his potato crops to pique public interest. At least, that is what the stories say.
His efforts ultimately succeeded since potatoes are an essential ingredient of German cuisine. Today, visitors to Sanssouci continue to express their gratitude by leaving potatoes on his grave, a testament to the “Potato King’s” lasting legacy.
Important Note: Visits to the Sanssouci Palaces are bound to fixed admission times, so book your tickets online. Check their website before planning your trip to Potsdam.
4. New Palace: A Baroque Masterpiece
Located on the western edge of Sanssouci Park, the New Palace is another must-see. Built after the Seven Years’ War, this sprawling palace boasts over 200 rooms. It is considered the last great example of Prussian Baroque architecture. And it’s gorgeous!
On my first visit to Potsdam in the winter of 2013, this was my most memorable place. I can still remember the palace’s architecture and the intricate decoration of its many rooms today.
The palace’s most distinctive feature is its grand dome, topped with the Three Graces holding the Prussian crown. Inside, you’ll find opulent interiors, including the Marble Hall with impressive paintings, the Grotto Hall with intricate frescoes, and the Concert Room.
5. Cecilienhof Palace: A Site of Historical Significance
Cecilienhof Palace, the last palace built by the Hohenzollern dynasty, holds a special place in history. In 1945, it was here that Churchill, Truman, and Stalin met to negotiate the Potsdam Agreement, which shaped the post-war world. If you are interested in the history of the Second World War, this is the place for you in Potsdam.
Cecilienhof Palace is also where President Truman first revealed the existence of the atomic bomb. Legend has it that he authorized its use on Hiroshima at the palace.
During the Cold War, a portion of the Berlin Wall crossed the palace grounds, symbolizing the profound division that once existed between East and West Germany. Today, the palace is a museum and a popular tourist destination.
6. Brandenburger Tor: Potsdam’s Own Triumphal Arch
Walking through Potsdam’s city center, you’ll encounter the Brandenburger Tor. It’s not the same gate as the one in Berlin but points in the same geographical direction. I’m unsure how many of these gates are, but I even visited one in Kaliningrad a few years back.
This Roman-style triumphal arch predates Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate. Built-in 1770 by Carl von Gontard and Georg Christian Unger, this impressive gate marks the western entrance to the city.
8. Glienicke Bridge: The Bridge of Spies
Spanning the River Havel, the Glienicke Bridge is more than just a picturesque architectural landmark. During the Cold War, it served as a crossing point for the exchange of captured spies between East and West Germany, earning it the nickname “Bridge of Spies.” If you are a fan of Tom Hanks, you may have watched the movie by the same name he did in 2015.
The bridge’s history dates back to the 17th century, but the current steel structure was built in 1949. Today, it symbolizes the reunification of Germany and reminds us of the Cold War era.
7. A Piece of Russia in Germany: Alexandrowka
Believe it or not, Potsdam is home to a 19th-century Russian village called Alexandrowka. With its 14 farms and an orthodox church, this unique settlement was built for Russian soldiers who sang in King Frederick William III’s choir.
The village, named in honor of the late Tsar Alexander I, reminds me of the cultural exchange between Germany and Russia. Today, visitors can explore the village and enjoy authentic Russian cuisine at the “Russiche Teestube” tearoom.
If you want to try the Russian dishes there, you must keep your expectations low since the dishes my friends and I ordered tasted from great to bland. I don’t know what happened there.
9. The Ruinenberg: A Hidden Gem in Sanssouci Park
For those seeking a less-traveled path, the Ruinenberg offers a unique experience. This hill, located on the north side of Sanssouci Park, was once part of the royal hunting grounds. From the top of the hill, you will have a great view of Sanssouci from an angle most people don’t even know exists.
Frederick the Great transformed the Ruinenberg into a water reservoir to supply the fountains and gardens of Sanssouci Palace. He also adorned the hill with artificial ruins, giving it its name.
Today, it’s a peaceful oasis with winding paths and scenic views.
10. Einstein Tower: Potsdam’s Architectural Marvel
Nestled in a park near Potsdam’s city center, the Einstein Tower is a striking example of expressionist architecture and one of the hidden architecture places in Potsdam. Designed by Erich Mendelsohn, it was first built to house a solar observatory.
The Einstein Tower features an advanced solar telescope, which was used to test Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity, which is how it got its name.
The tower’s unusual form, curved lines and flowing shapes have sparked debate about its architectural style. Whether you call it expressionism or something else, the Einstein Tower is an exciting landmark with a scientific background.
It perfectly shows how art and science can come together.
Bonus: Potsdam’s Unexpected Cosmonaut
Amidst Potsdam’s Prussian grandeur, there is a surprising sight: a massive mosaic of a Soviet cosmonaut. Adorning the Künstlerhaus Rechenzentrum, this Socialist Realist masterpiece, titled “Man conquers the cosmos,” was created by Fritz Eisel in the 1970s. It might be one of my favorite socialist murals.
The mosaic celebrates the achievements of the Soviet space program, including Alexei Leonov’s historic spacewalk in 1965.
Tethered to his spaceship, Leonov floats against the backdrop of Earth, a symbol of human ambition and technological progress.
Today, the future of this artwork hangs in the balance. With the reconstruction of the neighboring Garrison Church, the fate of the Rechenzentrum and its unique mosaic remains uncertain. Nonetheless, the Potsdam Cosmonaut symbolizes the city’s rich history and reminds us of the Cold War period.
Where to stay and enjoy a weekend in Potsdam
Now that I have shared some of my favorite places in Potsdam, here are some places to stay if you plan to spend the weekend in town.
- MAXX Hotel Sanssouci Potsdam: Lodged right next to the iconic Park Sanssouci in the vibrant center of Potsdam, this exceptional hotel offers the perfect retreat, placing you just steps away from all the area’s attractions.
- Hotel am Luisenplatz: This hotel is in central Potsdam on Luisenplatz Square, adjacent to Park Sanssouci and near the Brandenburger Tor. It features elegant rooms with complimentary WiFi, and in-room amenities include a mini-bar, safe, and desk.
- Hotel am Großen Waisenhaus: This 3-star hotel is located in Potsdam, just a few minutes’ walk from Sanssouci Palace. It offers accommodations that include a garden, private parking, a shared lounge, and a terrace. Guests can enjoy free WiFi, room service and luggage storage. The area is popular for fishing and cycling, and bike rentals are available as well.
Too many places in Potsdam: More Than Just a Day Trip
With its rich history, stunning architecture, and diverse cultural offerings, Potsdam deserves more than a fleeting visit. Whether you’re exploring grand palaces, strolling through picturesque parks, or uncovering hidden gems, Potsdam will leave a lasting impression.
So, plan your weekend getaway to Potsdam and discover the magic of this fascinating city.
