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If you have done the things to do in Germany, you’d know there are quite a few of them here in Potsdam.
Potsdam is a treasure trove of magnificent sights and cultural delights that will transport you to another world, where history and splendor converge to create an unforgettable experience.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Potsdam:
1. Sanssouci Palace
Sanssouci Palace is an impressive 18th-century palace located in Potsdam, Germany.
It was built by the King of Prussia, Frederick the Great, as a summer residence for him and his royal court.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the stunning palace’s beautiful interior rooms, which are decorated with luxurious furnishings and artwork. The terraced gardens surrounding the palace are also a must-see and feature grand fountains and perfectly manicured lawns.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the spectacular views from the Palace’s terrace, which overlooks the picturesque surrounding landscape.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid long queues, especially during peak travel season.
If you are interested in the history of the palace, consider taking a guided tour to gain a deeper understanding of its significance.
2. Neues Palais
Neues Palais is an opulent 18th-century palace located in the city of Potsdam, Germany.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the lavishly decorated rooms, which were once used by Prussian royalty for entertaining and living. The palace also houses a fine collection of artwork, including paintings, sculptures, and tapestries.
Don’t miss: One of the most impressive features of the Neues Palais is the grand staircase, which is adorned with gilded sculptures and intricate frescoes.
The parquet floors, ornate ceilings, and beautiful chandeliers are also must-sees.
Insider travel tips: The palace can get busy during peak season, so it’s recommended to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
Audio guides are available for those who want to learn more about the history of the palace.
If possible, try to catch the changing of the guard ceremony, which takes place daily at noon in front of the palace.
3. Cecilienhof Palace
A historic palace in Potsdam, Germany built in the early 20th century.
What to see or do: Take a guided tour to learn about the history of the palace and its significance during World War II, admire the stunning architecture and interior design, and explore the beautiful surrounding gardens.
Don’t miss: The room where the Potsdam Conference took place in 1945, which was attended by Truman, Churchill, and Stalin and led to significant changes in post-war Europe.
Insider travel tips: Visit early in the day to avoid crowds and allow plenty of time to explore both the palace and the gardens.
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes for walking around the expansive grounds.
4. St Nicholas Church
St Nicholas Church is a historic church located in the picturesque city of Potsdam, Germany.
What to see or do: The church boasts stunning neo-Baroque architecture, complete with intricate frescoes and stuccowork. Visitors can attend religious services or take part in a guided tour to learn more about the church’s rich history.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the impressive pipe organ, which dates back to the 19th century and features 56 registers.
Insider travel tips: Visitors should consider attending one of the church’s concerts or musical performances, which take place throughout the year and feature local and international musicians.
Additionally, the church is located in the heart of Potsdam’s charming Dutch Quarter, so visitors should take some time to explore the area and enjoy the local architecture and cafes.
5. Biosphäre Potsdam
Biosphäre Potsdam is a tropical indoor garden featuring a wide variety of exotic plants and animals.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the different tropical zones of the garden, including the rainforest, cloud forest, and mangroves. There are also numerous animal exhibits featuring creatures such as butterflies, birds, and reptiles.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the elevated walkway that takes you through the treetops of the rainforest zone for a unique perspective on the plants and animals below.
Insider travel tips: If you’re looking to beat the crowds, try visiting during the week when it’s typically less busy. Additionally, consider visiting in the morning when the animals may be more active.
Lastly, make sure to bring comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved.
6. Filmpark Babelsberg
Filmpark Babelsberg is a theme park located in Potsdam, just outside of Berlin, that allows visitors to explore the magic of cinema and experience the world of film production.
What to see or do: Start your journey by wandering through the park’s many interactive exhibits, including hands-on workshops, movie sets, and special effects displays.
Take a behind-the-scenes tour of a real film studio, sit in on a movie shoot, and learn about the history of German cinema.
Don’t miss: Be sure to catch one of the park’s exciting live shows, which include stunt performances, animal acts, and opportunities to witness real film sets in action.
End the day with a screening of a classic German film in the park’s movie theater.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early to beat the crowds and make the most of your day at Filmpark Babelsberg.
If you’re interested in the film industry, don’t miss the opportunity to participate in one of the park’s workshops or enroll in one of their specialized courses.
7. Glienicke Palace
A beautiful Baroque palace located in the city of Potsdam, Germany.
What to see or do: Take a guided tour of the palace to see its stunning interiors, including the Marble Hall and the Chinese Room, which are adorned with intricate frescoes and ornate furnishings.
Stroll through the palace gardens and enjoy the picturesque views of the surrounding landscape.
Don’t miss: The palace’s collection of antique porcelain and the impressive mechanical musical instruments in the Music Room.
Insider travel tips: Visit the palace early in the morning or on a weekday to avoid crowds. Take a picnic and relax on the palace lawns while enjoying the scenic views.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Sanssouci Palace to make the most of your trip to Potsdam.
8. Belvedere auf dem Klausberg
Belvedere auf dem Klausberg is a historical observation tower and a landmark in Potsdam, Germany.
What to see or do: Visitors can climb the 110 steps to the top of the tower and enjoy stunning views of the city and surrounding countryside.
The tower also features an exhibition about its history and the surrounding landscape.
Don’t miss: The view from the top of the tower is the main draw, but don’t forget to also explore the Klausberg nature reserve for more beautiful scenery.
Insider travel tips: Visit in the autumn to see the colorful foliage of the surrounding forests, and consider combining your visit with a trip to the nearby Sanssouci Palace, another famous Potsdam landmark.
9. Church of Peace
The Church of Peace is a stunning neoclassical church located in the city of Potsdam, Germany.
It was built in the mid-19th century as part of the Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm IV’s vision of a new capital for his kingdom.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a tour of the church and admire the impressive architecture and beautiful interior design. The walls and ceiling are adorned with magnificent murals, and the altar is a true masterpiece.
Don’t miss: Be sure to take the time to appreciate the remarkable acoustic properties of the church.
It has been said that the Church of Peace has some of the best acoustics in Europe, making it a popular destination for concerts and musical performances.
Insider travel tips: Try to visit the church during one of its many concerts, as this is when the acoustics are truly on display.
10. Sanssouci Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sanssouci Park is a stunning park in Potsdam, Germany that once served as the summer retreat of Frederick the Great, King of Prussia.
What to see or do: Explore the beautiful park, which boasts stunning Baroque-style architecture and over 70 individual buildings, including the grand Sanssouci Palace. Admire the picturesque views of the vineyard terraces, the Flower Garden, and the Chinese House.
Don’t miss: Take a stroll through the charming vineyard terraces and Quail Island, a small island within the park. Take a guided tour of the Sanssouci Palace and learn about its fascinating history.
Also, don’t forget to visit the Neue Kammern palace with its magnificent throne room.
Insider travel tips: Purchase a guided tour in advance to avoid queuing on site. Don’t forget to bring a picnic and enjoy the serenity and tranquility of the park.
The park is huge, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes. Bring a camera; there are plenty of picture-perfect spots in the park!
11. Orangery Palace
A magnificent palace located in Potsdam, Germany, built in the 18th century as a summer residence for the Prussian kings.
What to see or do: Admire the stunning architecture of the Orangery Palace, take a leisurely stroll in the beautifully manicured gardens, and explore the various rooms that are open to visitors.
Don’t miss: The impressive main hall, which is adorned with frescoes and features a beautiful ceiling mural. Also, make sure to check out the numerous sculptures and artworks that are scattered throughout the palace and gardens.
Insider travel tips: Purchase your tickets online in advance to avoid long queues at the entrance.
If you visit during the summer months, plan your visit around one of the outdoor concerts or events that are hosted on the palace grounds.
Additionally, consider visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
12. Barberini Museum
The Barberini Museum is an impressive art museum located in the heart of Potsdam, Germany. It was opened in 2017 and is known for its remarkable collection of Impressionist and Modernist paintings.
What to see or do: The Barberini Museum boasts a variety of exhibitions featuring major works of famous artists such as Monet, Renoir, and Picasso.
Visitors can admire the stunning architecture of the building and enjoy some of the most beautiful paintings of the 19th and 20th centuries.
Don’t miss: Make sure not to miss the three galleries in which the museum presents ever-changing exhibitions.
In addition to the permanent collection, these exhibitions often focus on one or two artists, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the featured artist’s artistic contributions.
Insider travel tips: – The museum can be busy, so it’s best to book tickets online in advance to avoid the queues.
13. Flatowturm
A medieval tower located in the northern part of the city of Potsdam, Germany.
What to see or do: Visitors can climb up the stairs to the top of the tower where they can enjoy the stunning views of the city, including Sanssouci Palace and the surrounding park.
Don’t miss: Check out the small museum located inside the tower, which showcases the history of the tower and the city of Potsdam.
Insider travel tips: – The tower is located in a public park, so it’s a great place to have a picnic or enjoy a walk.
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