Potsdam is an important part of European cultural history – a splendid centre of European Enlightenment, which reached its climax in the 18th century in the architectural and artistic design of Frederick the Great’s palace. The palace complex of Sanssouci, with its beautiful, extensive park, is both magnificent and playful and has been designated a World Heritage Centre of Culture by UNESCO. Every year, it enchants millions of visitors from around the world. The town of Potsdam, numbering some 300,000 inhabitants, is the capital of the federal province of Brandenburg. This former garrison town has much to delight its visitors, including small palaces and old churches, idyllic parks and historic immigrant settlements.
A Day in Potsdam
Morning
Begin your exploration in the Schlosspark Sanssouci as early as possible in order to get ahead of the daily influx of visitors. Start with Schloss Sanssouci and Neues Palais , then visit Chinesisches Teehaus, Römische Bäder and Orangerie. From the orangery’s viewing terrace you will have magnificent views over the entire palace complex. If you are up for it, you could also climb up to Schloss Belvedere on top of the hill. From Schlosspark walk along Voltaireweg to Neuer Garten in the northeast of Potsdam, where you can rest and recover over a tasty lunch at Schloss Cecilienhof .
Afternoon
Start the afternoon with a stroll through Neuer Garten. Visit Schloss Cecilienhof and, if you like, stop for a break at Heiliger See. Afterwards walk or drive into the centre of Potsdam, starting with the Holländisches Viertel (Dutch quarter) where you could pop into one of the numerous cafés. Then continue on a circular walk, strolling past Peter- und Paul-Kirche, the French church, Nikolaikirche and the town hall. Finish your day of sightseeing with a visit to the Marstall and the film museums in Potsdam and Babelsberg. Take a look at the palace and the telegraph hill. A delicious evening meal awaits you at Villa Kellermann to round off your day in Potsdam.
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A detour to the Russian colony in Potsdam feels like a journey to Russia itself. Decorated log cabins with picturesque gardens were built here in 1826 for a Russian military choir.
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The old town hall, built in 1753, is decorated with sculptures and Potsdam’s coat of arms – two gilded Atlas figures, each carrying a globe.
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Fashion designer Wolfang Joop is a regular at this venue, which is based in an historic building and serves fresh Italian food, with delicious pasta dishes.
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The most attractive of five former town gates was built by Gontard and Unger in 1770 in the Neo-Classical style to celebrate Prussian victory in the Seven Years’ War.
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A lovely café in the middle of Potsdam’s Old Town. Fantastic breakfast selection, which you can enjoy outside on the terrace in summer.
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The historic palace is now the home of a luxury hotel. Its restaurant serves top-quality German food.
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The Filmpark offers visitors a tour of the legendary UFA-Studios, which were among the world’s most important when they operated here in Babelsberg from 1917 to 1945. Exciting U-boat trips, stunt performances and special effects are shown.
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In 1752, Johann Boumann built this elliptical Huguenot church with its giant columned portico, while Schinkel designed the beautiful interior in the 1830s.
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A pleasant way to explore the district of Potsdam is a walk through the historic Old Town, with its art galleries, cafés and restaurants. Built between 1733 and 1742, the area originally served as a settlement for Dutch workers after whom it is now named. The small red-brick buildings are decorated with attractive stucco ornaments.
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A little bistro, serving all sorts of crêpes, such as sweet with jam or savoury with ham, ideal for a quick snack.
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Restaurant price categories
For a three course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and charges included.
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