Photo of Potsdam

About Potsdam

Just 15 miles south west of Berlin, Potsdam sits on the picturesque River Havel. Capital of the German federal state of Brandenburg, the city grew in international repute as the site of the 1945 conference which led to the Potsdam Agreement and Declaration, bringing the Second World War in Europe to a close. The city has since been a popular destination for WWII buffs, but it’s also a brilliant base for those keen to base themselves outside of Berlin. Charming hotels and guesthouses abound, with the best places to stay in Potsdam promising heritage style — and some striking river views.

Built in accordance with Enlightenment philosophy and ideas, Potsdam is intended to represent an idyllic pastoral dream, and the city is surrounded by interconnected lakes and historic landmarks. History and architecture aficionados will be thrilled to discover the imposing Sanssouci Palace, once the summer home of Frederick the Great and now the largest heritage site in Germany. The Palace gardens are splendid, as is the 100-hectare New Garden, which boasts both the Marble Palace and the Orangery, framed by the Heilige See and the Jungfernsee.

The century-old Schloss Cecilienhof — inspired by Tudor manor house style — is a more recent stand-out and also well worth visiting. Tour the Filmstudio Babelsburg for an insight into Germany’s golden era of film, or step back in time in the beautifully preserved Dutch Quarter of Potsdam, which brims with independent boutiques, cafés and restaurants. The many wonders of Berlin are within easy reach, though the lure of sun-drenched lakes, with kayaking, boating and sunbathing many be enough for most travellers. Our list of the best places to stay in Potsdam includes chic city stalwarts as well as romantic rural chalets, so there really is something for everyone.

The Best Places to Stay in Potsdam

For Central Style

  • Hotel am Jägertor, in the heart of the Old Town, has elegant rooms with French windows opening onto pretty balconies. The restaurant specialises in regional cuisine, there's a smart bar, and the city's main sights are within walking distance. A classic city hotel with lashings of timeless style.
  • Hotel NH Potsdam offers light, airy guest rooms with big sash windows and contemporary art pieces. The Mediterranean restaurant is excellent, and the spa superb. Wonderful for a luxurious Potsdam break.
  • Hotel Brandenburger Tor has indulgent contemporary guest rooms hidden behind a striking Baroque façade. Savour big buffet breakfasts, kick back on the sun terrace and explore central Potsdam with ease. Just around the corner from the Brandenburg Gate.
  • Hotel Villa Monte Vino, a 19th-century tower perched high above Potsdam, has individually appointed guest rooms with traditional chintz fabrics, antique furnishings and striped wallpapers. The atmospheric bar is ideal for unwinding after a day out in the city. Moments from the Sanssouci Palace.

For Foodies

  • Hotel Bayrisches Haus promises 26 classic guest rooms in a 1847-built Bavarian chalet surrounded by woodland. Savour regional favourites with an innovative Italian twist at the Michelin-starred restaurant, and explore the nature reserve with expert guides. A charming, food-focused hotel.

For a Riverside Escape

  • Precise Resort Schwielowsee sits slightly south of the city, on the banks of Lake Schwielowsee. Offering a selection of light-filled rooms, suites and apartments, this country-style resort will delight couples, friends and families alike. Expect a marina, swimming pools, restaurant, superb spa and kids club. A relaxed favourite.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY HOUSE

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

  • Fly into one of Berlin's two airports Berlin-Tegel or Berlin-Schönefeld, or catch the train to Berlin Central Station from destinations across Europe. Lübben is just 40 minutes from the city by road or rail.
  • Potsdam is well connected to Berlin by public transport, but it's worth having your own vehicle to explore more of the region! If you would like to hire a car, we recommend visiting our online partner Rentalcars.
  • Visit during the summer months, with temperatures hovering around 25°C in July and August. For fewer crowds, consider travelling during the quieter shoulder seasons of May or September, when the region is beautiful and slightly quieter. Expect a real influx of visitors from Berlin during weekends in the summer.

STILL NOT SURE?

Weather

Monthly Weather in Potsdam

Best Hotels in Potsdam

  • Precise Resort Schwielowsee Potsdam 181 rooms from £129

    Families  -  With the plethora of activities (kids club and cyber cafe included) and flexible accommodations it's ideal for families
    Active Holiday  -  As well as all the water activities on the lake, you're close enough to Potsdam and Berlin for day trips too
    Restaurant  -  Restaurant Seapoint offers seasonal cuisine (buffet style) and the marina has a restaurant open in the summer months
    Spa  -  Expansive spa with indoor and outdoor pools, treatment rooms, sauna and gym
    SpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParking

    Lakefront resort just outside Potsdam. Rooms, suites and apartments offer a variety of styles, but all are comfortable and smart; the best have stunning lake views and private outdoor space. Plus there are pools, restaurant, marina, spa and kids club. A crowd pleaser with something for all ages. See More

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  • Hotel Bayrisches Haus Potsdam 26 rooms from £95

    In/by a Nature Reserve  -  Located in the heart of the Potsdam game reserve.
    Traditional  -  Built in 1847 in the purest Bavarian tradition.
    Foodies  -  Award-winning Michelin star restaurant.
    Spa breaks
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessViews
    Recommended by  -  Relais & Chateaux

    A glorious Bavarian chalet set in the Potsdam game reserve. Completely surrounded by nature with wonderful views and access to park activities. Michelin star restaurant serves innovative German cuisine, a fabulous spa for total pampering, and elegant rooms and suites. Good value! See More

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  • Hotel Villa Monte Vino Potsdam 25 rooms from £113

    Local exploring  -  An ideal city break, just minutes from Sanssouci Palace and close to Potsdam's shopping district.
    Great walks  -  Head out for a wander through the city to Luisenplatz Square and Dutch Quarter.
    Sights nearby  -  Just a three minute walk from Potsdam's Sanssouci Palace.
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    GardenViewsParkingNo pets

    A 19th-century tower set high above Potsdam and boasting epic city views. Individually styled rooms feature traditional chintz fabrics, large sash windows and antique furniture. An atmospheric gentleman's bar is the perfect spot to unwind after a day exploring the city. A charming stay. See More

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  • Hotel am Jagertor Potsdam 62 rooms from £121

    Local exploring  -  A glorious property situated in the heart of the Old Town and withing walking distance to many of the cities' sights.
    Sights nearby  -  Visit the Glienicke Bridge (Bridge of Spies), the Russian settlement Alexandrowka and the Dutch Quarter.
    Sailing  -  Take a scenic boat ride on the Havel Lake.
    Full of character
    Air conditioningRestaurantPet friendlyDisabled accessParking

    An elegant 4-star property in the heart of the Old Town. Stunning rooms boast large french windows leading onto pretty balconies all dressed in a traditional style. With a smart bar and excellent regional cuisine in the restaurant. Walking distance to many of the cities main sights. See More

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  • Hotel NH Potsdam Potsdam 143 rooms from £132

    Local exploring  -  Located in the heart of Potsdam and within walking distance of many of the cities attractions.
    Sights nearby  -  Wander around the picturesque Dutch Quarter and visit the Nauener Tor Gate.
    Romantic  -  Good for couples.
    Traditional
    RestaurantGardenPet friendlyParking

    A luxury hotel and modern spa in the heart of Potsdam. Elegant rooms are light and airy with large sash windows, soft hues and contemporary art. Find Mediterranean dishes served in the contemporary glass-fronted restaurant. The spa provides the ideal place for city relaxation. Very chic. See More

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  • Hotel Brandenburger Tor Potsdam 39 rooms from £156

    Local exploring  -  Located in the heart of historic Postdam, only a short walk from the main sights, its ideal for a chic-city break.
    Sights nearby  -  Be sure to check out the nearby sights such as the Brandenburg gate, Luisenplatz square and Sanssouci Palace.
    Local markets  -  The hotel sits just a few minutes from Potsdam's fantastic Christmas market, a must for any winter visitor.
    Outstanding location
    Disabled accessParkingNo pets

    This 4 star hotel in the heart of Potsdam is a stone's throw from all the local sights, perfect for a spot of city exploring! It has a baroque façade and offers spacious rooms with contemporary decor. Be sure not to miss out on the large breakfast buffet served every morning before you head off. See More

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