Potsdam in one day

Morning

Start your day in Potsdam at the Old Market, which is used to be one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. With the inauguration of the Brandenburg State Parliament in the reconstructed facade of the City Palace which got destroyed during World War 2, the historic heart of the city started to beat again in 2014. Only three years later in 2017 the Museum Barberini opened its gates for art lovers from all over the world. Monet, Richter, Picasso and van Gogh are just a few names of artists whose masterpieces call this gallery their temporary home.

If you are not into art, try out the Filmmuseum Potsdam. Potsdam-Babelsberg is home to the modern filmmaking as we know it.  Therefore the permanent exhibition takes you on a time travel through 100 years of filmmaking in Babelsberg.
Also the guided walking tour “Getting to know Potsdam” is highly recommended. The tour starts right at the Tourist Information Center in Humboldtstrasse. Within only two hours you will walk over the Old Market, to the New Market and end up with lots of inspiring Information and interesting stories at the Dutch Quarter.

Alternatively, enjoy the view from the 42m high platform of St. Nicholas’ Church. You will see blocks of red brick buildings that may remind you of houses in the Netherlands. Welcome to the Dutch Quarter. It’s considered to be Europe’s greatest collection of Dutch-style houses outside the Netherlands. Cosy cafés provide a delicious ranch from big brunch buffets to small bites of Dutch “Pannekoeken”.

Midday

After a culinary refreshment your way leads you through the retail strip of Brandenburger Strasse. Lovely backyards along the busy pedestrian area are worth more than just a glimpse. Regional shops and boutiques invite you to linger. Maybe you will find just the right souvenir for your loved ones at home.

At the end of the Brandenburger Straße you will see the gate Brandenburger Tor. No, you are not in Berlin. But yes, it has the same name. Actually the gate Brandenburger Tor in Potsdam was built 20 years before its famous brother in Berlin.

Afternoon

Crossing the square Luisenplatz you can continue to the main entrance of Sanssouci Park. 300 hectares of garden art await you with more than 11 palaces and historic buildings such as the Orangery Palace and the Chinese House. Entering the Park, you will firstly walk towards Sanssouci Palace sitting enthroned on its famous vineyard terraces. Looking west you are bound to be surprised by a windmill. The Historic Windmill is a perfect lookout to get an overview over this huge park area. Its creaking wings still turn to prcess grain, today. You can buy bread baked with Sanssouci flour in the museum shop right across it.

Highlight of the western part of Sanssouci Park is the colossal New Palace. It is by far the biggest palace in Potsdam and bears a strong contrast to the intimate and rather modest Sanssouci Palace. Take your time to wander around this green oasis and let your thoughts wander.

Evening

After hours of strolling along baroque facades, pompous palaces and romantic gardens, there is no doubt that you need to take it slow in the evening hours. Therefore, we suggest to get on board of one of the excursion boats. Enjoy some replenishing German food and let your feet rest. Carried across the waves of the idyllic river Havel, the sunset will immerse Babelsberg Palace in blood orange light just before you pass below the Glienicke Bridge, which, not even 30 years ago, separated West Berlin from Potsdam in East Germany. The film "Bridge of Spies" with Tom Hanks tells the story of the first agent exchange that took place here during the Cold War between the Soviet Union and the USA in 1962. Last, but not least, Cecilienhof Country House might make you curious about stories of the Potsdam Conference after World War II you will get to know. And with this in mind, you may start to plan your next 24 hours in Potsdam right away. There is a lot more to explore.