About
Potsdam is a historic city in the German state of Brandenburg, set in the country's north-east and within easy reach of Berlin. It is best known for its palaces and gardens, many of which are recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and for Sanssouci Palace, built for Frederick the Great.
What draws visitors
The palace and its grounds form the centre of most visits. Sanssouci sits within a landscape of terraces, fountains and wooded paths, and the wider collection of palaces and gardens around the city gives the day a sense of scale. Visitors who enjoy architecture and garden design will find plenty to look at, whether they are moving between buildings or simply walking the paths.
Planning a visit
- Allow most of a day if you want to see more than one palace, since the sites are spread across a large park.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the grounds are extensive and largely on foot.
- Check opening times for individual palaces before you set out, as they can differ from site to site.
The city centre offers a quieter counterpart to the parkland, with historic streets and buildings to explore on foot. Potsdam makes a good day trip from Berlin, but many visitors choose to stay a night or two to see the gardens at a slower pace.
