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 Chinesische Haus, 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 .
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.
Alexandrowka
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.
Russische Kolonie/Puschkinallee
Wasserwerk Sanssouci
This building, resembling a mosque with minarets, houses the water pumping station for Schlosspark Sanssouci. The ancient pump, dating from 1842, can be inspected in the building.
Breite Str
mid-May–mid-Oct: 10am– 5pm Sat, Sun
0331 969 42 48
Telegrafenberg
If you’re prepared to climb telegraph hill, you could visit the elegant Einstein tower at the top. It was designed in 1920 by Erich Mendelssohn for the observation of the sun.
Albert-Einstein-Str
Guided tours Einsteinturm: 0331 29 17 41
Admission charge
Schloss Babelsberg
Built by Schinkel in 1833–5, this Gothic palace is situated in an idyllic park on the banks of the Havel River.
Park Babelsberg
Apr–Oct: 10am–6pm Tue–Sun; Nov–Mar: 10am–5pm Tue–Sun
0331 969 42 50
Potsdam-Museum
A small museum presenting the history of the town of Potsdam, from prehistoric times to the present day. The museum is based in the historic Hiller-Brandtsche Häuser.
Benkertstr. 3
10am–6pm Sat–Thu
0331 289 68 03
Altes Rathaus
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.
Am Alten Markt
Luisenplatz
This small square with its plain, restored buildings gives a good impression of Potsdam in the early 19th century.
Französische Kirche
In 1752, Johann Boumann built this elliptical Huguenot church with its giant columned portico, while Schinkel designed the beautiful interior in the 1830s.
Am Bassinplatz
2:30–5pm daily
0331 29 12 19
St-Peter-und-Paul-Kirche
The Catholic church of saints Peter and Paul, modelled on Haghia Sophia in Istanbul, was built in 1867–70 by Stüler.
Summer: 10am–6pm daily; winter: 10am–5pm daily
0331 230 79 90
Brandenburger Tor
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.
Speckers Landhaus
The combination of a Prussian interior, friendly service and light cuisine make Speckers Landhaus one of Potsdam’s best restaurants.
Jägerallee 13
noon–2pm, 6–11pm Tue–Sat
0331 280 43 11
no credit cards
Cecilienhof
The historic palace is now the home of a luxury hotel. Its restaurant serves solid German food.
Neuer Garten
12am–11pm daily
0331 370 50
Massimo 18
This Italian restaurant in Potsdam specialises in the cuisine of the Lombardy region. It has an old wood interior with terracotta colour walls and a beautiful courtyard. The enoteca on the first floor sells Lombardy wines.
Mittelstr. 18
10am–midnight daily
0331 81 71 89 81
Restaurant Juliette
A former manor house is the setting for this French restaurant, one of the most charming in the city. It serves top-quality French classics.
Jägerstr. 39
noon–11pm daily
0331 270 17 91
Brau- und Brennhaus
This rustic restaurant, set in the brewery of a historic country manor, Krongut Bornstedt, serves hearty meals with local fish, game, sausages, and local beers.
Ribbeckstr. 6–7
noon–10pm daily
0331 550 650
Maison Charlotte
Olde-worlde wine bar in a simple redbrick Dutch house, specializing in French country fare and excellent wines.
Mittelstr. 20
0331 280 54 50
Friedrich-Wilhelm
This classic, Michelin-starred gourmet restaurant is probably the best in Potsdam. Light German dishes exquisitely prepared and presented.
Im Wildpark 1
noon–2pm, 6pm–late Tue–Sat
0331 55 05 0
Waage
Attractive historic restaurant in a central location. Regional game and fish dishes in unusual new variations are particularly worth trying.
Am Neuen Markt
noon–midnight Tue–Sun
0331 817 06 74
Café Heider
A lovely café in the middle of Potsdam’s Old Town. Fantastic breakfast selection, which you can enjoy outside on the terrace in summer.
Friedrich-Ebert-Str. 29
8am–1am Mon–Fri, 9am–1am Sat, 10am–1am Sun
0331 270 55 96
La Madeleine
A little bistro, serving all sorts of crêpes, such as sweet with jam or savoury with ham– ideal for a quick snack.
Lindenstr. 9
noon–midnight daily
0331 27 05 400
All restaurants accept credit cards and offer vegetarian dishes unless stated otherwise.
