Before we start, Berlin is great, it’s got loads going on and it’s almost impossible to run out of things to do. I’d honestly say that in the summer, Berlin is really the place to be! However, all this being said, sometimes you just need a break from Berlin. If you’re looking to impress that special person, a trip to Potsdam on a sunny day is the place for a date. With so many things to do in Potsdam for couples, it makes for an ideal romantic escape. Whether you’re exploring the best picnic spots in Potsdam, strolling through picturesque parks, or enjoying peaceful moments by the lake, Potsdam offers the perfect backdrop to relax and connect.
Sure Warschauer Straße, Kreuzberg and Boxhagener Platz all have a lot of great things going on, but they definitely aren’t the most relaxing or romantic places! Although I love it here, it’s really loud, a little chaotic and pretty dirty.
In this blog post, I will try to convince you that a trip to Potsdam is perfect to impress that special someone!
Why Should You Plan a Trip to Potsdam?
I know what you are thinking, Potsdam, why would I head there, well you’d be surprised about how nice Potsdam really is. It really is the ideal place for a day trip for those living in or just visiting Berlin.
Postdam offers something a little different to Berlin. It is abundant with Palaces and Parks many of which are recognised by UNESCO as World Heritage sites. The city of Postdam is full of cute quaint streets and cafes, ideal for a relaxing day out.
Potsdam is surrounded by a number of stunning lakes and forests, making it perfect for outdoor activities especially if you are trying to avoid Berlin’s crowded lakes in the Summer!
Best of all, this all only 24kms from Berlin, making it easily accessible for any Berlin local or tourist! I mean the city itself welcomes just over 2 Million tourists a year, they can’t all be wrong!
It is also an excellent choice for a date with a love interest, especially if that person is interested in history, architecture, or someone who is really into taking photos of pretty things, as there are so many things to do in Potsdam for couples to enjoy together!
Want to Impress that Special Person – How about Coffee, Cake and Picnic?
Let’s face it, Berlin is amazing, but it is definitely far from the most romantic place to be. If you want to have a nice day out with that special someone, then you should head to Postdam.
For me, a piece of cake, in a picturesque area, with a bunch of parks and castles sounds ideal. If this sounds like your sort of thing then read on!
My suggestion would be to start your day by heading to somewhere like Beuna Vida Coffee Roasters. Grab a Coffee and a slice of cake and take in the picturesque scenery and quaint tiled streets. TripAdvisor has ranked this Cafe as the second-best place in Potsdam. It’s definitely my personal favourite (Click here for a list of the best Cafes in Potsdam).
Following this I’d suggest during your trip to Potsdam you should head to one of the city’s many famous Parks and Gardens. Below are two suggestions! Either of the parks below will offer a couple an idyllic place to have a stroll or picnic! If you’re looking for things to do in Potsdam for couples, these parks and gardens are perfect spots to enjoy some quality time together
Park Barbelsberg
Park Barbelsberg is ideal for a couple on a budget. It offers offers stunning views, historic buildings, and picturesque landscapes. The park itself runs along the Havel River and has several cute bridges and historical buildings dotted along the way. This is ideal for those who don’t want to pay an entrance fee!
Sanssouci Park
If you aren’t put off by the fact that you might have to pay an entrance fee then the Sanssouci Park is your best bet. This park probably has the most to offer, however, there are certain areas where you may have to pay an entrance fee. The park itself is recognised by UNESCO as a world heritage site and there are endless things to do (most of which are free)!
Instagram Fiend or Architectural Enthusiast
If that special person is interested in photography or taking then a trip to Potsdam is ideal for them too. The city offers several quant cobbled picturesque streets and cute cafes, ideal for someone who is searching for that perfect photo. I’m not usually the type of person to get into architecture, but Potsdam will change all that (for for the day at least!). I found on our trip to Potsdam that there we photo opportunities almost everywhere you’d look.
Here are two suggestions of places I’d suggest visiting for couples searching for that perfect pic!
Schloss Sanssouci
If you are heading to Potsdam, then you probably have planned to head to Schloss Sanssouci. I mean, who can blame you? It’s gorgeous. Often referred to as a masterpiece of rococo architecture, it was designed to reflect the personal tastes of Frederick the Great. Unlike many other palaces, known for their size and complexity, the architects in charge of the building process focused on simplicity, with its cosy, single-story layout giving it a relaxed, peaceful vibe that feels worlds apart from what you may typically expect from a royal palace.
If you’re looking to make your visit even more special, take advantage of the best picnic spots in Potsdam within the surrounding park. You can enjoy a peaceful afternoon surrounded by stunning landscapes and historic beauty. However, as great as it may be, this palace is no secret, so good luck on getting that perfect photo!
Neues Palais (New Palace)
This palace is also located in Sanssouci Park and is almost equally as stunning. This palace is almost the complete opposite of Schloss Sanssouci, built instead as a sign of victory for Prussia in the Seven Year’s War. It served the purpose of demonstrating the power and wealth of the Prussian state.
How do I get to Postdam?
So now I’ve convinced you to plan a trip to Potsdam, the real question is how do you get here? Luckily for you, that is pretty easy.
For couples using Public Transport
If you are using public transport there are three ways to get to Potsdam. This can be via the S-Bahn, Regional Trains or the Bus. The quickest would usually be the Regional trains but this is of course dependent on where you live!
S-Bahn: The S7 line runs from Berlin to Potsdam. It takes around 45 minutes from central Berlin (e.g., Alexanderplatz or Hauptbahnhof) to reach Potsdam Hauptbahnhof.
Regional Train: Regional trains (RE1) are faster, taking around 25-30 minutes from Berlin Hauptbahnhof to Potsdam Hauptbahnhof.
There are direct bus lines, but these usually take longer and are less frequent. Buses are best for getting to specific places within Potsdam that might not be directly accessible by train
Bus – There are direct bus lines, but these usually take longer and are less frequent. Buses are best for getting to specific places within Potsdam that might not be directly accessible by train or Tram.
Best of all, with the introduction of the Deutschland Ticket, regardless of Postdam being in the C transport zone, your normal BVG or Deutschland Ticket will cover any use of public transport in Postdam. So there is no need to be spending extra money on additional train, bus or tram tickets!
For couples travelling by Car
By car, it should take you around a 30-40 minute drive depending on traffic, especially along the A115. Note that parking in Potsdam’s city centre may be limited and quite expensive. I’d suggest your better off heading to Potsdam via public transport, especially for those who already have the Deutschland Ticket!
For couples Travelling by Bike (Good Luck!)
This definitely wouldn’t be something I’d want to do, but hear there are a number of scenic bike paths en route to Postdam. These are along the Havel River, and will take you roughly between 1 and 3 hours depending on your speed and your starting point!
Start Planning Your Trip to Potsdam!
Although this article is aimed at those wanting to go on a date in Potsdam, it’s really a perfect getaway for anyone seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of Berlin. When I visited, I was blown away by how beautiful Potsdam is. It’s an ideal location for anyone in search of the perfect photo, a scenic walk, or a bit of history for those who consider themselves history buffs. If you’re looking for things to do in Potsdam for couples, you’ll find plenty of romantic spots and activities to enjoy, making it the perfect place for a memorable day trip. Whether you’re on a romantic escape or just looking for a peaceful retreat, Potsdam is worth a visit either way
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