Excursion tips around Potsdam
On the trail of history and culture, Potsdam has much to offer. Visitors to the state capital can experience a varied programme under the aspects of art and culture. The Kongresshotel Potsdam is located in the middle of the eventful cultural landscape and will be happy to give you personal tips for excursions. Let yourself be inspired by the diversity of our excursion destinations.
Visit castles, gardens, institutions or the various districts of Prussia’s residential city. Sights and leisure activities can be reached on foot, by bicycle, by boat or by public transport. There is also a lot to discover in the surrounding area of Potsdam.
Castles & Gardens in Potsdam
Babelsberg Palace and Park
In the east of the city of Potsdam is Babelsberg Palace, which was designed by Schinkel in the neo-Gothic style. Over the years, many architects worked on the design of the palace, which served as Wilhelm I's summer residence from 1871. Following the plans of Peter Joseph Lenné and Prince Pückler-Muskau, Babelsberg Park was laid out in the style of an English landscape garden. From here you have a unique view of the Glienicke Bridge.
Sanssouci Park and Palace
See a historical legacy as Prussia's residential city with its unique palaces and parks. Charming details and surprising insights make a visit to the park on 290 hectares an experience. Sanssouci Palace is one of the many highlights and namesake of the park.
Peacock Hill Belvedere
Breathtaking views that inspire! The Belvedere - a double tower complex with spacious colonnades in the style of an Italian Renaissance villa and surrounded by an English landscape garden - is always a worthwhile destination. The march to the top is rewarded with a fantastic view over the Potsdam Garden Kingdom. Guided tours of the historic ensemble are offered on Sundays.
Pub Brewery
In the Meierei, you will get to know the pleasure of beer in its original sense. The regional uniqueness and centuries-old brewing tradition are particularly emphasised. With an advance reservation, you even have the opportunity to take part in a guided tour of the brewery or a beer seminar.
Cecilienhof Palace
Cecilienhof Palace is a place steeped in history where many special events have taken place. First and foremost, the Potsdam Conference took place there in 1945, at which the Potsdam Agreement was concluded. Today there is a permanent exhibition on the subject. Cecilienhof Palace was built in the early 20th century, during the First World War. Emperor Wilhelm II had it built for Crown Prince Wilhelm and his wife Cecilie, who gave it its name.
Exclusive Potsdam experiences
ArtAmbassador Dr Mario Bogisch gives you an exclusive presentation of Potsdam's most beautiful parks, palaces and districts. He is passionate about his home town and would like to inspire you with this enthusiasm. Experience with him the magnificent gardens of Frederick the Great in Sanssouci Park, the magic of the New Garden, the breathtaking Babelsberg Imperial Park or a captivating city tour. It provides a close-up view of Potsdam as a reflection of Prussian, German and international history and the present day. Marvel with him at the total work of art that is Potsdam. Curious to find out more? You can find more information here: https://mariobogisch.de/kunstbotschafter/
Historic Potsdam
Dutch Quarter
The picturesque Dutch-style houses with many small restaurants, cafés and shops are an ideal place to stroll with a special flair. The Dutch Quarter was built between 1734 and 1742 by order of the soldier king Friedrich Wilhelm I. The picturesque Dutch-style houses with many small restaurants, cafés and shops are an ideal place to stroll with a special flair. The Dutch Quarter was built between 1734 and 1742 by order of the Soldier King Frederick William I.
Luisenplatz and Brandenburg Gate
Potsdam hat auch ein Brandenburger Tor. Es befindet sich am westlichen Ende der Brandenburger Straße, Potsdams beliebter Einkaufsstraße. Am Bau des Tores, das einem römischen Triumphbogen ähnelt, waren zwei Baumeister beteiligt. Der Luisenplatz vor dem Brandenburger Tor, der im Jahr 2000 neu gestaltet wurde, lädt mit seinem Brunnen zum Verweilen ein.
Alexandrovka Colony
Frederick William III and the Russian Tsar Alexander I were very good friends. In honour of the Tsar, Frederick had the Russian colony Alexandrowka built in 1826. The wooden houses became home to Russian singers. Today, the historical ensemble is part of the World Cultural Heritage. Travel back to the time of the tsars and visit the Russian Colony with Museum. Let yourself be seduced and enjoy original Russian delicacies in the tea room such as sakuska, Sibirski pelmeni or the Cossack pot.
Bornstedt Crown Estate
The New Market
Glienicke Bridge
Today's Glienicke Bridge was built in 1907 and connects the cities of Berlin and Potsdam. During the Cold War, a total of three agent exchanges took place on the bridge, making it famous worldwide. Since the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Glienicke Bridge has once again been open to traffic and visitors. From the Glienicke Bridge you can enjoy a fantastic view of Babelsberg Palace, Sacrow Church of the Saviour, Glienicke Palace and Lenné's garden landscapes.
Discover culture in Potsdam
Potsdam Museum - Forum for Art and History
A permanent exhibition divided into eleven thematic modules was opened in 2013 in the new location, in the heart of the city, at the Alter Markt. On the first floor, the history of the city, its civic formation as well as artistic and cultural developments are traced and vividly narrated. In particular, biographical approaches are pursued and a reference to the present is established. The collection focuses on the 19th to 21st centuries.
Nikolaisaal Potsdam
The somewhat different concert hall in the heart of the city. The wide-ranging programme of classical music, world music, jazz, pop, live film concerts, Potsdam crossover concerts and children's concerts is aimed at listeners of all ages. The Nikolaisaal was only rebuilt in 2000 and now sees itself as a place of artistic diversity. Thus, tradition is honoured here just as much as modernity and a lot of fresh wind is let in.
Barberini Museum
Film Museum Potsdam
Experience a unique time travel through Brandenburg's film history and discover numerous original costumes and props. Learn a bit of history and interesting facts and let yourself be persuaded to take part in one or two hands-on activities. You will find the Film Museum in the middle of Potsdam's historic city centre in one of the oldest buildings in the city. The visit can also be combined with a trip to the Babelsberg Film Park.
Natural History Museum Potsdam
The perfect day in Potsdam
We have already planned the perfect day in Potsdam for you. Whether you want to explore the city on foot, by bike, by public transport or from the water. Or maybe two, three, four… days in Potsdam? Our small selection will whet your appetite for more:
Start your day with a swim in the indoor pool in our wellbeing area. It opens at 7 a.m. Afterwards, enjoy our extensive breakfast, which can be served outside with a view of the lake during the warmer months.
The morning is devoted to the palaces and Sanssouci Park (palaces & gardens). The entire complex is considered an ‘outstanding example of architectural and landscape design’ and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nowhere else is Prussia’s Baroque heritage more splendid and romantic than here.
After so many impressions and long walks, it’s time for a break. Head towards Luisenplatz (historic Potsdam). Stroll through Brandenburger Straße and take time for a coffee and a snack.
At St. Peter and Paul’s Church (Sichtachse), you will see the Dutch Quarter (Historic Potsdam) on the left-hand side, the only closed ensemble of buildings in the Dutch style outside the Netherlands. Small shops, cafés and bars characterise the atmosphere in the four blocks with around 150 houses.
Tired of walking? Back at the hotel, treat yourself to a rest in your room before dinner or a revitalising massage in our Wellbeing Area (please book in advance). Afterwards, our à la carte restaurant Lemon awaits you with its fresh, modern, light, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.
The many impressions of this eventful day in Potsdam need a perfect ending. For this, we recommend our Zeppelin open-air bar or the Blue Sky Bar & Lounge during the warmer months.
