MileHacker Logo
Potsdam Travel Tips

Potsdam Travel Tips

Potsdam Brandenburg, Germany Travel Guide

Local Mobile Providers

Germany has Telekom, Vodafone, and O2 (Telefónica). Prepaid SIM cards are available at official stores, electronics retailers, plus large food stores.

Connectivity Options

  • Prepaid SIM cards widely available
  • Local numbers and internet plans
  • To get connected right away, consider an Airalo eSIM or Solis Wi-Fi.

Internet Access & Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is widely available in Potsdam at hotels, cafes, and restaurants. Some public spaces have Wi-Fi, but coverage varies.

Reliable Internet

  • Lodging and cafe Wi-Fi common
  • Local SIM/eSIM for consistent access
  • Public Wi-Fi coverage can be spotty

Language Guidance

German is the official language. English is common in tourist areas, hotels, and among younger generations.

English Availability

  • English widely spoken in areas
  • Signs and announcements often in English
  • Younger generations generally speak English

Helpful Resources

The Google Translate app is a precious tool. Downloading the Germanic language pack for offline use is advised.

Phrases

  • Hello: Hallo
  • Thank you: Danke
  • Can you speak English?: Sprechen Sie Englisch?

Essential German Phrases

Common Expressions

  • Please/You're welcome: Bitte
  • I apologize: Entschuldigung
  • Yes: Ja
  • No: Nein

Practical Phrases

  • How much is this?: Wie viel kostet das?
  • The bill, please: Die Rechnung, bitte
  • Carry a small phrasebook for basic interactions.
  • Learning phrases shows courtesy.

Staying Connected

A local SIM or eSIM generally provides the most reliable internet connection during your trip.

Business Hours & Schedules

Familiarize yourself with typical operating hours and public holidays.

Shops

Generally open Monday to Saturday, 9/10 AM to 6/8 PM. Most shops are closed on Sundays.

Supermarkets

Typically open From monday To saturday, 7/8 AM to 8/10 PM. Also closed on Sundays.

Restaurants & Cafes

Lunch service 12-2:30 PM, dinner 6 PM onwards. Cafes open early until late afternoon.

Banking & Cash Access

Banks operate Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 4/5 PM. Some close for lunch.

Cash Convenience

  • ATMs (Geldautomaten) are plentiful
  • ATMs accessible 24/7
  • Convenient cash withdrawals

Holiday Closures

Germany observes public holidays where most businesses, banks, and shops are closed. Plan accordingly.

Dates

  • New Year's Day (Jan 1), Labour Day (May 1)
  • Good Friday, Easter Monday, Ascension Day, Whit Monday
  • German Unity Day (Oct 3), Christmas (Dec 25/26), Reformation Day (Oct 31 in Brandenburg)

Seasonal Adjustments

Low Season Winter

  • Reduced hours for some attractions
  • Some closures entirely
  • Check ahead before visiting

Peak Season

  • Extended hours for popular sites
  • Buy tickets in advance
  • Higher crowds possible

Before You Go

Always check specific opening times and holiday schedules for attractions.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Greeting Customs

A firm handshake is common for introductions. "Guten Tag" is standard and polite for general greetings.

Polite Interactions

  • Firm handshake for introductions
  • "Guten Tag" (good day) for formal greetings
  • "Hallo" is more informal for peers

Dress Code

Dress is generally casual in Germany. Smart casual attire suits evenings in nicer restaurants or theater visits.

Setting Appropriate Dress

  • Generally casual attire
  • Smart casual for evenings out
  • Modest dress (covered shoulders/knees) for religious sites

Dining & Tipping

Wait for the host to seat you.

Tipping Guidelines

  • Wait to be seated in restaurants
  • Tipping guidance in Sections 7.1 and 2.3
  • Round up or add 5-10% for good service

Photography Ethics

Photography is generally allowed in public spaces and most attractions. Look for signs indicating restrictions.

Respectful Photography

  • Generally allowed in public
  • No flash in museums/palaces often
  • Ask permission before photographing individuals

Taboos & Sensitive Topics

Forbidden Symbols

  • Avoid discussions on Nazism or the Third Reich
  • Use of Nazi salutes or symbols is illegal
  • Strict legal penalties for violations

Punctuality

  • Punctuality is highly valued
  • Arriving on time for appointments
  • Being on time is expected

Societal Norms

Gender Considerations

  • Germany is progressive and accepting
  • Equal rights are widely recognized
  • Respectful interactions are the norm

LGBTQ+ Information

  • LGBTQ+ rights are legally protected
  • Same-sex marriage is legal
  • Potsdam is an accessible and tolerant city

Accessibility Information

Germany prioritizes accessibility for travelers with disabilities, including Potsdam.

Mobility Support

Newer public transport vehicles are often low-floor, easing boarding. Major train stations have ramps or elevators.

Transport Accessibility

  • Low-floor public transport
  • Ramps/elevators at major stations
  • Potsdam Hauptbahnhof well-equipped

Accessible Venues

Major palaces for Example sanssouci often feature accessible routes or offer assistance.

Site Access

  • Sanssouci Palace accessible routes
  • Check official websites for details
  • Biosphäre Potsdam generally accessible

Sensory Support

Some museums provide audio guides or tactile exhibits. Public transport announcements are generally clear.

Enhanced Experiences

  • Audio guides or tactile exhibits in museums
  • Clear public transport announcements
  • Both visual and auditory information

Information Sources

Consult official tourist board websites for specific accessibility details. Dedicated travel guides exist.

Further Assistance

  • Visitpotsdam.de for specific details
  • Dedicated accessibility travel guides
  • Contact attractions directly for needs

Important Considerations

Advance Planning

  • Always plan ahead for specific needs
  • Book accessible tickets in advance where available
  • Contact service providers for specific support

Diverse Needs

  • Infrastructure is continuously improving
  • Travelers with diverse needs are accommodated
  • Potsdam actively promotes inclusivity

Assistance Available

Potsdam and Germany are committed to making travel accessible for everyone.