Just an hour away from the bustle of Berlin, Potsdam is a peaceful city full of charm.
If you’re looking for ideas, here are some of the places and flavors that made our weekends in Potsdam unforgettable๐
Symbol of History and Beauty: Sanssouci Palace (Schloss Sanssouci)ย
When you think of Potsdam, Sanssouci Palace is an essential stop. Built as the summer residence of Frederick the Great, itโs a masterpiece of Rococo architecture. The vine-covered terraces, sloping gardens, elegant sculptures, and angel-topped domeโall of it is picture-perfect. On a sunny day, itโs a truly refreshing place to be. Frederick the Great was known to prefer speaking French, which explains the palaceโs name: Sans souciโโwithout a care.โ The first time we visited, we hadnโt booked tickets in advance and couldnโt enter the palace ๐ขBut we still enjoyed strolling through the expansive gardens. On our second visit, we finally got to see the interiorโso if you’re planning to go, donโt forget to reserve ahead !
A Refreshing Break in the Palace Gardenย
After walking around the grounds, we found a quiet terrace cafรฉ. With a view of the open lawn and gentle waters, we sat down and shared a cold Berliner Kindl๐บ, just what we needed on such a hot day. That first sip was so refreshing, we still remember it.
Freshly Baked Bread by the Windmill
Right next to Sanssouci Palace stands a working windmill: the Historische Mรผhle von Sanssouci. Inside, itโs both a museum and a bakery, where you can see how flour is milled and explore old tools and equipment. That day, the smell of freshly baked bread was impossible to resistโwe picked up a warm loaf right out of the oven ๐ Sitting at an outdoor table, we tore into it together. The crust was golden and crisp, the inside soft and chewy, with a rustic, satisfying flavor.
Cecilienhof Palace
Built in the Tudor style, Cecilienhof is where the Allied leaders met after World War II for the Potsdam Conference. The timber framing and red brick make for a striking exterior, and the atmosphere feels solemn and dignified. The interior features displays that recreate the setting of the conference. If you’re interested in modern history, this is a must-see. It’s a bit farther from Sanssouci, but it left a lasting impression on us.
For Impressionist Art Lovers: Museum Barberiniย
Located in the heart of Potsdamโs Old Town, the Museum Barberini houses an impressive collection of French Impressionist works๐จ.ย Youโll often find paintings by Claude Monet, Renoir, and others, along with contemporary and rotating exhibitions. We visited twice in a row, yes, it was that good! The museum is also very close to the train station, so itโs easy to include even on a short visit.
Dutch Charm in Brick: The Dutch Quarter (Hollรคndisches Viertel) ย
This 18th-century district was built for Dutch craftsmen and is now home to charming cafรฉs and boutiques. The red-brick houses with their gabled roofs are so quaint and photogenic. Itโs a lovely place just to wander and soak in the atmosphere.
A Hearty Taste of Germany
When we were new to Germany, we wanted to try something traditionally Germanโso we ordered this: Nรผrnberger sausages served over sauerkraut and mashed potatoes, topped with a rich gravy. Everything paired perfectly, especially with a cold beer. It was one of those meals that left us completely satisfied๐
Dessert? It Has to Be Kaiserschmarrn!
We finished our meal with Kaiserschmarrnโfluffy shredded pancakes served with sour cherry sauce and a scoop of ice cream. The warm-cold contrast, and that balance of sweetness and tartness, was just divine. The sauce can vary, but this time it was cherry๐, and we loved it.
More Flavors to Discover
Potsdam is a wonderful destination for a day trip ๐full of history, beautiful gardens, and delicious food. If youโre visiting Berlin, we definitely recommend setting aside a day to explore. Over on Umami, weโve also shared our Kaiserschmarrn recipe! And if you’re curious, you’ll find recipes for mashed potatoes and a cool potato salad that goes perfectly with Nรผrnberger sausages. We hope youโll give them a try ๐
๐ Pancakes โ Kaiserschmarrn
