Travel Guide
Potsdam Sights: The best attractions near Sanssouci
Potsdam is one of Germany's most beautiful cities – a UNESCO World Heritage site of palaces, parks, lakes and Baroque streets. From Hotel am Katharinenholz in Bornstedt you can reach most sights in a few minutes on foot or with the free public transport ticket, which each of our guests receives free of charge.
Here you will find our personal guide with the 10 most important Potsdam attractions, each with distance to the hotel, travel tips and an insider hint.
1. Schloss Sanssouci
2.5 km from the hotel · approx. 30 min. on foot through the parkFrederick the Great's summer palace is Potsdam's most famous address and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The vineyard terraces and the Rococo interior are among the most beautiful ensembles in Europe.
Insider tip: Be sure to book tickets for the palace interior online in advance – time slots are often fully booked on-site.
Open official website →2. Neues Palais
2.2 km from the hotel · approx. 25 min. on footThe magnificent Baroque building on the western edge of Sanssouci was the Hohenzollerns' representative guest palace – including a massive facade, Grotto Hall and Marble Gallery.
Insider tip: Combine your visit with a stroll to the neighbouring Temple of Antiquities and Temple of Friendship.
Open official website →3. Orangerieschloss & Belvedere Klausberg
1.8 km from the hotel · approx. 22 min. on footItalian flair in the heart of Brandenburg: The Renaissance-style Orangery and the Belvedere on the Klausberg offer the most beautiful views over the park.
Insider tip: The Orangery tower is accessible seasonally – well worth it for photographers in clear weather.
Open official website →4. Chinesisches Haus
2.6 km from the hotel · approx. 32 min. on footThe gilded garden pavilion from 1755 is one of the finest examples of European Chinoiserie – including life-sized groups of figures.
Insider tip: Best time: In the morning, when the sun makes the gilded figures glow.
Open official website →5. Holländisches Viertel
3.2 km from the hotel · Bus 10 min. + short walk134 red brick houses from the 18th century – the largest enclosed Dutch ensemble outside the Netherlands. Today home to small cafés, boutiques and galleries.
Insider tip: Arts and crafts market on Wednesday and Saturday – ideal for souvenirs.
Open official website →6. Nikolaikirche & Alter Markt
4.2 km from the hotel · Bus 15 min.Schinkel's Neoclassical domed church defines Potsdam's skyline. The Alter Markt with the Stadtschloss (State Parliament), Fortune Portal and Obelisk is the historic heart of the city.
Insider tip: The dome of the Nikolaikirche can be climbed – including a 360° view over Potsdam.
Open official website →7. Museum Barberini
4.3 km from the hotel · Bus 15 min.The museum at the Alter Markt houses one of the world's most significant collections of Impressionist art – Monet, Renoir, Caillebotte and Pissarro across three floors.
Insider tip: Free admission on the first Tuesday of every month – registration recommended.
Open official website →8. Schloss Cecilienhof
4.1 km from the hotel · Bus 15 min.English country house style meets world history: this is where the post-war order of Europe was negotiated at the Potsdam Conference in 1945.
Insider tip: The surrounding Neuer Garten – with the Marmorpalais and views of the Heiliger See – is one of the most beautiful parks in Potsdam.
Open official website →9. Glienicker Brücke
6.2 km from the hotel · Bus 20 min.The legendary "Bridge of Spies" connected East and West during the Cold War. Today, it is a peaceful crossing between Potsdam and Berlin-Wannsee with a unique Havel panorama.
Insider tip: Best at sunset – the silhouette of the bridge against the light is a classic.
Open official website →10. Filmpark Babelsberg
7.0 km from the hotel · Bus/Train approx. 30 min.The oldest large-scale film location in the world: sets, stunt shows, 4D cinema and the legendary UFA studios – ideal for families and film fans.
Insider tip: Day tickets are cheaper online. Most exciting for children aged 6 and over.
Open official website →
Plan your visit
How to see Potsdam in 2 days
- Day 1: Park Sanssouci – Schloss Sanssouci, Chinese House, Orangerie, Neues Palais. Dinner in one of the nearby restaurants in Bornstedt.
- Day 2: Old Town with the Holländisches Viertel, Nikolaikirche, Museum Barberini. Afternoon at the Neuer Garten & Schloss Cecilienhof, sunset at the Glienicker Brücke.
Frequently asked questions about Potsdam's sights
What are the top sights in Potsdam?
The most important are Schloss Sanssouci, the Neues Palais, the Holländisches Viertel, Schloss Cecilienhof, the Museum Barberini and the Glienicker Brücke – all easily accessible from Hotel am Katharinenholz.
How many days should you plan for Potsdam?
For a compact overview, 2 days are sufficient. Those wishing to experience Sanssouci, the Old Town and Babelsberg at leisure should plan for 3–4 nights.
Is admission to Park Sanssouci free?
Yes, the park itself is free to access. For the palaces (Sanssouci, Neues Palais, Cecilienhof), admission and time-slot tickets are required – best booked online in advance.
Enquire directly with the hotel
Discover Potsdam – enquire about rooms near Sanssouci
From the hotel, you can reach Park Sanssouci in just a few minutes, and the public transport ticket for Potsdam and Berlin is included for free. Enquire about your dates without obligation.
Response usually on the same day · Reception available daily · free cancellation by arrangement