Things to do in  Potsdam

Located just north of Berlin, Memorial and Museum Sachsenhausen was once one of the Nazi regime’s harshest prison camps. Today, Sachsenhausen is a memorial to those who lost their lives here, as well as a museum with a library, archive, and open-air exhibits to educate visitors.

Glimpse the lavish days of the aristocracy in 18th-century Prussia at Sanssouci Palace. Built for King Frederik the Great, the palace is a fine example of rococo opulence. Gilded ornaments and priceless antiques fill the interiors, while perfectly manicured grounds with fountains and follies, and even a vineyard, are outdoors.

Featuring four halls and an enduring mission to support innovation within music, the Wiener Konzerthaus is one of Vienna’s most important musical institutions. The concert hall opened in 1913 and holds roughly 750 performances each calendar season, from classical orchestral concerts to jazz and world music.

History buffs flock to the Cecilienhof Palace—the former home of Prince Wilhelm of Prussia—to see where the Potsdam Conference, a pivotal event in shaping the post-World War II era, took place. However, with its timber-framed edifices and beautiful English gardens, this palace is a delight for anyone fond of design or architecture.

Glienicke Bridge is better known by its Cold War-era monikers, “the Bridge of Spies” or “the Bridge of Unity.” Dating back to the 17th century, the bridge became notorious during the Cold War, when it served as the official border between East and West Berlin. Today, it’s an important historic landmark, marking the boundary of the Brandenburg and Berlin regions.

The only surviving early neo-classic Prussian palace, Potsdam’s Marble Palace was commissioned by King Frederick William II in the late 1700s and remained a royal residence until the early 20th century. Now, it’s a museum with beautifully preserved interiors. Highlights include marble fireplaces from Italy, Wedgwood vases, and grandfather clocks from Parisian trendsetter Madame de Pompadour.

Potsdam’s stunning gardens, and the historic buildings within them, comprise part of the largest UNESCO World Heritage Site in Germany. Built during the reign of Frederick the Great of Prussia, in the middle of the 18th century, these gardens originally surrounded the palaces and buildings that made up the royal family’s summer residence.

Step inside the world of cinema and TV at the Babelsberg Film Park, and discover what goes on behind the scenes at one of Europe’s most prolific film studios. With 4D movies, stunt shows, and real movie sets to explore, the theme park is action-packed and suitable for the whole family.