I'm planning a trip to Germany this spring and I would like to visit Berlin. My main interest is historical/cultural sites. Is it feasible to stay in Potsdam for a Berlin tourist? I ask because the hotels in Potsdam seem to be cheaper, and Sanssouci Palace is my one must-see in my plans. How convenient is the public transportation around Berlin and between Berlin/Potsdam? Some of the Potsdam hotels advertise "include public transport in Berlin/Potsdam", which makes me think it must be either very inexpensive or very expensive. TIA

I'm planning a trip to Germany this spring and I would like to visit Berlin. My main interest is historical/cultural sites. Is it feasible to stay in Potsdam for a Berlin tourist? I ask because the hotels in Potsdam seem to be cheaper, and Sanssouci Palace is my one must-see in my plans. How convenient is the public transportation around Berlin and between Berlin/Potsdam? Some of the Potsdam hotels advertise "include public transport in Berlin/Potsdam", which makes me think it must be either very inexpensive or very expensive. TIA

The regional trains from Potsdam to Berlin run twice an hour and take about 20 minutes, the S-Bahn (some kind of subway) runs 3 times an hour and takes about 30 minutes. A day pass for all public transport in Potsdam and Berlin costs about 6 Euro. You might wish to check on www.bahn.de. Public transport in Potsdam and in Berlin is very safe, reliable and convenient.

It is convenient to stay in Potsdam but you have to be aware that you are very much in the suburbs (Allthough Potsdam is good for a three day trip too). If you want to stay close to Sanssouci, the Steigenberger is a relativle cheap alternative five to 10 minutes walking distance from the palace. Cecilienhof palace is a nice alternative, too. This was the place of the Wannsee meeting after WW2 and is a hotel today. Very historical place, originally built for the son of the last German emperor and reasonably priced.

I'm planning a trip to Germany this spring and I would like to visit Berlin. My main interest is historical/cultural sites. Is it feasible to stay in Potsdam for a Berlin tourist? I ask because the hotels in Potsdam seem to be cheaper, and Sanssouci Palace is my one must-see in my plans. How convenient is the public transportation around Berlin and between Berlin/Potsdam? Some of the Potsdam hotels advertise "include public transport in Berlin/Potsdam", which makes me think it must be either very inexpensive or very expensive. TIA

Potsdam is within easy travelling distance from Berlin via S-Bahn (S7 if I recall). Your probably looking at around 30 mins to Zoologischer Garten in the West and 40 mins to Alexanderplatz in the East.

http://www.s-bahn-berlin.de/

Hey I just noticed there is a new Germany forum! Mods feel free to move...

If going to (or staying in) Potsdam, be sure to purchase your BVG tickets or passes for all three zones A-B-C - the cost is not that much more than an A-B zone ticket.