Alter Markt, Potsdam: Our most recommended tours and activities

Potsdam: Baroque Buildings Self-Guided Mobile Audio Tour

1. Potsdam: Baroque Buildings Self-Guided Mobile Audio Tour

Take a walk through Potsdam’s Old Town, one of the most beautiful baroque centers in all of Europe, with a smartphone app that functions as your personal tour guide, audio tour, and map all in one. See the city's main sights, and hear its history from the 1700s to World War II all the way to today. Start outside the Ringerkolonnade, the set of columns that stand tall beside Landtag Brandenburg, a replica of Potsdam’s former royal palace which serves as the seat of the Brandenburg Parliament today. From there, head to Alter Markt, once considered one of Europe’s most gorgeous squares. Learn why the faces of kings on the obelisk in the square’s center were replaced with the faces of architects. See the Barberini Palace Museum and the Old City Hall – both restored since World War II – and St. Nicolai Church which managed to survive the destruction. Next, make your way to the section of Old Town that escaped World War II’s bombs, and find over 400 intact houses from the early 1700s. Check the app to see how to reach the Dutch Quarter, home to charming red-brick houses that were built under the second Prussian King. Along the way, find yourself standing in the shadows of three of the old city gates – Nauener Tor, Jagertor, and Potsdam’s very own Brandenburg Gate. Pass by the guard house, Alte Wache. Discover remains of the old city wall of 1722. Learn about the city’s Jewish community as you pass the Alte Synagoge (Potsdam’s old Synagogue). Stop at a memorial for the victims of Nazi and East German persecution.See Mozart’s House, the place where he resided during his disappointing visit to the city. Stroll along Platz der Einheit (the Square of Unity), Bassinplatz (Bassin Square), the Alter Kanal (Alter Canal), and the Neuer Markt (New Market Square). Stop anytime you want to try some Dutch-style pancakes.

From Berlin: Historical Gems of Potsdam Private Day Trip

2. From Berlin: Historical Gems of Potsdam Private Day Trip

Take a trip back in time to the city of Potsdam, once home to Prussian kings and the German Kaiser, and discover intriguing stories along with historical treasures. On this this private day tour, enjoy a fascinating storytelling journey exploring wars, alliances, arts, and sciences, as well as historical woes and obsessions. Hear about the Prussian dynasty and how it shaped Germany's future in the times of the First and Second Reich while admiring beautiful Rococo and Baroque architecture. Retrace history and see highlights like the Long Bridge and the Alter Markt (Old Market). Find out how the first Prussian King positioned Prussia within the Holy Roman Empire. Wander the streets and admire the architectural gems of the city as you explore Germany's royal past.  A 15-minute bus ride takes you to the famous New Palace, while a stroll through the famous Sansoucci Park will lead you to the magnificent main residence, built by the most celebrated king of Prussia. With the help of your guide, imagine how it felt to live in Potsdam centuries ago.

Remarkable Cecilienhof Palace and Potsdam – Private Tour

3. Remarkable Cecilienhof Palace and Potsdam – Private Tour

Embark on a captivating three-hour walking tour through Potsdam and discover its remarkable landmarks. Begin at the iconic Brandenburg Gate, a symbol of unity and history, before strolling through the charming Alter Markt square with its vibrant atmosphere and picturesque architecture. Visit the serene Church of Peace, known for its distinctive octagonal shape, and admire the exquisite St. Nicholas’ Church. Conclude the tour at the majestic Cecilienhof Palace, where history was made during the Potsdam Conference. Along the way, soak in the beauty of Potsdam’s scenic surroundings and immerse yourself in its rich cultural heritage.

Potsdam: Private Soviet History Walking Tour

4. Potsdam: Private Soviet History Walking Tour

Explore the small but extremely historical city of Potsdam, which together with Berlin was the Prussian center of power. Learn about the connections of Soviet history in 3.5 hours and enjoy the highlights of the city. Learn about the enormous importance of Potsdam to the Soviets and hear interesting facts about the Allied victorious conference in 1945. See one of the most important intelligence sites of the Soviets in East Germany and visit the world-famous Glienicke Bridge, Bridge of Spies, used for agent exchange. Start at Potsdam Central Station and walk to the Old Market. The city center of Potsdam was destroyed in World War II. You will learn more about the reconstruction of the city in socialist East Germany and current reconstructional projects. Then head for the city´s Soviet War cemetery, the final resting place for hundreds of Red Army soldiers. Then take the bus and go to Cecilienhof Palace, the venue for the Potsdam Conference in summer 1945. After visiting the former KGB district you eventually go to the Bridge of Spies. The bridge once was the border between the East and the West, hence the iron bridge was part of the Iron Curtain.

Other Sightseeing Options in Alter Markt, Potsdam

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