Charlottenburg Palace (Schloss Charlottenburg) is the largest and grandest surviving royal palace in Berlin. It was begun in 1695 by Elector Frederick III (later Prussia's first king, Frederick I) for his wife Sophie Charlotte, and the palace and surrounding district were named after her following her death at just 36. Its best-known treasures are the rococo Golden Gallery in the New Wing added by Frederick the Great and the dazzling Porcelain Cabinet. As of 2026 both the Old Palace and the New Wing are open, and together with the free-to-enter gardens the complex makes an easy half-day visit.
Porcelain Cabinet (Porzellankabinett): a mirrored room lined with gilded shelves displaying some 2,700 pieces of Chinese and Japanese porcelain
The Golden Gallery in the New Wing: a 42-metre rococo ballroom glittering with gold, mirrors and chandeliers, one of Germany's most spectacular halls
Frederick I's baroque state apartments and bedchamber, plus the Palace Chapel
The expansive palace gardens, where baroque parterres blend into an English landscape park, free to enter
Garden landmarks: the royal Mausoleum, the Belvedere tea house, and Schinkel's neoclassical Neuer Pavillon
Good to know
RulesClosed on Mondays; timed online tickets are strongly advised on summer weekends. Always reconfirm prices, hours and any special closures before your visit.
CautionBuy tickets only from the official SPSG site or visitBerlin; third-party resellers often add markups and fees.
SeasonShorter hours (to 4:30 pm) from November to March; the gardens peak in spring and summer, with a Christmas market in Advent. The stone interiors stay cool, so bring a layer.
SafetyWatch for pickpockets on the U-Bahn and buses to the palace and around the ticket desks; carry your bag in front and mind your valuables.
MannersIn the exhibition rooms strollers are not permitted and quiet is expected; follow the photo rules (no flash).
RulesValidate your BVG transit ticket (AB zone) before boarding; fare-dodging on Berlin transport carries fines.
Practical info
Take the U7 to Richard-Wagner-Platz (about a 10-minute walk) or Sophie-Charlotte-Platz; buses M45, 109 and 309 stop right by the palace forecourt. Open Tue–Sun (closed Mon), 10:00–17:30 (Apr–Oct) and 10:00–16:30 (Nov–Mar), with last admission 30 minutes before closing — check the official site for the latest prices, hours and closures.
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