This is a distributed campus, not a single building—Old Palace, New Wing, Belvedere, Mausoleum, plus baroque gardens. But there are aggressive logistical traps: Monday closure, mandatory time-slots, seasonal building closures, and a "wheel-killer" cobblestone courtyard.
CLOSED on Mondays + Time-Slot Required
All palace buildings are CLOSED every Monday. Plus, Old Palace requires TIME-SLOT booking—spontaneous visitors face 1-2 hour waits in peak season (May-Sep). Pre-book online!
Cobblestone Courtyard = Wheelchair Barrier
The main Cour d'Honneur (honorific courtyard) is paved with "extremely rough" historic cobblestones—a severe obstacle for wheelchairs, strollers, and luggage. The main entrance has steps (inaccessible). Wheelchair users must use the side entrance via the Gift Shop (right of courtyard), which has a 15% grade ramp.
Bus Stop Relocated 50m
2024-2026: M45/309 bus stop "Schloss Charlottenburg" moved 50m due to roadworks. Real-time navigation apps may be wrong. Walk further than expected.
Parking = €3 per 30 min
Official lot at Spandauer Damm 24: ~80 spaces, €3/30min. Use EasyPark app (code: 144711). For stays over 3 hours, use P+R at Westend station instead.
Mausoleum/Belvedere = Winter Closed
These garden buildings are CLOSED Nov-Mar. Winter visits = Old Palace + New Wing only. Gardens open until dusk (as early as 4PM in December).
Gardens = FREE, 8AM-Dusk
The baroque-to-English landscape park is FREE entry daily. But gravel paths = high wheelchair rolling resistance. Bicycles restricted.
The charlottenburg+ Pass = Best Value
€19 covers ALL buildings in one day (Old Palace, New Wing, New Pavilion, Mausoleum, Belvedere). Single tickets = €12 each. Visiting 2 buildings = pass pays for itself immediately.
The tourist strip on Spandauer Damm = high prices, generic menus, indifferent service. Walk 10 min south to Klausenerplatz Kiez for authentic local dining. Rogacki fish market = legendary smoked eel.
— Local IntelligenceBerlin WelcomeCard Trap
Have the "All Inclusive" WelcomeCard? It includes free entry—but you STILL must queue at the ticket counter to get your time-slot ticket. You can't bypass the line entirely; you only bypass payment. Plan for wait time.
Quick Facts
Tips for Travelers
Best transit, hidden dining gems, and the scenic approach.
Bus M45 = Best Arrival
High-frequency MetroBus from Zoo station. Drops you at palace entrance. Avoids 1km walk from U-Bahn stations. Best for luggage, accessibility, tight schedules.
Scenic Approach: U2 Sophie-Charlotte-Platz
1km walk via tree-lined Schlossstraße with dramatic palace dome view. Beautiful but taxing. Avoid with luggage or in extreme weather.
Rogacki Fish Market (Hidden Gem)
10-15 min walk. Standing tables, smoked eel, fresh oysters, legendary potato salad. Tue-Sat only (closed Sun/Mon). Cash recommended. Local institution!
Lemke am Schloss = Safe Bet
Microbrewery opposite palace. Solid schnitzel, craft beer, historic setting. Bridges tourist accessibility with quality. Good "middle ground" choice.
No Swimming in Spree
River borders gardens but swimming is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. Heavy boat traffic, variable water quality, police enforcement. No exceptions.
Wheelchair Access = Side Entrance
Main portal has steps (inaccessible). Use Gift Shop entrance (right of courtyard). 15% grade ramp—may need assistance. Ring bell if door locked.