New Palace (Neues Palais)

Potsdam, easily reachable from Berlin by train or car, is a popular day trip destination, with the New Palace often featuring as a highlight. These tours typically also showcase other notable attractions, such as Sanssouci Palace, the Dutch Quarter, and Cecilienhof Country House. For travelers seeking the utmost convenience, private tours offer the luxury of car pickup, drop-off, and transportation between sites. Alternatively, a more budget-friendly option is a shared walking tour.

The New Palace isn’t currently accessible to electric wheelchair users due to a fault with the lift, but this issue is being worked on. For security reasons, luggage is not permitted at the palace entrance, and a limited number of lockers are available for small items. With over 200 rooms in the palace, it can be tricky to shortlist but don’t miss the Grotto Hall, the Concert Hall, and the Marble Hall. If you fancy palace-hopping, there’s plenty to explore nearby, including Sanssouci Castle and Charlottenhof Palace.

Many travelers come to Potsdam on a day trip from Berlin; there are frequent train services from Berlin Central Station to Potsdam Central Station, which take around 25–35 minutes. Once at Potsdam Central Station, it’s best to get the #605 or X5 bus to Potsdam, Neues Palais bus stop, a few minutes' walk away from the New Palace.

To avoid crowds, come as close to the opening time as possible, ideally in April, June, or September—outside of the peak tourist months. Opening times vary depending on the time of year, with slightly longer hours during the summer (typically April through October). The museum is usually closed on Tuesdays, but checking the opening schedule before visiting is advisable, as hours can vary during public holidays and special events.

If you’ve worked up an appetite after exploring the grounds of the New Palace, there are plenty of dining options nearby. The south gate building of the New Palace visitor center is home to Café Caroline, which has pizzas, wraps, and snacks. Theaterklause, near the green grid entrance, offers a regularly changing lunch menu and delicious cakes. Alternatively, for hearty German specialties, Augustiner im Bürgerbahnhof is near the Park Sanssouci train station.