About Schloss Charlottenburg
Built for Sophie Charlotte and expanded by Frederick the Great, this Baroque-Rococo palace is Berlin's largest surviving royal residence, with the Old Palace, the New Wing and a vast garden.
Founded in 1699, Schloss Charlottenburg has been welcoming visitors for over 327 years. Today it draws approximately 700,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited palace & royal museums in the world. Located in Berlin, Germany, the museum holds a rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 14,000 traveller reviews, reflecting its enduring appeal to both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts.
Why Schloss Charlottenburg ranks #144
Our editorial ranking blends data from TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards, AECOM/TEA annual attendance figures, and coverage in leading travel publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Time Out, National Geographic and The Times. At #144 in our composite ranking, Schloss Charlottenburg represents the kind of institution that rewards a deliberate visit — less visited than the mega-museums, but no less rewarding in what it offers. Key recognitions include: TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice.
Must-see highlights
With a recommended visit time of 2 hours, planning your route through Schloss Charlottenburg is essential. Here are the standout works and spaces that should be at the top of your list:
- ◆Porcelain Cabinet
- ◆Golden Gallery
- ◆Palace garden
- ◆Mausoleum of Queen Louise
Recognition & awards
Schloss Charlottenburg has received recognition from multiple authoritative sources in the museum and travel industry:
Planning your visit
Opening hours: Tue–Sun 10:00–17:30. Closed Mon.
How long to spend: Most visitors recommend setting aside 2 hours for a thorough visit. If you are short on time, focus on the highlights listed above and consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket to maximise your time inside.
Getting there: Schloss Charlottenburg is located in Berlin, Germany at coordinates 52.5208°N, 13.2956°E. View on Google Maps →
Visitor tips: The museum is manageable in a single visit, but arriving early helps you avoid peak crowds. Check the official website for any temporary closures, special exhibitions and advance booking requirements.
History of Schloss Charlottenburg
Schloss Charlottenburg was established in 1699, making it one of the oldest museums in the world. Over the centuries, it has grown from its original collection to become a major cultural landmark in Berlin. With 700,000 annual visitors, it plays a vital role in Germany's cultural tourism economy and stands as one of the most important palace & royal museums in the Europe region.
Other top palace & royal museums
If you enjoy palace & royal museums like Schloss Charlottenburg, you may also want to explore these highly-ranked institutions in the same category:
- #19Palace Museum (Forbidden City)Beijing, China
- #47Topkapi Palace MuseumIstanbul, Turkey
- #196Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale)Venice, Italy
More museums in Berlin
Berlin is home to 9 museums on our editorial ranking. If you are visiting the city, consider combining your trip to Schloss Charlottenburg with these nearby institutions:
- #31Pergamon Museum🏺 Archaeology & Antiquity
- #136Bode Museum🖼️ Art & Encyclopedic
- #137Neues Museum🏺 Archaeology & Antiquity
- #138Alte Nationalgalerie🖼️ Art & Encyclopedic
- #139Topography of Terror🕯️ Memorial & Remembrance
- #140Jewish Museum Berlin🏛️ History & Civilization
- #141DDR Museum🏛️ History & Civilization
- #220Bauhaus-Archiv / Museum für Gestaltung🪑 Design & Decorative
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of Schloss Charlottenburg?
Tue–Sun 10:00–17:30. Closed Mon. We recommend checking the official website before your visit as hours may change on public holidays or during special events.
How long should I spend at Schloss Charlottenburg?
Most visitors recommend spending 2 hours for a comprehensive visit. If you are short on time, prioritise the must-see highlights listed above.
Where is Schloss Charlottenburg located?
Schloss Charlottenburg is located in Berlin, Germany. The exact coordinates are 52.5208°, 13.2956°. You can find directions via Google Maps.
What is Schloss Charlottenburg known for?
Berlin's largest surviving Hohenzollern palace. Key highlights include Porcelain Cabinet, Golden Gallery, Palace garden. The museum holds a 4.6/5 rating from 14,000 reviews.
How many people visit Schloss Charlottenburg each year?
Schloss Charlottenburg receives approximately 700,000 visitors per year, making it one of the most-visited museums in Germany.
When was Schloss Charlottenburg founded?
Schloss Charlottenburg was founded in 1699, making it 327 years old. It is categorised as a palace & royal museum in our directory.
