New Palace Potsdam Visit Guide

The New Palace (Neues Palais) is a magnificent Baroque palace built for Frederick the Great in the western part of Sanssouci Park in Potsdam. Unlike the intimate Sanssouci Palace, this colossal structure was designed to showcase the power and prosperity of Prussia after the Seven Years’ War, serving as a guest residence and venue for royal events. 

Planning your visit

• Operating schedule: The palace is open Wednesday through Monday. From April to October, hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; from November to March, hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is closed on Tuesdays and for most of the major holidays. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing.
• Tickets: Visits to the palace are bound to fixed admission times. You can purchase tickets in advance online or at the Visitor Center at the New Palace, where same-day tickets are also available starting at 10 a.m.
  • Ticket options:
    • Single Ticket Palace Grand Tour: Covers the most extensive tour of the palace.
    • Single Ticket Prince Henry’s Apartment: Allows a more focused visit to one part of the palace.
    • Sanssouci+ Ticket: Gives single-day access to all open palaces in Potsdam, including the New Palace.
• Guided tours: All visitors must join a guided or audio-guided tour, especially in winter. The tours are structured with fixed time slots and last approximately 60 minutes.
  • Audio guides: English audio guides are available and are considered good, though shorter than the full German narration.
• Getting there from Potsdam Hauptbahnhof: Take the 605 or X5 bus to the “Potsdam, Neues Palais” stop, which is a short walk from the palace. A free shuttle service also runs seasonally between the Grünes Gitter and the New Palace. 

Things to see

• Grotto Hall: A spectacular and unique chamber decorated with thousands of shells, minerals, and semi-precious stones. It was used as a ballroom and reception hall.
• Marble Hall: The grand main hall on the upper floor is decorated with marble, intricate ceiling frescoes, and a large mural depicting the story of Perseus and Andromeda.
• King’s Apartment: The lavish and ornate private quarters of the king, featuring rich tapestries and furniture.
• Communs: Across from the palace entrance, the two-story Communs buildings once housed the palace kitchens, staff quarters, and utilities.
• Exterior: The impressive Baroque facade is adorned with hundreds of statues of mythological figures, and the surrounding grounds are beautifully landscaped. 

Dining options

• Theaterklause: Offers meals and cakes near the Grünes Gitter entrance.
• Augustiner im Bürgerbahnhof: A great option for traditional German specialties near the Park Sanssouci train station. 

Tips

• Comfortable shoes: The New Palace is a large complex with numerous rooms to explore, and the grounds are extensive.
• Storage: Lockers are available for smaller baggage, but larger items should be left elsewhere.
• Accessibility: The ground floor of the palace is accessible via a ramp, and a wheelchair is available on-site. 

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