"Tell me: What’s this place all about? A dose of Baroque beauty in a city known for its grit, this castle and manicured gardens are a stately reminder of Berlin's proud Prussian past. Known as “Berlin’s Versailles,” Schloss Charlottenburg (literally: Charlottenburg Palace) started as a breezy summer retreat for King Friedrich’s wife; by 1790, it had expanded into a sprawling royal playground, complete with idyllic walking paths, a carp pond, and three smaller structures scattered around the gold-colored main palace. Today, the ground’s ensemble of rococo buildings each charge an admission fee, but the tranquil gardens are free to explore. What’s it like being there? As you push past the heavy iron gates separating modern-day Berlin from Friedrich the Great’s Court of Honor courtyard, you’ll be transported back to an 18th-century world of opulence. The Altes Schloss, the main part of the main building, is where Friedrich and his wife lived in a blur of extravagant tapestry, furniture, and imported china. If lavish porcelain leaves you cold, make your way to the Neuer Flügel (New Building), home to one of the largest collections of French paintings outside of France. But regardless of your taste and budget, it’s hard not to be transported to Zen-like bliss as you walk, sunbathe, or lay down amid the vast Italianate gardens and splashing fountains. Is there a guide involved? The Old Palace's and New Building's admission fees both include an audio guide. You can also sign up for a guided tour, which run hourly from the Old Palace and take in the Oak Gallery, home of the royal portraits. Did it meet expectations? Schloss Charlottenburg’s richly appointed period furniture will likely appeal to those with a taste for the finer things in life, but for our money (and time), the site’s main attraction is its free and extravagantly maintained gardens. Few European capitals boast as large—or as well-maintained—a public garden so close to the city center, and it’s a tranquil way to while away the hours in the summer heat. So then what, or who, do you think it’s best for? Unless you’re a die-hard fan of Frederick the Great, it would probably be overkill to try and squeeze in a trip to both Schloss Charlottenburg and Sanssouci , the king’s glimmering royal pad in Potsdam. While Sanssouci is the most popular day trip from Berlin , Schloss Charlottenburg is a great alternative for those tight on time." - Eliot Stein
