Potsdam Palaces
 

My husband and I will be in Berlin for six days in August. I would like to make a day trip to Potsdam to see Sanssouci and Cecilienhof, especially (and other palaces as time permits). I would prefer not to buy tickets for a specific day ahead of time, but if I am unlikely to get in, I would do so. Would you recommend buying ahead for a specific day/time or are plenty of tickets available on a walk-up basis? I understand the palaces are closed on Mondays.

I see tickets are available on tickets.spsg.de. Is this the correct site to buy from if I have to do so?

Thanks so much in advance!

When we went there my relatives picked up the tickets upon arrival--no advance reservations, and forgot to get me a photography permit, which meant that I could not photograph the interiors.

I had to wear slippers - everyone did when I went in - in August a few years back and no long wait - Sans Souci which has much more visitors I think that Cecilanhof - don't miss the Russian 'town' just northeast os Sans Souci and walk thre the park famed for its whimsical follies and things Chinese, like a pagoda reflecting a fatuation with all things Chinoserie at that time.

Thank you so much! I won't worry about purchasing ahead. I will look for the Russian "town" and walk through the park. I'll have to be sure to get going early that day - lots to do!

we went in September a few years ago and though it was busy, it was easy enough to get tickets.

tickets to the Sanssouci are timed so get them as soon as you get there even if you don't want to go round the palace straight away. and the combined tickets are definitely a good deal - once you are there, you are bound to want to see everything.

Thanks, annhig! I plan to get there when they open, as I know I will want to try to see everything.

FWIW, although I didn't arrive until mid-morning, I spent a FULL day in Sans Souci and felt ever so slightly rushed....

In case you change your mind and want to buy tickets online in advance, the site you mentioned (spsg.de) is the official and legit one.
Unless flexibility was super-important, I'd probably buy them in advance for Sanssouci. In theory, there are tours every 20 minutes or so, but as groups are booked solidly far in advance (and MANY bus tours go to Potsdam), the actual availibility for individual visitors is already limited.
And as the total number of people allowed to visit Sanssouci is also limited, they are also not able to squeeze in extra tours when demand is high.
If you're lucky, your next slot will be in 20 minutes, if not, 2 or 3 hours later.
You could ask your hotel concierge in Berlin to help you with the booking/ ticket printing, though.
You can buy the tickets online still for next day when you'll be in Berlin.

kja, that is why I will try to arrive when they open! :) I know I will want to spend time there.

Cowboy, good to know I found the correct site, in case I decide to buy in advance. Thank you!