Looking for Berlin tours? Discover 12 tours ideas you should consider if it is the first time you are visiting Berlin. From history to art and it’s alternative vibe, Berlin has a lot to offer to its visitors.
1 – Delve into the history and art of the Berlin Wall
The Berlin Wall which once divided the eastern side of the capital to its western side has nowadays become an open-air street gallery, named East Side Gallery. The graffiti painted on its walls have become famous worldwide, as they symbolize peace and the end of Germany’s division.
The Berlin Wall is one of the most important landmarks and it’s a must-visit whilst in Berlin. To understand its last decades of history, we suggest you book a guided visit with an expert guide who will help you understand all the information you need to know about the Wall and its fascinating artwork. For sure you will love this tour so make sure you add the Berlin Wall into your itinerary!
Being a highly-renown site, there are many tours offered by thousands of providers and you might find it hard to choose one, so if you need some extra help we have a solution! The button below will redirect you to TourScanner where you can compare all the Berlin Wall tours on offer and prices.
2 – Stroll through Brandenburg gate
The Brandenburg Gate is also one of the main sites in Berlin. It used to be on the Eastern side of Berlin (in the communist side) so after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the Brandenburg Gate became a symbol of reunification.
Brandenburg Gate Museum is just a few steps away from the Brandenburg Gate, so we suggest you pay a visit to this museum if you’re interested in getting to know more about Berlin’s history from 300 years ago till now. They have screens showing the highs and lows of the Germans in the past years, the construction of the Brandenburg Gate, the period of the German Empire, World War I, the turbulent 20’s and World War II and more.
These two sites are highly recommended if you want to know more about history. The price to get in the Brandenburg Gate Museum is 5€, so if you want to do two in one, you can book a tour to see the Brandenburg Gate and a guided expert will tell you all the details and you will have the entrance to the museum included in the price.
3 – Visit the must-see Reichstag
Less than 10 minutes walk away from the Brandenburg Gate, you can find the Reichstag which used to be in the Western Side of Berlin as the council by the German Assembly until Hitler took control of the government.
Nowadays, the Reichstag is used as the Parliament of Germany. The architecture of the Reichstag is beautiful and the cupola inside is even more fascinating and can be visited.
The tickets to get in the Reichstag are free but run out very quickly so we suggest you book in advance or even look for skip-the-line tickets which include a guided tour of the building (this you would have to pay). Seeing as though the Reichstag is near to the Brandenburg Gate you can perhaps look for tours that include these two famous sites.
4 – Admire the glorious Berlin Cathedral
Located on the Museum Island, Berlin Cathedral is an awe-inspiring place to visit. The history of its construction and stunning architecture is jaw-dropping and worth visiting.
It is the largest church in Berlin and its open to the public for a small fee. Inside it you can admire the works of art, go down the crypt to see the resting place of many famous Berlin residents and don’t forget to climb up the 270 steps to the viewing platform to see the stunning views over the rooftops.
There are guides or audioguides available here for those who want to know more about the history of the cathedral.
4 – Pass by Checkpoint Charlie
The most famous crossing point between East and West Germany during the time of the Berlin Wall. Nowadays you can go there and see the imitation to how it once used to be. However, you can see the original building at the Allied Museum for a real insight of how it was.
As you can understand, it’s another historical site worth visiting and taking a photo here is definitely a must-do!
5 – Live the atmosphere in Kreuzberg District
One of Berlin’s most vibrant and multicultural neighbourhoods, that boasts food, culture and art. Here you can see many food stands, cafes and beer halls; try the typical “currywrust” and some Turkish specialities. Whilst you walk around, pay special attention to its colourful graffiti and artwork on the streets.
If you’re interested in knowing more, we suggest you join a tour around this neighbourhood to have inside tips from a local! There’s no better way than that. Plus, you get to do this tour in a group so it’s a great way of getting to know people whilst travelling!
6 – Explore Berlin’s Museum Island
If you’re into museums, then this is your place. Hop over to the island that houses some of the best museums in the world. This Museum Island complex sits on the River Spree and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, well, I wouldn’t be surprised! There are total of 5 museums:
- Pergamon Museum. There you can find Ishtar Gate, Processional Way, Market Gate of Miletus, Islamic art and much more.
- Neues Museum. You can find ancient Egyptian art.
- Bode Museum.
- Altes Museum. Greek, Etruscan and Roman art.
- Alte Nationalgalerie. A national art gallery with Neoclassical, Romantic, Impressionist and early Modernism artwork.
You can purchase a 3-day museum pass to fully appreciate the Museum Island which would cost 18€.
7 – Remember the Holocaust Memorial
The Holocaust Memorial is a memorial to remember all the murdered Jews of Europe. It’s an open space structure made of a maze of columns to resemble the Jews frustration as you walk in it and feel like you can’t get out.
There are many walking tours that go past this site so make sure you see it and pay careful attention to the tour guide who will explain you the meaning of this significant memorial.
There are also guided tours to Sachsenhausen where you will witness the horror of the concentration camps.
8 – Go up the magnificent Berlin TV Tower
The 368 meters high TV Tower was aimed to be the symbol of Germany by the Democratic Republic of Germany. Being the tallest building in Germany, you can go to the top and enjoy a 360° view over the city. There is also a restaurant at the top of the tower.
The TV Tower is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Berlin, which is why we recommend you book a skip-the-line ticket if you’d like to go up it. The view from up there is jaw-dropping!
9 – Explore the city on a walking tour
Feeling active to walk around for hours and soak in all of Berlin’s history? There is no better way of getting to know a city than wandering around. Plus, you have an expert guide with you at all times to talk you through everything there is to know about the history of Berlin and the Cold War it suffered.
You can find free walking tours or very cheap walking tours on many websites at very competitive prices so we suggest you take a look on TourScanner where you can compare tours and prices. You won’t regret taking a walking tour!
10 – Ride along the river on a boat tour
Get to know the city of Berlin from a different perspective and give your feet a rest whilst sitting back on a boat as you see some of the city’s most remarkable attractions. Plus, you get an audio guide telling you all about the beautiful sites you go past and Berlin’s history.
It’s really not that expensive, you can find boat tours between the price of 15-25 maximum. If you’re looking for a different point of view of Berlin, this is the one for you!
11 – Get inspired on a street art tour
For art lovers who want to do something different whilst in Berlin, this tour goes through abandoned industrial yards to backstreets, courtyards and some famous artworks as your guide gives you an insight and tales from the streets.
You’ll learn the meanings behind art, its political messages, techniques, culture, its humour and much more. We recommend this tour for art lovers and photographers who are looking for uniqueness.
12 – Capture memories on a photo tour
Want to capture unforgettable moments in Berlin? This tour is just perfect, it combines a private photographer and guide! It’ll be the best way to get pictures of your time in the city and at the same time learn about its history, culture and art. You’ll get to see all the famous landmarks and have great pictures with them in the background!
These tours can be pricey but it’s worth your money. Very suitable tour for family and friends.
We hope you find these tours interesting enough and actually participate in some! If you have any question please leave a comment in the box below.
Enjoy Berlin! 🙂