Discover 2169 tours and activities in Berlin
If there’s one thing that’s emblematic of this city, it’s the Berlin Wall. Erected in 1961 to separate East and West Berlin during the Cold War, the wall was 27 miles long and divided the city for over two decades.
During these iconic Berlin tours, you’ll hear tales of those who escaped from east to west, and those who didn’t. Popular stops include the remains of watchtowers, border crossings, and sections of the famous graffiti-daubed walls that stand as a reminder of the folly of war.
You can see the wall during walking tours and bike excursions, with plenty of photo opportunities along the way.
Many Berlin tours take in the historic Reichstag building, which is home to the German Parliament in the heart of the government district. After admiring the photogenic exterior, which delightfully blends old and new, you’ll enjoy a guided visit inside to learn about present-day politics.
Explore the grand Plenary Chamber, then climb the futuristic spiral ramp inside the glass roof dome. The best bit is the roof terrace, where you’ll be treated to some epic city views. Don’t forget your camera!
These Reichstag excursions often take in the Federal Chancellery and the Berlin Wall Memorial too, for a fully rounded experience.
Taking a cruise on the River Spree gives you an enviable vantage point from which to absorb some of the city’s best attractions. As you meander through the historic heart of Berlin, enjoy front-row seats to the beauty of Museum Island, and the cultural Government Quarter.
The boat trips also float down the Landwehr Canal, which is famous for its bridges and 19th-century vibe. If you want to stop at the sights, opt for a hop-on hop-off tour and explore at your leisure.
Sunset sightseeing cruises are particularly popular when many of the major monuments of Berlin are illuminated against the night sky.
Reaching for the clouds and standing proudly on the city skyline, the Berlin TV Tower is the place to go for aerial views. Entry is often available on Berlin tours, with skip-the-line tickets letting you jump straight to the front of the queue.
Climb to the observation platform and gaze down on the bustle of Alexanderplatz, then bag a window seat in the Sphere revolving restaurant and soak up the views in style.
From here you can spot many of the city’s top sights, including the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, and Berlin Cathedral. A head for heights is a must!
Berlin is an easy city to discover on foot, with all the major landmarks within easy walking distance of each other. On these Berlin tours, you’ll delve deep into the historic heart, ticking off sights like the Brandenburg Gate and Museum Island along the way.
Your local guide will know all the secret spots too, so you’ll also get to check out places that most tourists miss.
Free walking tours are a popular way to explore for visitors on a budget, as you just give the guide a tip at the end, according to how much you enjoyed the experience.
This island museum complex is one of the city’s most visited sights, conveniently corralling five of the city’s top cultural institutions in one place. Different tours take in different museums, so be sure to choose carefully to align the sights with your interests.
Discover the wonders of ancient Egypt in the Neues Museum, marvel at classic antiques in the Pergamon Museum, and admire ancient art in the Altes Museum. Meanwhile, the Bode Museum boasts painting masterpieces and coin collections, and the Alte Nationalgalerie offers up early Modern Age sculptures.
Your expert guide will help you make sense of it all!
Get off the tourist trail and explore the lesser-known parts of the city on these alternative Berlin tours. The fashionable Kreuzberg District is the place to go, where trendy cafés and quirky boutiques line the streets. Home to artists and dreamers, this is where you’ll find the real Berlin.
You’ll journey through city markets and hidden cultural quarters while being wowed by murals on specialist street art tours. This is Berlin at her most flamboyant, which is a world away from the weight of history in the Old Town.
Finish your day with a beer tasting tour at some of the district’s hippest breweries.
Get on your bike and pedal through the streets of Berlin like a local, using two wheels to take you to places where weary feet are reluctant to tread. You’ll cycle past famous sights as well as head off the beaten track to discover hangouts that only the locals know about.
Whether you want to ride beside the Berlin Wall, pose for photos at Checkpoint Charlie, or meander along the banks of the Spree, there’s a tour here for you.
Whichever excursion you choose, you’ll come away knowing a whole lot more about the Third Reich and the Cold War.
If you’re looking for quirky Berlin tours, then a self-drive Trabi safari is just the thing. Get behind the wheel of a vintage Trabant car from the days of the German Democratic Republic, and cruise through the streets like a VIP.
You’ll explore historical districts and pause at iconic attractions while turning heads everywhere you go. It’ll feel like a journey back in time, giving you a glimpse of Berlin’s patchwork past.
Popular stops include Checkpoint Charlie, the Berliner Dom, and of course the Berlin Wall itself. You can craft your own itinerary or follow a pre-determined route through the heart of the city.
To understand a little more about the dark days of World War II and the fate of those who fell foul of the Nazis, a day trip to Sachsenhausen is a must. It’s not the most light-hearted experience, but it’s one that will make the greatest impact.
Hear stories of triumph and adversity as you take a guided tour around the complex and learn about the camp conditions endured by prisoners on a daily basis. The watchtowers and execution area are a disturbing reminder of the atrocities that occurred here.
Return to Berlin shocked yet moved, with a new admiration for those who suffered at the hands of the Nazis.
Berlin is a city full of touristic appeal, with enough museums and historical landmarks to keep you busy for weeks. The capital of Germany sits on the banks of the River Spree in the northeastern part of the country and is accessible from all over the world.
The city hasn’t shied away from its turbulent history, and reminders of World War II are what draw curious visitors from near and far.
Yet the shadows of the past have made way for a thriving new scene in this progressive city, and today Berlin is a hub of culture, entertainment, and shopping. It appeals to historians and hipsters in equal measure!
The easiest way to travel around Berlin is on the U-Bahn underground network or the S-Bahn overground trains. There are no ticket barriers at the station – you just need to validate your pass before boarding. Ticket inspections are common!
If you’re staying in Berlin for a few days, the WelcomeCard gives discounts at multiple attractions and includes transport for hassle-free sightseeing. Meanwhile, when it comes to hotels, first-time visitors should base themselves in the “Mitte” district for convenient exploring.
Always carry cash as many restaurants and bars in Berlin still don’t accept card payments. Several eateries and shops close on Sundays, so factor that into your schedule.
Don’t miss the infamous Checkpoint Charlie, which was the main crossing point from East to West Berlin during the Cold War. It’s featured in several movies and spy thrillers over the years.
Pay your respects to the Jewish victims of World War II at the Holocaust Memorial near the Brandenburg Gate. The Jewish Heritage Museum and Berlin Dungeon also throw light on some of the city’s darkest moments in history.
After you’ve had your fill of Berlin tours, why not consider taking a day trip to nearby Potsdam and the elaborate Sanssouci Palace for something a bit different?