Berlin Travel Guide

Berlin travel guide

Berlin is a city which once you have visited you won't want to leave. Millions of people visit Berlin every year and you will find the locals some of the friendliest in Europe, you can expect cool cafés, bars, music and atmosphere - this city is the perfect choice for short and long trips 

Berlin in our opinion is often overlooked as a city as people assume it’s too expensive, or have other preconceived ideas about this city. The capital of Germany is however, a very affordable destination and should be on any list of possible European city destinations.

Berlin has a very well known, and inescapable history and as a result, the city has seen a lot of change in the last century. It is filled with historic sites and places to visit to learn about the country’s past, such as the Holocaust memorial and Topography of Terror, both free and both incredibly eye opening – both are a must do for anyone planning on visiting Berlin.

One of the other well-known must see attractions in Berlin is of course, the Berlin wall - definitely worth a visit even for those who aren’t into history. Berlin just has so much to see and do – a weekend in this city will only leave you wanting more. As far as Europe goes, Berlin is reasonably priced and you’ll be able to have a fantastic time without breaking the bank.

As with any city, where you choose to eat, drink, and stay will make the difference, but Berlin has something for any budget.

 

Berlin Tours

Find Berlin city sightseeing tours and activities. Search the best Berlin city tours, free walking tours, boat tours and private tours for individuals, travellers, schools and groups. There are lots of tours available to join daily in Berlin on foot, bike, boat, bus or segway! 

 

Berlin City Sightseeing Pass

If you have an up and coming break to Berlin and would like to see the sights and also save money we highly recommend buying the Berlin sightseeing pass. You can book this in advance, get it delivered by post and then save money on the top attractions once in the city. To view more information and to make a booking click the banner below.

 

Best Places to Visit in Berlin

This tour can be tailored to match your interests but typically includes:

  • Checkpoint Charlie
  • Friedrichstrasse
  • Gendarmenmarkt
  • Pariser Platz
  • The Brandenburg Gate
  • The Reichstag
  • The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
  • The site of Hitler’s former bunker
  • The former Luftwaffe HQ
  • The 17th of June Memorial
  • The Berlin Wall
  • The former SS and Gestapo HQs
  • The Book Burning Memorial
  • The Neue Wache Memorial
  • The TV Tower
  • The Museum Island
  • Unter den Linden

 

Alternative Berlin City Tours

If you would like to see a different side of Berlin then there are various alternative city tours which are perfect if you have already seen the main sights, or would just like to get off the tourist trail

  • Street art and graffiti
  • Back streets, abandoned ruins and squats
  • Urban conflict zones
  • Berlin’s history of protests, riots and demos
  • The East Side Gallery
  • Berlin’s coolest districts today
  • Tacheles art space
  • Haus Schwarzenburg
  • O2 World and the Media Spree project

 

Berlin Boat Tours

A popular option which you might not have thought about is booking a boat tour of Berlin, you can see a lot by a river boat including:

  • Schloss Charlottenburg palace
  • The new government district
  • The Museum Island
  • The Berliner Dom cathedral
  • Berlin’s Best Beach Bars
  • The Landwehr Canal
  • The Oberbaumbrücke bridge
  • The controversial Media Spree project
  • Kreuzberg – West Berlin’s alternative heart
  • The historic harbour
  • The Nikolaiviertel
  • The East Side Gallery
  • Escape stories from East Berlin
  • Haus der Kulturen der Welt exhibition centre
  • The German Chancellery
  • The Reichstag

 

Private Tours of Belin

There are various companies and individuals offering private tours of Berlin. Joining a tours with a personal tour guide is a great way to learn more about Berlin and also get all your questions answered. Usually you can choose where to start, finish and places to visit inbetween, or you can also be flexible and leave this up to the guide. Some companies have set itineraries or if you have a specific interest then this can be incorportated into a tour too. 

 

Free Tours in Berlin

Some companies and also tour guides offer free tours of Berlin which usually last around 2-3 hours. Shoter and longer tours are also available. Don't be put off the by the free part of the title, these tours can be really good and they are very popular. The only catch is they are not usually totally free, usually you will be required (or suggested) to give a donation at the end of the tour to support the local guide.

If you are not happy with the tour, or you are really on a budget then you can just walk away without paying though. If you are not planning to book ahead on the internet be sure to get to the meeting point early, we recommend around 10-15 minutes in advance so you can find your guide and group.