Sites and Insights: An Expert-Led Berlin Welcome Tour

Your first taste of Berlin, side-by-side with a local guide
From US$129 for 1 person
Book a Tour
Tour Details
Duration
3 hours
Product Type
Tour
Venues
  • Brandenburg Gate
  • Reichstag exterior
  • Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
  • Unter den Linden
  • Gendarmenmarkt

"Intelligent and yet informal"

"EXCELLENT! Enthusiastic, entertaining, fact-filled, intelligent and interactive…….and yet informal."

Charles S.

"Crafted to interest each of us"

"Nina was exceptional. She crafted a tour to interest my two teenagers, my wife and myself. We all have drastically different interests and historical knowledge, yet Nina found a way to speak to each of us. Oh, and she did this thru constant rain! 5 Stars!"

Mark S.

"A wonderful ambassador, host, and tour guide"

"Jason knows Berlin and its history as well as any college professor, maybe better. He is a wonderful ambassador, host, and tour guide, putting his all into the job."

Beth G.
Photos & Highlights
  • Orientation to the major monuments in Berlin’s dramatic history
  • Join an MA or PhD level expert
Select a date
Tour Description
This three-hour to Berlin is designed to provide a perfect introduction to Berlin for first timers, or to reorient returning travelers to some of the city's most important sites, including the Brandenburg Gate, Holocaust Memorial, and the Reichstag. In the company of an historian or scholar, we’ll look at how Berlin, after decades of destruction and despair, has become the most vibrant, exciting city in Europe. Along the way, we'll get to know Berlin's biography and dig through the layers of history that overlap in this fascinating city.

Our tour begins at Pariser Platz in the shadow of the iconic Brandenburg Gate.  Looking at this magnificent structure, we will discuss the city’s imperial past and hear some of the stories that have elevated this instantly recognizable gate to its symbolic status. As we continue through Berlin’s historic center, we’ll stop at key sites associated with the city, paying special attention to everything that can’t be seen. Relentlessly bombed during the Second World War and largely neglected during the years of the Berlin Wall, much of this area has only been reconstructed in the past two decades. We will also seek out examples of what one architectural historian has called the ghosts of Berlin--places where the many layers of history are visible alongside each other, from imperial ambition to Nazi terror and Communist rule.  (For more in-depth explorations of these topics, take a look at our Berlin Nazi tour and Berlin Cold War tour.) 
 
As our tour ends, we’ll have a better sense of this remarkable city and what may be in store for Berlin in the 21st century. Feel free to continue your exploration of the city on your own, either visiting the numerous world-class museums just around the corner, strolling to the nearby Hackesche Höfe for a good German meal or beer, or hopping on an S- or U-Bahn to visit another exciting part of the capital.

FAQ

Does this walk include a visit to the Reichstag Dome? 
Reichstag Dome reservations are incredibly difficult to secure, and therefore we do not currently offer this option.


Which sights or venues are included on this walk? 
Our guides have the flexibility to craft their own narrative based on the major sights of Berlin's city center. Locations visited may include: the Brandenburger Tor, Reichstag, Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, former site of Hitler’s bunker, former Nazi chancellery, Berlin Wall fragments behind the former Reich Ministry of Aviation, Topography of Terror, Friedrichstrasse, Gendarmenmarkt (site of the Französischer Dom, Deutscher Dom and Konzerthaus), Bebelplatz, Opera House, Sankt-Hedwigs-Kathedrale, Unter den Linden, Lustgarten and Museum Island, Nikolaiviertel, Alexanderplatz and Hackescher Markt.


Is there any geographical overlap between the Topography of Terror walk and this walk?
Yes. Because Berlin's city center is filled with important historical sites, especially from the period of World War II, both walks tread over similar ground, but using a different thematic lens. 


Can this walk be booked for other times of day? For example, in the late afternoon? 
Yes, certainly! This walk can be booked on a private basis for any day, any time. In winter (November-February) it's better not to start later than 1:30-2:00 pm because it gets dark by 3:30-4:00 pm.
Experts
Lauren Lauren
Historian
Chris Chris
Historian
Sven Sven
Architect
Lucia Lucia
Architect
Rachel Rachel
Local Guide
Jamie Jamie
Archaeologist
Jochen Jochen
Local Guide
Christine Christine
Anthropologist
Nina Nina
Art Historian
Jasmine Jasmine
Artist and Designer
John John
Historian
Igor Igor
Local Guide
Eanna Eanna
Local Guide
Yael Yael
Theologian
Sara Sara
Archaeologist
Robert Robert
Historian
Dora Dora
Historian
Jan Jan
Architect
Andreas Andreas
Local Guide
Asaf Asaf
Local Guide
Paul Paul
Local Guide
Costanza Costanza
Archaeologist
Aaron Aaron
Archaeologist
Finn Finn
Historian
Jason Jason
Artist & Curator
Where You'll Start
(4.82) 381 Reviews

Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.

Dora crafted an excellent tour for us. She modified things on the fly based on the conversation we were having as the tour proceeded. Afterwards, she even shared a list of books and movies that she had referenced during the tour.
Very nice person with a great knowledge…
Sven provided interesting insights into the history of Berlin in the 20th century. I particularly liked his approach to visiting the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. He also provided good suggestions regarding other places in Berlin to see.

Explore Berlin Like a Local: An Expert-Led Walking Tour

Discover the rich history and vibrant culture of Germany's capital with our expert-led Berlin walking tour. The "Sites and Insights: An Expert-Led Berlin Welcome Tour" offers an immersive experience guided by experts who bring Berlin’s stories to life. This tour is perfect for first-time visitors wanting to grasp the city's essence, combining iconic landmarks with hidden gems.

Our Berlin walking tour takes you through significant sites such as the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall remnants, and Museum Island. You'll gain insights into Berlin’s transformation from its historical roots to its current status as a dynamic metropolis. Our guides are passionate about sharing their knowledge, ensuring a deeper understanding of the city's past and present.

To enhance your experience, check out our 5-day Berlin itinerary, offering additional activities to complement your tour. And before you pack your bags, prepare with a pre-trip talk where you'll get a head start on understanding the city's fascinating past. 

Ready to explore? Book your Berlin walking tour today and start your journey into the heart of this fascinating city.