Berlin is a fascinating city with a complicated history and there is no better way to explore it than with a tour! In this post, we provide an overview of all of the different types of tours available in Berlin, and then go into detail regarding what to expect on each of these tours.
Summary of Tours in Berlin
There are generally 5 types of tours available in Berlin.
1. General Berlin 101 Tours, which give you an overview of the city prior WWII, during the war, the events that started and ended the Cold War, and how Berlin came to be the city it is today. Click here to read a comparison of all the Berlin 101 Tours that are available.
These tours are ideal for:
- People who don't have time for more than 1 tour and want a solid introduction on Berlin's history.
- People who are unfamiliar with Berlin's history, and the role it played during WWII and the Cold War.
2. Nazi Germany Tours, which bring you to the most significant places for the Third Reich in Berlin during WWII. Click here to read a comparison of all the Nazi Germany Tours that are available.
These tours are ideal for:
- People interested in learning more about WWII history.
- People who would appreciate a better understanding of how the Nazi party rose to power
3. East Berlin GDR Tours, which focus on the Cold War and the fall of the Berlin Wall. Click here to read a comparison of all the East Berlin GDR Tours that are available.
These tours are ideal for:
- People who would like to learn more about what happened to the city after the Second World War ended.
- People who want to understand the effects of the Berlin Wall and how it came to fall.
4. Sachsenhausen Tours, which take you out of Berlin and to Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp. Click here to read a comparison of all the Sachsenhausen Tours that are available.
These tours are ideal for:
- People who would like a greater understanding of the brutality of concentration camps.
- People who would like to learn more about the horrific circumstances that Holocaust survivors had to overcome.
5. Night and Pub Crawls, which introduce you to Berlin's famous nightlife. Click here to read a comparison of all the Night and Pub Crawls that are available.
These tours are ideal for:
- People who are more interested in getting to know Berlin's nightlife culture.
- People who would like an opportunity to socialize and make new friends with likeminded people on their tour.
Berlin 101 Tours
Berlin 101 Tours are a great introduction into the city's history and culture. We recommend that you take these tours at the start of your trip, especially if this is your first time visiting the city. The cost of these tours typically run from €10-€30 per person, though there is also a 'pay what you like' option.
You can choose between a walking tour, bike tour, or bus tour. Several different companies offer each of these, so you will have no shortage of options! If you would like a full list and comparison of all the different Berlin 101 Tours, then check out our post, How to Choose the Best Berlin 101 Tour for Me. There, you will also find a self-guided Berlin 101 tour, for those who do not have time to take a guided tour.
Of all the Berlin 101 Tours available, are 2 favorites are Free Tour Berlin Imprescindible and Tour Berlin al Completo. Each of these provide a great overview of the city and cover many of the main monuments.
- Free Tour Berlin Imprescindible - This is the 'pay what you like' tour that we mentioned above. The tour is approximately 3 hours and visits significant sites such as Imperial Palace, Checkpoint Charlie, and the Holocaust Memorial, amongst many others.
- Tour Berlin al Completo - This tour costs €30 per person and is approximately 7 hours. It dives deep into the history of Berlin, breaking it down into 4 separate parts: (1) the rise and fall of the Third Reich and the evils of Nazi power; (2) Berlin during the Cold War and the city under nuclear threat; (3) the history of Prussia and the unification of Germany; (4) the Jewish neighborhood and their suffering under National Socialism. If you would like to go home after your trip with a very deep understanding of Berlin and its history, then this is the tour for you.
Nazi Germany Tours
If you would like to learn more about the rise and fall of Nazi power, and the effects that period had on Berlin, then consider taking a tour that focuses on Nazi Germany and the Third Reich. There are both walking tours and bike tours available. The average cost is 14 € for a walking tour and 20 € - 30 € for a bike tour. If you would like a full list and comparison of all the different Nazi Germany Tours, then check out our post, Tours of Nazi Berlin and places of the Second World War.
Though we do no have a self-guided Nazi Germany Tour, we do have information regarding the location of Hitler's bunker if you would prefer to visit it on your own. We also have a post specifically dedicated to Berlin Bunker Tours.
East Berlin GDR Tours
East Berlin is a fascinating area that was extremely significant during the Cold War. There are many different walking and biking tours of the area, each of which ranges between € 12 - € 28 per person. If you would like a full list of all the different East Berlin GDR Tours, then check out our post, Tours and Things to Do in East Berlin. In addition to comparing each of the tours on offer, we also share tips on the best things to do in that part of the city.
If you don't have time to take a tour, then consider following our self-guided tour of East Berlin. This brings you to all the major sites in the area such as Checkpoint Charlie, Brandenburg Gate, and the East Side Gallery.
Sachsenhausen Tours
For those looking for a much greater understanding of cruelty of Nazi power, consider taking a tour of Sachsenhausen. The former concentration camp is about an hour outside of the city and offers a haunting perspective on the horrors faced by Holocaust victims. There are both public and private tours available. Public tours typically cost €12-€20 per person, while a private tour costs around €100 for a group. If you would like a full list and comparison of all the different companies leading tours to Sachsenhausen, then check out our post, Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Tours.
Our favorite Sachsenhausen Tour is run by Paseando Por Europa. They offer a 6 hour tour with roundtrip transportation from Berlin that reveals what happened, when it happened, and how it happened. They do an excellent job of highlighting small details that would otherwise be missed.
Alternatively, you can also choose to visit Sachsenhausen on your own. Though we don't have a self-guided tour available, you can click here to learn more about the guidelines for admission. We also have directions on how to get there.
Night and Pub Crawls
Berlin is a city with an incredible nightlife and drinking culture. There are several different types of evening tours available, including traditional pub crawls, craft beer tours, night bike tours, night boat tours, evening walking tours, and seasonal night bus tours. We list all and compare all of the tours available in our post, Best Pub Crawls and Night Tours in Berlin.
