Private Tour of David Bowie's West-Berlin

Berlin , Germany

Private Tour of David Bowie's West-Berlin

Active

(3 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This tour takes you back to the West-Berlin of the 1970s by highlighting the massive changes Berlin has undergone since. By doing so the tour traces sites and places that Bowie sings about in his 2012 elegiac homage to Berlin, "Where are We Now?". Starting at Potsdamer Platz, we will then walk over to Hansa Studios. From there, we'll board the train to take us to the City West. After checking out Zoo Station we'll head towards the erstwhile location of the famous "Dschungel" followed by the KaDeWe - both of which Bowie frequently visited and therefore references in his song. Next, we'll board the train again to take a look at the gay bar Bowie used to have his nightcap in, before concluding our tour outside the building he used to call home between 1976 and 1978.

Available options

The Man who fell to Earth: The Thin White Duke in 1970s West-Berlin

What's included

Guiding services

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

This iconic square went from bustling hub to wasteland and back to being a bustling hub yet again! Bowie sings about this square in his 2012 song, "Where are We Now?", and on tour, we are tracing the places and Berlin haunts Bowie sings about in his song. Potsdamer Platz is one of them!

Stop 2

Another famous Berlin landmark Bowie sings about in his homage to Berlin, "Where are We Now?". He used to buy his groceries in this famous department store, one that is deeply steeped in history.

The notorious Christiane F. was a huge David Bowie fan. Along with her friends she hung about Zoo Station, which back in the day, was a dingy place indeed. Times have changed! In the movie based on her book, Bowie's music can be heard throughout as he provided the soundtrack, or rather, allowed the producer and the director to use his songs.

Stop 4

This is where Bowie recorded the better part (literally!) of his "Berlin Trilogy". That's you opportunity to take pictures of this iconic studio and admire the fabulous GIF-animation of him in one of their windows!

Stop 5

Former location of the Dschungel, one of the hang-outs where Bowie could be found almost every night. Though the Dschungel no longer exists, the location where it used to be, does!

Stop 6

Bowie's former home! Here's your chance to take a good look at the building Bowie called his home for almost 3 years between 1976 and 1978. There are always flowers or candles, etc. outside placed on a ledge, a ledge that is part of this turn-of-the-century building, so as if the building's architect had known, that about 70 years later a famous musician would one day live here, for fans and admirers to pay their respects!

Stop 7

"Neues Ufer"/ formerly "Anderes Ufer", a local gay bar where Bowie hung out a lot, usually to take a night cap as back then, this bar was open 24/7. Having a drink here is optional, and many customers choose to have one after the tour.

What's not included

Coffee and/or Tea

tickets, etc.

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN FR

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

outside the main entrance

About Berlin

Berlin, Germany's capital and largest city, is a vibrant metropolis known for its rich history, diverse culture, and dynamic nightlife. The city's eclectic mix of modern and historic architecture, world-class museums, and thriving arts scene make it a must-visit destination in Europe.

Top Attractions

Brandenburg Gate

A neoclassical monument and one of Berlin's most iconic landmarks, the Brandenburg Gate was built in the 18th century and has been a symbol of the city's history and reunification.

Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Berlin Wall Memorial and East Side Gallery

The Berlin Wall Memorial and the East Side Gallery are important historical sites that commemorate the division of Berlin during the Cold War and the fall of the Wall in 1989.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Museum Island

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Museum Island is home to five world-renowned museums, including the Pergamon Museum, the Neues Museum, and the Alte Nationalgalerie.

Museum Half-day to full day €19 (Museum Island Day Ticket) or individual museum tickets

Reichstag Building

The Reichstag Building is the seat of the German Bundestag (parliament) and a symbol of German democracy. The glass dome on top offers panoramic views of the city.

Historical 1-2 hours Free (but advance registration is required)

Potsdamer Platz

Potsdamer Platz is a major public square and traffic intersection in the heart of Berlin. It is known for its modern architecture, shopping, and entertainment options.

Architecture 1-2 hours Free to explore, costs vary for shopping and dining

Must-Try Local Dishes

Currywurst

A popular Berlin street food, currywurst is a sliced sausage served with a curry ketchup sauce and often topped with curry powder.

Snack Contains pork, vegetarian and vegan options available

Boulette

A German-style meatball, usually served with potato salad or mashed potatoes and a creamy sauce.

Main Course Contains beef or pork, vegetarian and vegan options available

Döner Kebab

A Turkish dish popularized in Berlin, consisting of seasoned meat (usually lamb, beef, or chicken) cooked on a vertical rotisserie and served in flatbread with vegetables and sauces.

Main Course Contains meat, vegetarian and vegan options available

Berliner Pfannkuchen

A jelly-filled doughnut, similar to a Berlin-style donut, often eaten during Carnival season.

Dessert Contains wheat, dairy, and egg, vegan options available

Popular Activities

Cycling Hiking Boat tours Rock climbing Spa and wellness Picnicking in parks Café hopping Boat tours on the Spree River

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the warmest time of the year with long daylight hours, making it ideal for outdoor activities and festivals. The city is lively with tourists and locals enjoying the summer weather.

20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) 68°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: German
Widely spoken: English, French, Turkish, Arabic, Russian
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Berlin is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services, and agree on the fare before starting your journey.
• Keep your passport and valuables in a safe place, and carry a copy of your passport and important documents.

Getting there

By air

Berlin Brandenburg Airport • 18 km (11 miles) from city center

By train

Berlin Hauptbahnhof

By bus

Berlin Central Bus Station (ZOB)

Getting around

Public transport

The U-Bahn is a fast and efficient way to get around Berlin, with 10 lines serving 173 stations. It operates from early morning to late at night.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Mitte Kreuzberg Prenzlauer Berg Friedrichshain Charlottenburg

Day trips

Potsdam

35 km (22 miles) from Berlin • Half-day to full day

Potsdam is a charming city near Berlin, known for its stunning palaces, parks, and lakes. It was the former residence of Prussian kings and German emperors and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Spreewald

100 km (62 miles) from Berlin • Full day

Spreewald is a picturesque region of forests, lakes, and canals, known for its traditional wooden houses, pickles, and gondola rides. It is a popular destination for outdoor activities and relaxation.

Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial

35 km (22 miles) from Berlin • Half-day

The Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial is a somber and important historical site, dedicated to the victims of the Nazi regime. The memorial includes the preserved camp buildings, a museum, and a memorial cemetery.

Festivals

Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) • February Berlin Carnival of Cultures (Karneval der Kulturen) • Late May to early June Berlin Festival • September

Pro tips

Learn a few basic phrases in German, as it's appreciated by locals and can enhance your travel experience.
Consider purchasing a Berlin WelcomeCard for unlimited public transportation and discounts at attractions.
Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and attractions.
Visit Berlin's many parks and green spaces, which offer a peaceful and relaxing escape from the bustling city.
Be open to trying new foods and culinary experiences, as Berlin's diverse food scene offers something for everyone.