Tour Places of democracy in the government district from Futurium

Berlin , Germany

Tour Places of democracy in the government district from Futurium

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About this experience

You can expect an entertaining, German-language tour (approx. 75 minutes) in the government district. Hear many exciting stories about political Berlin. An expert guide shows surprising places around the Reichstag and the Chancellery. The imposing buildings of the German Bundestag characterize the cityscape on the banks of the Spree. There is much to discover in the Parliament Quarter. There are great photo opportunities on the way to the Reichstag building.

Interesting sights on the tour: ARD capital studio, parliament building, former presidential palace of the Reichstag, memorial for the dead of the Wall, Berlin Wall, federal press conference, art in space and the Federal Chancellery. Look forward to an entertaining tour and a little journey through time.

Would you like to visit the Reichstag afterwards? You will receive information and instructions for registration by email. Admission to the Reichstag is not part of the tour. Visit and admission only with an invitation from the Bundestag or the restaurant.

Available options

German speaking guide

Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes

What's included

expert guide for a tour of the government district

Instructions for registering in the Bundestag, visitors must register themselves

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

our meeting point for the tour in the government district, before and after our tour we recommend a visit to this free, interactive museum with many important future topics such as climate, living, nutrition and technology.

Action artist Ben Wagin built the Parliament of Trees in 1990 as a memorial to the victims of the Berlin Wall and made an important contribution to remembrance. We try to introduce this place on our guided tour.

Right at the beginning of our tour we see this park. Between the Spree, the Chancellery, the Paul-Löbe-Haus, the Swiss Embassy and the day-care center of the Bundestag, the Spreebogenpark with a waterfront promenade and wide meadows has become a popular green space. From there there are great views of the Victory Column, Zoofenster, Sony Center and TV Tower.

Along with the Reichstag, the Federal Chancellery is one of the most well-known buildings in Berlin's new center. It is part of the bond of covenant. Renowned architects planned the government and parliament quarters around the Reichstag. Chancellor Angela Merkel has governed the Federal Republic of Germany from there since 2005.

The parliament building is located in the government district. The building houses the scientific services of the German Bundestag, including the parliamentary library. The hearing room (including investigative committees) is the second largest room in the German Bundestag, after the plenary hall in the Reichstag.

For the elected representatives, the Paul-Löbe-Haus is one of the most important buildings in Berlin's government district. During the session weeks, the 21 meeting rooms are used by the committees every day. The building contains 1700 rooms including offices for MPs and for the committee secretariats.

The house is the largest building complex of the Bundestag and houses various offices of the Bundestag. Some older buildings have been incorporated into the complex. Including the former Reichstag President's Palace.

Stop 8

The ARD Capital Studio was opened at the same time as the federal government moved from Bonn to Berlin in 1999. About 70 journalists work there and produce reports about political Berlin.

Stop 9

The Reichstag building is the seat of the German Bundestag. In addition to the plenary hall, the roof terrace and dome can also be visited. The visit can take place, for example, after our tour of the government district. Registration is individual.

What's not included

Directions to the meeting point

Personal Expenses

Visit to the Bundestag is not included

Available languages

Guide guide

Written guide

Reviews breakdown

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Tripadvisor 4.7

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Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please note:

For guests looking for a tour to the Reichstag in other languages (English, French, Dutch, Spanish, Italian and other languages), we offer private tours on request.

Info about our meeting point : our tour of the government district starts in front of the Futurium (House of Futures) and not in front of the Reichstag (please pay attention)

Admission to the Reichstag is not part of the tour. Prior registration is required. Without registration, the Parliament building, the Chamber and the dome cannot be visited. Admission to the Reichstag is only possible with an invitation from the Bundestag or the Beetle Roof Garden Restaurant. The ticket for the guided tour in the government district is not an admission ticket to the Reichstag. The visit to the Reichstag can only be confirmed by the Bundestag or the restaurant.

Meeting point

Important notes

Meeting point: in front of the entrance to the Futurium Entrance South (Alexanderufer 2, 10117 Berlin) on the corner of the Kapelle-Ufer on the Spreeufer with a view of the Reichstag dome and the Chancellery not far from the main train station (three minutes' walk from the station). The main station can be reached by public transport: S-Bahn lines S3, S5, S7, S9, U-Bahn line U5, tram lines M10, M5, M8, with many bus lines and regional trains as well as ICE etc.

The guided tour in the government district takes about 75 minutes.

Attention: the entrance to the Reichstag is not part of the tour. A visit to the Reichstag and the dome is only possible with an invitation from the Bundestag or restaurant. Registration in the Bundestag or in the Käfer roof garden restaurant is necessary. Registration is mandatory. Access is then by invitation only. There is an ID check for this at the Reichstag. For this, all participant data of the visitors must be available to the Bundestag.

Important: a visit cannot be registered, especially at short notice. The ticket for the guided tour of the government district is not an admission ticket for a visit to the Reichstag. The tour ends in front of the Reichstag. Only if you have an invitation from the Bundestag or restaurant can you visit the Reichstag and the dome after the tour. The organizer will be happy to pass on all information for the visit. Registration is done by the visitors themselves. The organizer does not guarantee availability in the Bundestag. The availability lies exclusively with the Visitor Service Bundestag.

The guided tour in the government district always takes place! The visit to the Reichstag and the dome is only a recommendation! However, the tour is very suitable for a possible visit to the Reichstag building.

A few weeks before the event, visitors will receive the information for registering in the Bundestag by e-mail. Visitors must register themselves.

The tour is only in German.

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.