Berlin Protest History Tour: Rebels, Resistance, and Revolution
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover Berlin as a city of protest on this engaging walking tour through one of its most historic areas. Beginning at the Red Town Hall, we trace 800 years of history — from the Berlin Indignation of 1448 to the Peaceful Revolution of 1989. At Schlossplatz, see where the March Revolution of 1848 erupted, as citizens demanded civil rights and free elections, and fought Prussian troops on barricaded streets. At Rosenstraße, hear how German women stood up for their Jewish husbands in 1943, staging the only public protest against the Final Solution. In Alexanderplatz, uncover how demonstrations in 1989 swelled into the largest protest in East German history, leading to the fall of the Wall.
- Trace 800 years of Berlin’s history in one compact area
- Discover four key protests that shaped the city’s destiny
- See iconic landmarks including the Berlin Palace, Red Town Hall, and TV Tower
- Learn how ordinary citizens defied rulers and regimes
Available options
German Guide
English Guide
What's included
Expert guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Explore the impressive terracotta timeline of Berlin's history stretching all around the Red Town Hall. See the origins of the city and the cause for the most important uprising in Berlin's early history depicted in stone.
2
Stop 2
Catch sight of a prime example of socialist kitsch built for the 750th anniversary of Berlin and the last remnants of the Palace of the Republic - the seat of the East German parliament and the most famous entertainment venue in the socialist half of the city at the same time.
3
Stop 3
Explore the East German answer to the Red Town Hall's terracotta timeline - this timeline shows the most important moments in the history of the socialist country, with such pivotal moments as the building of the Berlin Wall suspiciously absent from it.
4
Meet the authors of The Communist Manifesto - Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. The statue of the two socialist philosophers has been a subject of much debate over the years.
5
See the reconstructed Berlin Palace and find out how the original palace was a witness to several protests and revolutions, most notably the March Revolution of 1848, which sowed the seeds of democracy in Germany.
6
Stop 6
See the Rosenstrasse monument for the women who staged a courageous act of civil disobedience in the cold winter of 1943 - the only protest by Germans against the Final Solution. Hear about Jewish life under Nazi rule and see the foundations of the oldest synagogue in Berlin.
7
Marvel at one of the oldest churches in Berlin, where Martin Luther King delivered a sermon to a huge crowd in 1964.
8
Stop 8
Pass by
Catch sight of Berlin's Television Tower - the landmark of the city and a symbol of communist power.
9
Explore the history of the Peaceful Revolution of 1989 by tracing the events that led to the Fall of the Wall. Hear about young East German oppositionists who staged a "T-shirt protest" by the fountain in autumn 1989.
10
Stand at the most popular meeting spot in East Berlin - a rotating clock of a unique design showing time in 148 cities around the world.
What's not included
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
EN
Reviews breakdown
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5.0
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Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
At the sculpture “Aufbauhelferin” (bronze statue of a young woman with a shovel over her shoulder) next to the Rotes Rathaus underground station (U5), directly opposite the Red Town Hall (Rotes Rathaus). Look for our guide with the orange umbrella!
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.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
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Free cancellation available
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