Highlights Tour: Explore Berlin's unique Museum Island
Active
2h
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 UNESCO World Heritage site, Museum Island, is a truly unique collection of museums and one of the most architecturally beautiful places in Berlin. I’m excited to share my enthusiasm for this extraordinary place with you on this tour!"
Feeling overwhelmed by the offerings on Museum Island? This tour provides a comprehensive introduction to the five museums, exploring their history, architecture, and giving you an overview of the impressive collections.
The tour is an exterior visit of the buildings, including some of the entrance halls and courtyards. No admission tickets are needed for these explorative visits.
This tour serves as the perfect introduction to the Museum Island, leaving you well-prepared to decide which museum you would like to explore further on your own.
The tour ends on the Museum Island, which is a super central spot to continue the day. You could have a coffee break in one of the museum cafés and continue with a prepared museum visit!
Available options
Museum Island tour in English
Museum Island Tour in German
What's included
Introduction to the collections
Visit of some entrance halls and courtyards
Introduction to the museums from the outside
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Pass by
The Bode Museum: A magnificent "water castle", captivating visitors right from its impressive equestrian statue in the glorious entrance hall—even before stepping into its outstanding collections of Byzantine art, sculptures, and coins.
2
Stop 2
Pass by
The Pergamon Museum: A world-famous museum—and currently an equally famous construction site. As the youngest of the pre-war buildings on Museum Island, it will once again dazzle visitors upon reopening with unique monuments such as the Pergamon Altar, the Market Gate of Miletus, and the Ishtar Gate.
3
A fascinating "substitute" for the closed Pergamon Museum: Here, you can learn all about the history of the Pergamon Altar and explore a captivating exhibition dedicated to this iconic monument.
4
Stop 4
Pass by
The Berlin Cathedral: A monumental church and architectural masterpiece that sparked both admiration and controversy at the time of its construction.
5
The New, Old Palace: Discover its controversial history, remarkable architecture, and the museums it now houses.
6
Stop 6
Pass by
The Old National Gallery: An impressive temple of art, home to 19th-century masterpieces ranging from Romanticism to Impressionism.
7
The architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel's masterpiece: The former 'Royal Museum'—Prussia's first purpose-built museum, designed to make art accessible to the people.
8
Stop 8
Pass by
The New Museum: An architectural masterpiece, beautifully restored after the destruction of World War II. Its fascinating collection includes the world-famous bust of Nefertiti—a highlight of ancient art that adds to the unique charm of this museum.
What's not included
Entry into museum collections
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
1 reviews
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Tripadvisor
5.0
25 reviews
5★
25
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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
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The tour is an exterior visit of the buildings, including some of the entrance halls and courtyards. No admission tickets are needed for these explorative visits.
Meeting point
Meeting point is in front of the main entrance to the Bode Museum. Your guide will wear a clearly visible Kontext Berlin name tag.
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
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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