In the Forbidden City - Potsdam Walking Tour
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
Large parts of the city of Potsdam were once a restricted area - no Potsdamers or visitors had access.
Learn more about the fascinating Soviet secrets of Potsdam. Hear about the Allies’ Potsdam Conference in the summer of 1945, the KGB activities in Soviet Potsdam, the life in the Forbidden City and the world-famous Bridge of Spies. Enjoy a 2.5-hours Walking Tour through a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If your date is not available, please chack for our private tours.
Available options
Tour: Verbotene Stadt Deutsch
Sowjetisches Potsdam - In der Verbotenen Stadt - Stadtführung auf Deutsch
What's included
Local guide
Professional guide
Detailed itinerary
1
The Glienicke Bridge is know as the "Bridge of Spies". During the Cold War, the bridge was used by CIA and KGB in order to exchange agents. The Hollywood movie "Bridge of Spies" was shot here. The bridge was the border between the GDR and the American sector in West Berlin. Until the fall of the Berlin Wall, the bridge was a heavily secured restricted area.
2
The "Schwanenallee" was once located directly next to the Berlin Wall, which shielded the houses from the riverbank. Today its villas are in a prime location.
3
Stop 3
The Cecilienhof Palace is the historic venue of the Potsdam Conference. In the summer of 1945, US President Harry S. Truman, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Soviet head of state Josef Stalin met here. We will not enter the palace, but see it from the outside.The conference was an end point of World War II, but also a starting point of the Cold War.
4
The UNESCO World Heritage Site "New Garden" was also a restricted area for a long time. The border fortifications of the Berlin Wall ran through the park with its historic palaces
5
Soviet military town No. 7 - a “forbidden city”, was located next to the New Garden. It was one of the most important intelligence sites of the Soviets during the Cold War. The former KGB prison is located in this area. We discover the neighborhood, which for almost 50 years was a Soviet restricted area in the middle of Potsdam. On the tour you will learn more about the work and life in this forbidden city.
What's not included
Transportation to/from attractions
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
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Important information
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Meeting point
Glienicke Bridge, Potsdam side!! (coordinates: 52.413332, 13.088967)
We recommend travelling by public transport. From Berlin e.g. bus 316 from the S-Bahn station Wannsee to "Glienicker Brücke" or from Potsdam with tram 93 to "Glienicker Brücke".
About Potsdam
Potsdam is a vibrant city near Berlin, renowned for its stunning palaces, parks, and lakes. Once the residence of Prussian kings and German emperors, it offers a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Top Attractions
Sanssouci Palace
Sanssouci Palace is the former summer palace of Frederick the Great, King of Prussia. It is a stunning example of Rococo architecture and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Historical/Architecture
2-3 hours
€12-18
Potsdam New Palace
The New Palace is a Baroque palace built by Frederick the Great. It features stunning architecture, lavish interiors, and beautiful gardens.
Historical/Architecture
1-2 hours
€10-14
Potsdam's Dutch Quarter
The Dutch Quarter is a charming area with over 150 houses built in the Dutch style. It is a great place to explore and enjoy the city's history and culture.
Cultural/Historical
1-2 hours
Free
Potsdam's Gardens and Parks
Potsdam is known as the 'City of Palaces and Gardens' and has numerous beautiful parks and gardens to explore. The most famous are the Sanssouci Park and the New Garden.
Nature
Half day to full day
Free to €12
Potsdam's Film Park Babelsberg
Film Park Babelsberg is a unique attraction that offers a behind-the-scenes look at the world of film and television. It features interactive exhibits, movie sets, and more.
Entertainment/Cultural
2-3 hours
€15-20
Must-Try Local Dishes
Potsdamer Schnitzel
A breaded and fried pork or veal cutlet, similar to Wiener Schnitzel but with a unique Potsdam twist.
Main Course
Contains gluten and dairy
Potsdamer Bär
A traditional Potsdam pastry filled with cream and topped with chocolate.
Dessert
Contains gluten, dairy, and nuts
Eisbein
A traditional German dish of pickled pork knuckle, often served with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes.
Main Course
Contains pork
Popular Activities
Hiking
Biking
Canoeing
Kayaking
Spa treatments
Park picnics
Café hopping
Boat tours
Best Time to Visit
May to September
This is the best time to visit Potsdam, with pleasant weather and numerous outdoor activities available. The parks and gardens are in full bloom, and the city hosts various festivals and events.
15°C to 25°C
59°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: German
- Widely spoken: English, French
- English: Moderately 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
Potsdam is generally a safe city with low crime rates. However, as with any destination, it is important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services.
- • Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions or surveys.
Getting there
By air
- Berlin Brandenburg Airport • 35 km (22 miles)
By train
Potsdam Hauptbahnhof
By bus
ZOB Potsdam
Getting around
Public transport
The bus network covers the entire city and is efficient and reliable. Buses are the primary mode of public transport in Potsdam.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Bolt, FreeNow
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Potsdam City Center
Babelsberg
Nauen
Day trips
Berlin
35 km (22 miles) • Half day to full day
Berlin, the capital of Germany, is a vibrant city with a rich history and numerous attractions. It is easily accessible from Potsdam and offers a great day trip option.
Spreewald
50 km (31 miles) • Full day
Spreewald is a beautiful biosphere reserve known for its canals, forests, and traditional villages. It is a great destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Wittenberg
80 km (50 miles) • Full day
Wittenberg is a historic town known for its connection to Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation. It is a great destination for history buffs and culture lovers.
Festivals
Potsdam Christmas Market • Late November to late December
Potsdam Film Festival • Early November
Potsdam Spring Festival • Late April to early May
Pro tips
- Visit the palaces early in the morning to avoid crowds.
- Consider purchasing the Potsdam WelcomeCard for unlimited public transport and discounts on attractions.
- Explore the city by bike to see more of its parks and gardens.
- Try local specialties like Potsdamer Schnitzel and Potsdamer Bär.
- Check for seasonal events and festivals to enhance your visit.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
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