Berlin , Germany

The Communist Berlin & Berlin Wall Tour

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About this experience

Walk the Wall. Hear the Spies. Feel the Divide.

Step into Cold War Berlin with us on this eye-opening 2-hour free walking tour that dives deep into one of the most dramatic chapters in modern history. From spy games to secret police, from brave escapes to brutal crackdowns, this isn’t your average history lesson — it’s the real, raw story of a city once split in two.

We’ll take you from the Brandenburg Gate to the haunting Palace of Tears, exploring key landmarks that shaped life behind (and beyond) the Iron Curtain. Stand at the Berlin Wall Memorial, where stories of hope, courage, and heartbreak still echo.

Whether you’re a history buff or just curious about Berlin’s divided past, you’ll leave this tour with a powerful new perspective on the people who lived it — and the city that rose from it.

Available options

Tour in English

Explore Berlin's former Soviet sector with a local English-speaking tour guide.

Tour in Spanish

What's included

Local English speaking guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Beginning near the Brandenburg Gate, this walking tour will take you on an exploration of East Berlin to reveal how the city’s former Soviet sector became the front line of the Cold War.

Stop 2

Stop to see what was the Soviet (and is now the Russian Federation) Embassy - only a short distance from where the American Embassy in East Berlin once stood.

Discover the chilling world of the Stasi, the most feared intelligence agency of its time. They didn’t just listen in on phone calls—they collected smells, bugged homes, and kept entire families under surveillance. Would you have been watched?

Stop 4

See the Palace of Tears, which used to be the crossing point between East and West Berlin.

Your expert guide will share with you insightful information about how several families were suddenly divided when the Berlin wall was built in 1961.

Stop 5

Trace the path of the Berlin Wall and discover the lives of those who lived behind the Iron Curtain.

Learn how the two-wall system (with the Death Strip in the middle) functioned and hear the stories of those who tragically died trying to go over the Wall.

What's not included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Food and drinks

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

12 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.9

2,822 reviews

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2658

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121

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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

Children under the age of 13 may join free, however, please note that some content may not be suitable for younger guests

The independent guides who employ us to market their tours have your best interests in mind; while the tour usually includes the sites & stories mentioned and lasts about 2 hours, your tour may vary depending on what your guide thinks is best for your group

A moderate amount of walking is involved, comfortable shoes are recommended

Meeting point

Your East Berlin Walking Tour meets in front of the Starbucks at the Brandenburg Gate (S/U-Bahn Brandenburger Tor). Look for the SANDEMANs NEW Europe team with a red umbrella..

Important notes

A moderate amount of walking is involved, comfortable shoes are recommended

Please be at your meeting point 15 minutes before departure.

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.