Cold War Berlin: Private 3-hour Walking Tour
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Post-WW2 Berlin was a geopolitical battleground. Socialism and capitalism, dictatorship and democracy, and the United States and the Soviet Union all went head to head in the German capital. The most notorious symbol of the Cold War, the Berlin Wall, stood at the frontier of East and West, and people risked their lives trying to escape across it.
This tour is designed to immerse you in the divided city – a place of ideological extremes, of espionage and intrigue, and of tyranny and heroism – while also considering the legacy of the division in a Germany that reunified in 1990. Your professional, local guide will present the bigger picture of the Cold War in Germany, while also telling the stories of the individuals who risked it all to escape from the East, and also those that died trying.
Available options
Cold War Berlin: Private 3-hour Walking Tour
Pickup included
What's included
Professional, local guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Cross the border from West to East at the frontline of the Cold War, where spies roamed and US and Soviet tanks faced off in 1961.
2
Stop 2
Be transported to a time when Berlin's most iconic monument was closed by the Berlin Wall, standing as a stark symbol for both the division of Berlin and Germany. See where Reagan challenged Gorbachev to 'tear down this Wall!' in 1987, and learn why the Gate is now a bold statement of German unity.
3
Stop 3
Stand in the shadow of Europe's second tallest building – built to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the GDR, and as a powerful symbol of the power, capability, and modernity of Socialist East Germany.
4
Stop 4
Visit Berlin's official Berlin Wall Memorial: stand in the shadow of the Wall; follow it underground into one of the city's notorious former 'Ghost Stations'; pay tribute to the those who lost their lives at the border, and stand at the site of daring escapes from East to West; and look out over the former 'Death Strip'.
5
Stop 5
Bear witness to the fall of the Berlin Wall where the border was first breached on the 9th of November 1989, and walk in the steps of the East Berliners as they streamed into the West of the city for the first time in nearly 30 years.
6
Stop 6
Witness a city, a people, and families divided at this excellent museum housed in the former passport control of a border crossing point over the Berlin Wall.
What's not included
Gratuities
Food and drink
Entrance fees (none required for the tour)
Public transportation costs
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
PT
EN
ES
Reviews breakdown
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Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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
