Berlin Historic Centre Walking Tour: Prussian, Nazi & Cold War Eras
Introduction to Berlin, its history and culture. We trace the Prussian, Nazi, and Cold War eras on a walk through Mitte — starting at Alexanderplatz and the TV Tower, passing Museum Island, strolling along Unter den Linden, continuing to Checkpoint Charlie, pausing at the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, and finishing at the Brandenburg Gate.
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Basic Information
Total time
2h 45m
Language
English, Spanish, German (check the calendar for availability)
Price
Our “Pay What You Wish” tours don’t have a fixed price — you decide how much the experience was worth. At the end of the tour, please make a fair contribution that reflects your satisfaction and appreciation for your guide’s work. Most guests give between €10 and €50 per person.
Meeting point
In front of Red Town Hall (Rotes Rathaus) Nearest public transport: Rotes Rathaus metro station; Klosterstraße metro station
Additional info
☂︎ This tour is organised by Walkative Berlin guides. Look for the guide with the yellow umbrella.
❗Our tours run in all weather conditions. High or low temperatures, rain, or snow are never a reason for us to cancel. We’re always here for you! The only reasons for cancellation are extreme weather conditions (such as heavy storms), a guide’s sudden illness, or if there are fewer than 5 registered participants. In such cases, we will always notify you using the contact information you provided when booking the tour.Booking rules
Booking is obligatory. Our “Pay What You Wish” tours are meant for individual travellers and small groups. Large groups (8 or more people) cannot join these tours, as they significantly affect the experience for others and the guide. For school trips, organised tours, or groups of friends, please book our paid option (18€ per person) or arrange a Private Tour. For more information or to schedule a group visit, please contact us directly.
About the tour
Ah, Berlin! From humble village beginnings to the capital of the mighty kingdom, then empire, through darkness and division of the Nazi and Communist eras and back to its glory as the defining capital of European culture, trends and fanciness – what a place to tell stories about!
On our tour we will journey from the east to the west, crossing times, rivers and stories that, especially in the last 200 years, have shaped not only the city but the entire world. Let us tell you who that Alexander on the Platz was, is there really any medieval Berlin and what are the connections between American and German Martin Luthers. Add to that the Humboldt University, Checkpoint Charlie and our finishing point, the Brandenburg Gate with its memories from the time of the Wall and you will have learned the basics of Berlin’s identity.
We will also revisit the stories connected with the darkest moments of the city, nation and Europe: Adolf Hitler’s rise to power and the resulting war and the Holocaust – the Jewish Memorial will remind us of the fragility of the world around us.
On the upper note feel free to ask us about the local hip and party scene, many calling it the defining nightlife scene of Europe and the beginning of the world trends. Berlin has learned its lesson – let the feeling of inclusiveness, hundreds of cultures coexisting and shaping the world for better take you!
After joining the general Berlin tour check out our Alternative Berlin and Communist & Socialist free tours to understand Berlin and its history much better!
Highlights
- 1
Museum Island
A UNESCO site featuring five world-renowned museums and the magnificent Berlin Cathedral.
- 2
Bebelplatz Book Burning
The historic square of the infamous 1933 Nazi book burning, with a unique underground memorial.
- 3
Humboldt University
One of Germany's most prestigious universities, located on the historic Unter den Linden boulevard.
- 4
Checkpoint Charlie
The most famous Cold War crossing point between East and West Berlin.
- 5
Hitler's Bunker Site
The former location of the Führerbunker where Adolf Hitler spent his final days in 1945.
- 6
Holocaust Memorial
A powerful memorial of concrete slabs commemorating the Jewish victims of the Holocaust.
7Brandenburg Gate
Berlin's iconic landmark, a symbol of German division during the Cold War and joyous reunification.
Map
In front of Red Town Hall (Rotes Rathaus) Nearest public transport: Rotes Rathaus metro station; Klosterstraße metro station
Our customers said about us
Berlin
5.0Ansgar
Loved the welcome tour with JR
Thoroughly enjoyed walking through Berlin while learning about the different epochs that made the city what it is today. JR has a very engaging way to show and explain which parts of which pasts can be seen where.
Berlin
5.0Cheryl
Welcome Berlin Tour
We did the welcome Berlin Tour with JR and absolutely loved it! Was super informative, engaging and all round great experience. Would recommend this anyone who'd like a tour of this lovely city.
Berlin
5.0Michaela
Tour with Rob and Gilbert
Really entertaining tour, a lot of informations and still fun. Cute dog as a bonus.
Berlin
5.0Jackie
Interesting and informative
We spent a very interesting few hours learning about what makes Berlin tick. Our tour guide Tina was very enthusiast and brought the tour to life. Her personal recommendations for bars and restaurants were very helpful.
Berlin
5.0serena.tommasinigmail.com
Berlin general tour with JR
JR was a great guide, the tour was very entertaining, informative and so fun - highly recommended!
Berlin
5.0Mihaela
Berlin tour with Laura
Highly recommended :)
Berlin
5.0Sandy y
Great Welcome to Berlin walk
Our tour leader Niama, was very knowledgeable and so engaging. My friends and I learnt a lot from her. Highly recommend both Niama and the tour.
Berlin
5.0Letizia
Perfetto per avere una visione generale della città
Ru è una guida brillante ed entusiasta ci ha accompagnato attraverso la città con competenza e simpatia. Il tour è ideale per avere una prima idea sulla città e decidere poi cosa approfondire
Berlin
5.0Adam Silber
Excellent “Welcome to Berlin Tour” with Ru
Ru led an interesting and entertaining giving an overview of Berlin. Last
Berlin
5.0Paul
Excellent - Berlin tour September 2025
Laura, our guide, was excellent. She made the tour very interesting and the other tour guests were from all over the world and very friendly. It was definitely worth doing to understand the history of Berlin. Highly recommended.
