Berlin is a vibrant, modern city with a rich history. Bustling both day and night (it’s famous for its techno clubs), Berlin is a large city with many hidden corners to discover, from the remnants of the Berlin Wall to Alexanderplatz.
A city with a youthful spirit, modern architecture, and a critical look at its past, which it showcases and analyzes in its museums and monuments. From the rise of fascism to the end of the ‘two Germanys’ with the fall of the Wall, the country’s capital bears witness to the darkest chapters of its past to prevent them from happening again.
Undoubtedly, the best way to experience all facets of this city is through some of the free tours in Berlin that we propose. Are you ready? Let’s get started!
1. Free Tour of Berlin, the Most Classic of the Free Tours in Berlin
This guided tour of Berlin is undoubtedly one of the most basic and essential of all the free tours in Berlin you can take. It’s a fantastic way to get an overview of the city’s main points of interest, delve into its history, and start orienting yourself in your new destination.
This free tour of Berlin by Civitatis starts next to the Adlon Hotel gate at Pariser Platz, in the heart of Berlin’s historic center and very close to one of its most emblematic monuments: the Brandenburg Gate. After learning all the secrets of this Berlin icon, your route through the city center begins.
During the tour, your guide will delve into the city’s history, the impact of Nazism, and the consequences of World War II. As you walk through the streets of Berlin, you’ll see the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, the Führerbunker, the Reich Air Ministry, the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, and Bebelplatz.
2. Free Tour of Berlin’s Mysteries and Legends, Another Free Tour in Berlin You Can’t Miss
A city with a dark past as dark as Berlin’s holds many secrets, legends, and sinister mysteries – do you want to discover them? You can do so with one of the scariest free tours in Berlin: the free tour of Berlin’s mysteries and legends.
Berlin’s hidden side is full of ghost stories and eerie places. While discovering the city’s most spine-chilling legends and the darkest chapters of Nazism, you’ll pass by essential spots like the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag building, and the Tiergarten park.
Unlike many themed mystery and legend tours in other European cities, this visit takes place in the morning rather than at night. Additionally, much of the tour content is focused on “true” horror stories that occurred during Nazism and World War II.
3. Free Tour of the Berlin Wall and the Cold War, Perfect for History Enthusiasts
With the end of World War II and Nazism, Germany became a country divided into two: the Western Bloc and the Eastern Bloc or Communist Bloc. This division of the country, and particularly of the capital, had significant consequences. With this free tour, you’ll gain a better understanding of the complex situation Berlin faced during over 40 years of the Cold War.
The division of the two Germanys, the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Democratic Republic, was especially intricate in the capital, Berlin, which, despite falling within communist territory, was also divided between the two countries. Discover how the fall of the Berlin Wall marked a turning point in the country, not only as a symbol of reunification but also as the triumph of democracy over the communist totalitarian regime, guided by your tour guide.
In addition to delving into the country’s history during the Cold War and the daily life of Berliners during the 20th century, your guide will take you to several essential places in the city. Among them, you’ll visit the ghost station of Nordbahnhof, the best-preserved remnants of the Berlin Wall, or the Wall Documentation Center Museum.
4. Free Tour of the Berlin Wall, Graffiti, and Street Art in Kreuzberg, Ideal for Art Lovers
The Berlin Wall is not only a symbol of German reunification and democracy; it is also one of the most significant canvases for ephemeral graffiti art. If you’re interested in discovering more about Berlin’s street art scene, join this tour from among all the free tours in Berlin that we recommend.
During this tour, led by a guide, you’ll discover some of the most iconic paintings on the Berlin Wall, such as the kiss between Brezhnev and Honecker, opposing political leaders of the two Germanys. But, in addition, you’ll delve into the most alternative and countercultural neighborhood in the city: Kreuzberg.
Without a doubt, this is one of the free tours in Berlin made by and for culture and art lovers. A journey that takes you to learn more about the punk-rock era in Germany and where you’ll encounter iconic graffiti like Astronaut-Cosmonaut or Nature Morte.
5. Alternative Free Tour of Berlin, ‘Poor but Sexy!’ One of the Most Surprising Free Tours in Berlin
If the free tour of the Berlin Wall, graffiti, and street art left you wanting more, the alternative free tour of Berlin is what you need. Undoubtedly, one of the most different and transgressive free tours in Berlin.
This guided tour focuses on the evolution of Berlin’s street culture: from punk and the squat movement to techno culture and exclusive electronic music clubs. Your guide will tell you more about the lesser-known Berlin and how to navigate the city’s most modern and alternative scenes.
6. Free Tour of the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, One of the Hardest (and Most Necessary) Free Tours in Berlin
This is, without a doubt, one of the hardest free tours in Berlin that you can take. However, it is crucial to understand the darkest passages of history to prevent them from happening again. This free tour aims to show the harsh reality behind the first Nazi concentration camp.
This guided tour takes you inside the Sachsenhausen concentration camp, which holds the dubious honor of being the first one built, becoming a model for the others. As your guide explains the history of this sorrowful place, you’ll visit the main areas of the camp: the commander’s house, the assembly yard, the barracks, the prison, and the main museum. Additionally, you’ll learn how this Nazi camp came under another totalitarian regime: the Soviet one.
Keep in mind that to reach the concentration camp, you need a transport ticket that covers the ABC zones. Additionally, the visit lasts about 6 hours in total, so it is advisable to bring water and a snack. The concentration camp museum requires a ‘donation’ of 2 euros to continue preserving the historical memory of the place.
This free tour runs daily from 10:00 to 16:00.
How Do Free Tours in Berlin Work?
These free tours in Berlin are guided walks lasting approximately two hours, conducted with a guide who will tell you a million interesting stories about the city in Spanish.
Typically, when you book one of these free tours in Berlin, there will be a meeting point where you’ll meet the guide to start the tour. These guided tours are undoubtedly one of the best ways to explore a city, accompanied by someone who is 100% an expert in the destination and can give you super reliable local recommendations.
How Much Money Should You Give on a Free Tour?
Before booking one of these free tours in Berlin, you should keep in mind that although reserving a spot is free and they don’t have a fixed price, you cannot leave without giving the guide a tip. The name ‘free tour’ comes from the fact that you are free to pay the amount you feel comfortable with based on how much you enjoyed the guided tour.
To give you an idea, we usually give between 10 and 15 euros per person. Occasionally, we have given 20 or 25 euros if the tour was long and we enjoyed it immensely.
Discovering Berlin through these free tours offers a multifaceted insight into the city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse neighborhoods. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, each tour provides a unique perspective, allowing visitors to delve deeper into Berlin’s past and present. Whether it’s tracing the footsteps of history, exploring its mysteries, or immersing oneself in the alternative scene, these tours offer unforgettable experiences that showcase the essence of this dynamic city. So, lace up your walking shoes, join a tour, and let Berlin unveil its fascinating stories and secrets as you roam its streets.
