Guided tours in Berlin: free tours, tours in French and how to book

Berlin suits a guided tour: its 20th-century history is dense, and the traces of the Wall, Nazism and the Cold War are easier to understand with someone telling the story. Options range from tip-based "free tours" to private tours in French. This guide explains how to choose, how to book and which themed tours are worth it. Prices and times change: check them with the operator before booking.

Free tours: how they work

The Brandenburg Gate, the usual starting point for tours of the historic centre

The "free tour" idea was born in Berlin: signing up is free and you tip at the end, according to your budget and how much you enjoyed it. Central tours last about 2 hours 30 minutes and usually pass the Brandenburg Gate, the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe and Checkpoint Charlie. Plan to leave a fair tip: guides live on it alone. An "alternative" tour covers street art and districts outside the centre. Free tours are mostly offered in English; check the language when booking.

Tours in French

Several operators offer tours in French, to be booked in advance: a circuit of the main central sights (about 3 hours), a circuit of former East Berlin and the Wall, or a private tour with a French-speaking guide. The official tourist office, visitBerlin, sells tickets for some of these tours. For a private tour, expect a group rate rather than a price per person and ask for the itinerary in detail.

Themed tours

The Wall and the Cold War: the route is detailed in our guide in the footsteps of the Berlin Wall. The Hohenschönhausen Memorial can only be visited with a guide.
Bunkers and underground: guided tours of the Berliner Unterwelten are booked online.
Contemporary art: the Boros Collection visit is guided and by booking.
Street art: see the East Side Gallery and the districts of Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain.
Districts: Mitte and Prenzlauer Berg are also easy to explore on foot on your own.

Choosing well and booking

Check the length and the meeting point: a clear meeting place, an identifiable guide and a small group make a good tour.
Read recent reviews on several sites before booking.
Beware of touts at tourist spots: see our guide to scams to avoid in Berlin.
Keep small change for tipping on free tours (see paying in Berlin).
Dress for the weather: most tours are on foot, in all weather.