Join us for a 2-hour Free Walking Tour of Berlin and explore the city’s most iconic attractions with a local guide. This tour will take you to must-see sites such as the impressive Brandenburg Gate, the powerful Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, and remnants of the infamous Berlin Wall. Wander through the historic streets that shaped the 20th century like no other city, and experience Berlin’s rich past in a way that’s engaging and insightful.
Your Berlin Free Tour starts in front of the Starbucks at the Brandenburg Gate (S/U-Bahn Brandenburger Tor) and finishes at Checkpoint Charlie. It's the perfect introduction to the city, helping you get oriented while keeping things affordable for everyone. Our tours run rain, hail, or shine—we never cancel, so you can always count on us for an unforgettable experience!
From the Golden Twenties to the Rise of Hitler
In the early 20th century, Berlin was a booming metropolis, a hub for avant-garde art, music, and literature during the Golden Twenties. However, everything changed in 1933 with Hitler’s rise to power, transforming Berlin into the heart of Nazi Germany. During the Free Walking Tour, you’ll visit Hitler’s bunker, the site where Nazi Germany met its end. Reflect on the tragic events of the past and learn how we can prevent history from repeating itself.
The Berlin Wall and the Cold War
Berlin’s challenges didn’t end after World War II. Divided by the Allies, the city became a focal point of the Cold War, symbolized by the Berlin Wall, which once sliced through its center. At Checkpoint Charlie, your local guide will explain how a simple miscommunication led to the fall of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of the city. You’ll also see parts of the wall that still stand today, offering a poignant reminder of Berlin’s history, from division to unity. The moment when Berliners tore down the wall in 1989 remains a global symbol of hope and freedom.
What is the Free Tour Concept?
The Free Tour model is based on tips, allowing you to support and reward your local guide according to the quality of your experience and your budget. This flexible system ensures that you receive a top-quality tour that meets your expectations while remaining accessible to all.
SANDEMANs, Birthplace of the Free Walking Tour Concept, is one of the largest walking tour companies in the world. Offering daily tours in English and Spanish, we believe in supporting local communities and are committed to giving a voice to some of the best local freelance tour guides, who passionately share the city's history and culture with their own unique and always-entertaining style. Join the Original Free Walking Tour of Berlin and dive into this fascinating city’s past and present like never before!
The Berlin Free Tour starts in front of the Starbucks at the Brandenburg Gate (S/U-Bahn Brandenburger Tor)
Marvel at the iconic Brandenburg Gate
Visit the site of Hitler’s bunker
Explore the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
Visit parts of the Berlin Wall that still stand today
Take a picture at Checkpoint Charlie in the former American sector
TOUR SCHEDULES
Today
11:00 AM
11:00 AM2:00 PM
PHOTOS
Berlin Free Tour meeting point at the Brandenburg Gate
Free Tour about to start at the Brandenburg Gate
Free Tour guide sharing Berlin's history with the guests
Visiting the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe during the tour
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
Local English-speaking guide
What’s not included
Gratuities for the guide (optional)
Additional Information
Our business is connecting great guides and smart travelers, and we're proud to help so many local guides welcome travelers like you on their journey through some of the world's best cities. No two tours are alike, and the sites, stories, and length of the tour will vary depending on what your guide decides is best. That's why the tours we promote never get stale or feel scripted, and why savvy travelers prefer SANDEMANs
Wheelchair accessible
MAP
The Free Tour starts in front of the Starbucks at the Brandenburg GateOpen in Google Maps
Brandenburg Gate
Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
Checkpoint Charlie
Tour starts here
Tour usually ends here
Tour usually covers
Customer reviews
Excellent free tour for first day of trip
I was a bit apprehensive about doing the free tour as I've had mixed experiences in the past, but on this occasion we had a great experience. Firstly, the large group was split in 3 so there were just over 20 people, a good size. We were lucky enough to get Martin, who was wonderful. He is a Berliner, so you really felt like he was telling the story of his own country and people. He gave exactly the right amount of detail and had a very engaging delivery style. I got chills when he related his last story and the temperature was 36 degrees! Highly recommended for your first day in Berlin to get oriented and get a start on the historical perspective.
We have done a few of the Sandemans free tours now and they have all been very good, and this was no exception. Sarah from Melborne was an excellent guide, very knowledgable and easy to listen to. It was an exceptionally hot day and she did her best to always speak to us in the shade which was very welcome.
The free walking tour is the absolute best! We did the earlier 10am tour with Lizzy and was an absolute blast! Less hot than the later times too which was good!
Lizzy the tour guide was so fun and outgoing, and was so knowledgeable. Any question you threw at her she could answer back. She also gave the best recommendations on where to eat, where to get steins, what beer to drink and what else to see and do if we missed it on the tour!
Highly recommend doing the free walking tour in Berlin and other countries where it’s available, recently went on the Paris one and that was just as great!
Our guide Rob Willis was an amazing guide who made learning the history of Berlin interesting and exciting! He shared unique facts with us and took us to all the major sights in Berlin. He even offered nightlife and restaurant suggestions to everyone after the tour. I really enjoyed this free tour and would recommend it to anyone who is visiting Berlin!
Theo was hilarious, awesome free tour and a great way to spend your first day in the city! Lots of jokes, super knowledgeable and gave awesome dinner recommendations too!
My partner & I did the free walking tour with Zabi yesterday and we had a fantastic time. Zabi was super knowledgeable about the history of Berlin & gave a bunch of useful tips about the city especially in regards to best muesums to visit. Would recommend these tours.
The Free Tour is the best introduction to Berlin! A general overview tour including many of the highlights of the city, the Free Tour usually lasts around 2 hours and is led by a superb local tour leader, so tour content can vary depending on your tour leader’s particular area of interest and expertise.
The Free Tour is a walking tour with no need for public transport and is designed for independent travelers, not groups. You can book your spot in advance online or simply show up at the start point on the day. There is no payment necessary at the start of the tour but you are welcome to tip your guide at the end!
We believe in supporting local communities and are committed to giving a voice to some of Berlin's best local freelance tour leaders, who passionately share the city's history and culture with their own unique and always-entertaining style. They'll never pressure you to tip; we believe that, if money is given, it should be voluntary and in direct proportion to the quality of the tour and the budget of the traveller.
Why join the SANDEMANs FREE Tour?
The route covers many of Berlin's major landmarks
The meeting point is centrally located in the Brandenburg Gate
The Free Tour is guaranteed to fit within your budget
The guides performing tips-based Free Tours are incentivized to perform every time
Explore Berlin’s final World War II battlefield and uncover the profound scars still found in the ci ...
Info & Booking
€ 350
Customise Your Private Tour!
Tell us the landmarks, stories or parts of the city you want to see, how long you have to see them and when you want to go, and we’ll build an itinerary that suits you.
Explore Berlin’s final World War II battlefield and uncover the profound scars still found in the ci ...
Info & Booking
€ 350
Participation in tours promoted by SANDEMANs NEW Europe is strictly on a voluntary basis. Neither SANDEMANs NEW Europe, its staff members, nor any of the freelance guides we work with will be held responsible in any way for injuries to body or property incurred during tours. The tour guides and tour leaders reserve the right to deny participation in any tour, to any person, for any reason. Thank you for your understanding.
Tour starts here
Tour usually ends here
