Former East Berlin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Berlin, DE
100% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (1 reviews)

Included

  • inclusion
    Lifetime access to this tour in English
  • inclusion
    VoiceMap app for Android and iOS
  • inclusion
    Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Smartphone and headphones
  • exclusion
    Food and drink
  • exclusion
    Transportation

Meeting Point

Before arrival, please install the VoiceMap mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

Meeting point

Friedrichstraße 43-45, 10117 Berlin , Germany

End point

End Point

The tour ends in front of the fountain in Lustgarten.

Meeting point

Am Lustgarten 1, 10178 Berlin , Germany

End point

What to expect

1
Checkpoint Charlie

Starting at Checkpoint Charlie, you’ll make your way down Friedrichstraße and into the heart of the historic city.

2

Friedrichstrasse

As you make your way down Friedrichstraße, I’ll share the stories behind the area’s architectural treasures, like Gendarmenmarkt Square and Unter den Linden, the famous boulevard.

3
BlackBox Cold War Museum

On this tour you'll pass by and learn about the BlackBox Cold War Museum.

4

Gendarmenmarkt

You'll hear the stories behind the area’s architectural treasures, like Gendarmenmarkt Square and Unter den Linden, the famous boulevard.

5
Neue Kirche

On this tour, you'll pass by and learn about the Neue Kirche.

6
Konzerthaus

I’ll point out various monuments and memorials, including the Friedrich Schiller monument in front of the Konzerthaus Berlin concert hall.

7
Franzoesischer Dom

I’ll tell you why the French community was given the rights to use the Französischer Dom (French Dome church) for all eternity.

8

Hotel de Rome, a Rocco Forte Hotel

I’ll show you where to find the spa and pool in Hotel de Rome, once a state bank.

9

Sankt Hedwigs-Kathedrale

On this tour, you'll pass by and learn about St. Hedwig's Cathedral.

10

Bebelplatz

On this tour, you'll walk through Bebelplatz and learn about the monuments that surround it along the way.

11

Book Burning Memorial at Bebelplatz

I’ll point out various monuments and memorials, including Micha Ullman’s Empty Library, also known as the Book Burning Memorial, which commemorates the day Nazis burned books by Jewish and communist authors.

12

Berlin State Opera

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On this tour, you'll have a chance to learn about the oldest free-standing opera house in the world, the Berlin State Opera.

13

Humboldt University (Humboldt Universitat)

I’ll point out various monuments and memorials, including a statue of Frederic II on his horse in front of the buildings which were commissioned by the king and later transformed into Berlin’s first university, the Humboldt University.

14

Palais am Festungsgraben

On this tour, you'll pass by and learn about Palais am Festungsgraben.

15

Maxim Gorki Theater

On this tour, you'll pass by and learn about Maxim Gorki Theatre.

16

Neue Wache

On this tour, you'll have a chance to discover a modern pieta by Käthe Kollwitz, exposed to rain and snow and housed in the Neue Wache (New Guard House).

17

German Historical Museum

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On this tour, you'll pass by and learn about German Historical Museum.

18

Museum Island

On this tour, you’ll also have a chance to see where Angela Merkel used to live on Museum Island when she was Chancellor.

19

James Simon Gallery

On this tour, you’ll also have a chance to take in the works of famous architects like the German Historical Museum by I.M. Pei, the James Simon Gallery by David Chipperfield, and the Altes Museum (Old Museum) by Friedrich Schinkel.

20

Neues Museum

On this tour, you’ll also have a chance to take in the works of famous architects like the German Historical Museum by I.M. Pei, the James Simon Gallery by David Chipperfield, and the Altes Museum (Old Museum) by Friedrich Schinkel.

21
Alte Nationalgalerie

On this tour, you’ll also have a chance to take in the works of famous architects like the German Historical Museum by I.M. Pei, the James Simon Gallery by David Chipperfield, and the Altes Museum (Old Museum) by Friedrich Schinkel.

22

Altes Museum

On this tour, you’ll also have a chance to take in the works of famous architects like the German Historical Museum by I.M. Pei, the James Simon Gallery by David Chipperfield, and the Altes Museum (Old Museum) by Friedrich Schinkel.

23
Berliner Dom

On this tour, you’ll also have a chance to hear about the Berliner Dom (Berlin Cathedral).

24

Humboldt Forum

On this tour, you’ll also have a chance to hear about the Humboldt Forum, where the Hohenzollern Palace used to be.

25

Lustgarten

The tour ends in Lustgarten. Former East Berlin’s mix of architecture paints a picture of its fascinating history across different eras. It’s here that you’ll see remnants of the 17th-century baroque town and the Communist era, find traces of the city’s days as capital of the German Empire, and witness the devastation left by the World Wars. On this walking tour, you’ll also see newer buildings created by the architects who, once again, transformed East Berlin and the way the world saw it.

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Please note: You won't be guided through any museums or other attractions mentioned en route. If you choose to enter and visit such places, you'll need to pay for it independently of this tour.
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Provided by VoiceMap Audio Tours

What our experts say

  • icon
    Start at Alexanderplatz for views.
  • icon
    Bring headphones for better audio.
  • icon
    Consider visiting nearby Museum Island.
  • icon
    Try local cuisine at nearby restaurants.
  • icon
    Check the map for hidden gems nearby.

More About this Experience

Introduction

Former East Berlin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour takes you on a captivating journey through the mix of architecture in what was once the heart of the German Empire. This affordable walking tour provides a unique way to explore the historic city, allowing you to uncover 400 years of history at your own pace.

What to expect?

During this tour, you can expect to immerse yourself in the rich history and diverse architecture of Former East Berlin. Discover remnants of the 17th-century baroque town and the impact of the World Wars. Marvel at the transformation brought about by renowned architects who reshaped the city and its perception on a global scale. The tour lasts between 75 to 90 minutes, giving you ample time to absorb the fascinating details and stories behind each landmark.

Who is this for?

This tour caters to anyone with an interest in history and architecture. Whether you are a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply curious about the captivating past of Berlin, this experience is for you. It is the perfect opportunity to delve deep into the city's past and gain a comprehensive understanding of its transformation over the centuries. Open to individuals, couples, families, and small groups, this tour suits travelers of all ages and backgrounds.

Why book this?

Former East Berlin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour offers the unique advantage of complete control over your itinerary. With the freedom to start, pause, or restart the tour at any time, you can explore at your own pace and fully absorb the fascinating details of each stop. The VoiceMap app, which comes with automatic GPS playback and offline functionality, ensures a seamless and immersive experience. By booking this tour, you gain access to a wealth of knowledge from the producer, Jo Eckardt, who founded A Friend in Berlin. Jo's expertise and passion for the city shine through in the engaging commentary provided throughout the tour.

Good to know

Before embarking on the tour, make sure to install the VoiceMap mobile app and enter the unique code provided on your confirmation ticket. This self-guided audio tour is convenient, allowing you to explore various points of interest in your own time. You'll receive detailed starting point instructions within the app, ensuring a hassle-free experience. The tour ends in Lustgarten, right in front of the fountain, offering the perfect spot to reflect on the architectural wonders you've discovered.

Reviews

Travelers who have experienced the Former East Berlin: A Self-Guided Audio Tour have been captivated by its insightful commentary and the opportunity to explore at their own pace. They praise how the tour paints a vivid picture of the city's history and how it highlights both well-known landmarks and hidden gems. Many appreciate the flexibility of the VoiceMap app, finding it easy to use and offering a seamless navigation experience. Overall, feedback has been positive, with visitors expressing their satisfaction with the informative and engaging nature of the tour.

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