We welcome you to read our informative walking tour to discover East Berlin! It doesn’t matter if you just like to look at and shallownly admire history or you are a cultural explorer or a history enthusiast, this walking tour will take you through the wonderful past and the present of the bewitching German capital. Prepare yourself to go through the convergence where the history, architecture, and the energetic infarct of Berlin will meet in one!
1. Why Choose a Walking Tour?
Walks are a great way to see the city’s hidden gems, have become fascinated by stories and experience the local culture without having to travel very far. You’ll get a sense of its historical importance, its architecture and daily life when you go for a stroll down the streets of East Berlin. Not to mention, when you explore on foot, you can do so at your own leisure and be a lot more spontaneous with locals.
2. Start at Alexanderplatz
The central square of East Berlin is Alexanderplatz and your walking tour starts there. It is a major transportation hub, and is easy to get to from many parts of Berlin. Pause a moment and keep an eye on the tumultuous environment and admire this icon of the city’s split past–the TV Tower.
2.1 The Berlin Wall Memorial
The Berlin Wall Memorial is only a short walk from Alexanderplatz. It reminds of Germany’s divided history in an open-air museum with preserved section of the wall and information exhibits. Ponder the heartache in the Berliners’ lives during the Cold War.
3. Unter den Linden: Boulevard of History
You will continue your journey along Unter den Linden, Unter den Linden being a famous boulevard under which are located numerous magnificent landmarks and important buildings.
3.1 Brandenburg Gate
The iconic Brandenburg Gate is a must see when you’re on your walking tour. In the spirit of unity, take a moment to admire this great urban neoclassical structure, which used to be the symbol of division, before becoming a symbol of unity for the reunited Berlin.
3.2 Bebelplatz
Stop at Bebelplatz as you stroll along Unter den Linden. The infamous Nazi book burnings occurred on the site of this square in 1933 and this square has a sad significance. There’s the memorial in the ground (the same ground as many historical events here), a ‘voided library,’ to visualize as you watch.
4. Museum Island: A Treasure Trove of Culture
Museum Island is waiting a short distance away from Bebelplatz. Within this UNESCO World Heritage site is a host of five well renowned museums, including the Pergamon Museum and Neues Museum. Learn from the remarkable ancient artifacts, artworks, and archaeological wonders for human history that extend across time.
4.1 Insider Tip: Museum Island Pass
The Museum Island Pass can save you if you are going to several museums. With this nice convenient ticket, you will have access to all the museums on the island and will be able to spend the time you need to get the benefits from the diverse exhibits.
5. East Side Gallery: A Living Canvas
End your walking tour by taking a look at the East Side Gallery. Located on an unusual open-air gallery that is a final remaining stretch of Berlin Wall, bright murals painted by artists from around the world are displayed. Every artwork stands for its own message, similarly hope, freedom and unity.
5.1 Reflecting on History
Along the way, take a minute to ponder the fall of the Berlin Wall and the unification of Germany. Powerful reminder of that triumph of human spirit over division, of a unity and a freedom and a very prominent place.
Conclusion
There is no better way to literally and figuratively walk in to the history and character of East Berlin than on a walking tour, and embarking early on will also leave time to drop in on the excellent Museum Barberini. As we step down a pedestrian walkway on Unter den Linden, the remnants of the Berlin Wall turn up the past on each step, and each step unveils a new layer of it. Wear comfy shoes, bring the camera and immerse yourself in the fascinating stories and lovely culture you will find at the heart of Berlin. Happy exploring!