Do you need to travel to Berlin and have no idea how to select the most optimal places and enjoy the view without spending too much money? Look no further! Walking tours in Berlin will allow you to learn more about the historical background and cultural features of the city while tightening your purse. In this insider’s guide, we’ll take you through the basics of free walking tours in Berlin and why you shouldn’t leave the city without doing it.
What Are Free Walking Tours?
If you have no idea of what it is, free walking tour is a walking trip which usually involves exploration of a city under the guide of professionals that love what they are doing. Such tours can be arranged by local independent travel companies or singles that have deep appreciation for the history of their city.
Free walking tours have other advantages that are connected to the fact that they are shown with the help of the pay-what-you-want system. It also means that, one can be able to join the tour without necessarily paying any money down type of thing and at the end of the tour, you give what you think is appropriate given the experience they offered. This creates a niche market to appeal to the low end travellers yet the guides offering the tour are highly motivated to give their best.
Why Is Berlin’s Free Walking Tour Popular?
This guide brings together a selection of traditional and nontraditional Berlin sites that promises unforgettable experiences. Here are some compelling reasons why you should choose free walking tours as your introduction to this vibrant city:
Insider Knowledge: Local guides have information and everyday experiences associated with the destination’s places and monuments, bridges, districts, and events. They tell amazing tales and the experiences you can read from them are different from those written in generic travel brochures and blogs.
Budget-Friendly: If you are a backpacker or a family on a small budget, free walking tours are perfect because they let you travel across the city without spending any money. The choice of the value of the tour depends with the experience you want and the amount of money you are willing to spend.
Orientation: Therefore, the state that is Berlin comprises of many districts and some of the biggest attractions. The free walking tours are of great help as they make you understand the city’s most significant attractions and can possibly help to orient yourself.
Hidden Gems: An expert guide always leads the group and might take you through some back streets where you can find some of the best places that are not easily visibles to everyday visitors.
Engaging and Interactive: Swinging free walking tours are not like time-honored lectures. They are flexible because you can ask questions and post comments, make discussions and communicate with other participants.
What could you possibly expect when attending a Free Walking Tour in Berlin?
Usually free walking tours take about 2-3 hours and encompasses number of topics related to history, culture and architecture of Berlin. Here’s a sneak peek into what you can expect during a typical free walking tour in Berlin:
Historical Landmarks:
It will be named the Berlin Sightseeing tour, and you will be taken to the Brandenburg gate, Check point Charlie, Berlin wall, Reichstag building, and the memorial to the murdered Jews of Europe. Historical reconstructions and interesting stories about such places are offered by the guides.
Culture and Art:
At the moment, a free walking tour is a chance to get to know more about the development of Berlin’s arts and culture. You may want to see the famous Berlin’s street art places such as East Side Gallery, check out the unimaginable Berlin opera or get acquainted with the mulsim Kreuzberg and Neukölln districts.
World War II and Cold War History:
Berlin has been central to World War II and the cold war conflict. In addition to guided sightseeing you will be hearing many, many interesting stories connected with the establishment and dismantling of the Berlin Wall, the history of Nazi Germany and the divided city during Cold War period.
Local Recommendations:
People living in the local area can be relied upon for directions to some of the best restaurants, bars, obscure cafes and other interesting places. Do not hesitate to inquire about their recommendations as well as insider information to stay in Berlin.
What you need to know for Free Walking Tour
Before you join a free walking tour, here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind:
To do so, make sure you check the tour availability and its time to find one that fits well with your schedule.
It is recommended to attend a few minutes before the start of the tour so that you can find your guide and take a place you like.
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, because during your visit you will most probably be on your feet for several hours.
It is recommended to take a bottle of water and food especially if you intend to visit during summer.
Also, never leave your guide without his or her ‘cut’ at the end of the tour depending on the value that was offered and your pocket.
Therefore, if you are interested in history, art, architecture or in general about the Berlin of today and yesterday having a free walking tour is a good way to go. You should use these tours to capture the narratives that have transformed Berlin into a colorful and multicultural city today.
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