Energetic and prosperous that perfectly describes the Germany’s political and economic capital – Berlin. As the small bits of the ruins of the Berlin wall or as big sites like the Brandenburg gate that plays an important role in the media. However, to get the real flavor of Berlin it is crucial to go beyond the beaten track tourist path.
1. Berlin Neighborhoods
- Berlin is a huge city split into the districts which differ by their atmosphere, people, architecture, and history. As tourists, you can range from the fashionable area of the city, Friedrichshain, to such vivid districts as Charlottenburg. Well, let’s look at some of the most popular districts to visit on a free walking tour of the Dutch city of Amsterdam.
- 1.1 Mitte
- Of course, if you are a first time visitor to Berlin, Mitte is the ideal place to start your tour. Mitte is one of Berlin’s central boroughs and there are many famous sights, museums and attractions in Mitte area. Your walking tour should begin with the Television Tower, which is situated at Alexanderplatz. Then walk down the Unter den Linden boulevard with some of the most elegant constructions near to it and finally it reaches Brandenburg Gate.
- 1.2 Kreuzberg
- Kreuzberg is said to be one of the liveliest districts of Berlin as well as being the most diverse. Wonder around the Oranienstrasses, this is the most popular street in the district of Kreuzberg and has numerous art sculptures, great pubs, and excellent restaurants that serve from all over the globe. Oh yes, make sure to check out Görlitzer Park it is a favourite spot for a picnic and checking out people.
- 1.3 Prenzlauer Berg
- Any tourist, especially a romantic one, should definitely pay a visit to one of the cutest bohemian areas, called Prenzlauer Berg. This district is actually famous for its beautiful streets filled with beautiful buildings and nice cafes. This plac else As mentioned earlier, Kollwitzplatz, the central place, has an outstanding farmers’ market every weekend. Prenzlauer also hosts Mauerpark where you can catch some good music and check out the columned flea market, famous worldwide.
- 1.4 Neukölln
- Neukölln is one of those typical Berliner districts that reflect the tolerance and multiculturalism germans lack. Begin your visit at Karl-Marx-Strasse: this popular shopping area currently enjoys a reputation for food from around the world and retro clothing stores. If you are in Neukölln, you should also pay a visit to Tempelhofer Feld, which is an old airport nowadays transformed into a park, so you can have a walk on the airport tarmac, or even rent a bike and cycle.
- 2. Free Walking Tours
- After having read about some of the most interesting districts of Berlin it is time to find out more about how they can be explored, and that namely free walking tours. These tours are also good for those who are on a tight budgets, or they prefer longer and much more detailed trip.
- 2.1 Advantages of the Free Walking Tours
- With many benefits, free walking tours have attracted many tourists. First of all, they are guided by experienced local guides who love their cities. These guides offer various types of historical and cultural information, personal observations, and advice at some points of the trip. Also, the free walking tours are a perfect reason to meet like-minded people and get new friends in the meanwhile.
- 2.2 How to join a Free Walking Tour
- Free walking tour is quite popular and joining one is rather simple. There are so many tour companies in Berlin, and people give recommendations depending on where one wants to go. Aprrinly, it is advisable to make a prior booking as far as possible especially during the tourist season. Almost all tours have a pickup point where any group that has booked gathers before proceeding to make the tour; this makes it easy for anyone to start a tour.
- 2.When going for a walking tour here are 3 tips that any traveler should consider.
- To make the most of your free walking tour experience, here are a few tips:
- Avoid sneakers since there’s some amount of walking you’ll be doing; opt for comfortable shoes instead.
- Each tour may take a few hours so, make sure to have a bottle of water and a small snack with you.
- It is advisable to carry along your camera or smartphone to capture unique stories beneath those portraits.
- Follow all the instructions of the guide and other participants, so that you are courteous to everybody involved.
- Be curious and speak with the guide to fill in the gaps of your knowledge about the city.
- It is recommended to give a tip to the guide at the end since they work mainly based on tips. A specific amount should be considered with regards to the satisfaction level afforded to the organisation.
Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be doing a fair amount of walking.
Carry a bottle of water and a small snack since the tours can last several hours.
Bring a camera or smartphone to capture memorable moments along the way.
Be respectful of the guide and fellow participants by following their instructions.
Ask questions and engage with the guide to enhance your understanding of the city.
Tipping the guide at the end is customary, as they rely on tips for their income. Consider giving an amount that reflects your level of satisfaction.
3. Conclusion
A free walking tour is an excellent way to uncover the unique charm and hidden gems of Berlin’s neighborhoods. Whether you choose to explore the historical landmarks of Mitte or immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Kreuzberg, these tours provide a deeper insight into the city’s rich history and diverse culture. So, lace up your walking shoes, join a free walking tour, and embark on an unforgettable journey through the enchanting streets of Berlin.
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