If you are thinking of visiting Berlin as a city break, there’s no better way to get acquainted with the city and its atmosphere, than on a free walking tour. A recent trend in city tourism is walking tours which allow not only to see the sights of the city and explore the history of its main attractions, but also to do it relatively cheaply. As you will read in this article, there are five main reasons why you should consider taking a free walking tour in Berlin.
1. Being Local Guides who are experts, the writers offer insider information.
The main reward for becoming a participant of free walking tours in Berlin is the opportunity to meet enthusiastic and informative local guides. These are well informed guides that understand Berlin’s history, arts and culture to the later. They can help to go way beyond the mainstream touristy attractions and tell you interesting and often unheard of stories on the history of the place and what is going on there today.
Just think about walking through the Brandenburg Gate, while your guide is telling you what happened to this monument in the history of Berlin. Or being a witness of the famous Berlin Wall and the folks who are separated from their loved ones or hearing those who managed to escape. These stories and observations from a Berliner will help you to gain a better perspective and respect for this complex city.
2. Find out about Berlin’s rich and diverse history.
What is more, Berlin is a city full of history, starting with the Prussian empire and ending with the two world wars and the Cold War. Planning your Berlin Sightseeing experience in a walking tour is advantageous because you can physically observe these impacts. You could even visit the remainder of the famous Berlin Wall, explore the famous Checkpoint Charlie and learn about the story of Third Reich before it. Your exploration of the streets in Berlin will be characterized with more respect to the city and its people after going through the tour.
Moreover, your guide will also tell you some interesting stories and facts that an ordinary tourist will not be aware of, as it the personal history of Berlin. Genesis is not just when you are a living witness of events that transpired in the past.
3. Discover Berlin and Its Districts and Culture
Even such main attractions as Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag building are imposing all the same, it is noteworthy that Berlin is a city of districts which differ in the atmosphere. When you go for walking tours you get to discover some of these hidden parts and learn about the area’s culture.
The districts considered vary from the bohemian Kreuzberg to the artsy Friedrichshain, each having its own story. They can advice you on peculiar places, like cafes, markets and graffiti, which usually tourists are not aware of. You will not just visit some of the most popular tourist attractions, but you will get to know Berlin from a very different angle and get to see some beautiful street life.
4. Affordable Method of the Exploration of Berlin
When a person travels, they can reach a point where they will spend a lot of money, and cheaper alternatives are the best. Visiting Berlin on foot is cheap hence taking free walking tours can be of help to the travelers. The services of your guide are provided for free but tipping is encouraged based on the satisfaction you have had as well the value offered.
Because free walking tours are cheaper than the guided ones, you can explore the landmarks that are of interest with a closer look at the historical background of the city. This implies that you will save more cash that you will spend on food, shopping at local markets, taking a tour at the museums or even be part of other attractions that Berlin offer.
5. Get Acquainted with Like-minded People and Even Find Friends
Touring alone or as a couple might be physically but emotionally it can be lonely thus joining a free walking tour in Berlin will be an added advantage because it is a chance to make new friends. The target group in so as walking tours are those people from different parts of the world who have a passion for walking around and discovering more about the place.
Every time you are walking through the streets of Berlin you will be able to engage in conversations with other members of your group, hear how they started traveling, and get to know about other sites to visit in the area. Maybe the rest of your traveling companions for the remainder of the trip might just be there waiting to be discovered!
Conclusion
This makes free walking tour one of the best ways to get to know more about Berlin within a short time and at a cheap price too. What makes them incredible is: experienced local guides, the possibility to learn more about Berlin’s history, a chance to explore the districts, a low price, and like-minded people!
Put on those comfortable shoes, bring a camera and be prepared to see the sights of Berlin that most tourists do not even know exist with a free walking tour.
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