Surely you have ever wanted to know in which district with real treasures, as well as which back streets of the city have not been visited by tourists yet, and what interesting stories have people from this city to tell? Don’t miss a free walking tour in Berlin! This exciting and engaging attraction enables you to explore the city and its distinctive history, art and architecture in your own time. In this article, you will learn the reasons that free Berlin walking tours are one of the must-visit travel attractions.
1. Fascinating History Of Berlin Explained
Germany’s capital city Berlin is full of history. From the Prussian Empire through the World Wars and the Cold War this city has seen major strategies that defined the world today. Free walking tour is one of the most effective and exciting ways to learn and explore the history of Berlin.
Proficient tour guides from the region will avail historical sites like the Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate, and Checkpoint Charlie, so that you may hear about their histories. It will reveal how the Nazis came to power and how they demoralised the population, the split of the city during the Cold War and the joining of East and West Berlin. Such story appears more vivid when they are told when you are physically in the region that you are hearing about.
This is one place that tourists should be ready to listen to stories of Prussian Kings, spies of the cold war, as well as listen to stories of the Barrier that was brew escapees seeking freedom. The guides are enthusiastic orators, and it will feel like, by the end of the tour, you hear or learn everything there is to know about Berlin thanks to their storytelling.
2. Find out about the great locations within City.
Super famous spots, such as the Brandenburg Gate or the Reichstag, are great to look at, but Berlin is about the districts. You will be guided through areas that a normal tourist would not visit by signing up for a free walking tour.
2.1 Kreuzberg: The Creative Hub
Kreuzberg is famous for that bohemian spirit and a rather multicultural population, so it is one of the places you definitely have to visit during the free walking tour. With its arteries lined with graffiti, organic coffee shops and specialty stores it is ideal for leisurely strolling through its streets. Visit the Berlin East Side Gallery where people painted the remains of the famous Berlin Wall with appealing messages of hope.
Your guide may tell you anecdotes about the location’s history of political and countercultural protests of the era. From politically charged squatting protests to great clubbing scenes the district of Kreuzberg is a stark contrast to some of Berlin’s more historic places of interest.
2.2 Prenzlauer Berg: Bohemian Charm
Formerly the stomping ground of artists and intellectuals, Prenzlauer Berg has turned into a bougie neighborhood full of cafes, boutique shops and beautiful parks. Walking through this district on the free walking tour helps the visitor appreciate the place’s vibes and hear the story of the change from communism to the modern()){/{The}From this district, visitors can take a free walking tour and, thus, feel the district’s spirit as well as find out about the transformation it has undergone from communism to modern times.
Stroll around the Kastanienallee also referred to as the ‘Casting Alley’ due to the numerous fashion show casting agencies in the area and elegant shops with street flair for clothing and shoes. Finally, you could get to know Berlin through local cafés, or shop at the Mauerpark flea market, which offers everything from used clothes back to records.
3. Get to know Local Guides and Other Travelers
Another way how the free walking tour in Berlin also provide great benefits to the travelers is by having the freedom to interact with the guides and other travelers in a single place from across the world. The guides love and it shows – they’re full of energy and happy to tell personal stories, favorite restaurants and hidden gems.
Do not hesitate to ask questions, request for best restaurants near the area or discuss further details pertaining the given historical activities. Such tours are often free from the professional context, so people who go on them may enjoy a great opportunity to make new friends. Perhaps you will learn new angles on the history of Berlin or find out interesting tips about other traveling locations of some of the participants.
4. Budget-Friendly Exploration
The first reason for which it might be advantageous to conduct a free walking tour in Berlin is the fact that no financial investment is required. These tours are on the voluntary donations basis which enables travellers to assess the value of the service and pay what makes sense to them. Free walking tours certainly come in handy for that and are available for everyone, whether you have a tight budget, or you just like the idea of paying only what you consider reasonable.
However, the tours themselves are free and it is allowed as well as recommended to tip the guide if you enjoyed your time. Then let them know, these guides are willing to take their own precious time, energy and many, many efforts to create for you a fantastic outstanding and informative tour around the city.
5. Explore at Your Own Pace
A free walking tour is not as constrained as a guided bus tour, or a strict set of stops a visitor has to make in a city like Berlin. If something of interest is seen from the outside, you can stop for photographs and explore the site’s history. It’s totally relaxed and you can make it however you want as there are no deadlines.
Moreover, walking is the best way to move in a city that has an efficient and developed network of public transportation as Berlin and a relatively small area of the central city. The chance to attract people’s attention by impressive views, massive advertisements, friendly atmosphere, interesting small streets which are maybe not seen from the main roads, unknown cafes, shops or other places.
Touring Berlin for free: Berlin has several free walking tours that you can take to kick start your German vacation.
With its deep history and diverse districts, friendly and enthusiastic guides, and relatively affordable opportunity to see the majestic nature a free walking tour is absolutely doubtless. Always hear the city’s torrid tales, find the most enchanting spots, and have unforgettable experiences while touring the most vibrant and diverse Berlin.
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