walking tours of berlin

Best thing to do and see in Berlin

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WALKING TOURS & ACTIVITIES IN BERLIN

• Select Tours
• PRIVATE TOURS

Free Tour of Berlin

Book the original Berlin free walking tour and visit many of the city's highlights with a local guid ...

Berlin Museum Island Free Tour: from Kaisers to Communists

This 2-hour Berlin free walking tour has been specially redesigned for our 20th Anniversary Year.

The Jewish Berlin Free Walking Tour

This 2-hour Berlin free walking tour takes you though the history of Berlin's Jewish community

Berlin Third Reich Free Walking Tour

Adolf Hitler and the Nazis in Berlin

Potsdam, City of Emperors Tour

A stunning day-trip to probably the most beautiful town in Germany

Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial Tour

A sombre and respectful visit to one of the darkest chapters of human history

Communist Berlin and Berlin Wall Free Tour

A look at life behind the Berlin Wall, the Red Berlin and the divided city during the Cold War

1.5-hour Berlin Private Tour

Make the most out of your visit and discover Berlin's top attractions with your private tour guide

2-hour Berlin Highlights Private Tour

3-hour berlin private city tour.

Enjoy a comprehensive overview of Berlin's fascinating history and must-see sites with your private ...

Berlin Third Reich Private Tour

Explore Berlin’s final World War II battlefield and uncover the profound scars still found in the ci ...

Tell us the landmarks, stories or parts of the city you want to see, how long you have to see them and when you want to go, and we’ll build an itinerary that suits you.

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Discover the many faces of Berlin with a passionate local guide

Berlin is a city like no other. Our tours take you through some of the most dramatic scenes of global history to show you how Berlin has emerged from its dark past to become one of the world’s most exciting cities.

The original  Free Tour of Berlin  covers many of Berlin’s top attractions, including the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie and the Brandenburg Gate. After you’ve got the overview with the free walking tour, delve deeper with us.

For those wanting tours of the Nazi era, the  Third Reich Tour  takes you to the Nazi government district, former Jewish district, and the area covering memorials to the Nazi’s victims. We also believe everyone should visit a concentration camp at least once in their lives, and so the  Sachsenhausen Memorial Tour  runs every day.

Of course, when the Third Reich fell the Cold War began, and the SANDEMANs Red Berlin Tour  will take you to some of Berlin’s most fascinating areas, including the Berlin Wall Memorial. But Berlin is not just known for its history! Some of the top areas of Berlin are covered in our  Alternative Berlin Tour , including street art, squats and underground clubs.

If you want some nature, explore the most beautiful area near Berlin with a  day trip to Potsdam , where you’ll see palaces, gardens and the infamous Bridge of Spies. After all those walking tours, you’ll need a drink! Experience the best of German beer with the  Berlin Beer Tour , or if you’re looking for a party, join us every night of the week for the best bar crawl in Berlin, our top-rated Pub Crawl , TripAdvisor’s number one nightlife activity!

Enjoy authentic local experiences

Berlin is part of the SANDEMANs NEW Europe network, one of the largest walking tour companies in the world. Offering daily tours in English, Spanish and German, we believe in supporting local communities and are committed to giving a voice to some of Berlin's best local tour guides, who passionately share the city's history and culture with their own unique and always-entertaining style.

Aside from the Free Tour, in Berlin you’ll also find unforgettable tours and experiences. We’re looking forward to seeing you soon!

Tours & activities across Europe, Israel & USA

• Over 2 million guests per year
• Over 160,000 five-star reviews
• Over 100 tours daily, rain, hail or shine
• Top quality tours with local guides, whatever your budget

Things to do in Berlin

Ready to start exploring Berlin? Check out these useful tips and don't miss any of the city's main attractions

The best accommodation in town

Finding the right place to stay can be difficult - that's why we have sorted you out with a list of our favourite hostels and hotels in Berlin

The best places to eat in Berlin

Don't fall into any tourist trap! Here's a list of the top places to eat in Berlin recommended by locals

The greatest bars in the city

Discover our selection of popular spots among the locals to taste from craft beer to delicious cocktails

The best shopping in Berlin

Find everything you are looking for with this guide to the best shops, markets and shopping streets in Berlin

Participation in tours promoted by SANDEMANs NEW Europe is strictly on a voluntary basis. Neither SANDEMANs NEW Europe, its staff members, nor any of the freelance guides we work with will be held responsible in any way for injuries to body or property incurred during tours. The tour guides and tour leaders reserve the right to deny participation in any tour, to any person, for any reason. Thank you for your understanding.

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Thank you! Your support means more to us than we can express in words. Chris Sandeman and the SANDEMANs Live Community

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Welcome to Berlin's top ranked tours.

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Insider Reviews

Great walking tour of berlin..

Great tour and the guide was both very informative and easy to understand. We saw a lot of the major sites that are within walking distance. I would highly recommend this. Kevin M. May '24

Great Experience!

We did the Third Reich tour with Georgia and she was great. Very interesting, good management of time, very informative. Would totally recommend this tour and Georgia to friends who visit Berlin. Sheryl W. May '24

Great tour - friendly, well informed and passionate guide (Hannah) who led a really interesting tour. I wanted to book on to all the other tours as soon as I had finished this one! Karen Apr. '23

Three great tours with Insider Berlin!

I found all 3 tours very well organised and the knowledge of the tour guides was excellent. This is the second visit to Berlin and used Insider tours last time and I will certainly use then again if I return to Berlin. Richard T. Apr. '24

This was a great tour.

This was a great tour - we did this on our first day and then worked out which sites to go back to over the next few days. Highly recommend. My two teenagers enjoyed it too! Amanda B. Apr. '24

Would recommend to anyone.

Had this tour recommended to us and it lived up to our expectations. Lewis was an excellent tour guide. Would recommend to anyone on a first time trip to Berlin. Dan Apr. '24

Fantastic Tour, Fantastic Value.

Our guide, Glen, was so very personable, knowledgeable, and ready to answer all our questions. I loved the tour and will recommend it to any of my friends who visit Berlin. Bradley B. Apr. '24

Really interesting tour!

Jasper did a great job of showing us lots of very interesting sights relating to the rise of the Third Reich. We were a small group which allowed for questions and chat. Really well organised, perfect length and very informative. Emma L. Apr. '24

Great tour.

Fabulous morning with Glen. He is really fascinated by the topic and the tour just buzzed with his enthusiasm. He pitched things just right and adapted based our questions. Good booking and organisation. Did 2 tours with same company in 4 days. Sine Apr. '24

Highly recommended!

Another great insider tour, chock full of interesting facts and history by a knowledgeable guide. Thanks Maria! Lynn P. March '24

Absolutely fabulous tour guide. Very knowledgeable.

Our guide was friendly and very informative. He explained everything and answered all of our questions very well. Probably the best tour to date. Thank you R y D (Spain) Mar. '24

Excellent Tour....Excellent Guide

Well worth the money a very knowledgeable guide that kept us entertained the three hours flew by! Mark March '24

Excellent introduction!

This tour was fantastic, I learned so much about the city and it's history. Klaus, our guide, really brought everything to life and was fantastic. Thoroughly recommend this tour as a first time visitor to the city. Faye P. March '24

Excellent Cold War tour..

The Cold War walking tour of Berlin was fascinating. Our guide was full of detailed historical information as well as intriguing anecdotes and my 21-year-old son and I were riveted throughout. This is a must for everyone who visits Berlin. Heather C. March '24

Would highly recommend this tour.

Our guide Tzvika was very knowledgeable and provided us with a lot of insight- thoroughly enjoyed our experience and would highly recommend this tour. Mark Wig Feb. '24

I highly recommend the tour!

I took the Explore Berlin walking tour on my first day in town. It was an excellent intro to sites in the city center, and included about 15-20 sites plus a lot of historical context [and some great gossip :-)] provided by our outstanding and entertaining guide, Maggie. She also directed us to a number of museums and locations worth visiting later in our stay. I highly recommend the tour! Christiana C. Feb. '24

Informative, friendly and professional.

Our tour instructor was very informative, friendly and professional. Would recommend to friends. David R. Feb. '24

Had a very short time in Berlin...

Had a very short time in Berlin and this was a great use of half a day. The tour guide Chris could not have been better. Very personable and knowledgeable and shared stories and insight that made me so glad I did not just do the audio tour. Really a powerful experience that still sticks with me weeks later. Amy H. Feb. '24

Fantastic Tour.

Gregor was a great guide for our Cold War tour. Our friends we were in Berlin with had never been on a walking tour before but were soon won over by Gregor’s passion for the history of his city & enthusiasm to pass stories on to others. The time passed so quickly & we can’t wait to return to Berlin again to join another Insider tour. David G. Jan. '24

Super informative and friendly!

Maggie was a super friendly tour guide and answered any and all questions related to the tour. It was a super informative introduction to Berlin! Lisa S. Jan. '24

Highlight of our Trip!

We absolutely loved this tour. Our guide, Hannah, had an incredible amount of knowledge about every location and the third reich. This tour is a must-do. Caleb O. Jan. '24

Thoroughly enjoyable tour.

Thoroughly enjoyable tour that packed a lot interesting sights and history into a brisk overview of the last 2 or 3 hundred years of Berlin. Very well informed guide (Jorg) who was friendly and approachable. His obvious interest in the history of this fascinating city, and his love of sharing it, shone through. Will definitely be returning to Berlin within the next 2 years and will 100% schedule another of the walks into my trip. 10/10. David S. Nov. '23

A fantastic tour!

Anika was a brilliant guide, her knowledge of history and especially the social context to events really increased our understanding of Berlin. A fantastic tour! Mark H. Oct. '23

Amazing experience.

The tour was easy to book. Jorg, our guide was brilliant, very knowledgeable and so interesting to listen to. It was an amazing experience and I would highly recommend it. C. Barker Okt. '23

Excellent tour.

Easy to book. Easy to find the group. We had the best guide we’ve ever had, Hannah. She was so knowledgeable, kind, passionate about the subject, and shared incredible stories. C.McQ. Sept. '23

It was a great overview in 3 hours...

It was a great overview in 3 hours. George is an amazing guide, very knowledgeable.. will definitely recommend.. Deepak C. Aug. '23

I highly recommend this tour.

I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Berlin and wanting to know more of the history of WWII. Since this is a tour that can’t be rushed, I’m glad I booked it with Insider Tour. T. Hughes May '23

I would recommend this tour.

Good lenght of time, it went quickly, well paced and good route. Ciaran was an awesome guide, enough info to make it interesting without overwhelming us with too much, enjoyed his sense of humor as well. I would recommend this tour, easy to book, find and enjoyable. Amanda T. May '23

As a first-time visitor, I am very...

As a first-time visitor, I am very grateful to have had this opportunity to get a foundational sense of the city, and orientation to its history, culture and geography. I would recommend this great enthusiasm. Our guide was outstanding:, charming, knowledgeable, steeped in Berlin and fun. Marty K. June '23

Amazing guide.

Knowledgeable and attentive particularly to the kids on the tour and encouraged them to ask questions which they did with aplomb. Ran over a little but could have listened to him all day. Ana G. Apr. '23

A wonderful introduction.

A big thank you to our guide. He led us on an easy paced tour, with excellent information and time to take in the sites and ask questions. It was a really good orientation to significant places and a great jumping off point for more discovery. Elizabeth W. Apr. '23

Best Walking Tour of Berlin.

Our guide was extremely informative and knowledgeable on the history of Berlin and WWll. 100% recommend this tour, Cirian took us from before the war, through the war and afterwards. We just wouldn’t have seen these places and had all the details if we had gone off on our own. 176Heathe May '23

The tour is fun and informative.

The tour is fun and informative on the history and landmarks of Berlin. Love our tour guide who has great sense of humour, which make all the amount of information easier to digest and remember, would be cool if the tour can be longer ha! H. Lo Jan. '23

Highly recommend this tour.

Highly recommend this tour. Our guide Jamie was second to none - knowledgeable, engaging and easy to understand. He struck just the right tone given the subject matter. Karen G. Jan. '23

It was a great experience.

It was a great experience, Hannah gave us a fantastic tour of the Third Reich. Especially the Holocaust monument was impressive. Her own story was also very powerful. Would recommend it to anyone! Alexander Jan. '23

Insightful and thought provoking.

Guide was knowledgeable, informative, engaging.....took us on the journey of the rise and fall of the Third Reich. Insightful and thought provoking. Mike W. Feb. '23

Superb guide, very knowledgeable, passionate and philosophical.

Superb guide, very knowledgeable, passionate and philosophical. This tour provides an interesting and fairly comprehensive sweep of Germany’s/Berlin’s history. Highly recommend. R3879E Dec. '22

Absolutely excellent Third Reich tour.

Absolutely excellent Third Reich tour with a high quality tour guide. Absolutely professional, warm, instructive and supportive. I recommend them without hesitation. Richard C. Dec. '22

The tour was brilliant.

The tour was brilliant. Maria was fantastic. Clearly passionate about the subject and so knowledgeable, answering all of our questions confidently. Howard T. Dec. '22

Great 1st day activity!

Great stories and a perfect introduction to Berlin! Peter did a great job leading us around East Berlin and answering our questions. Julie_B Nov. '22

A great tour.

A great tour taking in many of the key sites in and around Berlin post WW2. The knowledge and interest of our guide made the trip for all of our group. D. Cairns, RAMC Association Dec. '22

I would absolutely recommend this tour.

I booked this tour recommended by my friend and it was amazing. Our guide Peter was extremely knowledgeable, interesting and funny. I would absolutely recommend this tour if you want to get to know Berlin better. Ellen Jan. '23

Super interesting.

We had a fantastic time with Jörg who had super interesting things to say. We learnt a lot and would definitely do it again :) Jonas B. Feb. '23

Brilliant introduction to Berlin.

Our guide was superb. Loud and clear and with a great deal of knowledge. We found the tour is just right for our teenagers who really enjoyed it. I’d say a good introduction to Berlin and gives you ideas of things to further explore. J L May '23

Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn and explore!

I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Berlin ......don't miss out on this opportunity to learn and explore! Anth... Mar. '23

A very informative tour of Berlin.

A very informative tour of Berlin. You can tell that the guide was a very passionate Berliner and student of history and that enthusiasm is reflected in the way he handles the tour! S. Longe Mar. '23

High quality guided tour in English.

High quality guided tour in English. Ideal at the start of your stay in Berlin to know the historic background, and the places to visit. Our guide was very dynamic and fun. Martine O. Mar. '23

Brilliant tour - it really set us up for our stay.

We had a brilliant and wide-ranging walking tour of Berlin ... stimulating, informative, fun and moving, all at once. Made us feel very at home in Berlin and excited about the few days we had ahead of us. It really set us up for our stay. Thank you! Helen, James, Alfie and Ned. Helen B. March '23

The tour was amazing.

We did the explore Berlin tour. The tour was amazing. Perfect amount of information. Saw all of the big attractions in Berlin. Sarah B. Mar. '23

Join our expert guides to explore the wonders of Berlin over the course of our acclaimed five-star tours. Armed with years of experience and a great deal of enthusiasm, our guides will reveal the many facets of the city’s colourful past and share with you their wealth of insider knowledge of this absolutely fascinating capital in the heart of Europe.

Tour Details

The original free walking tour berlin.

Berlin is one of the most dazzling and historic capitals in the world. For centuries, politicians and businessmen, crowned heads, artists and young as well as old people have met here. Original Berlin Tours are pleased to bring you this incredible walking tour! This is why we come to Berlin!

The Original Free Berlin Tour is Perfect for tourists, travelers, expats, and locals , This FREE Original Berlin Walking Tour is the perfect way to familiarize yourself with the German Capital . Learn about the great history of Berlin and yet still get the inside knowledge on a modern-day Berlin.

This tour has been molded and sculpted by thousands of guest and we’re happy to think we are the best in town!  The Free Berlin Tour covers famous Berlin attractions , the most influential historical sights, and delves into stories of past wars, urban legends, and the city’s triumphs and tragedies . We love Berlin and are proud to call it home. We welcome you to this amazing place and would love to show you the sights!

Experience Berlin up close now with all the highlights that make this hotspot an unforgettable experience.

Free Walking Tour in Berlin: Get to know Germany’s capital

The Original Free Berlin Tour is perfect for tourists, travelers, expats, and locals. This FREE Original Berlin Walking Tour is the perfect way to familiarize yourself with the German Capital. Learn about the great history of Berlin and yet still get the inside knowledge on a modern-day Berlin.

This tour has been molded and sculpted by thousands of guest, and we’re happy to think we are the best in town!

The Free Berlin Tour covers famous Berlin attractions, the most influential historical sights, and delves into stories of past wars, urban legends, and the city’s triumphs and tragedies. Experience Berlin up close now with all the highlights that make this hotspot an unforgettable experience.

This Free Berlin Walking Tour Takes 3.5 Hrs and Features

The Reichstag The Berliner Dom WWII Battlefields Checkpoint Charlie Remaining Berlin Wall The Brandenburg Gate Stories of Berlin’s fascinating past Ledgends & Urban Myths Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe And much much more. . .

Sightseeing in Berlin: The Top attractions and places to see

If you want to experience an unforgettable cultural flair, you have to come to Berlin! The colorful art scene, hundreds of galleries, events and museums are definitely a ‘must-see’ for every visitor.

For 28 years, the infamous Berlin Wall divided the city and the entire continent into two parts . It separated people and tore whole families apart. After the fall of the “anti-fascist protection barrier” the city shines today in the splendor of fresh reconstruction with a mixture of architecture, entertainment, shopping, sports and cultural facilities.

We love Berlin and are proud to call it home. We welcome you to this amazing place and would love to show you the sights! Socialize with other travelers and discover Berlin’s history from its humble beginnings as a small fishing village to the strength of the Prussian Empire, and of course the darkest hours of the evil, Nazi Third Reich.

See the wall that separated the city and claimed the freedom of millions during the Soviet Rule. See the guard towers, times memorials, and street lights that Stalin’s Soviet empire built and still stand today.

Contact us – and look forward to the following highlights you should not miss when coming to Berlin.

This historical tour of Berlin visits the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, Holocaust Memorial, Luftwaffe HQ, Checkpoint Charlie, Unter Den Linden (Humboldt University), The site of the Nazi book burning, Gendarmenmarkt, and more .

The Reichstag

The old Reichstag building, which had been constructed in 1892, burned down after an attack in 1933.Today, an impressive glass dome towers over the reconstructed building, providing an impressive view of the city , especially at night from the Rooftop Restaurant. Since 1999, the Reichstag has once again been the seat of the German parliament , the ‘Bundestag’.

The Berlin Cathedral

Situated on Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Berlin Cathedral with its 75-meter-high dome is one of the most imposing buildings in the city. After decades of restoration, Berlin’s largest church, which was destroyed during the war, is once again resplendent in its stately splendor.

During our excursion we are also going to visit the Hohenzollern Crypt with about 100 sarcophagi, coffins and monuments from the 16th to the 20th century.

WWII Battlefields

In Seelow, a small town just outside Berlin, 768,000 Soviet soldiers with more than 22,000 tanks, artillery and aircraft faced off against some 200,000 German defenders. After battles with heavy losses, Germany was finally liberated from Nazi terror.

Our tour highlights:

• Visit to the Seelow Heights War Museum,
• the command bunker of Marshal Zhukov
• … and the Soviet and German military cemeteries.

Checkpoint Charlie

Checkpoint Charlie is without a doubt the most famous border crossing between East and West Berlin . In the associated museum, right next to the original guardhouse , you can discover numerous exhibitions and exhibits tracing the history of the divided city.

The remaining pieces of the Berlin Wall

From 1961 to 1989, the Berlin Wall not only divided the city of Berlin in half, but also the whole country. Today, sections of this graffiti-covered wall still remain. An appalling reminder of the hostility that once divided Europe.

The Brandenburg Gate

Berlin’s most famous landmark is the Brandenburg Gate. Since the reunification of Germany, it has stood as a symbol of unity and peace. Nowadays, Germany’s biggest New Year’s Party takes place at Brandenburg Gate every year.

Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

2,711 concrete blocks commemorate the murdered Jews of Europe. This impressive Holocaust memorial also includes an information center where original letters, diaries and photographs of the victims of the Nazi regime are on display.

Free Walking Tour Berlin: Legends, urban myths and more

Experience Berlin up close – far beyond the fantastic sights. Our experienced guides know everything there is to know about the highlights of the tour. Immerse yourself in the stories, the legends and anecdotes surrounding each monument.

With so much history all around it’s easy to pass by and miss something. But watch the streets come to life with this amazing FREE Berlin Tour. If you’re wondering where to find a good restaurant, fun bars, live music, or the best club tonight, we’ll let you in on all the inside info!

Original Free Berlin Tour

Depending on the weather, the guide and the group the tour may take one of many routes through the historic Mitte district. In this way, no tour is exactly the same and you are guaranteed a unique experience with your fun and informative guide.

Free Berlin Tour Booking & Meeting Point

When: Every day at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.

Where: The meeting point is in front of Generator Berlin Alexanderplatz, Otto-Braun-Straße 65, 10178 Berlin, Germany.

At a glance: 3 and a half hour Berlin Walking Tour

• This unforgettable tour departs daily at 10am & 12pm every day.
• You will meet our guides in front of Generator Berlin Alexanderplatz, Otto-Braun-Straße 65, 10178 Berlin
• Depending on the weather, the guide and the size and the preferences of the group, the route will take you to other sights in the historic center of Berlin.
• An entertaining, informative and unique experience is guaranteed.

City Sightseeing in Berlin: Join our other Free Walking Tour

This tour is designed for people and groups of 10 or fewer people. In order to be able to provide guide’s the best service for everyone, groups over 10 people will be charged €10 per person. We reserve the right to deny service to unbooked large groups.

This is the Top Tour at Original Berlin Tours, we worked hard to get it this way! Don’t accept any imitations!

Our guides are the best in the business. They live for this stuff and love sharing their knowledge and experience in the city.

Want to book your Own Original Berlin Tour, check out our unbeatable Discover Berlin Private tours!

Table of Contents

What to expect

• 3.5 hours walking tour
• Berlin’s major highlights
• Brandenburg Gate
• Reichstag and Berlin Wall
• Historical sites

Check out our other cities

Berlin tours.

• Original Berlin Tours
• Berlin Pub Crawl
• Pub Crawl Berlin
• Free Berlin Tours
• More Berlin Tours
• Cold War Tour Berlin
• World War Tour Berlin
• Sachsenhausen Tour

Barcelona Tours

• Free Barcelona Tours
• Barcelona Pub Crawl
• Pub Crawl Barcelona

Budapest Tours

• Free Budapest Tours
• Budapest Bar Crawl
• Pub Crawl Budapest

Madrid Tours

• Madrid Pub Crawl
• Pub Crawl Madrid
• Nice Pub Crawl
• Nice Bar Crawl
• Pub Crawl Nice

Amsterdam Tours

• Amsterdam Pub Crawl
• Bar Crawl Amsterdam

Paris Tours

• Pub Crawl Paris

Dublin Tours

• Pub Crawl Dublin

Warsaw Tours

• Pub Crawl Warsaw

Stockholm Tours

• Pub Crawl Stockholm

Other Links

• Original Pub Crawls
• Be Original Tours
• Original Free Tours
• E-Ticket Trail

Berlin walking tours

Explore Berlin at your own pace with the Around audio tours made by expert guides

Browse Berlin walking tours 📍

Berlin Highlights Tour

East Berlin

Third Reich & WWII Berlin

Walking tours exploring Berlin’s history through storytelling

Explore berlin through the history of its misfits, rebels and visionaries, we offer micro tours – compact walking tours exploring often overlooked places, the best berlin tour experience with passionate and professional guides in small groups.

UNTER DEN LINDEN: THE RISE OF PRUSSIA

At a glance:

• See how the Prussians showed off their military strength and won battles against Napoleon
• Appreciate the best of baroque and neoclassical design at the Forum Fridericianum
• Hear elegant and tragic stories of the Hohenzollern Royals

HANSAVIERTEL: A DESIGN FOR LIFE

• Discover how Cold War rivalry shaped modern Berlin
• Get to know the historical figures who have lived in Hansaviertel
• See the unique buildings from the Interbau 1957 exhibition

BROKEN UTOPIAS: THE MANY LIVES OF STALINALLEE

• Discover how the Cold War shaped the streets of Berlin
• Admire the most ambitious building project in socialist East Berlin
• Find out where the East German uprising of 1953 started

Protest and the City: Berlin and the History of Resistance

• Discover 800 years of Berlin history
• Learn about the the only mass demonstration in the Third Reich against the deportation of Jews
• Visit the sites of world-shaking events that led to the fall of the Berlin Wall

Behind Prison Walls: Getting into Trouble in Moabit

• Hear tales from over 150 years of crime and punishment in Berlin
• Visit the site of one Berlin’s most spectacular prison breaks
• Get to know an authentic Berlin neighbourhood

Beyond the Graves: The Fights and Flights of Invalidenfriedhof

• Visit forgotten parts of the Berlin Wall
• Explore the cemetery through wars, the division and reunification of Germany
• Discover the unbelievable story of one of Germany’s first female pilots

Berlin Charité: 300 Years in Sickness and Health

• Get to know some of the biggest names in medical history
• Explore the Charité’s history during the Nazi and socialist regimes
• Discover the real-life stories behind the Charité TV series

Why book with us?

A new concept.

Our micro tours uncover the layers of Berlin’s history and let you discover the city from a new angle.

Storytelling

We focus on telling stories that bring the past to life in a fun and engaging way.

Our guides are highly knowledgeable with years of experience and a passion for providing quality tours for every guest.

Independent local business

We are founded and run by the guides themselves and keep our group sizes small.

I’ve been on almost five of their tours so far and each one gave me insights about Berlin’s history that I never would have found on another typical tour.

I have lived in Berlin for several years, but never noticed the gems that this tour showed us…

I’m not one for big tour groups, or for going to ‘touristy’ destinations. This suited me perfectly.

Amazing tour, super informative, our guide was passionate and knowledgeable, we loved it and will do another one soon. Thank you!

A perfect combination of entertaining and discovering different parts of Berlin.

Incredible, unique microtours of Berlin that teach even the biggest Berlin history nerds something new.

What´s on while I´m  here?

UEFA EURO 2024

All about the European Football Championship in Berlin

• Menu Berlin Welcome Card
• Menu Event calendar
• Menu Newsletter
• Contrast Contrast

Discover Berlin: Guided Walking Tour

from €20.00 4 hours

First time in Berlin? This is the perfect guided walking tour for you!Visit all of Berlin's most famous sights and hear the secret stories that make the past come to life!

AUTHORISED TICKET SELLER

First time in Berlin? This is the perfect guided walking tour for you!

Visit all of Berlin's most popular sights and hear the secret stories that make the past come to life! From Berlin’s beautiful Museum Island to the famous TV Tower – discover the city’s most iconic landmarks.

Highlights of the Discover Tour:

Learn about berlin's fascinating history .

Berlin has a history like no other city. From a proud empire under the Kaisers destroyed by World War One to the capital of progressive culture in the 1920s, Berlin would be turned upside-down after Hitler's rise to power in 1933. Following the devastation of WWII the city would be divided by the Allies, only to become the global symbol of the Cold War when it became divided by the Berlin Wall in 1961.

Finally, the German capital would become a symbol of hope when in 1989 the Wall came down, allowing Germany to become one country again. Using the latest historical research our guides will show you the wild, tragic story of this great city. Stroll through the Brandenburg Gate, stand above the remains of Hitler's bunker, and cross the Cold War frontier at Checkpoint Charlie. In under 4 hours you'll see it all.

Meeting point

Neue Promenade 3, 10178 Berlin, In front of Starbucks

Important information

✔ children up to 12 years accompanied by an adult free of charge ✔ redeemable as smartphone ticket ✔ reduced tour for persons over 65

The tour guides arrive 5-10 minutes before the tour starts. You will recognize them by their blue name tags. Please check your ticket for the meeting point and start time.

Ticket validity after purchase

• accepted as Smartphone-Ticket
• no print-out needed

3,5 - 4 hours

The Original Berlin Walks

The Best Walking Tours in Berlin

Berlin is a moveable feast. The sprawling German capital has remarkable restaurants (serving cuisines from all over the world), amazing bars, some of the best clubs in the world, cool third-wave coffee spots, world-class museums, an eclectic mix of architectural styles, one of the most diverse populations in Europe , and a real mix of quirky subcultures.

To help you explore this complex history, there is a legion of guided tours you can take to get an up-close and personal view of this Central European metropolis — from walking tours to eating to drinking tours to biking to driving around in a Trabant, the kitschy Communist-era cars. Walking tours are my favorite way to see cities because you have a local guide you around who can answer your questions and share their insider tips.

Here’s my list of the best walking tours in Berlin to help you make the most out of your time in this cool capital!

Best Overall Tour

Insider’s Third Reich and Cold War Tour

If you want to see Berlin’s main highlights and learn about the turbulent past of Germany’s capital, take this Third Reich and Cold War tour . Run by expert local guides, it’s the best-paid tour for budget travelers looking to learn more about Berlin, its violent and complicated past, and how the city came to be. I can’t recommend it enough!

Best Free Tour

This free two-hour walking tour starts at the iconic Brandenburg Gate and slowly makes its way around the main sites of the city, including the striking Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, Hitler’s former bunker, a swath of the Berlin Wall, and Checkpoint Charlie, giving you a nice introduction on the 20th-century history of Berlin. Just remember to tip at the end!

Here are a few more walking tour options to help you make the most of your time in Berlin:  

1. Original Berlin Tours

Meet at the fountain near the Park Inn on Alexanderplatz and get ready for a fun, free tour of Berlin. With groups of 10 people or fewer, these walking tours will ensure you have access to the guide as you make stops at Reichstag, the Berliner Dom, Checkpoint Charlie, and various World War II places of battle. The itinerary is up to each guide, so you never know where she or he might take you. But you’ll learn a lot no matter what!

Book here!  

2. Secret Tours

Berlin has a lot of secrets — and Secret Tours wants to share them. Choose to head out to Teufelsberg , a Cold War-era base for US Army wiretapping programs on the edge of the former West Berlin; or explore Charité, the city’s weird and wonderful centuries-old hospital. You can also go on a walking tour through the backyards and courtyards of Mitte apartment buildings , an opportunity you would not get if you were trying to do it on your own. If you want something unique and niche, this is the company for you.

Tours from 20 EUR.

3. Trabi Safari

Tired of trudging through the city? Then hop in a Trabant, or Trabi, as they’re called in Germany. These diminutive automobiles were a Communist-era automobile staple in Germany. The body of the cars were made from plastic. Today they are a nostalgic symbol of the erstwhile East Berlin. And this tour company offers a drive around Berlin in a Trabi while you see the sights and learn about the history of the city. Best of all, you get your very own Trabi to drive during the tour.

Tours from 59 EUR.

4. Alternative Berlin Tours

If you’ve heard everything there is to know about Hitler and Bismarck and you want to skip the typical highlights and see a different side of Berlin, this free walking tour is for you. The informative guides regale tour-takers with stories about the squatting culture of the ‘80s and ‘90s, the legendary techno club scene, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and punk rock culture. Tours last around three hours and they end at a riverside “beach bar” where you can have a beer with the guide.

5. Fork and Walk

If you’re a foodie like me, this tour company does guided tours that combine food, street art, and history as well as tours for vegans (Berlin is one of the most vegan-friendly cities in the world). But if you take the “Trends & Classics” tour you’ll get to sample the iconic currywurst, sip some schnapps, drink some local brews, and eat German pastries, among other delectable things. Just make sure to bring an appetite!

Tours from 69 EUR.

6. Berliner Unterwelten

These fascinating walking tours take you underground. And I’m not just talking in metaphors. You literally stroll under the streets of Berlin, exploring various Cold War and World War II-era bunkers; gawking at the few remnants of Germania, the utopian metropolis that Hitler wanted to build; and walking through sub-terrestrial tunnels that were used for secret and nefarious purposes — including the tunnels that were dug under the Berlin Wall.

Tours from 16 EUR.

Book here!   ***

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My detailed 200+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel while in Europe. It has suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Book Your Trip to Berlin: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. Two of my favorite places to stay are:

• Meininger Berlin Tiergarten .
• Heart of Gold Hostel

If you’re looking for more places to stay, here’s a longer list of my favorite hostels in Berlin .

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Berlin? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Berlin for even more planning tips!

Hi, I’m Nomadic Matt, the New York Times best-selling author of How to Travel the World on $50 a Day and Ten Years a Nomad, as well as the founder of this website! And I’m here to help you save money on your next trip.

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THE 10 BEST Berlin Walking Tours

Walking tours in berlin.

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1. Berlin Food Walking Tour With Secret Food Tours

2. Berlin Third Reich and Cold War 2-Hour Walking Tour

3. Private Berlin Complete History All Day Walking Tour

4. Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial Tour from Berlin

5. Berlin Highlights Private Guided Walking Tour

6. Explore Berlin's Top Attractions 3-hour English Walking Tour

7. Berlin Craft Beer and Cultural Tour With Snacks

8. Historic Pubs of Berlin & Berlin Beer Tour

9. Third Reich Berlin: Hitler and WWII Walking Tour

10. All-in-One Berlin Shore Excursion from Warnemunde or Rostock Port

11. East Berlin Food and History Walking Tour

12. Perfect Berlin Shore Trip from Warnemünde Port

13. Potsdam Walking Tour from Berlin

14. Berlin Private Walking Food Tour With Locals: the 10 Tastings

15. City Bus Tour of Berlin, Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp and Potsdam

16. Berlin Walking Tour

17. Cold War Walking Tour of Berlin

18. Explore The Berlin Wall: Cold War Berlin and Behind the Berlin Wall

19. Berlin Street Food & Cultural Walking Tour in Vibrant District

20. LGBTQ Movements' Birthplace A Private Tour of Queer Berlin

21. 3.5-Hour Guided Original Craft Beer Tour in Berlin

22. Berlin Street Art Walking Tour - Off The Grid

23. Berlin Third Reich Hitler and World War II Private Walking Tour

24. Private Tour: Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial from Berlin by Train

25. 6-Hours Ultimate Guided Berlin Private Tour

26. Potsdam Half-Day Walking Tour from Berlin

27. Kreuzberg Berlin: Off the Beaten Track PRIVATE Walking Tour

28. Berlin's Infamous Third Reich Sites Half-Day Walking Tour

29. David Bowie in Berlin - 3-hour Private tour

30. The History of Berlin: WWII PRIVATE Walking Tour With Locals

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What to see in Berlin?

Berlin is Germany’s capital and largest city, and one of the most important destinations in the whole of Europe. With its rich history, interesting architecture and delicious local cuisine, it attracts millions of tourists from all over the world every year. If you don’t know which of the many sights are worth visiting on your trip to Berlin, you can opt to take a so-called free walking tour with an experienced guide . Let yourself be taken to the most beautiful corners of the city! What will you see?

The most important and recognisable building in Berlin is the famous Brandenburg Gate. It was erected in the 18th century as a symbol of peace and freedom. Supported by massive 15-metre high columns, the structure is crowned by a beautiful sculpture. It depicts Victoria, the Roman goddess of victory, in a carriage drawn by four speeding horses. The monument has even been immortalised on German coins. Definitely a must-see at least once in a lifetime!

What shouldn’t you miss on a trip to Berlin?

However, the Brandenburg Gate is not the only thing worth seeing while visiting Berlin. Other notable sights include the Reichstag, which is the seat of the Bundestag – one of the chambers of the German parliament, the Victory Column, and the remains of the Berlin Wall. This symbol of the Cold War divided Europe for almost thirty years, marking the border between West and East Berlin.

During a trip to Berlin, the so-called Red City Hall is also a must-see. It is a true architectural gem! This neo-Renaissance building with a distinctive tower is the seat of the city mayor. Also within walking distance (about 10 minutes on foot) from the city hall is the impressive Berliner Dom cathedral with its magnificent domes and turrets towering over the city. Berlin’s most beautiful buildings also include Charlottenburg Palace.

Architecture lovers will also be delighted by the 19th century Evangelical Memorial Church. Although the building suffered damage during the Second World War, it is still possible to admire the surviving part and the geometric blocks of the new church built right next to it. The New Synagogue in Oranienburger Straße is also worth a visit. It is a building with a rich history, an interesting façade and domes that look beautiful in photographs – especially on a sunny day.

Free walking tour – Berlin with an experienced guide

Do you associate guided tours with crowds of noisy tourists and rushing around? Fortunately, they don’t always have to be like that! You just need to know which Berlin tours to choose so that you can explore all the city’s secrets during your walk. A free tour of Berlin is the best option for couples and small groups who don’t want to give up exploring the city with an experienced guide. On the Walkative website you will find the most interesting free walking tours in Berlin , as well as other nearby European cities – including Dresden, Munich, Vienna or Gdansk. If you decide to take our unique walking tours, Berlin will hide no secrets from you! There is no predetermined entrance fee for the free walking tours – you decide for yourself how much you will reward your guide’s commitment and knowledge. Don’’t hesitate and book your place today!

We had just one day in Wroclaw and a decision to join Walkative tours was the right one! These guys are amazing! Their stories are very informative, full of history, legends, funny jokes! They took us to all astonishing places of Wroclaw. Perfect for a day trip to this lovely city! Thank you, Lukasz and Matt for the brilliant tours!

Dawie’s tour was the best theatre in Paris as well as informative!!!! He is great – even in the rain. Do it.

My group really enjoyed the amount of history explained in the tour, it was a nice way to get a lot of information on several of the key sites in the center of Paris in a compact amount of time. Excellent for orientation and background. I would certainly do other tours in the future.

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Concord originals partners with newfest for short film initiative; songs from concord’s music catalogs available for qtbipoc filmmakers, jennifer lopez cancels summer tour to spend time with “her children, family & close friends”.

By Denise Petski

Denise Petski

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Jennifer Lopez has canceled her entire 2024 summer tour.

“I am completely heartsick and devastated about letting you down,” Lopez said in a statement on her official tour page. “Please know that I wouldn’t do this if I didn’t feel that it was absolutely necessary. I promise I will make it up to you and we will all be together again. I love you all so much. Until next time…”

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Representatives for Live Nation , which was promoting the “This Is Me… Live” tour, said, “Jennifer is taking time off to be with her children, family, and close friends.”

Lopez had quietly canceled seven dates in March for the struggling tour, her first in five years, which has been plagued by low ticket sales. In April, it was announced that the tour had been rebranded from the “This Is Me…Now” tour to  “This Is Me…Live/The Greatest Hits,” which the hope that familiar material would goose ticket sales.

It has been 10 years since Lopez’s most recent studio LP, 2014’s  A.K.A. , and 22 years since 2002’s  This Is Me … Then  gave her two of her biggest hit singles in “Jenny from the Block” and the chart-topper “All I Have.” Before that, she hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with “If You Had MY Love,” “I’m Real” and “Ain’t It Funny.”

RELATED: ‘Atlas’ Review: Brad Peyton’s AI Futurism Film Falls Short Despite Jennifer Lopez’s Star Power

Lopez had recently been out promoting her new movie,  Atlas , with Simu Liu, which premiered on Netflix last week.

The Black Keys also canceled the upcoming North American leg of their “International Players Tour” this week. Concert dates suddenly were deleted from the band’s social media pages and official website without explanation, but fans had complained on social media of high ticket prices, which ranged from $100-$300.

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Detroiters get 1st look inside revived Michigan Central Station during tours

Detroiters on Friday get their first look inside revived Michigan Central Station after Thursday's blowout opening night concert .

Visitors, who had to sign up in advance for tours for the Detroit train station, will encounter a range of activities and exhibits honoring the station's history and six-year restoration. Tours continue daily through June 16, but they are fully booked. The station will be open for self-guided tours on Fridays and Saturdays through August.

The first floor of the station, by then with some shops and other features expected to be built out, is scheduled to be open to the public in September.

Follow along here to experience Detroiters' first steps inside the renovated station.

Michigan Central Station tours: How to visit Ford's renovated train depot

3:40 p.m.: A job loaded with smiles

John Martin is a new Michigan Central ambassador, after making a career out of cable TV advertising and spending a couple of more years working part-time gigs. Friday was just his second day of work after he snagged the job just in time for the station’s reopening.

Martin grew up in Lincoln Park and later worked in downtown Detroit, so he spent most of his life watching the city up close.

“Being that I worked down here, I’ve always been interested about what’s going on in the city, and that never left me even after I found another job,” he said.

He toured Michigan Central’s open house back in 2018 after it was acquired by Ford and has since been stunned by Detroit’s numerous and gorgeous renovations.

After he stopped working one of his part-time jobs earlier this year and almost simultaneously came across the Michigan Central ambassador position, he knew he could take the job and have a good time with it.

Martin stands at the doors of the Grand Hall and greets people as they enter with smiles widening and eyes lighting up at their first sight of the hall.

“One of my jobs that I didn’t do this year after working it for 12 years was at a golf course … You get a lot of interaction with folks. You’re not always putting out fires, but there always seems to be one on your shift. So, I thought, jeez, I could come in here and how many fires could I have? People are coming in here awestruck, they’re not complaining,” he said.

3 p.m.: Streets around train station returning to normal

By Friday afternoon, Michigan Avenue opened to vehicles after being closed for Thursday's opening festivities, and there was no traffic congestion even as thousands of people descended on the train station for the first day of public tours.

As workers outside continued to dismantle the concert stage, about 1,800 visitors walked through the train station as of 3 p.m., Michigan Central spokesperson Dan Austin said.

A total of 5,000 visitors were expected Friday, with tours ending at 10 p.m., he said. 

1:55 p.m.: Details make the difference

Christina Roki of Sterling Heights, and Grant Sloan of West Bloomfield, two automotive content creators who were invited to opening day by Ford, said they were brought to tears by the stories preserved inside Michigan Central Station.

“What we appreciate about it most is how much detail Ford cared to preserve to show the story. They kept part of the graffiti on the walls, they preserved a lot of the tickets they found … Even the brick, all the chisels we see on the brick, they didn’t try to make fine cut lines, they still want to show all the history that this building has,” said Roki.

As their tour guide led from room to room in the building, they remained at a loss for words.

“The inside was literally mind-blowing. I feel like I was walking in on such a big piece of history that’s been preserved for so long, so it’s crazy to think that this is something they’ve been working on in the past few years,” said Roki.

But for the two metro Detroiters, one of the most significant parts was just to see how Michigan Central had been given new life, narrowly dodging demolition. Sloan remembered times passing by the station with his friends just before the renovation began to see the graffiti and decay; now, to see that part of modern history meshed with its historical past, he said to step inside the new shiny floors was an awesome experience.

“Any Detroiter will agree that this building was such an eyesore for such a long time. Growing up in Detroit and knowing its history but never seeing it operational… But now seeing it up in running, it’s really touching to see that Ford took on such a large project,” said Sloan. “It’s early but I think it’s safe to say that the investment already paid off.”

— Kylie Martin

1:45 p.m.: Returning soon

Southwest Detroit resident Jennifer Serra set an alarm in hopes of scoring tickets to see the train station on its first day of public tours. 

“There's just not enough wonderful words to describe it,” Serra, 45, said after securing tickets and touring the station Friday. 

The only problem? She had somewhere else to be this afternoon and wanted to spend more time in the station. She’s already made plans to come back for another tour in a few days. 

“I feel like it's like a symbolic representation of what goes on in our city,” she said of Michigan Central Station. “I feel like there's just these landmarks in certain cities … that just really kind of embody the overall history of what's going on. I feel like this helps us bring a little bit of closure to some tough times and show renewal.”

— Adrienne Roberts 

1 p.m.: 'Another crown jewel'

Tom Schultz and his wife, Sylvia Ross-Schultz, are both born and raised Detroiters, but more than that, they’re Detroit-lovers.

“We’re so glad to see it getting so much better, and it’s beautiful … It’s just in my heart, it’s been the neatest thing,” said Ross-Schultz. “It’s another crown jewel in the renovation of Detroit.”

“I made the statement, and I was wrong, that (the comeback) would never happen in my lifetime,” said Schultz. “The rebirth is off the charts.”

Remembering the good old days of Michigan Central Station in the 1970s, the couple knew they had to tour the station on opening day, and so did Ross-Schultz’s cousin and her husband, Renee and Tom Toft. With ancestors who worked in the building, the families are woven into the fabric of Michigan Central, as well as the city of Detroit.

Additionally, the Tofts took what they called the “falling apart” tour of the station back when Ford purchased it in 2018.

Now, the four stood waiting for their tour in awe at the renovated front of the building.

“Instead of just knocking it down, to bring it back to this grandeur is absolutely fantastic,” said Ross-Schultz.

“You see the work they did out here, they recreated everything the right way,” said Tom Toft. “It’s spectacular. We haven’t even gone inside yet but I know its going to be spectacular.”

12:40 p.m.: Eager to return

Donny Wilson and his brother Paul Wilson had never been inside the train station until Friday morning, but they’re all ready to come back.

Donny Wilson, 41, an influencer who lives in Oak Park, wants to bring his family and friends to the station to see it. 

“I can't wait until all this stuff is actually in there …the shops, hotel …” Donny Wilson said after touring the station.

Paul Wilson, 42, a Detroit resident, said he’s just thought of the station as a ruin his whole life — until now. “It’s so cool how they refurbished everything and still kept a whole lot of the building intact,” Paul Wilson said.

Noon: 'Berliners are obsessed with Detroit'

NPR reporter Bobby Allyn, 35, walked quickly toward Michigan Central Station as he prepared to interview President Joe Biden’s director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Arati Prabhakar, at Newlab on Friday. He said he was super excited to be in Detroit, having heard so much about the city when he lived in Berlin.

“Berliners are obsessed with Detroit because of techno music,” Allyn said. “It’s the birthplace of techno. Look up Jeff Mills of Detroit and techno. You’ll see. When you go to Club Berghain in Berlin, it’s impossible to get in but if you wear a hat that says, ‘Detroit,’ they let you in.”

Allyn, a technology correspondent , reports on startups, artificial intelligence, privacy issues and tech litigation. While he was directed to the building next door to Michigan Central Station, the whole site is part of the mobility hub led by Ford Motor Co. Allyn said he couldn’t wait to see the inside of the restored train depot after the interview.

— Phoebe Wall Howard

11:50 a.m.: Memories rekindled outside Michigan Central

Bob Bilkie, 63, and Shari Bilkie, 62, of Northville walked the side streets surrounding Michigan Central Station as they waited for the noon public tours to begin. They parked at 10 a.m. and took in the sights of the Corktown neighborhood on the cool, cloudy day.

As they approached their 41st wedding anniversary on Monday, they talked about dates at Lafayette Coney Island in Detroit, ordering their lemon meringue pie and Faygo Red Pop. That’s pretty much all Bob Bilkie could afford as an intern at Detroit Edison. At lunch, he ordered coney dogs with lots of onions and mustard because that’s what he could afford. Now Bob is an investment adviser and Shari is a compliance officer for a financial firm.

Being in Detroit together during this special time also celebrates memories of their families. Her grandfather went to Cass Tech High School and owned Ward’s Bar in Dearborn. They went to the old Tiger Stadium around the corner as a family. His father worked at American Motors as a fabricator, and his grandfather worked for the railroad.

“He probably worked here,” Bob said, glancing up at the 18-story Beaux Arts-style building from the corner of Wabash and Marantette.

Shari said smiling, “It is so cool, the fact that they took something decrepit, falling apart, an eyesore and turned it into something absolutely beautiful.”

11:35 a.m.: The morning after and a new dawn

On a much noticeably cooler and windier morning compared with Thursday, Corktown appeared to be just waking up after last night’s celebration. 

With much of Michigan Avenue still closed off to vehicles Friday morning, the few businesses that were open had just a couple of customers. 

The train station, however, was bustling with activity, albeit a different kind of energy compared with Thursday night, as workers dismantled the concert stage that the night before featured acts including massive music concern in Roosevelt Park a night earlier that featured Diana Ross, Eminem, Jack White and Big Sean. 

— Adrienne Roberts

11:25 a.m.: Michigan Central prepares for company

The sounds of Motown and techno music filled the halls of Michigan Central Station, spilling from speakers in a gallery plastered with vintage posters less than an hour before the doors officially opened to visitors on Friday.

Inside the station, hundreds of workers dashed about, putting final touches on exhibits scheduled to attract 60,000 people over 10 days.

A woman from Chicago leading a group of eight South Korean government officials, walking through the renovated station half an hour before the official open, explained that the visitors oversee small- and medium-sized businesses and they’re looking at the 30-acre innovation zone created by Bill Ford, executive chair of Ford Motor Co.