My partner and I will be in Berlin for 5-1/2 days in June. It's our first time in this city, and since there is so much to see and do there, we thought it might be worth it to hire a guide for a full day for the first or second day. I'd like to hear what seasoned travellers to Berlin think about this idea, and also get names from people who have been more than satisfied with their guide, since this is a big luxury for us. thank you!
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
While you can certainly hire a guide if you wish, you may also want to take a few guided group walks, which will be much less expensive. I think a general introductory walk is a great way to spend your first afternoon. Original Berlin Walks is just one of several companies; you can also hire their guides for private tours: http://www.berlinwalks.de/public/index/index/secnav/1
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
9222 posts
Private guides can be rather pricey, but many of the regular daily tours on offer in Berlin can give you a great orientation to the city as well as save you a bundle of cash.
The tour company that I have used my last 5 visits to Berlin is Insider Tours. They offer a wide variety of tours and I have enjoyed all of them.
http://www.insidertour.com/
If you do want a private guide, all of the tour companies offer them, but expect to pay anywhere from 50-65 € per hour unless they have a day rate.
These 2 companies are the ones that I recommend as their guides are simply outstanding.
http://www.theberlinexpert.com/
http://www.jewish-berlin.com/index.php
Posted by
Berkeley, CA
19 posts
I also recommend taking a ride on the city bus #100. It passes so many of the highlights of Berlin and will give you a good idea of Berlin's layout. Plus, you get it all for a bus fare!
Jude
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Not the same thing, but don't overlook Rick's free Audio Tour version of a simple, central city walk.
Posted by
OP
SF Bay area
31 posts
Thank you all for the responses. We are looking into the tour companies as the tours offered seem excellent. I am trying to figure out how to get Rick's guided tours on our cell phones. Thanks again
Posted by
Washington
470 posts
We took the original Terry's Tours. Inexpensive, comprehensive, and totally unique. Hands down the best tour we have ever done. It appears that the company name has changed, but the philosophy remains the same. Do the full-day tour at the beginning of your trip as it will inform the remainder of your decisions about what/where else you want to experience during your time in Berlin. http://www.brewersberlintours.com/about-us/
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
"I am trying to figure out how to get Rick's guided tours on our cell phones."
- You can download the Rick Steves Audio Europe app, then download the Berlin tours. Once they are downloaded, they work with no data connection.
- In the iTunes Store, you can download the Berlin tours, then sync them to your phone from iTunes.
More on this from Rick here: http://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/audio/audio-tours/austria-germany
Posted by
OP
SF Bay area
31 posts
Thank you Again! such great information. I will post here what are experiences have been. We may do one of these tour companies in Munich as well.
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
9222 posts
The Berlin companies only operate in Berlin, they aren't German wide and wouldn't offer tours in Munich. Most cities have local companies other than the HoHo buses which are huge, international companies.
For Munich, this is the company I would recommend. His prices are extremely fair for private tours, and he is the most astounding guide I have ever toured with. If you need more convincing, read his reviews on Trip Advisor. I have tried to get the RS editors to add this tour, but they seem to be stuck on the same ones and don't freshen up their offers.
http://www.dark-history.eu/