We arrive in Berlin Sat. 11/15 for three nights. I just read where I need to book in advance to see Reichstag. I'd love a great guide who could whisk us past the lines - any advice? Or a group?
We want to do as much touring in the city itself - lots to see and not much time there.
We are staying at RS pic Myers Hotel.
Thanks!
Marie,
For tours you might have a look at Original Berlin Walks, as they offer a variety of tours around Berlin. I've found their guides to be exceptional and the tours interesting. The guidebook should have some good local guides listed as well.
Have you checked the website for the Reichstag to see if you can get a reservation for a tour?
We like Insider Tours, as they also offer a wide variety of excellent tours. If you need a private tour guide for the day, consider "Jeremy, the Berlin Expert".
Recommend reading reviews for tours over on Trip Advisor as they are very up-to date, you can click on the websites to find out the times, costs, and themes.
I'm pretty sure that the only way you can get a Reichstag tour is through their website. I think it has to do with security. As I recall, they ask for your passport number, and you have to show your passport when you are admitted for the tour.
We did the official Reichstag guided tour in August and I highly recommend them. The guide was fantastic, a Phd student who told us the buildings history and also intertwined her familys history. The tour was 90 mins long, 12 people (not sure if that's the norm) and you get to go directly to the dome after the tour bypassing the long queue. Check their website if they have spots available.
Second getting the Reichstag tour, rather than just going to the dome. You'll likely spend less time there overall, as when the tour is over (ours was about 45 minutes) they release you directly to the dome, without having to queue with the people waiting to go up the dome. The tour is interesting. And it will be in English.
But as pointed out, all requests must be in advance through their website, which will show you which times have spaces available. Do it now, it already may be too late.
We also second the roughly 4 hour original "Discover Berlin" walk from near Hakescher Market. Excellent introduction to the city.
I tried the website - how do I know which tour is in English?? It says I need a group of six for that?
OK, we are booked for the dome tour. With only two full days of sightseeing, we will start off Sunday am bright and early with a trip to the dome (9:30 a.m.), then do the whirl around Berlin. The guided tour of the building looks great, but with such a short amount of time, I think the dome will be very cool and is actually the part of the building I have always wanted to see.
Another recommendation for the Original Berlin Walks. Of all the guided city walks I did in Europe this summer (about 6 or 7) this was absolutely the best. It was a bit longer than some of the other walks I did, a little over 4 hrs, but worth it - guide was wonderful and the tour was very comprehensive in the types of sites it covered.
