In regards to viewing inside the Reichstag Dome later in day (see below) - will the Reichstag area be easy for us to access a taxi back to our hotel?
My sister and I have nearly 2 days free in Berlin prior to our Rick Steve's tour. Any suggestions on the best time to tour/climb the Reichstag Dome? Also, how long does it take to visit the Dome?
We thought we'd take a short river cruise on the Spree River - any suggestions on which tour and again time of day?
Thank you, Kate
Touring the Reichstag dome is by timed appointment, which you can make online at their website (https://www.bundestag.de/en/visittheBundestag). Because they limit the number of visitors at any given time, you don't have to worry about crowds. There will always be a line to get in, with security checks.
You can reserve a guided tour (which I definitely recommend). That lasts 90 minutes. Afterwards you are free to visit the dome on your own, and you could spend anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour I think. If you just want to visit the dome, it's the same 10 minutes to an hour.
I took a Spree River cruise last May and did it pretty spontaneously. When I walked out of the DDR Museum in late morning, there was a cruise boat directly below that was leaving in 15 minutes, so I just paid and jumped on. I really enjoyed it - they served coffee drinks and some other things on board, and it was wonderful to see all the sights from the boat as you cruise along.
ETA: Checked my notes and the price was €17 for a one hour cruise.
On the dates we were in Berlin there were no Reichstag tours available, but we were able to visit the dome. If this is the case, you still have to make a reservation for your visit. We went in the evening so we could be there at sunset. The views were beautiful!
