East Berlin Tour
East Berlin Tour – Life in East Germany
What is the East Berlin Tour?
The East Berlin Tour is a 2.5-hour guided walking tour through former East Berlin, where you discover life in the GDR in a compact, accessible and personally guided way – from Alexanderplatz to the East Side Gallery. The tour is conducted by TourguideMe Berlin – a local provider of professional guided tours in Berlin.
Ideal for school groups, history-minded Berlin visitors, companies & groups – and for everyone who wants to experience life in the GDR authentically.
Quick Facts
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Type: Guided walking tour
- Language: English, German, Spanish
- Start: World Clock – Alexanderplatz 1, Berlin
Historical Background
The GDR was founded in 1949 in the context of the Cold War tour Berlin as a socialist state under the leadership of the SED. Karl-Marx-Allee was built as a showcase boulevard of socialist classicism – an architectural flagship of the GDR.
The Ministry for State Security (Stasi) monitored the lives of citizens. With the fall of the Berlin Wall on 9 November 1989, the division of Germany came to an end – a historic moment whose traces you experience first-hand on this tour. The East Side Gallery transformed the former Berlin Wall into the longest open-air gallery in the world.
Tour Overview: What to Expect
This walking tour through former East Berlin is for anyone who wants to learn about life in the GDR in an unbiased, authentic and well-researched way.
The difference: Unlike Trabant rides, on this tour you experience reliable information, authentic insights and personal stories from Berlin guides who grew up in both East and West.
What awaits you on the tour
- Landmarks on foot – no bus rides
- GDR history explained without bias & authentically
- Photo stops at iconic locations
- Anecdotes & insider knowledge from Berlin guides who grew up in East and West
- Time for your individual questions
Why this walking tour?
- Guides are Berliners from both East and West
- Small groups & personal guide
- The ideal complement to mainstream tours
- Unbiased, authentic insights into everyday GDR life
Quality & Experience: Our guides are former citizens of the GDR or residents of West Berlin. You’ll learn a great deal about real life in the East, the emotions and aspirations – with surprising insights.
🏛️ Route & Highlights: Landmarks on the Tour
The selection of East Berlin Tour landmarks is based on historical, political and cultural significance as well as their central location in former East Berlin.
- Alexanderplatz with TV Tower and World Clock
- Karl-Marx-Allee with bookshop, Kino International, Café Sibylle and Café Moskau
- Frankfurter Allee & Karl-Marx-Alle
- Strausberger Platz – architecture of socialist classicism
- Haus des Lehrers, Haus der Elektroindustrie and Haus des Reisens
- Stasi headquarters and Stasi Museum on Normannenstraße
- Berlin Wall – border installations and death strip
- East Side Gallery – the longest open-air gallery in the world
The walking tour begins at Alexanderplatz and takes you to the East Side Gallery. You experience life in the former GDR – everyday life, art, culture, joy and sorrow behind the Wall – compact, accessible and entertaining.
Perfect for you if you:
- Want to learn about life in the GDR authentically
- Are looking for a complement to mainstream tours
- Want to enjoy sightseeing at a relaxed pace
Location: Alexanderplatz – tour through former East Berlin to the East Side Gallery
Book now – and experience the GDR in 2.5 hours.
Prices & Booking
Your all-inclusive experience: Our prices are transparent final prices. Look forward to a personal walking tour, GDR history brought to life, selected photo stops and time for your individual questions – guaranteed no additional ticket costs along the way.
- Adults: €79.90 per person
- Teenagers (12–17 years): €49.90
- Children up to 11 years: free
- Private groups: from €390.00
Top-rated Berlin tour · Personally & professionally guided
Good to Know
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
- Daily 10:00 AM & 2:00 PM
- Approx. 4 km, easily walkable for everyone
- Instant confirmation by email
- Secure payment via credit card, PayPal, Klarna
Book now – places limited daily.
ℹ️ Practical Info: Meeting Point, Getting There & Schedule
⏱️ Duration & Schedule
- 2.5 hours
- Experienced guides from East and West
- Comfortable pace – no stress
⏰ Start Times
- Daily 10:00 AM
- Daily 2:00 PM
- Private dates on request
📍 Meeting Point
Alexanderplatz – World Clock📍 Alexanderpl. 1, 10178 Berlin
🏁 Destination
East Side GalleryMühlenstraße 3-100, 10243 Berlin
🔁 Terms & Conditions
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
- Takes place in all weather conditions
- Approx. 4 km, easily walkable for everyone
- Suitable for all age groups
What to Bring
- Comfortable shoes
- Camera for iconic photo opportunities
- Water bottle
Public Transport
- U-Bahn: Alexanderplatz (U2, U5, U8)
- S-Bahn: Alexanderplatz (S3, S5, S7, S9)
- Tram: Alexanderplatz (M4, M5, M6)
FAQ – East Berlin Tour
How long does the East Berlin Tour last?
The walking tour lasts approx. 2.5 hours and leads from Alexanderplatz to the East Side Gallery through former East Berlin.
What was the GDR?
The German Democratic Republic (GDR) was the socialist German state in the East from 1949 to 1989. Ruled by the SED under leaders such as Walter Ulbricht and Erich Honecker, life was shaped by the Cold War, the planned economy, the Berlin Wall and surveillance by the Stasi. With the fall of the Berlin Wall on 9 November 1989, the division of Germany ended and led to reunification on 3 October 1990.
Why an East Berlin tour?
The East Berlin Tour offers authentic insights into life behind the Wall – told without bias and personally by Berlin guides who grew up in East and West. Unlike Trabant rides, you receive reliable information, historical context and personal stories about everyday life, art and culture in the GDR.
What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour starts. After that, 100% cancellation fees apply.
In which languages is the tour available?
Available in English, German and Spanish. Bilingual groups are available on request.
Does the tour take place in all weather conditions?
Yes. The walking tour takes place in all weather conditions. The route and breaks are adapted to the weather.
How late can I book?
Up to 2 hours before the tour starts, subject to availability.
Is the tour family-friendly?
Yes. Also very suitable for children and seniors.
Can I book a private walking tour?
Yes. Dates, language and group size are freely selectable.
🗺️ Discover More Berlin Walking Tours
Want to experience Berlin in a different way? Discover our other tours – each with its own focus and route:
Book your date now!
Still have questions? We respond quickly and personally.
Tip: Also discover our other guided tours in Berlin or book a custom tour for groups & companies.