Cold War & Berlin Wall

East Berlin
Walking Tour

See where Berlin was cut in two overnight by the Berlin Wall. Experience a time when the city was divided into capitalist West and communist East — and uncover life behind the Wall with an expert guide.

2 hrs Duration
AB ticket Transit pass
All weather In all weathers

Meeting point: Outside Starbucks, Hackescher Markt (Neue Promenade 3), Berlin.

4.9 / 5 · 16,000+ reviews · Read on Tripadvisor
Book your tour

Book the East Berlin Tour

Choose your preferred date and time below. Final prices are shown before checkout.

Why this tour

Why take the East Berlin walking tour?

Berlin Wall Memorial on the East Berlin walking tour

See where East Berliners escaped under, over, and even right through the Berlin Wall on this excellent 2-hour walking tour. Find out how the Wall was set up secretly overnight in 1961, see memorials for those who lost their lives trying to reach the West, and discuss what life in East Germany was really like.

Since reunification, the signs of the old East have slowly disappeared. Uncover the secrets of communist Berlin with an expert guide — from the Stasi and the Death Strip to ghost stations, daring escape stories, and the fall of the Wall in 1989.

AB transit pass required. Tickets are available at our meeting point outside Starbucks, Hackescher Markt.
On the tour

What you'll see on this tour

On this 2-hour walking tour, explore divided Berlin and life in the GDR — from the Berlin Wall Memorial and the Church of Reconciliation to escape stories, ghost stations, and the fall of the Wall in 1989.

Berlin Wall Memorial on the East Berlin walking tour

Berlin Wall Memorial

Stand at the Berlin Wall Memorial and learn how the city was divided overnight in 1961 — and how the Wall shaped everyday life on both sides for nearly three decades.

Chapel of Reconciliation at the Berlin Wall Memorial

Church of Reconciliation

Visit the Chapel of Reconciliation, built on the former Death Strip after the Wall fell — a powerful symbol of loss, faith, and remembrance in divided Berlin.

Remains of the Berlin Wall in central Berlin

Escape stories & the Stasi

Hear daring escape attempts — including Tunnel 57 — and discuss how the Stasi monitored East German society in one of the world's most tightly controlled states.

Berlin TV Tower in former East Berlin

TV Tower & ghost stations

See the iconic TV Tower and learn about ghost stations — U-Bahn stops sealed off when the Wall cut through Berlin's transport network.

Also on the tour
History of divided Berlin Remains of the Berlin Wall How Germany split in two The Death Strip Life in East Germany The Fall of the Berlin Wall Tunnel 57 & more

Please note: An AB transit pass is required for this tour. Tickets are available at our meeting point outside Starbucks, Hackescher Markt.

Ready to explore East Berlin?

Check available dates and book your place on our expert-led East Berlin walking tour.

Check dates & availability
Photo credits
  • East Berlin tour photography © Original Berlin Walks.
Before you go

Good to know

Everything you need before the tour starts — straightforward, practical, and easy to plan around.

  • 2 hours — expert-led walk covering Cold War history and the Berlin Wall
  • AB transit pass required — available at the meeting point
  • Everything you need to know about the Berlin Wall
  • Runs in all weathers — please dress accordingly
  • No minimum participants — the tour always runs
Where to meet

Meeting point

Starbucks, Hackescher Markt

Neue Promenade 3, 10178 Berlin
Near Hackescher Markt S-Bahn station. Look for our guide with a blue Original Berlin Walks name badge.

Please arrive 10 minutes before departure
Private tours

Want this tour with your own private guide?

All of our public tours are also available as private walking tours. Explore Cold War Berlin and the history of the Wall with your own guide, more flexibility, and time for the questions that matter most to your group.

  • Go at your own pace
  • Ask deeper historical questions
  • Ideal for families, schools, and groups
  • Flexible start times on request

Make the most of your time in Berlin.

A private tour is best if you want a more personal, flexible experience tailored to your group.

Learn more about private tours

Suitable for families, schools, companies, and private groups.

FAQ

East Berlin Tour FAQ

Practical answers about the East Berlin route, Berlin Wall sites, meeting point, transport, and what to expect on the tour.

What does the East Berlin tour cover?

This 2-hour walking tour explores divided Berlin and the history of the Berlin Wall — from how the city was split overnight in 1961 to daring escape stories, life in East Germany, and the fall of the Wall in 1989. Your expert guide brings Cold War history to life at key sites across Berlin.

Which sites are included on the tour?

Highlights include the Berlin Wall Memorial, the Chapel of Reconciliation, remains of the Wall, the story of Tunnel 57, the Stasi, the TV Tower, ghost stations on the U-Bahn, the Death Strip, and memorials to those who lost their lives trying to reach the West.

How long is the tour?

The East Berlin Tour runs for approximately 2 hours. It is a focused walk covering Cold War history and the Berlin Wall — ideal if you want a clear introduction without a half-day commitment.

Do I need a public transport ticket?

Yes. An AB transit pass is required for this tour. Tickets are available at the meeting point outside Starbucks, Hackescher Markt, and from ticket machines at S-Bahn and U-Bahn stations.

Where does the tour start?

This tour meets outside Starbucks at Hackescher Markt, Neue Promenade 3, 10178 Berlin — near Hackescher Markt S-Bahn station.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

Yes. The tour runs in all weathers — please dress accordingly for Berlin's changeable climate.

Can I book this tour as a private walk?

Yes. All of our public tours are also available as private walking tours. Visit berlinwalks.com/book-a-private-tour or contact info@berlinwalks.de for private group bookings.