Today, Berlin is the capital of Germany, where the history of its formation as a city was filled with excitement and contrasts. Starting from the aftermath of World War II and ending on the construction sites of the Berlin Wall, there are so many stories to tell. Free walking tour can be described as one of the most popular methods of exploring the history of Berlin. The following blog post will cover the history of Berlin and a free walking tour of the area.
The Historical Significance of Berlin
Berlin is one of the leading cities of the Old World being a center of Europe’s history in the contemporary world. Some of the main points that can be lists as follows:
- Prussian Empire: Berlin was the capital of Prussian empire and it later become the capital of a united Germany during the Late 19th century.
- A part from the World War II, the city also faced a lot of destruction by aerial bombardments during the Second World War.
- The Cold War: A city by the name Berlin became split and was named as East Berlin and West Berlin. It was the construction of the ‘Berlin wall’ in 1961 that represented the division of Germany or rather the East and West divide of the world.
- Tear down this wall: Information: The Berlin Wall is known to have fallen in 1989 thus bringing about the end of the divisions of Germany as well as the cold war.
- This article is about the experience I had on a free walking tour of Berlin in order to discover more about German history.
- There is nothing that illuminates a city’s history as much as a walking tour and Berlin offers very many free tours. These are expert and enthusiastic guides who will offer you a historical insight on the city and its background.
What to Expect on a Free Walking Tour
Over the course of the free Berlin walking tour, it is possible to:
- Tourist attractions range from the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag Building, Berlin Wall’s Checkpoint Charlie, among others.
- Read some information regarding the Berlin Wall and its role and significance in the lives of the people in Berlin and in Germany in general.
- Visit the remnants of the Second World War such as the Holocaust Memorial as well as the Topography of Terror.
- Get to know the most interesting districts of Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain and Mitte full of the amazing history.
- English : Come to know more about prominent personalities in present and the past inhabitants of the city from the famed artists, politicians, and revolutionaries.
Tips for a Memorable Walking Tour Experience
That is why here are some of the tips that may prove helpful for you while on the free Berlin walking tour:
- Get there early: Due to the fact that free walking tours are quickly gaining popularity quickly, you should be there early enough to book for this service.
- It is recommended to be economically dressed, it is now worn to dress well, so do not put on uncomfortable shoes and be properly dressed for the weather.
- Bring water and snacks: This is especially relevant to family tours during which walking tours are conducted and, as physical activity, one needs to have water and snacks on hand.
- Ask questions: These people are guides and hence do not shy away from asking questions or engaging in conversations with the other participants.
- Tours are free so it is an acceptable norm to tip the guides if they were recommended.
Conclusion
Free walking tours are a form of tour where a tourist is given a guide who takes him through an exploration of some of the sites within the city at no cost and in this case, that city is Berlin. Having experienced the knowledgeable guides and visiting the most famous places, you will be able to comprehend how the history of the city has shaped the present. So far away from our air conditioned comfort, clear out your schedules, put on comfortable walking shoes, pack your camera and get ready for a Berlin tour.
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