The 12 best tours in Berlin for a hit of history

Here’s a chance to explore an integral yet rarely seen part of German history: the abandoned Tempelhof airport. It's a glorious example of mid-century architecture and the largest architectural monument in Europe. During the Second World War, prisoners were forced to build weapons here, while shortly afterward allied forces flew in 2.3 million tonnes of food, coal, fuel and medicine following the Soviet blockade of the city.

Time Out tip: Public tours take place daily, except Tuesdays. Bookable private tours are also available.  

Like Tempelhof, Teufelsberg too played a part in the Cold War. This man-made hill in Grunewald – Berlin's second-highest ascent – once served as a listening station of the US Army. Now derelict, it provides a huge canvas for striking street art, which you can see if you join one of these torch-lit tours. 

Time Out tip: Climb the highest dome for fantastic 360-degree views.

If you're the type that likes to take a little detour down the back streets of a city, you'll love discovering the backyards of Berlin's old town. Set in the Hackesche Höfe (Hacke's Courtyards), in this private tour, you'll uncover the Jewish history of the neighborhood, including significant sites like the New Synagogue and the Postfuhramt. The tour lasts for two hours which is the sweet spot - If you're a morning person, you'll have more than enough time to explore and go for lunch afterward.

Time Out tip: This tour is a great way to discover parts of the city you would otherwise miss and is perfect for those who like a relaxed pace. 

Not the activity if you're looking for something light-hearted; over five hours you’ll learn about the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, which the Nazis built in 1936 and where they imprisoned more than 200,000 people during the war. The Sachsenhausen Memorial reminds visitors of the victims’ suffering and commemorates the thousands of lives lost. All takings go towards the upkeep of the memorial.

Time Out tip: Don't miss Barracks 38: a small camp that now houses a museum showcasing what life way really like for Jewish prisoners. 

This unique take on a city tour provides, in the organisers’ own words, ‘a platform to those who are so often talked about but rarely listened to’. Syrian refugees living in Berlin lead these tours, drawing comparisons between their unfortunate experiences of conflict and those of other minorities during Germany’s inter- and post-war years.

Time Out tip: You must reserve a spot before attending the tour, either through Facebook, WhatsApp or by email. 

Taste your way around the city by visiting the small restaurants and local eateries that makeup the capital's secret food scene. Wander through some of the city’s best under-the-radar spots, trying everything from currywurst to German beer, wine and kebabs on this boozy Berlin food tour. 

Time Out tip: Your first stop, Mustafa Demir's Gemüse Kebap, has a vegan option for non-meat-eating members of the group. 

Berlin is quite easily one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly cities in Europe. Find out why on this comprehensive tour, which explores the storied streets of gay districts Schöneberg and Kreuzberg. Learn about the historic criminalisation of homosexuality in Germany, and hear stories about Berlin’s oldest gay bar and one openly gay Nazi officer.

Time Out tip: Don't miss the Holocaust memorial dedicated to all homosexuals persecuted by the Nazis and sent to concentration camps. 

Forget the galleries and take to the streets to discover Berlin’s wealth of urban art. Your guide – an artist, of course – will discuss the origins of this artform as you walk, revealing secret codes of conduct between artists and the political messages hidden in certain works.

Time Out tip: A metro ticket is required for this tour. 

Any self-respecting muso is aware of Berlin’s influence on the work of David Bowie and Iggy Pop. So don’t miss the chance to poke your head into the studio in West Berlin where the pair recorded (along with many other renowned acts). Because it’s a working studio, you can’t get in everywhere, but you’ll still be able to see a good chunk of the building. 

Time Out tip: There are dedicated David Bowie tours in Berlin that include Hansa Studio in their itinerary. 

Various public tours of Berlin’s parliament, the Bundestag, can be booked when MPs aren’t in session. Visitors can explore the architecture and history of the imposing Reichstag building, as well as the more modern Paul Löbe and Jakob Kaiser wings next door.

Time Out tip: This is a great tour for those who want to explore the Reichstag's dome, as tickets include free entry. 

Put your money away, you won’t be needing that where we’re going. At least, not if you follow one of the Berlin Free Tour guides, who venture out come rain or shine to show willing walkers a ‘best of’ glimpse of the city. This includes the Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, Brandenburg Gate and the site of Hitler’s Bunker.

Time Out tip: You don't have to worry if your tour will be cancelled on account of bad weather, as it's committed to running come rain or shine. 

Tired out your poor old feet by traipsing all over Berlin? Well, here’s one solution. Make the most of Berlin’s 180 kilometres of waterways by touring the city by catamaran. This boat tour is a particularly good one, not just because it takes you through sights such as the East Side Gallery and Museum Island, but because it’s also both quiet (noiseless, in fact) and environmentally friendly.

Time Out tip: Personal audio guide devices are available in six different languages.