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Looking for a way to mix the historical side of Berlin with a touch of hip local spots? Potsdamer Strasse is the place you need to explore! Join me on a private tour in Berlin and enjoy an eclectic mix of history, culture and a string of cutting-edge boutiques.

Destination

Berlin, Germany

Category

Off The Beaten Track

Duration

2 hours

Transport mode

Walking tour

Available languages

English, Français, Deutsch

Included

• Private guide

What you can expect

This is the plan

Check out the plan below to see what you'll get up to with your local host. Feel free to personalize this offer with Martin .

1. Meeting point

   Meet at Fernsehmuseum - Berlin to start your journey

   View on Maps

2. Itinerary

   This is what our experience could look like, but it’s not set in stone! Once you book, you can chat directly with your host to make small tweaks to suit your preferences.

3. Grand Hotel Esplanade

   Find out all about a former grand hotel now in ruins

4. WWII Remains

   Find out more about one of only 2 buildings left standing on Potsdamer Platz after WWII

5. Art with a View

   Discover the riches and diversity of Berlin's "Second Museum Island" and enjoy a fabulous view onto Potsdamer Platz from a viewing platform

6. Architectural Gem

   Though currently under renovation, Bauhaus master Mies van der Rohe's last building has an interesting history. Find out all about it!

7. Secret Courtyard

   This safely tucked away courtyard is full of surprises as a number of world-class galleries as well some of Berlin's hippest boutiques await you!

8. Hidden Gem

   Another amazing courtyard few knew existed: the Kunst Palais. With its fountains and row of houses is a place with a long and fascinating history!

9. Fiona Bennett

   A stop at Fiona Bennett's elegant hattery makes you wanna get ready for Ascot! The design of the store alone is a masterpiece, and so are her hats!

10. Marlene Dietrich Facts

    Marlene Dietrich, one of Berlin's most famous citizens, once lived on Potsdamer Strasse. Find out exactly where!

11. Make it yours

    Want to tweak the itinerary? Book directly & chat afterwards with your host to adjust highlights, skip stops, or make small changes to fit your preferences.

    Book risk-free: Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund.

    Need something special? Personalize your experience for more time, alternative locations or a completely tailored plan.

I can personalize this tour for you

• Tell me your preferred date and group size
• Tell me your preferences and wishes so I can customize the tour for you
• Wait for my personal offer in your inbox!

Contact me

Flexible cancellation policy

• Feel confident booking

  Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund. Even up to 7 days before your experience, you’ll receive a refund, minus the service fee.

• Change of plans?

  Reschedule your experience to a date and time that works best for you.

• Loved by travelers worldwide

  Simple and flexible – your plans, your way.

Reviews from guests

Catherine🇺🇸 United States

11 July 2024

Martin is an exceptional guide who opens doors to the history and culture of Berlin. The city comes come alive in his narrative and accessible for visitors. The tour picks up on the details what it means and how best to take advantage of living in a historical and culturally rich city— I absolutely adored his cultural anecdotes . Would absolutely book him again when I am back next time. Exceptional “New + Old Berlin”

Genevieve 🇺🇸 United States

27 August 2022

Martin waited patiently for us while we were sorting out a chaotic morning. He had already helped me prior to our arrival with choosing a hotel. He directed us to a part of Berlin that is not often chosen and really fit the experience we wanted. Through his in depth explanation of the area, he set us up for choosing and prioritizing the remainder of our visit. Recommend Martin highly An excellent guide

Dietmar🇩🇪 Germany

22 July 2022

Martin war pünktlich, unglaublich bewandert in Geschichte, Architektur und Lebensart. Er zeigte uns verschwiegene Innenhöfe, erklärte uns Baugeschichte, Welt-und Stadtgeschichte, dehnte die Tour über die vereinbarte Zeit ohne Ansprüche und war der Inbegriff des weltgewandten, charmanten und netten Berliners. Wenn es nur immer und überall solche Martins gäbe!Martin, das(der)Highlight(er)!

Perry🇳🇱 Netherlands

30 May 2022

Martin is a truly amazing guide, he has a very pleasing personality, extremely patient and always ready to answer questions. He has excellent knowledge of Berlin including its history, architecture and culture. Last but not least also great tips for restaurants and things to do. We highly recommend Martin for the Beautiful Contrasts tour, Old and New Berlin. PerryGreat Experience

Charlotte🇧🇪 Belgium

4 February 2020

Martin was very nice and adapted the tour to avoid the bad weather! Very flexible ! He also helped us to book a lunch for a big group and that was very helpful ! Thanks a lot ! Thank for the help

Caroline🇫🇷 France

14 June 2019

Martin est une personne très agréable qui parle bien français et nous a fait découvrir la ville de Berlin ; on ne s'arrêterait pas de l'écouter ! Merci Martin c'était passionnant !

Lone🇩🇰 Denmark

14 April 2019

We warmly recommend Martin and the walk: “Berlin from history to hip”. Martin was well-prepared, spoke impeccable English, was super accommodating, very knowledable, full of classic and querky facts and in-sides on everything from Berlin’s history and cutting-edge hipness. On top of all that he had a great sense of humour plus got us a table at a fabulous new restaurant within walking distance from our hotel!!! A totally fabulous experience - the highlight of our Berlin visit. Thank you, MartinThe highlight of our Berlin visit

Shannon🇺🇸 United States

7 March 2025

Martin is a great guide and great guy. My husband, son and I were lucky enough to spend two days with Martin during our visit to Berlin. We saw a lot, learned a lot, and had a great time. Our time in Berlin was significantly enhanced by touring the city with Martin. We all three give him our highest recommendation for tours in Berlin. Great experience with Martin

Yvette🇺🇸 United States

22 February 2025

Martin was fantastic. Provided us with insights into East Berlin and the political and social culture of the time. Brought the not so distant past into sharp relief with stories and interesting facts that we would never have had the chance to experience or understand. The private tour is well worth the money as we were able to ask lots of questions and interact with him. He made us feel comfortable right away. I did the tour mostly because of my husbands interest but I left feeling invigorated. Plan on watching all the movies he suggested and learning more about the Cold War because of Martin’s tour. His restaurant recommendations are also spot on. Highly recommend it. Thank you Martin. Converted me into a history enthusiast

Mary

1 February 2025

Touring Berlin with Martin was an absolute DELIGHT!! I booked five hours with him and the time flew by. He is extremely knowledgeable, great company, a wonderful storyteller, and answered my myriad of questions in a thorough and thoughtful way. He could tell what my interests were and customized the tour accordingly. I truly felt like I was exploring the city with an old buddy of mine. By the time our tour ended, I felt like I gained a deep understanding of the culture, both past and present. I wish I was in Berlin for a longer amount of time so that I could book additional tours with him! I will recommend him to everyone I know!!!The best tour guide EVER!!

Susan🇦🇺 Australia

2 January 2025

Martin is super friendly, knowledgeable and kind. Really knows his stuff and I loved my David Bowie tour! Thanks for a memorable tour, Martin! Awesome tour guide!

Jeff

15 December 2024

We booked the David Bowie/Marlene Dietrich tour as part if our visit to Berlin. The whole booking process was easy and the ability to tailor your tour fantastic. Martin met us at the prearranged location and began our private tour promptly. Martin gave us another perspective of Bowie and his time spent in Berlin. It was fascinating and very interesting to see and hear about Bowie's time in the city and how it influenced his life. Martin not only took us to places that both Bowie and Dietrich lived and worked but brought photos along to help illustrate and set the scene for two of Berlin's most famous people. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience and highly recommend this tour if you are a Bowie fan or Dietrich affectionado. Bowie/Dietrich tour

Simon

18 November 2024

We really enjoyed our tour with Martin. He was kind enough to create a custom tour for us. Martin is extremely knowledgeable and he was great at answering all of our questions and engaging with us in many very interesting conversations. He was fantastic at painting a picture of the different historical sites we visited and at providing the context for us to gain a better understanding of what we were seeing. We highly recommend a tour with Martin.

Unknown

18 November 2024

Martin our guide was warm n humble. we got along well. Martin is well read n very informative with a good understanding of the history. He took us around with ease. finally helping us find an Indian restaurant at the end of the tour. I would highly recommend Martin. He is very passionate about his job .10

Satish🇮🇳 India

8 November 2024

A quick Historical tour of Berlin

Abe

1 November 2024

We started with a tour guide and ended with a friend who has an amazing understanding of the history of Germany and in general world; Martin takes his job seriously, so it's loaded with knowledge, fun, laughter, and engagement. The kids loved it, and we will surely recommend Martin to others.What an amazing time, Martin is the best!

Matthew

30 October 2024

Our understanding of the Cold War and Berlin was somewhat limited up to the point of meeting Martin on Monday morning. Having spent 3-4 hours visiting the key sights and listening to his encyclopedic knowledge of events, places and dates, we now have a thorough grasp of this complicated subject. Martin presents the information in an easy to understand way and is happy to be constantly interrupted by probing questions! I am always a bit hesitant to commit to paying for a local guide, having been bitten in the past, but this was worth every penny and I would happily recommend Martin for any tour of Berlin that you are considering. 10/10. An amazing morning in Berlin

Joni🇺🇸 United States

14 October 2024

Martin is a fantastic tour guide and is eager to impart his knowledge to his clients. He is prompt and extremely well prepared. Regardless of the tour you choose, you will be impressed with Martin’s in-depth knowledge of Berlin’s history. He customized a walking tour for us and it felt like a stroll with a friend. He adjusts the pace (and if necessary content) as needed. Book Martin and be ready for a history lesson!Berlin with Martin

Jacob

1 October 2024

Martin was an excellent guide! He had a good suggestion about which train station to meet at, which made meeting up and getting out to Potsdam easier and quicker. He was very knowledgeable and personable. He knew how to maximize the time without making it feel rushed or hurried at all. Highly recommend!Excellent Experience!

Tina🇬🇧 United Kingdom

25 August 2024

What can we say about Martin - other than a HUGE THANKYOU! Martin’s enthusiasm & knowledge is absolutely amazing as well as speaking perfect English. His love of history is obvious and we learnt so much from him during our tour. Martin also grew up in Berlin before the wall came down and has so many tales of what life was really like in West Berlin as well as being happy to talk about what he was taught in school about WWII etc. His communication style is very relaxed and happy to answer any questions. In fact, the time when by so quickly, walking along and chatting that we were disappointed when the tour came to an end! We cannot recommend Martin highly enough. Worth every penny as truly makes the tour individual to you and gives you 100% his attention during the whole tour. You would be mad not to choose Martin. Thank you Martin for making our tour perfect. Amazing, knowledgeable tour guide

Owen🇺🇸 United States

8 July 2024

As we had previously been to Berlin, we were looking for something a bit different and Martin provided us with a real jewel of a tour. We enjoyed an amazing and entertaining tour of some of Berlin's lesser known, but truly interesting historical sites. Martin was happy to curate a tour that addressed our specific request to visit a cemetery, as well being so knowledgeable to modify the tour on the fly when we were running up against a time deadline. Martin clearly loves Berlin and loves showing it off. We cannot recommend Martin enough and assure all that you will not be disappointed. Berlin's History Hidden in Plain Sight

alexandra

7 June 2024

I recently had the pleasure of exploring Berlin with Martin, and it was an incredibly enjoyable experience. Martin's deep, local knowledge of the city brought hidden gems to life in a way that a typical tour never could. His passion for history and attention to the details that matter made each stop fascinating and memorable. Martin's charm and engaging storytelling made the tour both educational and entertaining. He has a knack for uncovering the stories behind Berlin's iconic and lesser-known sites, making the city's rich history accessible and intriguing. If you're looking to see Berlin beyond the usual tourist spots and want to learn about the city's hidden gems, I highly recommend Martin. His tours offer a unique perspective that history enthusiasts and curious travellers alike will appreciate. A highlight of our 72 hours in Berlin

Susan🇺🇸 United States

28 May 2024

Martin was Awesome! Martin understood exactly what we wanted in a tour. He has very deep knowledge and you can ask him anything. I learned so much and had an enjoyable time conversing with him. I strongly recommend Martin as someone who was on time and on topic. You will not go wrong choosing him as your guide in Berlin. I hope to visit again and when I do I will choose Martin as my guide. Delightful guy. Impressed and Satisfied

Morgan

27 May 2024

Hello Martin, I hope you are well, I'd like to come back and leave you a review. The visit was perfect, my guests were very happy and delighted with the visit. Thank you for your professionalism and your help! Guided visit of Berlin

Patricia🇩🇪 Germany

27 May 2024

Nous avons passé une excellente journée à Postdam, joyau de l'Allemagne à visiter impérativement car la ville est sublime! Si vous avez la chance de visiter avec Martin, cela rendra votre visite magique. Non seulement nous avons été émerveillées par les lieux mais nous avons fait une très belle rencontre et appris tant de choses. Mille mercis MartinVisite privée de Postdam

Cornelia🇦🇹 Austria

13 May 2024

Fluent English speaking tour with a local who experienced Berlin`s change since 1989 in person. Great background and history knowledge. We did the tour "behind the iron curtain" and can totally recommend it. Thanks to Martin for the hours spent together.Tour with great insights

Brigitta🇩🇪 Germany

11 May 2024

Wir hatten eine wunderbare Führung mit Martin und haben dabei sehr viele interessante Informationen erhalten und einige Spots abseits der Touristenpfade erkundetSuper Führung

Marlies🇳🇱 Netherlands

3 May 2024

It was incredibly inspiring to cross Berlin with Martin, following the trail of persons resisting the national-socialist ideology and instead chose to do the right thing in the 1933-1945 period! Martin has extensive knowledge about this part of German history and shared this with stories, a nice list for further reading and recommendations for films and documentaries. In summary: highly recommended if you want to learn a about this less known part of Berlin history!Inspiring, informative and pleasant!

Regine🇧🇪 Belgium

22 April 2024

We discovered with charming Martin the heart of Kreuzberg, SO36 : streetart "Nature Morte" of ROA (Belgian streetartist, thx, Martin!) en other local streetartists; Rüdesheimer Platz: a lovely place to come back in summer to taste the good wines of the Rhine region, sous les platanes. He introduced us the Oranienstrasse, a little deviation by the VOOstore & The Orania Hotel. A meeting with "the Grenzgänger" (Stephan Balkenhol) at the Axel Springer-Haus. The Sugar Walhalla (House of Sweets Berlin) or the Lindner Esskultur? Les gouts et les couleurs ne se discute pas :) Thanks, Martin, you were the cherry on the cake on this birthdaytrip for Inge! To choose for Martin is to choose for "les finesses de la vie"'!Martin, man of the world

Houda

23 March 2024

We had an amazing time with Martin visiting Berlin! What a great experience and city. Martin also recommended us some great movies about Berlin. We highly recommend him, and we cannot wait to come back when it is warmer Fabulous Tour of Berlin

Yuko

17 March 2024

Ich kann Martin nur jedem ans Herz legen und empfehlen. Höchste individuelle Zusammenstellung interessanter und relevanter Orte und Gebäude. Keine Oberflächenputzerei, sondern wirkliche Geschichts-, Architektur- und Ortskenntnisse. Dabei menschlich sehr sehr sympathisch und mittendrin im Geschehen. Ganz, ganz super, wir bedanken uns sehr! Absolut top!!! Absolute Weiterempfehlung!

Thomas🇺🇸 United States

21 January 2024

My wife and I took the Jewish Resistance tour with Martin and found it a thought-provoking and in-depth overview of those who participated in the resistance against the nazis. His knowledge, expertise, and passion for the subject matter is fantastic. More than a tour guide, Martin is a true intellectual and uses his deep understanding and extensive knowledge to explain the very complicated mechanisms at work in the resistance. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!A must see tour!

Drew & Mardi

2 January 2024

We were a group of 11, so opted for a private tour with a local rather than joining an even larger tour group. Martin was amazing! A seasoned tour guide, who had the gift of making the tour feel personalized and authentic. His personal experience was so insightful and became the take-home memory for most of us. We were able to customize what sites we wanted to visit and really feel like we were seeing Berlin through the eyes of a local. Highly recommended!Best way to tour Berlin!

Amy🇺🇸 United States

4 December 2023

We had a great into tour with Martin. He is very knowledgeable and friendly, and we loved the fact that he has lived in the city for a great number of years and present during the time that the wall came down. He is a rich understanding of the area.Great overview of the city

Malcolm

2 December 2023

We met Martin on a cold, late November morning, but time flew by on his interesting and insightful tour. We walked and heard about the history of Berlin from the time of its Prussian heyday to current times but with a focus on WW2, the partition to east and west, then reunification, Nazi rule and the holocaust. Martins depth of understanding of these times was more than we would expect from a tour guide, and he discussed issues with sensitivity as well as knowledge. We enjoyed our time in his company and also enjoyed his recommendation of a warm cafe after the tour! Berlin highlights

4pd476f8rd

18 November 2023

Really enjoyed seeing the sights with Martin. He is very knowledgeable friendly and went out of his way to accommodate our requirements. Berlin is a fabulous city but for us Martin made it even better. Super tour, with a great guide

Johan🇸🇪 Sweden

2 November 2023

Jeannie🇺🇸 United States

11 October 2023

Martin is so lovely and friendly and was very tolerant of our short-attention-span toddler coming along on the tour with us. He knows a lot about Berlin and it was a cool way to see the city!Great, friendly tour

geggs🇬🇧 United Kingdom

23 September 2023

Martin is an excellent guide - he personalised a day tour of Berlin for my wife and I, combining elements from a number of different tours. In particular we were interested in the German resistance. From the way he talks about this topic, you get a sense of his great passion for the heroes and heroines of the resistance, and his deep knowledge and expertise on the subject. He also showed us around neighbourhoods that were less frequently visited by tourists, and had many anecdotes and interesting facts about the different neighbourhoods. At the end of the tour when we had to part ways, my wife said it felt like we’d just been hanging out with an old friend for the day, and I don’t think you can give a better compliment than that, to be honest. Highly recommended!Highly recommended!

Gavin

20 September 2023

Martin was both charming ,good company and very knowledgeable We all learned new facts and information about Architects, Buildings and their history. The time spent in his company has greatly enhanced our stain Berlin Gavin G

Nic🇬🇧 United Kingdom

28 August 2023

Being guided around "Hidden Berlin" by someone that has lived here before reunification and with such a depth of knowledge was the best experience. We have left Berlin with a deeper understanding than we would have had from just visiting the top sites. History was all around us and Martin helped us to see it Inside knowledge

BONNIE 🇺🇸 United States

26 August 2023

Martin was a delight. He is well versed in German—and Berlin—history and culture and explains it through a contemporary lens, informed by life experience before and after the Wall. He is witty and charming—a natural at his job. He communicated promptly and professionally before the tour. He speaks English like a native. Highly recommend!Knowlegeable and fun

Brad🇺🇸 United States

18 August 2023

Our guide, Martin was great. We enjoyed walking to and seeing some of most popular sites in town. We were able to navigate around very easily while learning about the history of the buildings, the monuments and the German people. The second half of our tour to the Jewish Quarter was also very interesting. Our whole family was engaged in discussion about the holocaust and the current make up of the local community. We enjoyed a delicious local lunch and even watched some of a local futbol match. Worth the time and Euros. The best way to see the city

Sarah🇦🇺 Australia

17 August 2023

Martin showed us around Inner Berlin Mitte on our arrival in the city for the first time. We saw a lot of the major historical landmarks and Martin was very knowledgeable about the history and significance of the city. Martin took us to some out of the way areas that were of interest to us including the major theatres and cultural centres and a lovely stroll through the Jewish Quarter. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our time with Martin and I would highly recommend to anyone interested in a deep dive for a short visit to Berlin. Such a pleasure. Thanks so much Martin. Sarah and David.Great intro to Berlin with Martin

Michael & Judy🇦🇺 Australia

13 August 2023

From the moment we met Martin, we knew we were in for a great day. Martin brought his dog Wylie along and being dog lovers missing our own dog, it felt very local wandering around with a dog in tow. Martin was extremely accomodating and knowledgeable. We covered everything we wanted to see and more, with great background and history as well as conversation. Martin knew his history in detail as well as where to go and what to see. I’d recommend a tour by Martin to anyone, either Berlin first timers like us, or even those who wanted to see more and get more history.Fantastic walk around Berlin

dxtrdnbc2x🇺🇸 United States

11 August 2023

Very knowledge and willing to tell you all about the history of Berlin. Showed us several “off the beaten path” sites. Loverly walk along the Spree & great recommendation for lunch.Day in Betlin

maiwaldt🇺🇸 United States

12 July 2023

Our family of 5 loved our tour with Martin! Not only did he provide a comfortable, historical and flexible private tour, but he did it with a big heart and a very clear understanding not only of the history, but also of the hardships and humanity of it all. We did a Cold War Tour with my 93 year old mom who was from Berlin and lived through so much of it. He brought out the very best in her with dialogue and laughter too! As a group of 5 with 2 20 somethings he managed to keep us all on the same page and provided a family memory to last a lifetime. We all ❤️ Martin!!!! A historian with ❤️

Kathleen🇺🇸 United States

24 June 2023

We did a walk with Marvin through the city center of Berlin, saying all the key sites, including among oyhers the Brandenburg gate, the holocaust memorial, Hitler’s bunker, and Museum island. As a native of Germany Marvin was able to provide many interesting anecdotes and historical highlights. We highly recommend him as a tour guide.A great introduction to Berlin!!

Leora🇺🇸 United States

20 June 2023

Martin is knowledgeable, makes the tour interesting and is thoughtful and authentic in his approach. Highly recommended.Great tour with Martin

Mara🇺🇸 United States

16 June 2023

I booked a tour with Martin on a solo trip to Berlin in November. Despite the freezing temperatures, it was 100% the highlight of my trip. Martin was great--super friendly, communicative and knowledgeable. He quickly adapted to my (rather niche) interests and tweaked the itinerary in real time. I ended up seeing some incredible things that I never would have found on my own. I would absolutely recommend Martin for your next trip to Berlin. Martin is the BEST