berlin tour guides

Private Tours Berlin

Connecting mindful travellers with Berlin's most experienced private guides to consistently deliver truly memorable experiences.

Looking to create the perfect day in Berlin? Let us help you!

Best of Berlin Private Tour

The comprehensive Berlin highlights tour... 4 hrs   €240/Group

2-Hour Private Berlin Tour

Condensed Private guided tour for those with limited time... 2 hrs   €150/Group

Best of Potsdam Private Tour

Your personal half-day tour to stunning Potsdam... 6 hrs   €315/Group

Berlin, Hitler & The Third Reich

Half-day personal guided tour with your specialist guide... 4 hrs   €245/Group

Sachsenhausen Camp Memorial

Private visit to Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial... 6 hrs  €315/Group

Cold War Berlin Private Tour

Berlin was the front line of the cold war. Visit the sites of the divided capital... 4 hrs  €245/Group

Alternative Berlin Private Tour

A private guided journey through time and art... 4 hrs €245/Group

Chauffered Tours

Berlin highlights from the comfort of a private vehicle. The route will be arranged before your trip...

Private, tailor-made touring in and around Berlin

Private tours berlin is your organization of licensed and engaging berlin tour guides and graduate-level historians. we offer a selection of carefully crafted personal tour itineraries or the opportunity to enjoy a fully customized experience. travelling with a group or travel company or perhaps you are a family wanting a child-friendly tour we have the know-how and experience to ensure your trip is impressive and hassle-free at private tours berlin, we understand everyone's 'perfect tour' is different. that's why all our private tours are flexible, creative & tailor-made to suit - hosted by one of our passionate, knowledgeable and friendly guides. we guarantee a memorable guided tour of berlin that is out of the ordinary at a very reasonable price. if you are looking for an engaging personal tour guide to show you around fascinating berlin, look no further, bespoke berlin tours, personalized itineraries. flexible schedules. private small groups. our city your way..

Our private guided Berlin tours can be customized to suit your requirements. We will organize an itinerary specifically suited to match your personal wishes and desired tour length.

Private Tours Berlin is committed to providing exceptional guided history tours to all customers: travel agents, organizations, groups, families, and individuals.

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Discover Berlin

Private Tours Berlin has provided exceptional private Berlin guided tours to anyone travelling to Berlin, Germany, since 2007. Our specialty is delivering relaxed, attentive, and entirely private Berlin tours beyond the typically crowded tourist traps to reveal the real Berlin we locals know and love. We do this with a flexible approach that gives our guests the best service and experience. Book today and enjoy the peace of mind of touring with one of Berlin’s highest-rated tour operators,. 

Bespoke Experiences

Tours are tailored to you so you can make the most of your time in the city.

100% Private

All our experiences are private, meaning exclusively for you.

Dynamic Guides

Our experienced, passionate guides are Berlin’s finest, ensuring a memorable tour.

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Exclusive Private Tours

Platinium Private Tour–Berlin’s best sights, attractions, historical landmarks and the new city

Explore the richness of Berlin’s history, culture and beauty. Everything you need in a full day with a professional guide.

A Great Day in Berlin with a private guide, Full Day all sights and beyond

Visit all the main sights in one tour with a private guide, a comprehensive tour.

VIP Landmark Berlin – With a private, professional guide, Car and a driver

Explore Berlin at your comfort. Great guide, Luxury car, All the important sights.

Warnemünde – Shore Excursion to Berlin – Ship to Ship full day tour with a private guide

Platinum tour – Including a Van, Driver, Guide, all the main sights of Berlin, Landmarks and top attractions.

THE 10 BEST Berlin Tours & Excursions

Berlin tours.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Discover Berlin Half-Day Walking Tour

2. Berlin Food Walking Tour With Secret Food Tours

3. River Cruise with Tour Guide (Ger./Engl.) Berlin. Hadynski

4. Berlin Third Reich and Cold War 2-Hour Walking Tour

5. Big Bus Berlin Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour

6. Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial Tour from Berlin

7. Berlin boat sightseeing tour on electrified vintage yacht

8. Berlin Wintergarten Varieté: JOSEPHINE…The Queen of Entertainment

9. Private Berlin Complete History All Day Walking Tour

10. Berlin Craft Beer and Cultural Tour With Snacks

11. Berlin Highlights Private Guided Walking Tour

12. Explore Berlin's Top Attractions 3-hour English Walking Tour

13. Berlin Highlights 3-Hour Bike Tour

14. Third Reich Berlin: Hitler and WWII Walking Tour

15. All-in-One Berlin Shore Excursion from Warnemunde or Rostock Port

16. East Berlin Food and History Walking Tour

17. Berlin East Side Tour 2.5 hour cruise with commentary

18. Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial: Bus Tour from Berlin

19. Historic Pubs of Berlin & Berlin Beer Tour

20. Berlin 4-Course Sunset Dinner Cruise Including Drinks

21. Potsdam Private Walk Tour from Berlin

22. Berlin Highlights Small-Group Bike Tour

23. Rude Bastards tour of Medieval Berlin

24. Berlin sightseeing boat tour on the Spree

25. Perfect Berlin Shore Trip from Warnemünde Port

26. Rude Bastards tour of Berlin (CYHIT)

27. Potsdam Walking Tour from Berlin

28. Berlin Icebar Experience Including 3 drinks

29. Potsdam Tour from Berlin With Guided Sanssouci Palace Visit

30. Hitler's Berlin - the rise and fall (Small Group)

What travelers are saying.

Welcome to Berlin's top ranked tours.

Excellence. Quality. Experience.

Insider Reviews

Great walking tour of berlin..

Great tour and the guide was both very informative and easy to understand. We saw a lot of the major sites that are within walking distance. I would highly recommend this. Kevin M. May '24

Great Experience!

We did the Third Reich tour with Georgia and she was great. Very interesting, good management of time, very informative. Would totally recommend this tour and Georgia to friends who visit Berlin. Sheryl W. May '24

Great tour - friendly, well informed and passionate guide (Hannah) who led a really interesting tour. I wanted to book on to all the other tours as soon as I had finished this one! Karen Apr. '23

Three great tours with Insider Berlin!

I found all 3 tours very well organised and the knowledge of the tour guides was excellent. This is the second visit to Berlin and used Insider tours last time and I will certainly use then again if I return to Berlin. Richard T. Apr. '24

This was a great tour.

This was a great tour - we did this on our first day and then worked out which sites to go back to over the next few days. Highly recommend. My two teenagers enjoyed it too! Amanda B. Apr. '24

Would recommend to anyone.

Had this tour recommended to us and it lived up to our expectations. Lewis was an excellent tour guide. Would recommend to anyone on a first time trip to Berlin. Dan Apr. '24

Fantastic Tour, Fantastic Value.

Our guide, Glen, was so very personable, knowledgeable, and ready to answer all our questions. I loved the tour and will recommend it to any of my friends who visit Berlin. Bradley B. Apr. '24

Really interesting tour!

Jasper did a great job of showing us lots of very interesting sights relating to the rise of the Third Reich. We were a small group which allowed for questions and chat. Really well organised, perfect length and very informative. Emma L. Apr. '24

Great tour.

Fabulous morning with Glen. He is really fascinated by the topic and the tour just buzzed with his enthusiasm. He pitched things just right and adapted based our questions. Good booking and organisation. Did 2 tours with same company in 4 days. Sine Apr. '24

Highly recommended!

Another great insider tour, chock full of interesting facts and history by a knowledgeable guide. Thanks Maria! Lynn P. March '24

Absolutely fabulous tour guide. Very knowledgeable.

Our guide was friendly and very informative. He explained everything and answered all of our questions very well. Probably the best tour to date. Thank you R y D (Spain) Mar. '24

Excellent Tour....Excellent Guide

Well worth the money a very knowledgeable guide that kept us entertained the three hours flew by! Mark March '24

Excellent introduction!

This tour was fantastic, I learned so much about the city and it's history. Klaus, our guide, really brought everything to life and was fantastic. Thoroughly recommend this tour as a first time visitor to the city. Faye P. March '24

Excellent Cold War tour..

The Cold War walking tour of Berlin was fascinating. Our guide was full of detailed historical information as well as intriguing anecdotes and my 21-year-old son and I were riveted throughout. This is a must for everyone who visits Berlin. Heather C. March '24

Would highly recommend this tour.

Our guide Tzvika was very knowledgeable and provided us with a lot of insight- thoroughly enjoyed our experience and would highly recommend this tour. Mark Wig Feb. '24

I highly recommend the tour!

I took the Explore Berlin walking tour on my first day in town. It was an excellent intro to sites in the city center, and included about 15-20 sites plus a lot of historical context [and some great gossip :-)] provided by our outstanding and entertaining guide, Maggie. She also directed us to a number of museums and locations worth visiting later in our stay. I highly recommend the tour! Christiana C. Feb. '24

Informative, friendly and professional.

Our tour instructor was very informative, friendly and professional. Would recommend to friends. David R. Feb. '24

Had a very short time in Berlin...

Had a very short time in Berlin and this was a great use of half a day. The tour guide Chris could not have been better. Very personable and knowledgeable and shared stories and insight that made me so glad I did not just do the audio tour. Really a powerful experience that still sticks with me weeks later. Amy H. Feb. '24

Fantastic Tour.

Gregor was a great guide for our Cold War tour. Our friends we were in Berlin with had never been on a walking tour before but were soon won over by Gregor’s passion for the history of his city & enthusiasm to pass stories on to others. The time passed so quickly & we can’t wait to return to Berlin again to join another Insider tour. David G. Jan. '24

Super informative and friendly!

Maggie was a super friendly tour guide and answered any and all questions related to the tour. It was a super informative introduction to Berlin! Lisa S. Jan. '24

Highlight of our Trip!

We absolutely loved this tour. Our guide, Hannah, had an incredible amount of knowledge about every location and the third reich. This tour is a must-do. Caleb O. Jan. '24

Thoroughly enjoyable tour.

Thoroughly enjoyable tour that packed a lot interesting sights and history into a brisk overview of the last 2 or 3 hundred years of Berlin. Very well informed guide (Jorg) who was friendly and approachable. His obvious interest in the history of this fascinating city, and his love of sharing it, shone through. Will definitely be returning to Berlin within the next 2 years and will 100% schedule another of the walks into my trip. 10/10. David S. Nov. '23

A fantastic tour!

Anika was a brilliant guide, her knowledge of history and especially the social context to events really increased our understanding of Berlin. A fantastic tour! Mark H. Oct. '23

Amazing experience.

The tour was easy to book. Jorg, our guide was brilliant, very knowledgeable and so interesting to listen to. It was an amazing experience and I would highly recommend it. C. Barker Okt. '23

Excellent tour.

Easy to book. Easy to find the group. We had the best guide we’ve ever had, Hannah. She was so knowledgeable, kind, passionate about the subject, and shared incredible stories. C.McQ. Sept. '23

It was a great overview in 3 hours...

It was a great overview in 3 hours. George is an amazing guide, very knowledgeable.. will definitely recommend.. Deepak C. Aug. '23

I highly recommend this tour.

I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Berlin and wanting to know more of the history of WWII. Since this is a tour that can’t be rushed, I’m glad I booked it with Insider Tour. T. Hughes May '23

I would recommend this tour.

Good lenght of time, it went quickly, well paced and good route. Ciaran was an awesome guide, enough info to make it interesting without overwhelming us with too much, enjoyed his sense of humor as well. I would recommend this tour, easy to book, find and enjoyable. Amanda T. May '23

As a first-time visitor, I am very...

As a first-time visitor, I am very grateful to have had this opportunity to get a foundational sense of the city, and orientation to its history, culture and geography. I would recommend this great enthusiasm. Our guide was outstanding:, charming, knowledgeable, steeped in Berlin and fun. Marty K. June '23

Amazing guide.

Knowledgeable and attentive particularly to the kids on the tour and encouraged them to ask questions which they did with aplomb. Ran over a little but could have listened to him all day. Ana G. Apr. '23

A wonderful introduction.

A big thank you to our guide. He led us on an easy paced tour, with excellent information and time to take in the sites and ask questions. It was a really good orientation to significant places and a great jumping off point for more discovery. Elizabeth W. Apr. '23

Best Walking Tour of Berlin.

Our guide was extremely informative and knowledgeable on the history of Berlin and WWll. 100% recommend this tour, Cirian took us from before the war, through the war and afterwards. We just wouldn’t have seen these places and had all the details if we had gone off on our own. 176Heathe May '23

The tour is fun and informative.

The tour is fun and informative on the history and landmarks of Berlin. Love our tour guide who has great sense of humour, which make all the amount of information easier to digest and remember, would be cool if the tour can be longer ha! H. Lo Jan. '23

Highly recommend this tour.

Highly recommend this tour. Our guide Jamie was second to none - knowledgeable, engaging and easy to understand. He struck just the right tone given the subject matter. Karen G. Jan. '23

It was a great experience.

It was a great experience, Hannah gave us a fantastic tour of the Third Reich. Especially the Holocaust monument was impressive. Her own story was also very powerful. Would recommend it to anyone! Alexander Jan. '23

Insightful and thought provoking.

Guide was knowledgeable, informative, engaging.....took us on the journey of the rise and fall of the Third Reich. Insightful and thought provoking. Mike W. Feb. '23

Superb guide, very knowledgeable, passionate and philosophical.

Superb guide, very knowledgeable, passionate and philosophical. This tour provides an interesting and fairly comprehensive sweep of Germany’s/Berlin’s history. Highly recommend. R3879E Dec. '22

Absolutely excellent Third Reich tour.

Absolutely excellent Third Reich tour with a high quality tour guide. Absolutely professional, warm, instructive and supportive. I recommend them without hesitation. Richard C. Dec. '22

The tour was brilliant.

The tour was brilliant. Maria was fantastic. Clearly passionate about the subject and so knowledgeable, answering all of our questions confidently. Howard T. Dec. '22

Great 1st day activity!

Great stories and a perfect introduction to Berlin! Peter did a great job leading us around East Berlin and answering our questions. Julie_B Nov. '22

A great tour.

A great tour taking in many of the key sites in and around Berlin post WW2. The knowledge and interest of our guide made the trip for all of our group. D. Cairns, RAMC Association Dec. '22

I would absolutely recommend this tour.

I booked this tour recommended by my friend and it was amazing. Our guide Peter was extremely knowledgeable, interesting and funny. I would absolutely recommend this tour if you want to get to know Berlin better. Ellen Jan. '23

Super interesting.

We had a fantastic time with Jörg who had super interesting things to say. We learnt a lot and would definitely do it again :) Jonas B. Feb. '23

Brilliant introduction to Berlin.

Our guide was superb. Loud and clear and with a great deal of knowledge. We found the tour is just right for our teenagers who really enjoyed it. I’d say a good introduction to Berlin and gives you ideas of things to further explore. J L May '23

Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn and explore!

I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Berlin ......don't miss out on this opportunity to learn and explore! Anth... Mar. '23

A very informative tour of Berlin.

A very informative tour of Berlin. You can tell that the guide was a very passionate Berliner and student of history and that enthusiasm is reflected in the way he handles the tour! S. Longe Mar. '23

High quality guided tour in English.

High quality guided tour in English. Ideal at the start of your stay in Berlin to know the historic background, and the places to visit. Our guide was very dynamic and fun. Martine O. Mar. '23

Brilliant tour - it really set us up for our stay.

We had a brilliant and wide-ranging walking tour of Berlin ... stimulating, informative, fun and moving, all at once. Made us feel very at home in Berlin and excited about the few days we had ahead of us. It really set us up for our stay. Thank you! Helen, James, Alfie and Ned. Helen B. March '23

The tour was amazing.

We did the explore Berlin tour. The tour was amazing. Perfect amount of information. Saw all of the big attractions in Berlin. Sarah B. Mar. '23

Join our expert guides to explore the wonders of Berlin over the course of our acclaimed five-star tours. Armed with years of experience and a great deal of enthusiasm, our guides will reveal the many facets of the city’s colourful past and share with you their wealth of insider knowledge of this absolutely fascinating capital in the heart of Europe.

• +49/177/378 18 63
• [email protected]

PRIVATE TOUR BERLIN

Guided tour berlin.

Custom tailored, private Berlin tours with your local English-speaking Berlin Guide!

Personal advice and request:

Phone: +49/177/378 18 63 Email: [email protected]

Contact & Request

By car, on foot or by bike

Personal Advice:

+49/30/91 70 53 45 +49/177/378 18 63 [email protected]

Private Tour Berlin

Guided tours of berlin, private tour berlin - with your licensed, private english-speaking local berlin guide bespoke berlin tours -  driving and walking experiences., explore the highlights of berlin as well as sites off the beaten path on a private guided berlin tour..

• For individuals and groups of all sizes - Business Meetings - School Trips
• By Sedan, Minivan, Bus, on foot , in your own vehicle and public transport
• You pick the date, start time, duration and subject of your Private Berlin Tour
• Private Berlin Shore Excursions for Baltic Cruise Passengers
• Pick-up/Transfer from airport, train station, hotel etc.
• Personal and custom-tailored, informative & entertaining..

My team of professional guides and myself invite you also to a of Potsdam . -->

We will take you to the most important, interesting and outstanding sights of Berlin as well as to some hidden places off the beaten path. All tours may be focused on special subjects as the  “III Reich” - “Cold War and Berlin Wall” - Berlins “Jewish Heritage”.

All my guides and myself are residents and tour yearlong, so we are able to give you all the latest information on Berlin. Furthermore, we are all members of the Berlin Guides Association.

This is how your Berlin private tour could look like: Click here for Video

With substantial background knowledge, lively everyday stories and amusing anecdotes we will make your Berlin or Potsdam visit a wonderful and unforgettable experience.

Welcome to Berlin!

Harald Zawuski - Your personal private Berlin Guide

My team of professional guides and myself invite you to a private tour of  Berlin and Potsdam .

We will take you to the most interesting and outstanding sights as well as to some hidden places off the beaten path.

All tours may be focused on special subjects as the  “III Reich” - “Cold War and Berlin Wall” - Berlins “Jewish Heritage”.

All my guides and I are residents and tour yearlong, so we are able to give you all the latest information on Berlin. Furthermore, we are all members of the Berlin Guides Association.

This is how your private tour  Berlin could look like: Video here

With substantial background knowledge, lively everyday stories and amusing anecdotes we will make your Berlin and/or Potsdam visit a wonderful and unforgettable experience.

Harald Zawuski - Your personal Berlin Guide

Why taking a private Berlin tour with me?

You will experience Berlin on your own private Berlin tour - Bespoke, individually and accurately planned for you, respectively your party only.

• You will be picked up from your hotel, airport, train station or any other place in Berlin.
• All driving tours will be carried out with spacious, comfortable, air-conditioned, state of the art vehicles (including a passenger's accident liability insurance).
• On a public Hop-On/Hop-Off tour you will have to travel in a large group, sitting in cramped space.
• You would have to comply with a given, non-flexible itinerary instead exploring and enjoying the sites you are actually interested in.
• There will be many opportunities for stops en route for snapshots and short walks during your private Berlin tour.  
• Easy payment: by credit card, PayPal, bank transfer...

You will see famous sites as the Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie, the Reichstag, Unter den Linden Avenue, the Holocaust Memorial, original remnants of the Berlin Wall, the former site of Hitler’s Bunker, Alexander Square among many others and of course places off the beaten path.

My guided and private Berlin will offer you customized and unique traveling experiences. As all my guides and myself are local experts, we are able to give you real insider access that addresses your personal interests.

See and explore on your private Berlin tour the must-sees and classic sites as:

• Checkpoint Charlie – The famous border crossing in Berlins centre
• Gendarmenmarkt – A baroque gem with the French and German dome
• Alexander Platz – Central meeting point today as it was in East-Germany with the famous TV-Tower
• Museumsinsel – An island in the middle of Berlin - full of splendid and unique museums
• Unter den Linden – Under the Lime Trees, one of the famous big city Boulevards of Europe
• The former site of Adolf Hitlers Bunker
• The East-Side-Gallery - The painted Wall
• Holocaust Mahnmal – The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe
• Brandenburger Tor – An earlier gateway to the city, the main Berlin landmark
• Reichstagsgebäude – The former Emperors Parliament, today Germanys new Parliament
• Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtniskirche – Emperor William Memorial Church
• Kurfürstendamm – Famous bustling shopping street in former West – Berlin
• Potsdamer Platz – One of Berlins new centres with an outstanding modern architecture
• Original remnants of the Berlin Wall
• Victory Column – Memorial to the triumph in the Prussian – French War from 1870
• Tiergarten Parc – Berlins large "Central Park", the former Royalty's game park
• Olympic Stadium – Built for the 1936 Olympic Games
• Charlottenburg Palace – A splendid baroque summer palace, built 1695

Of course you'll be taken also to many sites off the beaten path as well as to the the young, vibrant and hip Berlin districts as Kreuzberg, Friedrichshain and Prenzlauer Berg and others.

Special Services for Corporates, Meetings, Incentives, Fam trips & Berlin Schooltrips

Are you planing for your corporate, business partners or association a meeting, an incentive or a fam trip in Berlin?

• Why don't you invite your business partners and customers on an exclusive private Berlin tour?
• Your Berlin event will become even more unique and will give your guests and business partners an unforgettable moment to remember.
• As an official or casual get-together, before or after your meeting, during a transfer from the venue to your hotel, restaurant or airport.
• As a family event or a ladie's program.
• We are also able to offer transports of all kind: from aiport, train Station, hotel respectively any location in Berlin.
• On request we'll allocate vehicles of all kind and sizes: state-of-the-art minivans, small busses, motor coaches, sedans as Mercedes E and  S-Class, large double-decker busses (even convertible) for up to 80 people.
• Please rely on us that we'll organize and supervise the safe and punctual course of all your transfers and tours.

All Berlin and Potsdam tours are also available in many different languages:

• German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Chinese and others on request.

Berlin School Trips:

• All my guides and myself are very much experienced in touring with students of all age and level of learning.
• All itineraries will be customized to the subject matter and learning programs.
• With elaborate and lively comments about Berlins History, WWII, the IIIrd Reich, Cold War & the Berlin Wall, Jewish Berlin, general German culture and politics, all tours will be at the same time informative and entertaining.
• Many stories, anecdotes and information also about current events will not miss out.
• All tours may be carried out in your own vehicle or provided by us. 

Why choose us?

My quality guarantee.

Your private Berlin tour, either by vehicle or as a walking tour, your private Potsdam tour or your Berlin river cruise will be exclusively and accurately custom-tailored and carried out only for you, respectively your party.

• All itineraries and schedules are bespoke and comply to your requests.
• You decide on date, hour, duration, number of participants and route.
• All vehicles are state-of-the-art and  comply with the latest safety standards.
• All my guides and myself work for more than 20 years as professionals and have specialized knowledge.
• We are all members of Berlins Association of Tourist Guides "Berlin Guide".

Our mission is to show you what we can of Berlin and P otsdam in an entertaining way and to make your visit an unforgettable experience.

See & explore Berlins most famous sites as well as places off the beaten path.

Contact & Request

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• Customer Testimonials

Private Tours of Berlin with Matti

Discover Berlin with one of the city's best-rated guides – a born-and-raised Berliner

Looking for a private Tour of Berlin or Potsdam ? Let me be your local expert ! Tailored to your liking – walking or driving , it's all up to you.

How it works? Explore my ready-made tours or request a custom one . Eager to dive into Berlin's rich history and culture? Drop me a message for a quote ! Prices range from 50 to 100 Euros per hour, tailored to your group size and tour duration.

With over a decade of experience and a deep love for Berlin, I'm here to make your visit unforgettable! Unlike many other Berlin tour guides, I'm a local, born and bred !

Message me TODAY to reserve your exclusive, custom Berlin tour!

My most popular tours:

Hidden Berlin

...and more!

"Matti's enthusiasm for Berlin and its landmarks rubbed off onto all of us and made it one that will remain with me for a long time to come."

"Had he not mentioned the fact that he was a native german speaker, we would not have picked it. Matti had time for each and every question and as such the interests of the wide variety of our group were well covered."

"Our walking tour with Matti was outstanding! He was informative, enthusiastic and a pleasure to explore the city with. He had so much information to share and incorporated stories along with it so you could truly relate to what he was sharing."

"Matti, our tour guide, was extremely affable and knowledgable. He also had a great sense of humour. Highly recommended."

Guest Reviews:

"Matti greeted me with a hello and a smile. I knew then that the experience was going to be wonderful. I didn't ask many questions because as soon as I thought of one, he answered it before I could ask. He was extremely pleasant and polite, and I appreciated his sense of humor. His voice is smooth and easy to listen to. I wish I could take him with me and have him show me the rest of Europe. Ask for Matti. You won't be disappointed."

"What a brilliant tour and Matti was excellent. The tour flew over, Matti knew so much about the city. I really didn't think we would learn as much as we did. Great value for money Matti made it fun, entertaining, educational, cant say enough about him and the tour. Thank you Matti!"

"A balanced mixture of history and fun coming from a person that obviously loves and enjoyes his job!"

"Matti - Super guide who delivered the tour with perfection. He knew all that was to know of Berlin and delivered it in an informative and friendly manner."

"Matti was our guide and he was very enthusiastic, humorous and knew a lot of interesting historical facts. He told us just enough (to keep our attention continuously), and not to much (for the easily distracted ones)! It's a pity Matti wasn't my history teacher when I went to highschool because I would have had higher grades and a more interesting time in class! People just book this tour, you wouldn't regret a single minute."

"Matti being a local gave us several family anecdotes referencing his own family's life in East Germany which made a lot of things more relevant. I would gladly recommend this tour company and Matti as am excellent way to get a good idea of Berlin and it's colourful history."

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UEFA EURO 2024

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Sightseeing tours in Berlin

The best way to explore Berlin

Berlin Sightseeing Touren

Berlin is a happening city, diverse and colourful – and never dull! Explore the urban jungle on a city tour through Berlin, past classic sights, historical locations and bustling neighbourhoods !

With the wide range of fascinating city tours, hop on/hop off bus tours, guided bike tours and adventure and activities tours on offer, it’s easy to discover Berlin’s fascinating diversity in your way.

Please note that there may be changes to departure times and routes on individual public holidays.

To get you started, we have put together a selection of popular sightseeing tours in Berlin here! 

Boat tours & Spree cruises

Boat tours and rental

Bus tours & city tours

Discover Berlin by bus

Walking tours

Guided tours

Berlin by bike

Tips and bike tours for cyclists

Individual city sightseeing tours Berlin

Hop On & Hop Off! Popular bus tours

First time in Berlin? Then take one of the hop on / hop off bus tours through the city. On a classic sightseeing tour on one of the much-loved double-decker buses, you pass the city’s must-see sights, including the Brandenburg Gate, Alexanderplatz, the Reichstag Parliament building, Potsdamer Platz, the Victory Column and much, much more.

You can buy your tickets for one day or more from us, so you can hop on and off the tour buses as you like – giving you time to explore and discover Berlin.

We have selected various hop-on / hop-off bus tours for you – from the classic bus tour to themed tours though the old West Berlin or tracing the path of the Berlin Wall.

For old Berlin hands, we recommend going local on tours through the bustling neighbourhoods in Prenzlauer Berg and Friedrichshain. The hop-on / hop-off bus tours are offered in a variety of languages and with live commentary.

Our tip: With the Berlin Welcome Card you can save 25% on city sightseeing tours by bus!

More bus tours

Explore the most beautiful sights of Berlin

Best of Berlin Tour by bus: Discover famous sights

from €35.00 24h ticket

Tickets & dates

Discover the major attractions of Berlin

Hop On - Hop Off sightseeing tour by Bus

from €37.00 Hop-on Hop-off

Sightseeing tour Berlin by bus

Hop on Hop off Classic Bus Tour Berlin

from €25.00 24h-Ticket

Boat trips & Spree Cruises

• Spree cruises along the most famous sights
• Bridge tours incl. the Museum Island
• Explore the most famous sights by boat

Book your Ticket now

Berlin's official tourist ticket

• Free public transport in Berlin
• Choose from many attractions - savings up to 50%
• Free City Guidebook – including map

More than 15m sold tickets

More about the Berlin WelcomeCard

Guided walking tours & Guides

Where was Hitler’s bunker in Berlin? Does the city really have ‘ghost stations’? And what is a ‘Datsche’ – and where do you find it?  

On a guided tour of Berlin , you can hear about the quirky side of life here, discover hidden places, and benefit from a personal insight into the city. And you can book your tour directly with us – from open guided tours to a private group with friends and family or a bespoke individual tour with your very own guide.

We will also be happy to put you in touch with our trained and certified tour guides for individual tours through Berlin. 

More guided tours

Super tours guided by the pros

Details & booking

The perfect tour along the most famous sights of Berlin

Discover Berlin: Guided Walking Tour

from €20.00 4 hours

AHOI Yachting Günther Winkler

Discover the city with certified tour guides

Tickets for walking tours & guided tours in Berlin

Small Group Berlin Sightseeing

Guided Memorial Centre Tour

Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp: Guided Walking Tour

6 hours €29.00 from Berlin

Discover hidden places in Berlin's trendy centre

Guided Tour: Hidden Backyards in Berlin-Mitte

from €20.00 2 hours

Original Berlin Walks English Guided Tour

Walking Tour: Berlin during the Third Reich

from €20.00 Guide: English

Discover one of Berlin's most famous lost places

Tour & Shuttle Service to Teufelsberg

2 hours €49.00 incl. shuttle

Walking tour & Reichstag

• Alter Fritz walking tour  about Berlins history
• Visit of the Reichstag & glas dome included
• Sparkling wine with view of Berlin

Berlin Wall Tours

At a few places in Berlin, you can still find traces of the Wall that divided the city for nearly 30 years.

On a guided tour along the former course of the Wall, you can discover the main details and facts as well as personal stories about the Berlin Wall. Most tours include a visit to the Berlin Wall Memorial as well as a stroll down the East Side Gallery.

If you prefer, you can also take a bike tour to cycle the Berlin Wall Trail following the original course of the Wall.   

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Welcome to Berlin! – My name is Jeremy

And i will be your guide.

I came to Berlin over 20 years ago. An American Jew living in the German capitol. I have walked almost every inch of this city, exploring its tormented and rich history, living its dynamic present. There was a lot of homework to do here. I've done it all. Let me share it with you.

Individual Tours

I offer custom-made tours for English speakers visiting Berlin. No need to tell you that Germany's history is a difficult one. I've asked the hard questions since I arrived and would be glad to share with you what I've learned. But there is also a vibrant transition taking place in Berlin. Let me show you.

Specific Tours

Are you interested in architecture, technology, culture, or Jewish history? You name it. I will design a tour that will keep your mind alert without killing your feet! My tours are unscripted and tailored to your interests. You will feel as connected to Berlin as I am.

100% Authentic

Let me show you why millions of visitors are falling in love with this reunited new/old capitol. Take it all in with me. You'll be amazed, you'll learn a lot and there will always be time for a Cafe Latte served only as the Berliners know it: in big bowls!

My friends refer to me as Mr. Berlin. My rule is to do something new here each day. As a result, I know this city better than most locals. And Berlin is like a film you have to see several times in order to really appreciate it! Each time I give a tour I continue to discover something new, and I'd love to share that with you!

Award Winning Tours

Recommended by

The Berlin Expert on Tripadvisor

This is not my job - this is my passion and hobby. I don't have set fees. You name your price. Please contact me for details.

Social Responsibility

I Love Berlin and I like to give back whenever possible.

A portion of the fee always goes to charity: either to a Berlin Jewish educational or cultural organization or to a Berlin school that helps integrate HIV positive children into mainstream society. No other tour guide in Berlin does this.

Meet me on my

The Berlin Expert Blog

Gift a Tour

The berlin expert tour vouchers

Give someone a Berlin tour. Gift certificates for tours are available. Please feel free to ask.

Berlin Tours

Berlin overview tour.

All the Highlights: The must-see tour for visitors who want a panoramic experience.

Selected Highlights

Victory Column, Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate, Pariser Platz, Potsdamer Platz, Hitler's Führerbunker, Luftwaffe Headquarters, Gendarmenmarkt, Topography of Terror, Checkpoint Charlie, The Berlin Wall, Unter den Linden, Book Burning Plaza, Museum Island, The Berlin Cathedral, plus more...

Berlin Jewish Tour

Jewish life past and present: Once a vibrant part of Berlin life, then almost extinguished, but flourishing once more.

Holocaust Memorial, Old Jewish Graveyard, The Jewish Boys' School, The Jewish Girls' School, Ahavah Orphanage, The New Synagogue, Oranienburger Synagogue, The Old Synagogue, The Anne Frank Center, Rosenstrasse, Skipping Stones, Stolperstein, Otto Weidt Workshop for the Blind, Hackescher Markt, Track 17, Wannsee Haus, Kindertransport Memorial, plus more...

Berlin Cold War Tour

Division and Reunification: See where the Wall once stood and learn how a city has grown back together.

The Russian Embassy, The Berlin Wall, The 17th of June Memorial, Checkpoint Charlie, The Soviet Memorial, DDR Museum, TV Tower, Alexander Platz, Karl Marx Allee, Palace of Tears, Death Strip, Ghost Stations, GDR/ DDR Landmarks, plus more...

Berlin Architecture Tour

Destruction and construction: A goldmine for architecture buffs! Berlin offers it's all. And I'll help you sample it, including the bullet-hole-scarred facades on almost every corner.

New Central Train Station, Pariser Platz, Potsdamer Platz, New Government Ministries, TV Tower, Alexander Platz, Schinkel, Albert Speer, I.M. Pei, Helmut Jahn, Renzo Piano, Frank Gehry, Sir Norman Foster, David Chipperfield, plus more...

Berlin Third Reich Tour

The Nazi Period: Berlin's darkest chapter. See the stage of a nation that entered its abyss.

Goering's Air Force Ministry, Hitler's Chancellery and Führerbunker, SS & Gestapo headquarters, Goebbels' Propaganda Ministry, Topography of Terror, Germania, Reichstag, Soviet War Memorial, Memorials to the Murdered Jews of Europe, Memorial to the Murdered Sinti and Roma, Memorial to the Murdered Homosexuals, plus more...

Berlin Gay Tour

An early bastion of tolerance: Today's openness and tolerance have a long history.

Christopher Isherwood's apartment, New Gay Memorial, The Magnus Hirschfeld Institute, Memorial to the Murdered Homosexuals, plus more...

Bike Tour of Berlin

Discover Berlin by bike: A tour for visitors who want a panoramic experience by bike.

Victory Column, Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate, Pariser Platz, Potsdamer Platz, Hitler's Führerbunker, Luftwaffe Headquarters, Gendarmenmarkt, Topography of Terror, Checkpoint Charlie, The Berlin Wall, Unter den Linden, Book Burning Plaza, Museum Island, Berliner Dom, plus more...

Potsdam Tour

Palaces and Parks: Potsdam represents the power and beauty of Prussian history.

Sans Souci Palace and gardens, The New Palace, Cecilienhof and 1945 Potsdam Conference, Schloss Gleinecke, The old palace site, The old town square, The windmill, KGB prison, Marble Palace, Dutch quarter, Alexandrovka, plus more...

Sachsenhausen Tour

Concentration Camp Tour: 45 minutes north of Berlin.

Arbeit Macht Frei, The Memorial to the Death March, The Standing Barracks, Infirmary Barracks, Barracks 38/39, Station »Z«, plus more...

Daytime Companion

Ich bin ein Berliner!

Want some company during your stay in Berlin? Spend the day with me! I am happy to share my personal experiences, stories and anecdotes about living as an expat in Germany's capital. We can do the must-see's or take the not-so-beaten path in this fascinating city.

Berlin Shore Excursion Tour

Day Trip to Berlin.

I arrange for a pick-up at the cruise ship dock for a Berlin day trip. Please ask for details and tours available.

Berlin Private Auto Tours

Rather not walk?

I offer a car and driver service. Please ask. I prefer to work with professional, locally licensed drivers so that I can give you my complete and undivided attention.

Berlin Dog Tour

Do you like dogs? – Weather permitting I would be happy to bring my Dachshund Leylah on our tour with us. She loves to walk and meet new people!

Private Dinner in Berlin

Food for Thought. My husband Matthias is a private chef with a passion for creating culinary masterpieces.

We invite you to join us for a very special evening of fine dining and conversation about life in Berlin – all in the relaxed atmosphere of our private apartment in the trendy neighborhood of Prenzlauer Berg. It will be an evening of great food and fascinating stories. Matthias grew up in East Germany and managed to get out in 1988. His first-hand accounts of everyday life under Communism are truly amazing. A private dinner also allows us to talk about other topics often left untouched by a daytime tour: everyday life in Berlin, the people and culture, and some of the differences between German society and the English-speaking world.

Virtual Tour of Berlin

Come take a “WALK” with me in Berlin! ‍

Do you miss the adventure and learning of travel ? Maybe I can help. I invite you to come to explore the city with me even if you can’t personally travel. Let me spend two hours with you as we wander Europe’s most vibrant city together using Zoom or FaceTime. It’s a terrific way to get a very personal and very real tour. ‍ Please contact me at any time for more information, availability, and pricing—including gift options for someone you know who might have cabin fever. ‍

As Featured in

A passionate storyteller who weaves Berlin's places and history into a thrilling narrative and adventure. Not a boring academic history lesson. ‍ Stories are bridges to memories of the past. Your Berlin time is valuable, and I want to make the most out it.

Berlin resources, jeremy minsberg, telephone & whatsapp, theberlinexpert.com, copyright ©2024 the berlin expert all rights reserved, concept & design –, the berlin expert newsletter.

willthetourguide

Berlin Tours

Less dates, more history

Experience Berlin as it's meant to be experienced. Join me for authentic private tours that are beyond just dates.

Make a real connection with the city, from Kaisers, to Comrades, to Currywurst.

THIRD REICH &  THE NAZIS    

Get to grips with the former capital of the nazi reich.

COMMUNIST & SOCIALIST

Revolutions, radicals, and reactionaries.

HISTORY & HIGHLIGHTS

Your must-do tour of berlin. tick off the great historic sights from your to-do list.

LIVE IT LOCAL

Throw yourself into the life of a berliner.

SACHSENHAUSEN CONCENTRATION CAMP

Visit the memorial with a licensed guide.

Dive into Berlin's culinary scene, from old classics, to new up-and-comers

I'm Will

I'm a professional tour guide living in Berlin. I'm a historian, foodie, and Berlin fanatic, as seen in ExBerliner and heard on Bear Radio.

Don't just take it from me...

"Will is an excellent tour guide, exceeded all expectations by a mile! Very fun and charismatic guy with great personal insights and extensive knowledge of Berlin."

"smart, interesting, and cliche-free"

"He’s one of the best tour guides we’ve had in any city"  

"very personable, knowledgeable and presented a complex subject with panache"

"absolutely stunning"

"was amazing to see the history come alive"

"Feels like the best history class you'd ever have"

"Best tour in Europe"

The Best Walking Tours in Berlin

Berlin is a moveable feast. The sprawling German capital has remarkable restaurants (serving cuisines from all over the world), amazing bars, some of the best clubs in the world, cool third-wave coffee spots, world-class museums, an eclectic mix of architectural styles, one of the most diverse populations in Europe , and a real mix of quirky subcultures.

To help you explore this complex history, there is a legion of guided tours you can take to get an up-close and personal view of this Central European metropolis — from walking tours to eating to drinking tours to biking to driving around in a Trabant, the kitschy Communist-era cars. Walking tours are my favorite way to see cities because you have a local guide you around who can answer your questions and share their insider tips.

Here’s my list of the best walking tours in Berlin to help you make the most out of your time in this cool capital!

Best Overall Tour

Insider’s Third Reich and Cold War Tour

If you want to see Berlin’s main highlights and learn about the turbulent past of Germany’s capital, take this Third Reich and Cold War tour . Run by expert local guides, it’s the best-paid tour for budget travelers looking to learn more about Berlin, its violent and complicated past, and how the city came to be. I can’t recommend it enough!

Best Free Tour

This free two-hour walking tour starts at the iconic Brandenburg Gate and slowly makes its way around the main sites of the city, including the striking Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, Hitler’s former bunker, a swath of the Berlin Wall, and Checkpoint Charlie, giving you a nice introduction on the 20th-century history of Berlin. Just remember to tip at the end!

Here are a few more walking tour options to help you make the most of your time in Berlin:  

1. Original Berlin Tours

Meet at the fountain near the Park Inn on Alexanderplatz and get ready for a fun, free tour of Berlin. With groups of 10 people or fewer, these walking tours will ensure you have access to the guide as you make stops at Reichstag, the Berliner Dom, Checkpoint Charlie, and various World War II places of battle. The itinerary is up to each guide, so you never know where she or he might take you. But you’ll learn a lot no matter what!

Book here!  

2. Secret Tours

Berlin has a lot of secrets — and Secret Tours wants to share them. Choose to head out to Teufelsberg , a Cold War-era base for US Army wiretapping programs on the edge of the former West Berlin; or explore Charité, the city’s weird and wonderful centuries-old hospital. You can also go on a walking tour through the backyards and courtyards of Mitte apartment buildings , an opportunity you would not get if you were trying to do it on your own. If you want something unique and niche, this is the company for you.

Tours from 20 EUR.

3. Trabi Safari

Tired of trudging through the city? Then hop in a Trabant, or Trabi, as they’re called in Germany. These diminutive automobiles were a Communist-era automobile staple in Germany. The body of the cars were made from plastic. Today they are a nostalgic symbol of the erstwhile East Berlin. And this tour company offers a drive around Berlin in a Trabi while you see the sights and learn about the history of the city. Best of all, you get your very own Trabi to drive during the tour.

Tours from 59 EUR.

4. Alternative Berlin Tours

If you’ve heard everything there is to know about Hitler and Bismarck and you want to skip the typical highlights and see a different side of Berlin, this free walking tour is for you. The informative guides regale tour-takers with stories about the squatting culture of the ‘80s and ‘90s, the legendary techno club scene, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and punk rock culture. Tours last around three hours and they end at a riverside “beach bar” where you can have a beer with the guide.

5. Fork and Walk

If you’re a foodie like me, this tour company does guided tours that combine food, street art, and history as well as tours for vegans (Berlin is one of the most vegan-friendly cities in the world). But if you take the “Trends & Classics” tour you’ll get to sample the iconic currywurst, sip some schnapps, drink some local brews, and eat German pastries, among other delectable things. Just make sure to bring an appetite!

Tours from 69 EUR.

6. Berliner Unterwelten

These fascinating walking tours take you underground. And I’m not just talking in metaphors. You literally stroll under the streets of Berlin, exploring various Cold War and World War II-era bunkers; gawking at the few remnants of Germania, the utopian metropolis that Hitler wanted to build; and walking through sub-terrestrial tunnels that were used for secret and nefarious purposes — including the tunnels that were dug under the Berlin Wall.

Tours from 16 EUR.

Book here!   ***

Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

My detailed 200+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel while in Europe. It has suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Book Your Trip to Berlin: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. Two of my favorite places to stay are:

• Meininger Berlin Tiergarten .
• Heart of Gold Hostel

If you’re looking for more places to stay, here’s a longer list of my favorite hostels in Berlin .

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Berlin? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Berlin for even more planning tips!

Hi, I’m Nomadic Matt, the New York Times best-selling author of How to Travel the World on $50 a Day and Ten Years a Nomad, as well as the founder of this website! And I’m here to help you save money on your next trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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1st public tours of Michigan Central Station: 'Spectacular,' 'off the charts,' 'so cool'

Tours draw thousands of visitors.

Like pilgrims in a cathedral, thousands of visitors from metro Detroit and beyond trekked to the Michigan Central Station on Friday to marvel at the restored beauty of the longtime eyesore.

They took in every detail from the polished floors to the majestic ceilings to the craftsmanship that went into the original clock. The mood was festive as people moved through the building. Dramatic music played in a loop ending with a voice telling them that trains were pulling into the station.

"You see the work they did out here: They re-created everything the right way,” said Tom Toft, as he waited outside for his tour to begin. "It's spectacular."

Toft toured with his wife, Renee, and her cousin, Sylvia Ross-Schultz and her husband, Tom Schultz. The families had relatives who worked in the building back in the day.

“We’re so glad to see it getting so much better, and it's beautiful. … It’s just in my heart, it’s been the neatest thing,” said Ross-Schultz. “It’s another crown jewel in the renovation of Detroit.”

Her husband agreed.

“I made the statement, and I was wrong, that (the comeback) would never happen in my lifetime,” said Schultz. “The rebirth is off the charts.”

'People are coming in here awestruck'

By midafternoon, about 1,800 people had toured the building and that number was expected to grow to about 5,000 by the time the tours ended at 10 p.m., Michigan Central spokesman Dan Austin said.

Paul Wilson, 42, of Detroit, said he’s just thought of the station as a ruin his whole life — until now.

“It’s so cool how they refurbished everything and still kept a whole lot of the building intact,” Wilson said.

John Martin is a new Michigan Central ambassador after an advertising career and a couple years working part-time gigs. He snagged the job just in time for the station's reopening and Friday was just his second day of work.

Martin grew up in Lincoln Park, later worked in downtown and spent most of his life watching the city up close. He toured Michigan Central’s open house back in 2018 after it was acquired by Ford and has since been stunned by Detroit’s numerous and gorgeous renovations.

On Friday, Martin stood at the doors of the Grand Hall, greeting people as they entered with smiles widening and eyes lighting up at their first sight of the hall.

“People are coming in here awestruck, they’re not complaining,” he said.

More: Michigan Central Station tours: How to visit Ford's renovated train depot

More: Michigan Central Station: What you'll see on the tour

Christina Roki, of Sterling Heights, and Grant Sloan, of West Bloomfield, are two automotive content creators who were invited to opening day by Ford. They said they were brought to tears by the stories preserved inside Michigan Central Station.

“What we appreciate about it most is how much detail Ford cared to preserve to show the story. They kept part of the graffiti on the walls , they preserved a lot of the tickets they found. … Even the brick, all the chisels we see on the brick, they didn’t try to make fine cut lines, they still want to show all the history that this building has,” said Roki.

As they walked from room to room, they remained at a loss for words.

“The inside was literally mind-blowing. I feel like I was walking in on such a big piece of history that’s been preserved for so long, so it’s crazy to think that this is something they’ve been working on in the past few years,” said Roki.

But the pair said one of the most significant parts was just to see how Michigan Central had been given new life, narrowly dodging demolition. Sloan remembered times passing the station with friends just before the renovation began. He saw graffiti and decay. Now, to see the modern history meshed with its historical past was an awesome experience.

“Any Detroiter will agree that this building was such an eyesore for such a long time. Growing up in Detroit and knowing its history but never seeing it operational. … But now seeing it up in running, it’s really touching to see that Ford took on such a large project,” said Sloan. “It’s early but I think it’s safe to say that the investment already paid off.”

'Not enough wonderful words to describe it'

Bob and Shari Bilkie, of Northville, have deep family ties to Detroit. They often went on dates downtown before marrying almost 41 years ago.

On Friday, they walked the side streets surrounding Michigan Central Station as they waited for the public tours to begin at noon. They parked at 10 a.m. and took in the sights of the Corktown neighborhood on the cool, cloudy day.

“It is so cool, the fact that they took something decrepit, falling apart, an eyesore and turned it into something absolutely beautiful,” Shari Bilkie said.

Southwest Detroit resident Jennifer Serra set an alarm in hopes of scoring tickets to see the train station on its first day of public tours. 

“There's just not enough wonderful words to describe it,” Serra, 45, said after taking the tour. 

Her only problem? She had somewhere else to be Friday afternoon and wanted to spend more time in the station. She has already made plans to come back for another tour in a few days. 

Pro tip: How to get into a popular Berlin bar

“I feel like it's like a symbolic representation of what goes on in our city,” she said of Michigan Central Station. “I feel like there's just these landmarks in certain cities … that just really kind of embody the overall history of what's going on. I feel like this helps us bring a little bit of closure to some tough times and shows renewal.”

People's excitement was obvious, even before they got inside.

NPR reporter Bobby Allyn, 35, walked quickly toward Michigan Central Station as he prepared to interview President Joe Biden’s director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Arati Prabhakar, at Newlab, which is next door to the station.

He said he was super excited to be in Detroit, having heard so much about the city when he lived in Berlin.

“Berliners are obsessed with Detroit because of techno music,” Allyn said. “It’s the birthplace of techno. Look up Jeff Mills, of Detroit, and techno. You’ll see. When you go to Club Berghain in Berlin, it’s impossible to get in but if you wear a hat that says, ‘Detroit,’ they let you in.”

Allyn, a technology correspondent, reports on startups, artificial intelligence, privacy issues and tech litigation. While he was directed to the neighboring building, the whole site is part of the mobility hub led by Ford Motor Co. Allyn said he couldn’t wait to see the inside of the restored train depot after the interview.

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